Book tag: The (bit later than) mid-year book freak out

2018 is already half over! It has gone so quickly, January, as always, moved ridiculously slow and now, it seems we are making up for lost time. I was pondering whether or not to post this as we are now a good couple of weeks past the mid-year point. However – again apart from January – 2018 has been a fantastic reading year for me, and I didn’t want to pass on the opportunity to dissect why.

So, here are my answers to the ‘Mid-year book freak out tag’.

NB: These books are not necessarily 2018 releases, however answers will only include books that I read for the first time in the first half of 2018

1. Best book you’ve read so far in 2018.

Simon VS the Homo Sapien Agenda – Becky Albertalli

My Family and Other Animals – Gerald Durrell

2. The best sequel you’ve read so far in 2018.

The Song Rising – Samantha Shannon

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

The White Book – Han Kang

(The edition I have was published in 2018, and I had never heard of before about May/June of this year)

4. Your most anticipated release for the second half of the year.

What if it’s Us – Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

5. The biggest disappointment.

Leah on the Offbeat – Becky Albertalli

6. The biggest surprise.

Call me by your name – Andre Aciman

The Pisces – Melissa Broader

7. A favourite new author. (Debut or new to you)

Becky Albertalli

Emma Cline

8. Your newest fictional crush.

No-one really, I don’t tend to develop crushes on book characters. I do have a soft-spot for the Durrell family but that’s more of an ‘I wish I could hang out with them’ feeling.

9. Your new favourite character.

This feels terrible but no-ones springing to mind.

10. A book that made you cry.

Simon VS the Homo Sapiens Agenda – Becky Albertalli(I sobbed like a baby)

11. A book that made you happy.

My Family and Other Animals – Gerald Durrell

Simon VS the Homo Sapiens Agenda – Becky Albertalli

12. your favourite book to film adaptation that you saw this year. 

I only saw one adaptation in the first part of the year and that was Ready Player One.  I was so excited and then very disappointed. The effects were great but it didn’t even attempt to stay true to the book.  

13. A favourite review you’ve written this year. 

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

I did not enjoy the book so it is not a positive review but I had a lot of fun unpicking what, for me, fell flat. And, I’m quite proud of how it turned out.

14. The most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year (or received / or borrowed)

The Pisces – Melissa Broader

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

Notes on a Nervous planet – Matt Haig

I am so excited to read Matt Haig’s newest offering, I have yet to find a boom of his that falls below a 4-star rating and his observations on society, and life in general, always resonate. I’m just waiting for the perfect time.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society – Mary Ann Shafer and Annie Barrows

This book has been on my radar since the release of the film trailer and has been on my TBR since May, I have a feeling I am going to really enjoy it I just need to overcome my nervousness about the letter format. Plus, once I’ve read it I can watch the film which looks lovely.

Birds, Beasts, and Relatives – Gerald Durrell

I have been wanting to read the second in the Corfu trilogy ever since finishing My Family and Other Animals. I am also desperate to own my own copies of all three books. However, I just need to find the right edition!

What have you read so far in 2018? How would you answer these questions? If you have answered these questions, leave the link in the comments below.