๐ Hi, guys! I hope you’re having an incredible day and a very nice week, especially enjoying all your reading.โค๏ธย Today I’m super excited because believe it or not, that moment of the year has come again where we’re going to summarize a little how my year of reading is going so far with this tag that called: The Mid-Year Freak Out Book Tagย ๐. I can’t believe that the year is happening so fast, but somehow I’m glad because it’s one of the most intense years for humanity, so I hope that next year will be better and we’ll be more peaceful, calm and healthy.ย ๐ค๐ปย I confess that it’s not being my best year in terms of reading, but I think it makes sense because it’s due a lot to the times we’re living, and especially to stress and things, so I’m not bothered by what I’ve read, and I know I still have many months ahead of me to find incredible books. I hope that your year is going in the best way possible and above all, that you’re finding great readings to escape a little of all thing happening, but don’t be so hard on yourself if you haven’t been able to read as much as you want, these are difficult times, so it’s ok to dedicate more time to yourself and to do other things.ย ๐ย I hope you enjoy the tag, my love, I’m super excited to share with you many of my readings from this 2020, I always have a lot of fun doing this tag, and it will also be interesting to see a summary of my year answering each question. So without further ado, LET’S START! ๐
๐| What is the best book that youโve read so far in 2020? |๐
Black Girl Unlimited by Echo Brown is absolutely one of the best books I’ve read in my life, and I was very lucky to have chosen it to read this month, it wasn’t even in my TBR but something caught my attention about it and I’m happy to have it read. It’s a super hard, heavily autobiographical book, which tells the story of Echo Brown and we follow it for a long stretch of her life, seeing how she must fight against a highly ignorant, cruel, and racist society in order to fulfill her objectives, survive, and protect her family. Although it has quite a heavy content, it’s still a very inspiring story and is absolutely beautiful in aspects of magical realism. It also talks about family, about love, about friendship, and forgiving and overcoming oneself. I highly recommend it!
๐| What has been your favorite sequel of the first half of the year? |๐
Starsight (Skyward # 2) by Brandon Sanderson is my favorite sequel I’ve read in the year so far, and it has nothing to envy the incredible first book because this one is AMAZING. I’m super obsessed with this story, and now a little sad because I’ll have to wait long for the next book, but yes, super happy to have read it. It has many action scenes, a new setting that I personally loved, more characters with great construction and development & above all much more of Spenza whom I adore. I also think that these books have a very unique writing style, which I enjoyed from the first moment, as well as great plot twists, and a super organic and well thought out plot. I highly recommend it if as it happens to me, sci-fi isn’t usually your genre, cause surely you can get into this story super easily.
๐| Is there a new release that you havenโt read yet but youโre really excited to?ย |๐
Incendiary (Hollow Crown # 1) by Zoraida Cรณrdova is one I really want to read and will do so very soon. In fact, I have many books that I could include here, but this time I will follow the rules and I will put only one per question lol, even so, super excited for this one, I think it sounds incredible. It has Latinx rep, which is super important to me, and I’ve also heard that some people compare it to An Ember in the Ashes, so that’s all I need to know.
๐| What is your most anticipated release for the second half of the year?ย |๐
Burn Our Bodies Down by Rory Power is absolutely one of my most anticipated books this year, I’m super excited to read it. I adored Wilder Girls, it doesn’t have the best ending, but the concept is brilliant and I love how atmospheric the story is, so I’m super excited to read more of the author’s work, and actually, I think this could be a 5 star, it sounds amazing, and let me say: My favorite cover of the year.
๐| What is your biggest disappointment so far?ย |๐
Mockingjay (The Hunger Games # 3) by Suzanne Collins was a book that I was certainly expecting more of, especially since it’s the end and the closing of a trilogy that is super shocking. I have other books that I didn’t like, that I read this year, but being honest I decided to go for this one because I expected a lot from it, you know? And when it doesn’t meet your expectations it can be a little disappointing, which is super normal. Still, and despite having its flaws, I really enjoyed the story in general, I think it’s a super solid plot, just maybe I needed something more regarding the characters.
๐| What is your biggest surprise so far?ย |๐
Each of Us a Desert by Mark Oshiro was a great and wonderful surprise for me. I didn’t even plan to read it no even know about its existence, but it came to me at the perfect moment and I read it and loved it completely, so super happy to have stumbled upon this book. It’s a highly Latinx story, which I LOVE, but also it’s a fantasy story of very intense personal search, where we go on a journey through the desert and know many incredible characters, I highly recommend it. It’s full of magical aspects, but at the same time, it’s a story with a lot of realism and a lot of construction of personalities in the characters, as well as talks about family, and about love and about destiny, that you create for yourself while you grow up. It’s beautiful, and I recommend it a lot!! It has a slow-burn f/f romance and is very atmospheric too.
