Hi everyone! June is officially over so we are MORE than halfway through the year. Yikes! I figured this week, I’ll take a look at what I’ve read so far this year and put the good, the bad, and the ugly into a tag. I’ve read 34 books so far this year and Goodreads tells me I’m “one book behind” on my goal of 75 books. Without further ado, here goes!:
1. Best book you’ve read so far in 2018.
So far this year I have marked 7 out of 35 books as 5 stars but the one that I am choosing as “the best” is A Semi-Definitive List of Worst Nightmares. Why? It was the biggest surprise and I think that its the most impactful and the most creative. This book had humor and heart and depth! I mentioned when I reviewed it a few months ago that I dislike the cover and I still feel that it in no way does the book justice. If you like contemporaries and/or magical realism and don’t shy away from trigger warnings of suicide or depression, then absolutely read this book. SO. WORTH. IT.
2. Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2018.
Short Stories From Hogwarts of Power, Politics, and Pesky Poltergeists. I only have a short list to choose from and I wasn’t in love with the Grisha sequels so when all else fails, default to the PotterVerse! This was actually my favorite of the short library collections. I found this one witty and interesting, moreso than either of the other two books.
3. New release you haven’t read yet, but want to.
To Kill a Kingdom is getting so much buzz and I have had this book for months now! Why have I still not read it?! I always tell myself I want to be ready for the Goodreads awards and I’m going to binge read when the nominees come out but there are just way too many. I have to start NOW and I just know that this will be on there.
4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year.
The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein. I am desparate for this release!! I have heard its good and its right up my alley. I cannot wait for this release!!
5. Biggest disappointment.
A Wrinkle in Time: Graphic Novel. Maybe its been too long since I read the book, or maybe the graphic novel was just too cheesy for me. Whatever the matter, I had been looking forward to reading this and ended up very disappointed. I don’t have a ton of experience with graphic novels, but I have enjoyed those I have read….with the exception of this one.
6. Biggest surprise.
Zero Repeat Forever. I’m choosing this not just because I am surprised that I enjoyed a sci-fi book (its not my typical go-to genre), but I was surprised by the ending. Hello cliffhanger!! I was so drawn into the characters of this book and I can’t wait for the second book to release!!
7. Favourite new author. (Debut or new to you)
Ashley Poston – Geekerella. I received an ARC of Geekerella before the paperback was released and I absolutely LOVED the book. Honestly I was a little skeptical but it all ended up great! Now I’m considering buying my own hard copy because I loved it so much! Ashley Poston is definitely an author I will read again.
8. Newest fictional crush.
Levi from Fangirl. Pretty much enough said. The guy can make me a latte anytime! 😉
9. Newest favourite character.
The Darkling! Seriously…all the merch, all the books, all the angsty talk….#teamDarkling
10. Book that made you cry.
November 9. I have fallen in love with Colleen Hoover this year and November 9 is probably my favorite CoHo book at this point. I can’t wait for her next book to release! All Your Perfects is the title and it releases on July 17th. Almost here!
11. Book that made you happy.
Catching Fire. Book #2 of The Hunger Games is my favorite and I have been craving a re-read for a while. I was so happy to finally pick it up and I absolutely loved my time listening to the audiobook for the first time.
12. Favourite book to film adaptation you saw this year.
Annihilation – way better than the book. The movie is SO trippy! It was everything I expected but didn’t get from the book!
13. Favourite review you’ve written this year. (Booktube version: Favourite video you have done so far in this year)
The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter. I feel like I got to reference some fun works, use some great quotes, and find some fun pictures to put into my review. Plus I enjoyed the book itself so that made writing the review all the better.
14. Most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year (or received)
Sky in the Deep. I thought this book was beautiful both inside and out. I like that it was unique and strong.
15. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?
I want to read Six of Crows/Crooked Kingdom, The Darkest Minds, and I want to pick up the Red Queen series again, now that its finished (I hate cliffhangers with unreleased books).
So there you have it, folks! If you are reading this and you have not yet done this tag, consider yourself officially tagged and go do it! Its a good one! Oh, and just a reminder, my giveaway is still open for The Last Time I Lied. If you live in the U.S. or Canada and want to read this amazing summer thriller by Riley Sager, visit my last post and give me your best shot and two truths and a lie and I’ll enter you to win a free copy of the book. Giveaway goes until 7/19/18. Goodluck!
Singer of Stories 