BOOKTAG: The Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag 2020

I’ve seen variations of this tag all over the Book internet community, but when I saw this post on My Bookish Banter I figured I would give it a try!

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How much have you read?

I’ve read 97 books out of my goal of 100.

What have you been reading?

I’ve been reading tonssss of romance (as always) while reading more nonfiction than usual. I’m currently doing a Kindle Unlimited trial so I’ve been reading a lot of those titles. I am also trying to make more of a conscious effort to read more from BIPOC authors.

Best book you’ve read so far in 2020

Probably Beach Read or Catch & Kill. Weirdly enough I’ve been being more impacted by nonfiction books rather than fiction books this year.

Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2020

Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert. This is a romance “sequel” so technically you do not need to read the first book in the “series” but I would recommend it in this case. I loved this one so much more than I loved book one. Read my full review here.

New release you haven’t read yet, but want to

Like a million. I’m so bad at keeping up with new releases. But, I really want to read All The Things We Never Knew by Liara Tamani. It is YA contemporary romance with two basketball players. I am HYPED. Also, I need something to fill the basketball shaped hole in my heart.

Most anticipated release for the second half of the year

I’ve hyped for Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. I’ve been seeing mixed reviews and I don’t *love* horror, but I’m still excited for this one. At nothing else, the cover is BEAUTIFUL!

Biggest disappointment

I haven’t been super disappointed by most of my reads, but Throw Like a Girl by Sarah Henning was a bit disappointing. This book had so much potential and I did like aspects of it, but it just felt cliche and the girl was way too good for the love interest. I blame my disappointment in all the positive reviews I saw of this one, it wasn’t bad, but it just was not something I needed to read.

Oh, also Fight or Flight by Samantha Young. I hated this romance novel. But, I had relatively low expectoration for this one so it wasn’t terribly disappointing. It just was not good and I almost DNF’d it like three times.

Biggest surprise

The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater. I had never heard of this book and then I read it for my YA class and was blown way. So good. I have a full review here.

Also, Beach Read. For whatever reason I thought I would not like this one, but randomly picked it up because I did not want to miss out. I loved it so much. I’ve already read it twice this year lol. Read my full review here.

Wow this tag is long. I’m not even halfway done. *cries*

Favorite new author (debut or new to you)

Sally Rooney! I’ve only read Normal People, and honestly I am not even sure if I loved the book, but WOW she can write. I’m so excited to read Conversations with Friends.

Underrated gems you’ve discovered recently

Only When It’s Us by Chloe Liese is such a fun romance! I’ve seen some people talking about it, but it needs to be on more people’s radar. I talk about this book here if you want to check out my thoughts! Chloe just announced book two which will feature #OwnVoices representation for autism!!

Rereads this year

I reread Autoboyography earlier this year and it was a fun and emotional time. I also reread Beach Read (already lol). I also reread Dear Martin and Red, White & Royal Blue via audio which was fab. I have not had as much time to reread books this year as I would have liked and I keep meaning to change that.

Newest fictional crush

Zef from Take a Hint, Dani Brown. How many times will I mention this book in posts to come? unknown.

Newest favorite character

I loved Elle and Malcolm from An Extraordinary Union!!! I hope they cameo in book three. Also, the trio from Let Me Hear a Rhyme were so much fun to read and I wouldn’t hate a sequel.

Book(s) that made you cry

Dear Martin by Nic Stone and Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo. Fun fact: I finished the audiobook for Dear Martin in my car during my lunch break and teared up. I had to blow my nose wipe my eyes and then go back to work and hope none of my coworkers asked if I had been crying.

Book that made you happy

Okay, aside from Dani Brown and Beach Read which I have mentioned wayyyy too much in this post already. Also, The Switch by Beth O’Leary was such a fun book to read. Read my review here. Bookish & the Beast was also SUPER CUTE and I read it in one sitting.

Favorite book to film adaptation

Bree and I just rewatched Love, Simon which is always a good time. I just watched Just Mercy which was so powerful and I was low key sobbing on and off for half the film. I have not read the book yet, but wow that was a powerful film.

Most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year (or received)

I bought a special edition of a book, but I can’t share what it is bc I also bought a copy to be a gift for someone sooooo

What books do you need to read by the end of the year?

LOL SO MANY.

Favorite post you have done this year

I loved compiling my favorite books by Black authors! Check it out here for recs!! I also put together a guide to supporting independent bookstores which is hopefully still relevant. Check it out here! I documented my experience reading eight books in a week which was A LOT. Read my struggle here.

 

 

Well this tag WAS LONG!

Thanks for reading!

How are your reading goals going?

xoxo, Tree