As the middle of the year is coming and going, it is time to reflect on the progress we have made and… Nah, I’m just kidding. It is time for me to scream at you through the internet. Just be glad you aren’t with me in person, it’s much louder. Let’s take a look at how poorly I am doing in the reading department. Maybe it will spark some motivation in me!
Maybe click here if you want to see me freaking out in 2018. Trust me, I do this every year.
Now, if you have been following my blog for a while, you know that I have not completed my Goodreads reading challenge ever. By the looks of my progress this year, I don’t think I am doing much better.
Yup… I am 11 books behind schedule. I shall now give a moment of silence so you can properly judge me.
…
Done? Okay, back to business. I have been in a pretty terrible reading slump for a couple months now. Multiple times, I have thought that I was pulling myself out of it, but I just can’t get myself to pick up a book. Every time I do, I can hardly get through the first sentence on the page before shutting it and picking up my phone. Sometimes I am afraid to post things like this, but I want to be transparent.
Life wise, this has been a very eventful year. As many of you know, I graduated from college. So now, I have entered that black void after college, where everyone asks me what I am planning on doing while I continually scream at the top of my lungs. Am I the only college graduate that absolutely HATES that question? Leave me alone!
Anyway, I think that is enough freaking out for today. Please enjoy more freaking out down below! *awkward smile*
Best book you’ve read so far in 2019
You know those books that quietly sneak up on you, stealing your heart without you ever knowing. That is exactly how I felt with All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. The story was told in dual perspectives, over many years, and the book was written in short, digestible chapters. The writing was beautiful, and the author created complex characters that latched onto my heart, and wouldn’t let go. I didn’t go into this book expecting anything, but I am so happy with the outcome.
Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2019
Well, in all honesty, Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo is the only sequel I read this year. However, ignoring that fact, this book was pretty good, a solid 4/5 stars. Glad to know that all the hope I had that The Darkling would somehow turn out good went to waste. But I enjoyed going deeper into the characters and of course, Nikolai, the love of my life. I love a witty, strong man. Currently struggling through the third book, but I’m unsure if it is the book or me…
New release you haven’t read yet but want to
I have read countless reviews proclaiming how amazing A Curse so Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer is. Being the impulse buyer that I am, when I realized I had a Barnes and Noble gift card I needed to use, this was one of the first books in my cart. I placed this beautiful tome on my bookshelves last month, and there is will sit for the next three years before I end up cracking the spine! However, I am hoping to break my bad habits and actually read this one in a timely manner.
Most anticipated release for the second half of the year
Can’t you just feel the creepy energy coming off of this cover? I received an ARC of The Tenth Girl by Sara Faring at YALLWEST, not knowing much about it other than some hype on twitter (also, look at the cover). However, upon learning more about it and reading the summary, I am convinced it is the perfect book for me!. I also think it will hold me over once I finish watching Stranger Things 3, and I am in desperate need of some spooky vibes!
Biggest Disappointment
In an unfortunate turn of events, my biggest disappointment so far of 2019 was Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco. I didn’t have to think very long to find an answer to this question. Trust me, I definitely read worse books this year, but I went into this one with such high hopes, that when it ended up being a two star read, I couldn’t have been more disappointed. I was so hoping to join in on those twitter conversations about Thomas Cresswell. Check out my review to read my full thoughts on this book.
Biggest Surprise
Unfortunately, as we can see with my selection for the last question, hype in the bookish community doesn’t always mean a 5 star read. However, I was thoroughly pleased when The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, turned out to be incredible. Literally, everyone and their cat were talking about how amazing this book was but I couldn’t believe it until I read it for myself. If you are still hesitant, I urge you to forget that! Read it!
[hint: the audiobook is amazing!]
Favorite New Author
You know that panic you feel when someone asks you your favorite book? I feel the same way about authors. I always have trouble compiling a list of my favorite authors. Although I have read countless incredible books, there are probably only two authors that have ever blown me away through the wielding of the written word, and one of them is Jay Kristoff, the author of Nevernight. Kristoff created a beautiful, unique world, and I look forward to reading more from this author. Next on my list, Illuminae.
Newest Fictional Crush
Christina Benjamin has a way of making me fall in love with her characters, and she did exactly this in The Winter Boyfriend. I am a sucker for the shy guy opening up for their partner trope, and Ethan Hall is a perfect example of this. It’s hard not to fall in love with one of Christina Benjamin’s book boyfriends, and this one was no exceptions. And of course, I couldn’t resist loving all the winter vibe this book gave me. I can’t wait to see what Benjamin did with The Summer Boyfriend!
