Mid Year Book Freak Out Tag 2021

We’re pretty much halfway through the year and that means it’s time for me to do the Mid Year Book Freak Out Tag. I love this tag, as it’s a good excuse to look back at my Bookish Resolutions for the year and see how I’m doing.

Best book you’ve read so far in 2021

So far, I’d have to say the best book I’ve read this year has been The Duke and I by Julia Quinn. This is the first book in the Bridgerton series and I became addicted to this series after reading it. It supplies all of the melodramatic feels you could possibly want from a regency romance.

Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2021

Typically, the best sequel I’ve read this year is An Offer from a Gentleman which is Book 3 in the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn. Out of the seven books I’ve read this was my favourite, because it’s a Cinderella re-telling, and I’m a sucker for a fairytale re-telling.

New release you haven’t read yet but want to

I’m still desperate to read Careless by Kirsty Capes. I have a block about starting books that I know are going to break me, and this is one of them. I already know it’s going to be fantastic.

Most anticipated release for the second half of the year

Hmm… I’m looking forward to the next Sally Rooney novel: Beautiful World, Where Are You? I know nothing about it, and that’s exactly what I want. I’ve read both of Sally Rooney’s previous novels and they’re both works of literary art.

Biggest disappointment

My biggest disappointment of 2021 so far has been The Phantom of the Opera. For a book that has multiple movies, a major stage show, and countless fans, it was strangely dull. The story should be exciting but the book was plodding and the characters irritating. I won’t be watching the film or the musical as a result.

Biggest surprise

I read Cinderella is Dead by Kaylynn Bayron in two sittings. I was glued to the page and really enjoyed myself. It wasn’t the best book I’ve ever read or best writing, but it was exactly what I needed at that moment and a real joy to read.

Favorite new author (Debut or new to you)

Unsurprisingly as I’ve already mentioned her twice, but Julia Quinn. I’ve already purchased two books from two of her other series, and I have my eye on a third. She may be my new guilty pleasure author.

Newest fictional crush

I don’t often get crushes on fictional characters, but who can’t love the Bridgerton boys? Particularly when there is a TV show that helps with the visuals. I’m stuck between The Duke, The Viscount, and Benedict… Colin is sweet but meh.

Newest favourite character

Ella from Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine. I finally got around to reading this fairytale retelling and I’m glad. It’s aimed at a younger audience, although it has some adult themes in it. But Ella is a really strong female character. Great for empowering young women.

A book that made you cry

I don’t tend to cry at books – clearly, I have a heart of stone – but The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion did touch me. From a terrible year in which she lost both her husband and her daughter, she managed to translate her grief into words. Not an easy feat. And one that is incredibly moving.

A book that made you happy

I love a good Brat Pack memoir and Stories I Only Tell My Friends by Rob Lowe made me smile. For such a good-looking man he had a geeky, self-deprecating childhood and his stories about the other actors of the 80s are brilliant. He’s witty, sarcastic, and seemingly honest about his experiences in Hollywood and it’s a good read that made me smile.

The most beautiful you’ve bought (or received) this year

I adore the cover of Lovely War by Julie Berry. I’ve got an American paperback in royal format – it’s big – and it’s got a decorative type and it’s such a tactile book to hold. Plus the cover design is very clever. Simple but effectively beautiful.

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

Oh, so many… I want to read 101 books in 2021 and so far I’ve read 42 – 3 ahead of schedule – and I’ve got 12 books left to read on my list of 21 books to read in 2021! But I’m getting there.

What about you? What are your answers for the Mid Year Book Freak Out Tag? Have any books made you cry? Or have you got a new fictional crush? Let me know in the comments below.

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