Mid-Year Freak Out Tag

Since we’re well into July, I decided to do The Mid-Year Freak Out Tag created by Ely and Chami at A Book So Fathomless.  I keep seeing this tag pop up everywhere, and I just couldn’t resist joining in the fun!  I have read a bunch of great books this year so far, and I’m excited to see where the rest of the year takes me!

Best book you’ve read so far in 2017?

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. I absolutely loved this book. It was everything I wanted and gave me my first book hangover of the year.  You can see my full review here.

Best Sequel of 2017 so far?

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas. This sequel blew away the first book, and was easily one of the top 3 books I’ve read so far this year.  I feel like it’s rare for a sequel to actually be better than the original, and this one was so beyond the first one in every aspect.  You can see my full review here.

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

The People We Hate at the Wedding by Grant Ginder. I’ve been eyeing this book for a while, and I am really excited to read it.

Most anticipated release for the second half of the year?

A Column of Fire by Ken Follett. I. Cannot. Wait. For this book. The Pillars of the Earth and World Without End might be my favorite books of all time (excluding Harry Potter of course), and I am so ready for the next installment in The Kingsbridge Novels. I can’t remember the last time I was this excited for a book release.

Biggest disappointment?

The Witching Hour by Anne Rice. I wanted to like this book so much.  Anne Rice has such a cult following, my lovely roommate included, and this book has really polarized reviews.  People either love it, or hate it, and unfortunately I was one of the latter.  There were some interesting scenes, but overall it was a huge snore, and I almost DNF’d it.

Biggest surprise?

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake.  I had never heard of this book when my roommate brought it home.  It sounded like it had a really great premise, and we were not disappointed.  I DEVOURED this book and it gave me the biggest book hangover.  I cannot wait for the second one to come out in September.

Favorite new author? (debut or new to you)

I’m torn between Kate Morton and Sarah J. Maas.  They’re very different though, so they speak to different parts of me.

Newest fictional crush?

Rhysand from A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas.  Move over Feyre.

Newest favorite character?

Sookie Stackhouse from The Sookie Stackhouse Novels by Charlaine Harris. She is just so damn loveable.

Book that made you cry?

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. Uncontrollable sobbing. I scared my boyfriend.

Book that made you happy?

Talking as Fast as I Can by Lauren Graham.  I love Lauren Graham.  Her book was so inspiring and had me smiling the entire time.  I want to be her best friend.

Favorite book to film adaptation you saw this year?

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. I thought the HBO show was really well done.  The acting was fantastic.  See all of my thoughts here.

Favorite review you’ve written this year?

I had a lot of fun reviewing Strange Medicine by Mike Russell for StrangeBooks.  It was one of my first reviews ever, and it was a completely new genre for me.  See my review here.

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

This book wins again for most beautiful cover and content.

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

There are too many to list all of them, but one book that has been on my list FOREVER and I need to finally read is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

 

What are some of your favorites so far?  I’d love to hear some more recommendations to add for the second half of the year! I tag anyone who, like me, wants to join in the fun! Happy reading!