Mid Year Book Freak Out Tag

This tag is about discussing the books that you have read this year and what you either loved or hated, or in other words what made you freak out.

• SPOILERS

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Best book you've read in 2020 : It's had to pick just one but I think Me Before You was the best. Everything about it was fantastic, I loved the style of writing, it was perfect for me, and the plot was so beautiful, yet it was equally bound with devastation. What I favoured most of all were the characters, Will is quite a complex man, but a good man and Lou is so charming, she's a bright, and colourful person.

Best sequel you've read so far in 2020 : I've only read 3 different book series so far but I would say the best sequel book is Catching Fire from The Hunger Games series. It was an interesting plot to throw the victors into the arena again and the location made it even more fascinating.

New release you haven't read yet but want to : The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. I started reading it but I'm not far in. The Hunger Games is such a good series that I've been really excited for this book. Hopefully I enjoy it.

Most anticipated release for the second half of 2020 : All the books i've been anticipating have already been released so I did some research. There is a book called 'It Is Wood, It Is Stone' by Gabriella Burnham. It involves privilege, power and sexuality, it sounds like an amazing eye opener. Here is the description: Left adrift after moving from America to Brazil for her husband Dennis's work, Linda develops a fraught relationship with the couple's maid, Marta, whose roots at Linda and Dennis's home run deeper than either American can imagine. It will be released 28th July 2020.

Biggest disappointment : I think the biggest disappointment would have to be reading The Woman in Black. I was expecting some amazing ghost story, partly because I had already watched the film and had high expectations. I gave it 2.5 on goodreads (probably a 2* now), I found that the book was mostly about the location and his journey more than it was about The Woman in Black. It was quite vague on the specifics of her, whereas in the film it goes into a lot of detail, so this was definitely a disappointment when I came to read it.

Biggest surprise : I was surprised with how much I liked Friend Request, I saw the film and immediately thought the book would be bad, which never happens so I don't know why I believed that. I gave this 4* on goodreads. It's a fantastic psychological thriller, that showcases the repercussions of bullying which I thought was very insightful, more people should be aware of the scars it leaves behind.

Favourite new author (Debut or new to you) : This would have to be Ruth Ware. I read her novel 'In a Dark, Dark Wood' earlier this year and it was great, I really enjoyed it. I purchased a further 2 more books by her that I am very excited to read.

Newest fictional crush : I only read The Hunger Games books this year, very embarrassing I know but this easily goes to Peeta Mellark. He's just the sweetest character to exist. His entire being is pure, he's kind, caring, nurturing, I could go on. He's a great guy.

Peeta > Gale.. sorry!

Newest fictional character : This may be controversial but my favourite new character has to be Joe Goldberg in 'YOU'. To be clear, he is a terrible person, but I have never been more interested in a character before. I was always shocked or appalled reading his narrative, on the edge of my seat, fascinated. Some of the things he came out with in the book were so disgusting I couldn't help but laugh and cringe, he's a strange and psychotic character for sure.

A Book that made you cry : I had a few tearjerkers this year but I would have to give this to Me Before You. It was such a wonderful book, so well written, I remember not being able to put it down. It was the end that had me blubbering, Will's death was heartbreaking, and Lou's response was even more saddening. His letter to Lou is what destroyed me though, if you ever need to cry uncontrollably then give this a read.

A book that made you happy : Five Feet Apart, I loved this book. Its not a happy book itself however it gave me all the feels and made me happy to read. I loved the characters, the plot, everything.

The most beautiful book you've bought or received this year : My friend got me the novel 'Cujo' by Stephen King and it's one of the rainbow editions. It looks so sleek and beautiful with the bold yellow title and the white background. I would love to collect them all.

What books do you need to read by the end of this year? : I don't have any specific books I need to read but I have a lot that I own and haven't read yet, some I'm more excited about than others. This includes: The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, Love Rosie, The Devil Wears Prada, The Two Lives of Lydia Bird, and The Last Song.