๐| Who is your fictional crush from this year?ย |๐
I think I haven’t had a fictional crush this year yet, which is pretty common for me, I don’t usually have new crushes on fictional characters, I always have the same ones lol. but still, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting incredible and adorable characters, as Henry from Red, White & Royal, Blue, and Okame from Shadow of The Fox, both characters that I loved this year
๐| Who is your new favorite character?ย |๐
I’m totally here for Tea from The Bone Witch (The Bone Witch # 1) by Rin Chupeco, I love how this character evolves during the story and I really liked how in the end you can see her change to a stronger woman and she takes one more step to becoming a morally gray character, which I LOVE. I still don’t know why I haven’t read the second book, at the time I wanted it to read the physical format, and it never came, so I prioritize other reading, that happens you know, but now that I have the complete trilogy, I have no excuses, I must read the rest of the books soon! I LOVE THE STORY and especially the way in which it’s told.
๐| A book that made you happy?ย |๐
The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang have to be that book that made me feel super happy because OMG, I loved it so much!! A couple of days ago I asked on Twitter which book I should read, because I’ve been feeling a bit slumpy, and the vast majority voted for this beautiful book, and you guys were right, it was all I needed. I’ll probably talk a little bit more about it in my wrap up, but I LOVED it. It’s absolutely adorable and the characters touched my heart.
๐| Your favorite book to movie/tv show that youโve seen so far?ย |๐
I watch a lot of movies this year, but movies based on books I think just a few, and of them, these two stand out in my opinion. I adore the second part of To All The Boys I Love Before, I don’t think it’s as good as the first one, but I do enjoy it a lot, I find it adorable and the aesthetics are perfect. Then I went to the movies with my boyfriend (when you could go, you know lol) to see The Invisible Man and we went with few expectations, we just wanted to see a movie, you know? and we loved it, we really enjoyed it, so I’m glad I saw it. I know it’s an unpopular opinion, it is a bit over-the-top for moments, but it has that effect that leaves you on the edge of your seat, and I liked that.
๐| What is the most beautiful book that you have bought?ย |๐
The Deck of Omens (The Devouring Gray #2) by Christine Lynn Herman is absolutely one of the most beautiful books I bought this year, and I’m still so in love with the cover! I’m very interested in continuing with the story as well, but I think at this point I’ll have to re-read the first book, but it’s still a very atmospheric plot so I think it will be fun.
my review of The Devouring Gray #1
๐| What is your favorite post that you have written so far this year?ย |๐
ย ๐ฟ DISCUSSION POST: BOOK REVIEWS | THEIR IMPACT WITHIN THE COMMUNITY & HOW I WRITE THEMย ๐
ย ๐ฟ DISCUSSION POST: THE MEANING OF BEING AN INTERNATIONAL BOOK BLOGGERย ๐
๐ฟ DISCUSSION POST: RATING SYSTEMS | ARE THEY REALLY IMPORTANT?ย ๐
๐ฟ DISCUSSION POST: THE PRESSURE OF BLOGGING | MY OWN EXPERIENCE & TOP TIPS TO STOP WORRYINGย ๐
Of course, I want to mention all my discussion posts, because they mean a lot to me, each one of them has taken me a lot of work, effort and hours writing to give you the best and most coherent of my thoughts. So, I want to highlight them, because I have a lot of love for them and I’ve overcome a fear that I had this year writing them. Also, I want to highlight two posts from this month because I feel that they’re extremely important right now with everything that’s happening in the world and I think it would be great if you check them out to show your support adding some of those books to your TBR.
๐ฟ 2020 LGBT+ BOOK RELEASES | 30+ BOOKSย ๐ณ๏ธโ๐
๐ฟ 2020 BOOK RELEASES BY BLACK AUTHORS & RESOURCES TO HELP AND SUPPORTย โก๏ธ
๐| What are 6 books that you want to read by the end of the year?ย |๐
Original background imageย HERE
I hope you enjoyed it, guys! I loved making this tag, as it always helps me set priorities and remember those incredible books & characters that I’ve read so far this year ย ๐ฅฐย
๐ Now let’s talk, What is your most anticipated book of this year? What is your favorite book of the year so far? & What is your disappointment? You know, how I always say, I love to know your thoughts! ๐
Goodreads|ย Twitterย |ย Pinterest
Thank you for your list of books. It’s so amazing that you have read so many books. Thanks again for the blog its really helful for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad you like it, thank you very much! I hope you find some amazing books here ๐
LikeLike
My favorite book Iโve read this year is The Warlow Experiment. Honestly one of the best historical fictions Iโve ever read.
