Mid-Year Freakout Book Tag 2020

Hi friends! I hope you’re keeping safe and well.

We’re more than halfway through the year but I thought I’d do a belated mid-year reading check-in. The mid-year freakout tag was created by ReadLikeWildFire and Earl Grey Books and I’m just following in their footsteps! This has been a wild year and while my reading has gone up and down throughout the months, I’m pleased to see I’m on track for my target of 100 books. So far, I’ve read 26,478 pages across 81 books this year!

**My reading stats up until end of July!**

Now let’s get to the books!

Best book you’ve read so far this year
It would have to be a tie between The Only Good Indians and The Between.

Best sequel you’ve read so far this year
Not necessarily a sequel but Call Down The Hawk is a spinoff of The Raven Cycle series and I loved it.

New releases you haven’t read yet but want to
I’m looking forward to reading Mexican Gothic and The Bright Lands. The reviews have been really positive for both books!

Most anticipated releases for the second half of the year
I’m really excited for The Dirty South by John Connolly and The Survivors by Jane Harper!

Biggest disappointment
I felt let down by Haverscroft and No Exit.

Biggest surprise
I was pleasantly surprised by The Return! Its focus on friendship hit me emotionally in ways I didn’t expect.

Favorite new to you, or debut, author
After reading The Return I would say Rachel Harrison is at the top of my list! I also had the pleasure of chatting with the author during a discussion with my book club and it was a really fun and enlightening experience.

Newest fictional crush
Eddie Flynn comes to mind – a former con man turned defense lawyer with a heart of gold. I wasn’t a huge fan of his latest book but I still like him!

Newest favourite character
I really liked Letitia Dandridge from Lovecraft Country.

A book that made you cry
The Only Good Indians gave me a book hangover!

A book that made you happy
The Black Flamingo is a delightful read! The book is written in verse so it’s different from my usual reads but I found it beautiful and immersive.

Favorite book to film adaption
I really enjoyed the adaptation of The Invisible Man, it’s a well-crafted horror movie with fantastic performances. I’m also looking forward to Netflix’s adaptation of I’m Thinking of Ending Things. On TV, I’m currently loving HBO’s adaptation of Lovecraft Country!

Favorite post you have done this year
I made a post talking about police violence in crime fiction in light of the recent cases of police brutality against the Black community.

Most beautiful book you have bought this year
The Binding. I’ve been eyeing it since last year and I’m so happy that I finally got it!

Books you need to read by the end of the year
More spooky reads such as Burn Our Bodies Down, The Night Will Find Us and The Year of The Witching, as well as my neverending TBR list!