Mid-Year Book Freak Out (2019)

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You know I can’t resist a bookish tag and the mid-year book freak out is a great opportunity to check in with any reading goals and challenges. I completed it for the first time last year and had forgotten all about it until I spotted it on The Roaring Bookworm and Paper Fury. Let’s crack on, shall we?

1. Best book you’ve read so far in 2019
The best new (ish) release I read was Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. I bought it last Christmas and finally got round to reading it recently. It was definitely worthy of the hype.

2. Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2019
I’ve read a few in a series/trilogy but my favourite was probably The Rosie Result. I was a bit disappointed by The Rosie Effect but really liked this one. I’m currently completing a Level 2 Award in Understanding Autism and I find any books on autism, whether fiction or non-fiction, really interesting.

3. New release you haven’t read yet, but want to
I’m excited to read Gina Martin’s Be the Change, which was released last month and is currently sitting on top of my library pile. Gina is the bad-ass who made upskirting illegal, so I think this will be a really fascinating and insightful book.

4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year
I’ve got a few on my list but I think I’m most excited about the sequel to PS I Love You aka The First Book to Make Cry. Postscript is due for release on 19 September, so not too long a wait.

5. Biggest disappointment
I have massive FOMO when it comes to books, so if it’s award-winning or particularly hyped, I want to know what all the fuss is about. I really didn’t ‘get’ Normal People. I found the characters unlikeable and the story a bit slow and uneventful.

6. Biggest surprise
I’ve never been a fan of poetry but I wanted to change that this year. Fortunately I’ve come across a few collections featuring poems which I can relate to. Maybe that’s where they were going wrong at school? She is Fierce is a stunner, both inside and out.

7. Favorite new author (debut or new to you)
I met Anna Mansell when she ran a writing workshop earlier in the year and went on to read her book How to Mend a Broken Heart. I’ll certainly be checking out more of her work, as I like her anti-chick lit style, with interesting female characters.

8. Newest fictional crush
Y’know what, I’ll go there. Legend from the Caraval Trilogy. ‘Scuse the old pic.

9. Newest favorite character
Eleanor Oliphant.

10. Book that made you cry
I don’t think a book has made me cry yet this year…

11. Book that made you happy
I’ve gone back through my Reading Challenge and it seems I’ve not read anything especially cheerful this year. I’ve enjoyed most of what I’ve read so far and I finished Eleanor Oliphant with a smile on my face.

12. Most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year (or received)
My Hufflepuff edition of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

13. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?
I really want to finish my collection of Maya Angelou books.

14. Favorite book community member
Have you come across The Hels Project‘s Instagram hashtag #averybookish post? She’s fab!

How have the last six months been for you books-wise?