The Midyear Book Freakout Tag
I ummed and aahed about whether to do the midyear book freakout tag. Mostly because I don’t feel like I have read enough. I’ve seen many book content creators do this tag and I thought, why not? This is the perspective of someone who reads as much as they can, when they can…
Just to note, I’ll link any books I’ve spoken about already.
1. Best book you’ve read so far this year?
Fourth Wing. I’ll be including more of my thoughts in a blog post at the end of the month with my July Reading Wrap Up. But this book lives up to the hype. 100%. I’ve been recommending it to everyone. I read it in 3 days. I need the sequel now, please.
2. Best sequel you’ve read so far this year?
I’ve only read one sequel, which is Murder At The Summer Fete by Victoria Walters. I don’t tend to read a lot of sequels or series these days. But Victoria has made me remember the love of watching a character grow across different storylines. Not just in a standalone book. I’ve recently picked up the Glendale Hall series by her. Which I cannot wait to get stuck into!
3. New release you haven’t read yet?
I have so so so many books on my to-buy list, let alone on my physical tbr. I had just picked up The Book That Wouldn’t Burn by Mark Lawrence. Earlier in the year, I had seen the special edition in the subscription box for The Locked Library and it immediately peaked my interest. Mark Lawrence has been recommended to me before, as I love fantasy. I’ve come to realise I also love books that are about books, bookshops or libraries. Combining the two, it was the perfect purchase.
4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year?
Other than Iron Flame, the sequel to Fourth Wing, I have many books I want to get my hands on this year. If I can only pick one, there is a book that I believe has been released, but I cannot find it in the UK. It’s called The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer. It’s another book recommended on BookTok and Bookstagram. I know you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover, but it caught my eye! It’s also another book, about books…
5. Biggest surprise?
The Cloisters by Katy Hays was a very pleasant surprise. It’s one of my 5* reads for 2023. I loved Katy’s writing style, I loved the plot, the characterisations and, overall, it was a book that I didn’t expect to love. It has such love it or hate it reviews online. Kind of like Marmite. And as I don’t like Marmite, I was unsure. But I was broadening my reading, this book was so pretty, and I’m now a sucker for a good Dark Academia novel.
6. Favorite new author (debut or new to you)?
I honestly cannot answer this question. With different writing styles and genres, it’s not easy to choose. Maybe I’ll have a favourite by the end of the year. We will see…
7. Newest favorite character?
It has to be Nancy from The Dedley End series by Victoria Walters. She really drew me into the series. I loved her growth and I feel like she is someone you’d want as your best friend. What more could you ask?
8. Book that made you cry?
I didn’t sob at this book but one that made me very emotional was I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy. I still find it very strange reviewing someone’s biography or memoir. I feel like, you have to be in a good place to read this book. But know it may not leave you in that good place at the end. It really opens your eyes to that saying “you don’t know what goes on behind closed doors”.
9. Book that made you happy ?
Miriam Margolyes’ biography, This Much Is True, is truly a book I always recommend. If you have seen Miriam, be interviewed, there are elements of that in her book and, at times, it made me laugh so much. I felt like I was sharing memories with a friend.
10. Most beautiful book you have acquired this year?
I haven’t had them delivered to me yet, but I have purchased the Illumicrate Bridgerton Set. These books are so gorgeous, the image doesn’t do them justice. I should have these delivered by the end of the year and I cannot wait.
11. What books do you need to read before the end of the year
There are so many. I mean 4, 32L boxes and odd stacks dotted around my house! There are a few authors I am wanting to read some books by. Including Lisa Jewell, Rachel Lynn Solomon, Abby Jimenez and Brit Bennett. I’ve heard great things about their writing styles, so I am excited to explore that. Book wise, I really want to read This Is Going To Hurt by Adam Kay. I know, I am behind. Then in terms of new releases, Holly by Stephen King is on my “To Buy” list.
12. Content creators you’ve been loving
I found it so hard to pick but I decided to choose one Blogger, one Youtuber, one TikToker and one Instagramer.
Blogger – YoursChloex
I found Chloe through Twitter and it was her book reviews on her blog that took me in. Chloe does read new releases, but I’ve always loved to see her posts on historical / war reads. It’s one of those genres that I love, but have to be in the mood for. I have picked up a few books because of Chloe’s reviews.
Youtuber – Alexandra Roselyn
Alexandra has been that little bit of positivity in my life recently. I came across some of her book hauls and fell in love with her Halloween and other seasonal content. As I started to fall back in love with reading, I binged a lot of book haul and book shopping videos. I binged Alexandra’s content in a ridiculously short amount of time! I always look forward to her uploads.
TikToker – Christie Cloggs
Christie is infectious to watch. Always excited about new books, book offers and letting us know where to get them. I find Christie is the epitome of what BookTok is. I always find the most hyped release through her. And as a fellow Brit, I love it when she talks about offers that I can access!
Instagramer – Thats My Bookshelf
That’s My Bookshelf has been one of my favourite latest follows on Instagram. They are rebinding all their books to match the Penguin Clothbound Classic range. They do go through where you can get the supplies and how to do it yourself. There is just something so calming about watching their videos.
So that was my Midyear Book Freakout tag. A little late, but I hope you enjoyed it.
As always, thanks for reading…