It’s somehow already July. How did that happen? Where did the time go? This year is absolutely flying by and I’ve read some great books and some very average books so far. I’m so excited looking forward for what the rest of my TBR has in store for me and I can’t wait to do MORE reading!
It’s definitely time for the Mid-Year Book Freak Out tag! In hindsight, I realise I probably should’ve done this in June but my brain was adamant that July was the right time to do it. So here we are.
Original creators:
Best book you’ve read so far in 2020
A Boy and His Dog at the End of the World by C. A. Fletcher
I was not expecting this to be as amazing as it was. Like yes, I thought it’d be good. But this book is just something else. It’s totally unlike anything else I’ve ever read and I fell in love with the story. The plot twists are some of the best I’ve ever read and I’m so obsessed with the world.
Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2020
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
This was really good! I was quite nervous going into it because oh boy does it have an almighty book to live up to, or what?! But I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed this different look into the world of Gilead.
New release you haven’t read yet, but want to
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown
Am so excited. Cannot wait. I’ve recently redone my TBR jar (which I do over on my Booktube channel each month) and I now have a diversity jar which this is in. And every time I pick from it now I’m just holding my breath hoping that I’ll pull this one out!
Most anticipated release for the second half of the year
Blazewrath Games by Amparo Ortiz
A dragon tournament, guys!!!! This is what I live for!! I’m super duper excited for this to be released because I have such high hopes that it’s going to be incredible!
Biggest disappointment
Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding
This was just yikes. I did not like it. I was thoroughly disappointed because I loved the movie so much. I really thought this was going to be as good if not better than the movie but it was horrible!
Biggest surprise
The Pearl Thief by Fiona McIntosh
I knew that this was good but I mostly got it because it was on sale from Audible. Little did I know that this book would blow my socks off and be one of my favourite reads for 2020. I’m seriously impressed by this and convinced that I’ve been missing out by not have more of McIntosh’s books in my life.
Favourite new author (debut or new to you)
Emma Donoghue (The Pull of the Stars)
Emma Donoghue! Oh my god!!! Why has no-one bullied me into reading her stuff before now?!? I finished The Pull of the Stars just the other day couldn’t get over how well-written it is. I will absolutely be buying and reading more of Donoghue’s stuff. Though I do admit a close second place for this answer was Fiona McIntosh, who also blew me away with The Pearl Thief.
Newest fictional crush
Terraformer by Colleen Houck
Jax *heart eyes* I’m not even remotely surprised that I’ve come out of a Colleen Houck book with a massive crush. This woman writes the BEST fictional men so I’ll just put Jax up on my pedestal with Ren and Amon.
Newest favourite character
Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
Alosa is life. She is incredible and so sassy. If I could be anyone in the world I want to be Alos because she is so badass. I’m OBSESSED.
Book that made you cry
Dear Mrs. Bird by A. J. Pearce
This got me so good. For the most part, this book is inspirational and plucky and then there’s this massive turning point where something major happens and I had to remove myself from the room I was in to go and have a cry privately. THE EMOTIONS.
Book that made you happy
Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies by Tara Schuster
This book has helped me so much this year. Last year was a tough one for me but I read this and it is my new bible. I’m not even kidding. If I’m ever having a sad or unmotivated day I flip through this to find the passages I highlighted and I’m back on track before I know it.
Most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year (or received)
Daughters of Nri by Reni K. Amayo
I can’t get over how stunning this is. The way the gold is accented everywhere is just to die for. I LOVE this cover. I love it, I love it, I love it. Please someone do some artwork based on this so I can pin it to all of my walls.
What books do you need to read by the end of the year?
Look, to name a few . . . haha I have so many books to read. We know this. We allllll know that my TBR is the stuff of nightmares (but also exciting because sure it’s big but SO MANY BOOKS YAY). So here are a FEW books from my birthday, a recent diversity book haul, and last Christmas I’m planning on slaying before Christmas 2020.
Favorite book community member
Like heck I can just pick one. But I will be good and narrow it down to two of my absolute favs right now! Funnily enough both are Aussie booktubers and bloggers just like me (cos who needs a life, right?) and they are:
Both Bec and Stef have awesome content and I always love watching their videos. I’m sure if I watch enough of Bec’s videos I will one day find the courage to tackle Brandon Sanderson. And omg I first became addicted to Stef’s organisation videos *heart eyes* I definitely think you should do more book bullet journal videos, Stef!
~~ Kirstie ~~
Upside-Down Books 
Always love reading this tag!
I also really need to read a song of wraiths and ruin!
I hope you have a great second half of the year!
(www.evelynreads.com)
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I cannot wait to read it, hey!! Thank you ❤
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