LikeLiked by 1 person
WOW, I’m SO glad you came across a book that you liked so much, I’m going to check it out ๐โจ
LikeLike
Starsight was EXCELLENT!!!!! The audiobook for Felix Ever After was wonderful, can’t wait to hear your thoughts. And I can’t wait to read Black Girl Unlimited – I have it on my shelves, just need to find the time. ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
OMG, right?? LOVED IT! ๐๐๐ป & maybe I’ll try the audiobook for Felix Ever After now that you mention it, I’m so glad you enjoyed it. โค๏ธ Black Girl Unlimited is SO unique and amazing, I really couldn’t recommend it enough ๐ฅฐโจ
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am with you on Starsight! And I so need to do that tag too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t wait to continue the series once the other books come out, I’m loving it! ๐ & I can’t wait to see you doing the Tag โค๏ธโจ
LikeLike
I just finished reading Rin Chupeco’s duology The Girl From the Well & The Suffering and I love her writing! ๐ Her characters are definitely memorable! I need to read more of her work!
My copy of Felix Ever After is on it’s way to my house and I’m very, very excited about it! ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
YAY! You definitely have to check out The Bone Witch, I think you’ll love it! & OMG, super excited for you, I can’t wait to know what you think once you read it โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธโจ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay, thanks for the recommendation! ๐
I’m excited too! I’m hoping I can start reading it next week!! ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Black Girl Unlimited is on my radar and I can not wait to pick it up, especially after seeing it’s your favorite book of the year- I feel like we have pretty similar tastes, so I’m looking forward to it! Also, ahh I can’t wait for you to read Burn Our Bodies down! I really think you’ll love it ๐ This is one of my favorite tags to read and write, so I really loved seeing your answers!! โค
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m SO excited for you to read Black Girl Unlimited, I know you’ll love it, but be prepared for the emotions!! ๐ฅบโจ & YAY!!! I’m sure Burn Our Bodies Down will be amazing, I’m even more excited since I read your review! ๐
It makes me happy that you liked my answers, lovely, I can’t wait to see yours โค๏ธ
LikeLiked by 1 person
So far the best book I’ve read this year was The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. My biggest disappointment was (yeah, I am just going to say it) Acowar. // Great post! ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m going to check out The Lote Runner, I’m glad you enjoyed it & I’ve never read Sarah J. Maas, which is crazy I know lol, maybe someday ๐
Thanks, Linda โค๏ธโจ
LikeLiked by 1 person
I still need to read Incendiary, too, and The Bone Witch is one I’d really like to cross off my TBR this year. ๐ Happy reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Bone Witch is so amazing, I highly recommend it, the magic system is great and it has a super interesting sibling relationship. I hope we both love Incendiary once we read it. ๐๐๐ปโจ
Happy Reading for you as well, Jess โค๏ธโค๏ธ
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are some great books in your list!
I have been dying to read Starsight and Iโm hoping Iโll get to it soon๐ค
I can totally relate to the disappointment with Mocking Jay, it was not as good as the first two books and the ending wasnโt enough given that the rest of the story was so intense
I fall for fictional characters very easily, I have 3 crushes I can think of, off the top of my head
Iโve heard so many good things about the Prince and the Dressmaker and I want to get to it soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you love Starsight, it’s SO incredible. ๐
Absolutely agree with you, it doesn’t mean that I didn’t enjoy it, I just expected more.
I LOVE that, my only literary crush I’ve always had is The Darkling from Shadow and Bone lol & The Prince and The Dressmaker is adorable and wonderful, I know you’ll love it ๐โจ
LikeLike
I looved Incediary! I hope you’ll read it soon โค Can also confirm that The Girl from Widow Hills is AMAZING! But I didn't like The Shadows as much as I thought I would.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You know I always trust your opinion so super excited to read The Girl from Widow Hill & Incendiary!! I’ll keep my expectations low for The Shadow now that you mention it. ๐
Thanks, sweetie โค๏ธโจ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Woahh Starsight by Brandon Sanderson looks great tho but i never read any of Sandersonโs book before(YEAH ITโS A SHAMEEE)Btw,do you have any recommendations on which book of Sandersonโs I should read first?โบ๏ธ
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was exactly in the same place as you, and I decided to start with Skyward and LOVED it. Sadly I have no further recommendations because it is the only thing I’ve read from the author, but I think without a doubt, you will enjoy that one, the story is great! ๐๐๐ป
LikeLiked by 1 person
Niceee!Thanks Sofii!Love you and your blog so muchโค๏ธ
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sorry that this half of the year wasn’t the best for you! Hope the next one is way better! Hmm, I’m not sure I have one one favourite book of this year so far but I definitely loved The Starless Sea and Radio Silence — those are my two 5 stars of this year just in the fist week ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you SO much, love!! I hope that your second half of the year is wonderful and full of good readings. โค๏ธโจ OMG, I love Radio Silence, it’s one of my favorite books & I have yet to read The Starless Sea, it sounds amazing ๐ฅฐ
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t wait to do this tag for myself!
