SUMMER SPRINT: The Mid-Year Check In Tag

This is a popular tag that has been around for awhile so we are not sure who created it. If you know, please let us know! 

It is typically called the “Mid-Year Book Freakout Tag” but a lot of people have shared that the word “freak” is ableist. Thus, we followed Anniek’s Library’s lead (here is their post) and went with a different title.

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Best Book You’ve Read So Far

Bree: You Should See Me In a Crown by Leah Johnson [review]

Tree: This is basically impossible to answer since I’ve read so many good books this year. But, I loved The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green. It’s such an odd premise, but with Green’s perspective on live and his writing is really works so well. I also ended up buying a copy because I needed it. 

Best Sequel You’ve Read So Far

Bree: Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert [Tree’s review]

Tree: Check, Please Volume 2 by Ngozi Ukazu [review]

New Release You Haven’t Read Yet But Want To

Bree: The Box in the Woods by Maureen Johnson

Tree: Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers

Most Anticipated Release for the Second Half of the Year

Bree: The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang

Tree: I’m coping Bree’s answer, The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang, because we are both HYPED. 

Biggest Disappointment

Bree: Lingus by Mariana Zapata 

Tree: Take Me Home Tonight by Morgan Matson. Look MM is one of my favorites authors, but this was just not it. 

Biggest Surprise

Bree: Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch by Julie Abe [review]

Tree: I had no expectations for Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin, but I adored this one so much. See my thoughts here. 

Favorite New Author (Debut or New to You)

Bree: Talia Hibbert!! I read all three books in the Brown Sisters series this year, and can’t wait to move on to the rest of the things she’s written!

Tree: Kate Clayborn! I’ve read four of her books and there is something just so cozy about her romances and her writing is lyrical and just as beautiful as her stories. See my review of her latest, Love at First here. 

Newest Fictional Crush

Bree: Idk about a crush, but Midoriya from the My Hero Academia manga is pretty commendable in his spirit and actions. I also enjoy seeing him go full blast to save people with his Quirk. They always call him plain-looking in the books but I think he’s pretty cute??

Tree: Alex from People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry is a favorite. See my thoughts here. As a sidebar, why are half of my fictional crushes named Alex??

Newest Favorite Character

Bree: I really enjoyed the entire cast of Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall and I refuse to pick just one as my favorite.

Tree: ERIC BITTLE FROM CHECK, PLEASE because we love a baking, hockey playing, vlogger. Also, Bitty’s tweets are just as chaotic and lovable as he is. 

Book That Made You Cry

Bree: Do I read books like this?? If so, I’ve completely blocked out the trauma!!

Tree: I’ve cried while reading so many books this year including, but not limited to, The Charm Offensive by Allison Cochrun, Check Please Volume 2, Wait For It by Mariana Zapata (reread; see my review here), and Luck of the Draw by Kate Clayborn. 

Book That Made You Happy

Bree: Heartstopper: volumes 1-3 by Alice Oseman

Tree: I adored The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare. I literally was LOLing in the first chapter. If you’re new to historical romances, this is a great place to start. 

Most Beautiful Book You’ve Bought This Year

Bree: Primer by Jennifer Muro, Thomas Krajewski, & Gretel Lusky

Tree: I am obsessed with the graphic novel for Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Danica Novogorodoff. The art is so gorgeous and I can’t wait to reread it this way. 

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

Bree & Tree: We actually have our TBRs for the second half of 2021 going up tomorrow! We talk about all the books we still haven’t managed to pick up yet this year!! So fun!!

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Thanks for reading!

xoxo, Bree & Tree