As it turns out, I am fashionably late with this year’s Mid-year book freak out tag. Oops! Still, I always think that it’s better late than never. (Although never late is better!) A lot has happened to us in 2020 from disastrous wild fires, hurricanes, murder hornets to an actual pandemic! No wonder our grasp on time has gone slightly out of the window. Personally, I consider the morning I remember what day it is a success.
2020 has undoubtedly provided me with immeasurable amount of unoccupied time that I have chosen to fill with books. For that I am eternally grateful. It has already been the best year not only by the number of books I’ve consumed (not literally!) but also the quality of books I’ve read has improved significantly. I have ventured outside of my comfort zone and read a lot of contemporary fiction and novels. I am also starting to understand what I like and dislike about books. That in itself will be a separate blog post soon. So overall, the first half of the year has been a blast.
Best book I’ve read so far in 2020
I’ve read a lot of great books this year already. For example The Switch by Beth O’Leary, Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng, Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson, Elizbeth is Missing by Emma Healey, The Diviners by Libba Bray.
However, there is one book that I am still thinking about. I have this book in paperback, ebook and audio book. The latter is one of the best listening experiences this year, too!
The best book I’ve read (and listened to) so far in 2020 is Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds.
Best sequel I’ve read so far in 2020
I tend to read standalones, mostly, but I started the Noughts + Crosses series and Knife Edge was a really good sequel to what happened before.
New release I haven’t read yet but want to
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid. I’ve added this to my September TBR, so hopefully I will be reading it this month. I’ve heard nothing but good things about it and cannot wait to find out if I belong with the majority and also love this book.
Most anticipated release for the second half of the year
Oh, I have two and pre-orders have already been placed for both! Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson and Early Departures by Justin A. Reynolds.
I fell in love with Jackson’s writing when reading Allegedly. Such a good and heart-breaking story! And I have been shouting from the rooftops about how much I loved Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds.
Both are in my favourite authors list, solidly. Any books they release will automatically appear on my shelves. Granted.
Biggest disappointment of the year so far
The year 2020 itself.
Biggest surprise of the year so far
I guess I could talk about a specific book, but actually what surprises me more is the amount of books I’ve read this year. I smashed the Goodread’s target with more than 6 months of the year left. Again, I’m surprised by my change in the taste of books I like. When previously thrillers were the most popular, I’m not leaning more towards contemporary stories and novels.
New favourite author
Tiffany D. Jackson; one of many of course.
Newest fictional crush
No-one stands out to me. Not surprised, really, because there is no-one better than my beloved Eddie Flynn!
Newest favourite character
Ah! I have two, and they’re both strong elderly women. Eileen from The Switch and Maud from Elizabeth is Missing.
I recognised my own nana in both of their characters and they’re just so close to my heart ♡
Book that made me cry
The books in 2020 have had a lasting impact on me, in particularly because they made me hyper emotional!
I didn’t cry at Little Life, but I was absolutely weeping after finishing Noughts+Crosses by Malorie Blackman,
Book that made me happy
Our Stop by Laura Jane Williams. It was a far stretched, but such a cute story. I was feeling all fuzzy and fluffy!
Favourite book to film adaption of 2020
I haven’t been to the cinema at all this year.. but I read Before I Go to Sleep by S J Watson and watched the movie straight after. Book was better. Much, much better.
Favourite post I’ve done this year
A blog tour for one of my all time favourite authors, as well as all time favourite character.
Blog Tour | Fifty Fifty by Steve Cavanagh
Most beautiful book I’ve bought this year
What books do I need to read before the end of the year
There are so many to mention! There are just too many books and too little time.
I would like to finish the most anticipated books mentioned above before the end of this year, but I am also hoping I will manage to squeeze in the below:
A Boy and His Dog at the End of the World – C. A. Fletcher
Before the Coffee Gets Cold – Toshikazu Rawaguchi
Why I’m no Longer Talking to White People About Race – Reni Eddo-Lodge
Pretty Girls – Karin Slaughter
The Devil All the Time – Donald Ray Pollock
Sorry I’m late, I Didn’t Want to Come – Jessica Pan
Thank you for stopping by! Comment below your most anticipated read of this year?
Also, my responses in 2019 can be found here -> 2019 mid-year book freak out tag