This definitely was so much fun to read and to get a summary of how your year has been!
I haven’t read Black Girl Unlimited but it seems like it needs to be added to my TBR!
I hadn’t heard of Incendiary but the words “Latinx rep” bought me, no doubts here.
I hope you enjoy all the books you plan to read and that your second half of the year will be full of amazing reads!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t wait to see your answers, it will be fun! Black Girl Unlimited is brilliant I have no doubt you’ll enjoy it & Incendiary sounds so amazing,right? ๐
Thank you SO much, beautiful, I hope you have a last half of the year full of good readings โค๏ธโจ
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lot of books from your list are definitely going to go into my TBR list!๐ And sadly this year I am reading books at a sloth’s pace but a few of my favourite novels I read this year is got to be ‘Salt to the Sea’ by Ruta Sepetys and I also liked reading the classic ‘1984’ by George Orwell because it kept blowing my mind pretty frequently!๐ I even wrote a review of it! You can check it out if you want!๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
It makes me happy you’re going to add some to your TBR! โค๏ธ Oh, don’t worry about reading slowly, sometimes we’re in those moments and it’s completely fine, the important thing is that you’re enjoying your reading! ๐ฅฐ I need to read Salt to the Sea, I read Between Shades Of Gray by the author and loved it completely ๐โจ
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am yet to read Between Shades of Grey but I will read it in future!๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
i’m so happy you enjoyed black girl unlimited so much, sofii! i’ve been hearing lots of good things about it and i hope i can read (and love!) it too ๐ฅฐ and aahh, i’m also excited for burn our bodies down!! i liked rory power’s writing and the atmosphere, like you said, was really great, so i’m looking forward to reading more from her. great post!! โค
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m more than sure that you’ll love Black Girl Unlimited, no doubt, it’s SO wonderful! ๐ฅบโจ & Rory Powers is so talented, I’m sure Burn Our Bodies Down will be amazing, I can’t wait! ๐ Thank you, love! โค๏ธ I hope you end the month in the best way ๐ฅฐ
LikeLiked by 1 person
[โฆ] five people below:Amy @ ReadDreamLiveNowAsh @ FTLOBooksSofi @ ABookAThoughtBlogSarah @ SarahKayeHancockJenny @ [โฆ]
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ive read hardly anything this year as I keep falling in and out of a reading slump (now that I’ve figured out the cause I’m hoping to finally push passed it) but on the bright side I’ve enjoyed most of the books that I’ve read. I haven’t really disliked any of them, just had a few that left me kind of conflicted. My favourites are Kingdom Of Souls, Circe & The Grace Year.
I really want to reread the Hunger Games books sometime. I remember feeling really odd and almost deflated once I read Mockingjay but after a while I decided that maybe that was good in a strange way – I guess a book following a dystopian world should realistically leave you feeling a bit unsettled. Although I did find some of the traps in the Capital kind of confusing.
I hope you end up loving Incendiary and Burn Out Bodies Down – both of them sound incredible so I hope to pick them up this year too. Same with The Bone Witch which I can’t believe I haven’t read yet. And Wicked As You Wish. Probably a dozen others too mentioned here ๐ anyway I hope you end up enjoying all of your anticipated releases.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel like we’re all going through some sort of reading slump and with everything that’s going on in the world it makes sense, I guess. ๐ฅฐ
SO happy that The Grace Year is among your favorites, I LOVE that book & I think that the most important thing is the quality to the quantity, so I’m glad that you’ve been enjoying your readings. โค๏ธ
I think your thoughts on Mockingjay make a lot of sense! I hope we both love all those incredible books โจ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s true. And thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it too. It was such a wonderful book and I can’t wait to see what the author writes next!! I hope so too ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] โ๏ธ MID-YEAR FREAK OUT BOOK TAG | 2020ย ๐ […]
LikeLike
[โฆ] found this MID-YEAR FREAK OUT BOOK TAG from sofii @abookathought, and decided to do it. on with the [โฆ]
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interestingly, I haven’t read any of these, but I’m glad you enjoyed most of them! I’m also super excited to read The Lovely War, and a couple of these books have caught my attention, so I can’t wait to check them out ๐ I’ve also thought about reading The Bone Witch a couple of times and I haven’t yet…but it’s great to hear that you enjoyed it and loved Tea! Happy reading ๐โจ
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Lovely War has SO incredible promise, right? I can’t wait to read it & The Bone Witch is amazing, I adored that book, so I hope you do it too if you get to read it, I’d love to know your opinion ๐ฅฐโจ
LikeLiked by 1 person