Mid-Year Freakout Tag

I’m definitely in denial that we are more than half-way through 2018. It just doesn’t seem possible. In spite of this, I’ve really enjoyed seeing everyone’s responses to this tag, so I thought I’d finally hop on board with my own.

Best Book You’ve Read in 2018

I can’t possibly narrow it down to one, but here are six of my favorites:

Best Sequel You’ve Read So Far in 2018

The only thing close to a sequel I’ve read this year is Winter by Ali Smith.

 

New Release You Haven’t Read Yet But Want To

After loving The Song of  Achilles, I’m super excited to read Circe.

 

Most Anticipated Release For the Second Half of the Year

There are many books I’m looking forward to, but I’m most excited for the release of Transcription by Kate Atkinson and The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton.

 

Biggest Disappointment

I wanted to love Matt Haig’s How To Stop Time, but I found it a bit lackluster. There were parts I really enjoyed, but there was also a lot I found annoying and disappointing. I think it has the potential to make an excellent film though.

Biggest Surprise

I didn’t expect to love The Song of Achilles as much as I did, while Fingersmith certainly had the most surprising twists and turns.

Favorite New Author

I’ve read my first two Ali Smith novels this year, and look forward to exploring more of her work. Her writing is lyrical, playful, and surprising.

Newest Fictional Crush

Jean-Philippe de Sabran from the upcoming Bellewether by Susanna Kearsley. He’s a kind and dashing French Canadian Lieutenant from the eighteenth century; a romantic hero to root for.

 

Newest Favorite Character

It’s been the year of the Marys! Mary Shannon from Mariana is my favorite new fictional character, while Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley are two of my new favorite literary and feminist icons.

 

Book That Made You Cry

I don’t think any book has made me cry so far this year- the news has done that instead- but Little Boy Lost and The Hate U Give came the closest.

 

Book That Made You Happy

Heidi, The Lark, and Dear Mrs. Bird all brightened my mood when I really needed it.

Most Beautiful Book You’ve Bought This Year

The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock hands down; it is one stunning book (inside and out).

 

What Books Do You Need To Read By the End of the Year

Shhhh, I’m trying not to think about all the books I said I was going to read this year. There are still SO. MANY. I’m going to be especially mad at myself if I don’t get to these:

 

 

How has your reading year been so far? Have you participated in the Mid-Year Freakout Tag?