Newest Favorite Character
Reading this graphic novel, I easily fell in love with every single character in The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O’Neill (especially the dragons!) This was the first graphic novel I have ever read, and I was not disappointed. The characters are so loving and soft, and they care for the dragons so carefully. I connected easily with them, even in the short amount of time I got to spend with them. I can’t wait to read more in this world with the next story, The Tea Dragon Festival.
Book that made you cry
Refer to the aforementioned adorableness
Book that made you happy
I feel like this is getting a little repetitive… I just really like DRAGONS! (Especially ones that grow tea leaves on their horns)
Most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year (or received)
Do I need to even say anything? Look at the majestic colorful phoenix that is presented on the cover of this book! I was instantly blown away when I pulled the special edition of Crown of Feathers by Nick Pau Preto out of my first OwlCrate box! I just sat there and appreciated the beauty (and sprayed edges!!!) of this book. The incredible plot doesn’t hurt either! I haven’t had a chance to read it yet, but I am hoping to by the end of the summer! We’ll see if that actually happens…
What books do you need to read by the end of the year
If I were honest, this list would never end. But I will put a few that I am really excited about and, inevitably, will not read this year. Really, why do I even answer these questions anymore?
Trust me, there are a lot more than that. It will be fun to come back to this post at the end of the year to see how well I do.
Favorite book community member
I refuse to answer this question, because you are all lovely people who have inspired and motivated me more than I can put into words. Thanks for always being there, and giving me a place to belong. I LOVE all of you! Never be afraid to talk to me, I promise I am a lot nicer than I seem… I just have resting brat face!
What I fun time, freaking out about books! Am I the only one who enjoys doing that? I guess that is why I have a blog. But never let the time of year dictate when you freak out! Feel free to freak out every day of the year, I know I sure do! I will always be here to listen to you!
Talk to me!
How are you doing on your reading goal?
What has been your favorite read from 2019?
Are you looking forward to anything exciting for the last half of the year?
Let me know in the comments below!
Love,
Jackie
Haha, I’m 7 books behind schedule… I feel your pain! Nevernight was a great read too, I really enjoyed the audiobook.
It is the time of year where I try to convince myself that I still have time to catch up. We will see if that ever happens haha. I read Nevernight with the audiobook as well! It was wonderful, and the narration was one of the best I have listened to.
I love this tag!
Me too! It is so fun freaking out over books haha!
All the Light We Cannot See Is a book I need to read soon and I felt the same aboutnStalking Jack the Ripper too. It was okay but nothing spectacular!
All the Light We Cannot See is incredible! I hope you enjoy it when you read it. I always feel like I am the only one who didn’t like Stalking Jack the Ripper. It definitely felt like it was nothing spectacular! That is exactly how I would describe it.
I can’t wait to read it! Yeah I completely agree, most people do seem to have loved it, although it wasn’t amazing I think I’m still going to continue with the series 😊
I’m so glad you enjoyed Siege and Storm! Also Stalking Jack the Ripper was kind of a disappointment for me too. I expected so much more of that book.
I heard so many people talking about Stalking Jack the Ripper, so I was expecting too much haha. I hate when the hype of a book lets me down.
No judging, life happens!
You have read some amazing books though.
Cora | http://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
I really have, I hope to continue on this path. I am trying to remember that it is the quality of the reading that is important, not the quantity. Thank you!
I’m totally with you on Evelyn Hugo, it really surprised me too! I also think you should A Curse So Dark and Lonely very soon! 🙂
I am actually planning on reading A Curse so Dark and Lonely this month! I am so excited because I have heard such amazing things about it.
Yaaas, Jay Kristoff is the best! I loved the Illuminae Files and Nevernight, he’s such a great author! You should definitely read A Curse so Dark and Lonely! I read it about a month ago and I really enjoyed it!
I actually just finished the Illuminae files! What a thrilling adventure that is. I can’t wait to continue with the rest of the series. I have A Curse so Dark and Lonely on my August TBR, so I am planning on getting to it soon! I can’t wait to read it. Thank you!
my pal sets her GR goal to 1 every year so there is 0 stress. i set mine to 30 knowing i will smash it cause it also lowers the stress. 🙂
i read nevernight this year too! i was plesantly surprised by it 🙂
That is such a good idea! I am definitely an advocate for lowering stress when it comes to reading. It is supposed to be an enjoyable activity!