mid-year book update

This is supposed to be called the mid-year book freak-out tag (but I’m not freaking out – yet – plus no one tagged me). I don’t think I’m supposed to post posts (both of which are tags) so close together (but I’m doing it anyway). I don’t usually post about what I’m reading (but I’m going for it).

Behold, the mid-year book update.

(Thanks to Cait @ Paper Fury for the questions. Which I then went on to change…)

1. Best books you’ve read so far in 2019

This was supposed to be singular, but I couldn’t do that.

Two rereads (the N.D. Wilson gems) and three new ones (nearly as amazing!).

2. Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2019

I’m not sure this counts as a sequel, but… I loved it. Orson Scott Card’s writing is amazing. (For anyone who’s new, start with Ender’s Game – and don’t stop!)

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

Romanov! I love Nadine Brandes’ other books so much and I cannot wait to check this one out. But it’s not at any library near me, and I haven’t yet decided to spend money on it. I might give in and do just that.

4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year

I really, really want to like this book. But I also really, really wanted to like Flashback, and… I really, really didn’t. This is Shannon Messenger’s last chance to redeem herself, and I’m hoping she pulls it off. Otherwise, I may boycott the Keeper series.

5. Biggest disappointment

I really did want to like both of these books, again. Caraval‘s writing didn’t impress me, and I didn’t prefer the excessive romance, violence, and arguing, plus the terrible plot twist at the end (read my thoughts here). The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm wasn’t bad, but I was underwhelmed and have higher hopes for Paolini’s later work.

6. Biggest surprise

I found this book in the new releases section at my library and thoroughly enjoyed it. I recommend it anyone who likes Little Women.

7. Favorite new author (debut or new to you)

Nadine Brandes shocked me with the clarity, depth, skill, power, and beauty of her writing. I’m already ready to reread the books I’ve read by her, and (as I said above) I’m so excited for Romanov. We need more Christian writers like this, people! I want to be like her someday.

8. Newest fictional crush

I don’t get book crushes much anymore, but I have to say I still like Peter from the Ender series (both iterations, and if you haven’t read it, then don’t ask). He’s got his problems, but – BUT – just you wait. I ship both iterations’ romances, too. (Again, don’t ask. Just read the series.)

9. Newest favorite character

I really, really like Creel from Dragon Slippers. She’s a strong, beautiful woman whose power lies not in her battle skills, but in her sewing, speaking, and kindness. And no one could call her weak.

10. Book that made you cry

I don’t really cry; I just get sad. And Empire of Bones (see above) never fails to bring me (good) sadness. Also, Fawkes was very emotional (it would be on my favorites list if not for the Out of Time series), and the ending of the Wheel of Time was bittersweet and beautiful. I’ll leave it at that for now.

11. Book that made you happy

I had so much fun rereading this book! It’s funny, short, sweet, and well-written. I recommend it for ages eight and up (but I thoroughly enjoyed it as an older teenager).

12. Reading goal and number of books you’ve read so far

My goal was 200+ books, but after realizing that I just don’t have time for that, my goal is now 150. I’ve read 70, which is 47% of my goal, so I think I’ll make it.

13. Rereads vs. new books

I’ve reread 27 books, while 43 have been new to me.

14. What genre I’ve been reading

I’ve read 8 fiction books (11%), 44 fantasy books (62%), 13 science fiction books (18%), and 7 nonfiction books (10%). (That adds up to 101%, which is inaccurate due to rounding.)

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Okay, that’s it for now! Feel free to steal this tag for your blog, or tell me in the comments: what are you reading? What do you want to read this year? How’s it going?

Go therefore and read, bookdragons!