Mid-Year Book Freakout Tag // 2020

It's past the halfway point in 2020 but I've wanted to do this tag for a while. I love watching these on booktubers channels and I've even seen a few in the blogosphere so I thought I would give it a shot.

Best book you’ve read so far in 2020

This is an impossible question and I think the person who created this tag knows it. I chose three books that I absolutely loved and have moved me. I'm currently reading one that might make this list in the near future. The Clergyman's Wife is the Pride and Prejudice retelling you didn't know you needed. Brilliantly written with a great message. The Rogue Not Taken has the misunderstanding trope done is such a great way. I absolutely LOVED the romance. It's the only one that I've read this summer that from beginning to end made me completely happy. Before We Were Free made me feel a connection towards my grandparents. I felt understood even if I didn't go through the same experience, my grandparents did so it got to me on a deeper level.

Best sequel you've read so far in 2020

I chose Witch Hat Atelier Volume 4 because it focused on Richeh and her backstory was very interesting. She wants to do things her own way. She doesn't want to do magic the way everyone else does. She wants to be able to be her when she performs magic. There is also a great transformation scene that was so cool.

New release you haven't read yet, but want to

Clap When You Land is one book that I am so surprised I haven't read yet. The concept is amazing and I know that Acevedo can write. I think I am just waiting for the perfect moment meaning I want to read it during Hispanic Heritage Month. Pizza Girl is just one that hasn't come into the library yet and I am planning to read as soon it comes in.

Most anticipated release for the second half of the year

Recommended for You is a YA romance centered around a teen bookseller and a new employee who doesn't even read. I've never heard of such a bookish book that was perfect for me. Star Daughter is compared to Stardust featuring Hindu mythology and a main character that is the daughter of a star and mortal. The Stardust vibes make this such a huge anticipated release for me. A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow has a Cuban lead with a family bakery in Miami. This book is going to feel like home.

I had a few disappointments this year. Lifestyles of Gods and Monsters is a Greek Mythology retelling and I love retellings but the instalove killed it for me. Spell Bound had a silly choice in the demise of one of the characters. The Worst Best Man bothered me but most adult romances are either a hit or miss with me. I don't like how everything seems to be leading up to sex, the supposed hate to love never happens because they are lusting after each other real quick, and please stop talking about your insecurities and feelings. I don't know why that last part bothered me so much but they talked to much instead of you know becoming friends, teasing each other, and falling in love.

My favorite books so far were big surprises to me but I wanted to have a new response. Giant Days unexpectedly filled me with so much delight. It's too bad by the third volume there is a new artist because it changes the whole vibe of the story but if you are looking to laugh please read this amazing graphic novel.

Molly Greeley is a debut author who I will read whatever she puts out. She's actually doing another Pride and Prejudice retelling with Anne de Bourgh that's coming out in January of next year and I am terrified and excited at the same time. I want to read so many Julia Alvarez books after reading Before We Were Free. Some of her books follow along the characters mentioned in this book. I like that cohesion and I expect to enjoy those books as well. I wouldn't call these favorite authors because I haven't had a favorite author in a very long time but I am looking forward to reading more of these authors' work. 

Sophie and King are the best couple. I loved them both so much together and as individuals that I choose both of them. Please read this book if you like romance. Do this favor for yourself!

Esther, a peppy goth who is so dramatic and a procrastinating mess, is my newest favorite character. She's the best and this whole post is making me want to reread the first two volumes and giving the other volumes a try even with the artist change. 

I cry at the drop of a dime. I haven't had a book so far get me to ugly tears but a recent read that made me tear up was You Should See Me in a Crown. The conclusion to her story made me so happy. I know what it feels to be that nerdy shy girl that feels invisible so to have such a great conclusion made me tear up.

I was looking at my past reads and whoa. I hardly read any books that truly made me happy. I need to start reading some happier romances or rereading more books because I am reading too many sad things. The Rogue Not Taken's romance and banter between the leads made me so unbelievably happy.

Most beautiful book you've bought so far this year (or received)

I've heard so many good things about Lovely War and I do love anything to do with mythology so I had to pick it up. This is such a simple but beautiful cover to me and it's a pretty heavy book too. It's just gorgeous to me. Same with the beautiful cover in this edition of Little Women. I've now watched two movie versions of Little Women and they have me so hyped for the book. I love this small yet book edition of Little Women. It just makes me happy looking at it.

What books do you need to read by the end of the year?

All of the books mentioned in Anticipated Release and Beautiful Book are books I need to read by the end of the year. The other books I must read are The House on Mango Street, Call Me By Your Name, and The Lottery and Other Stories. I have a really good feeling to The House on Mango Street. I am drawn to read it so much that I bought my own copy. I want to really set some time to read each short story and dissect them. Call Me By Your Name is supposed to be so beautifully written. I haven't watched the movie but have seen clips and I know the ending but I really just have a strong pull to read the story. I fell in love with Shirley Jackson's writing last year and I have had The Lottery and Other Stories on my tbr since last year. Enough is enough. I need to read it already and dive back into horror. I know I will love it.

What are your answers to these questions? 

What do you need to read by the end of the year? 

What have been your favorite books so far?