Mid-Year Book Freak Out

Hello,

So let's pretend it's still June for the sake of this title (and my sanity because SCHOOL, gahhh). The lovely Lilly over from lillywhy and Life: Close Captioned tagged me to do the Mid-Year Freak Out tag. I've seen this going around YouTube for awhile, so I'm glad I finally get the chance to do it! Go check out Lilly's video, and subscribe to her channel because she is hilarious! Now let's get onto the questions.

1. Best book you've read so far

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys. THIS WAS SO SO SO GOOD!! Salt to the Sea deserves every single bit of hype it got and more. If you haven't read this, you really need to. I love Ruta Sepetys' writing so much. It's beautiful and raw. Her dialogue between the characters feels so natural and real. Most of all, she really tells it how it is and doesn't shy away from telling the hard truth. This book reads really well and has super short chapters, so even if you're not too into historical fiction, this is a great book to start out with. I'm almost certain you'll enjoy it.

2. Best sequel you've read so far

Anne of Avonlea by L. M. Montgomery. Every time I pick up a book from this series, I feel so happy and at home. This is an amazing series and I highly suggest it! The writing is beautiful and I adore Anne, what a wonderful character to read from. And Gilbert, ahhh Gilbert. They're my ultimate OTP, Seriously guys, they're freaking adorable.

3. A new release you want to read

Hamilton the Revolution by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jeremy McCarter. Guys, I love Hamilton. LOVE. And I own this freaking book, but I haven't even read it. I'm ashamed. So at the moment, this is the book I need to read that's already come out. Hopefully I'll be getting to it soon.

4. Most anticipated release of the second half of the year

Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. Although I didn't love that first book, I still really enjoyed my reading experience and I'm looking forward to continuing the series. I love that way these books are formatted, it's super unique and fun. So I'm excited to see what's going to happen next.

5. Biggest disappointment

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. I was really excited about this one. Every single person ever was saying how amazing this book was. The writing, plot, and characters were suppose to be great. Although all those different aspects were good, I feel like all the hype caused my expectations to be too high, and in the end, it fell a little flat for me. I also found the story kind of predictable. Nothing surprised me and I called the ending from miles away. 

6. Biggest surprise

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I tried to read this book back in 9th grade and really didn't like it. I thought it was boring, the writing was bad, and the characters were crappy people. So although the characters are kind of crappy people, when I read this for school this year, I fell in love! The writing is absolutely beautiful and the plot is very complex. I'm really happy I had to read this, or else I would have never known what an amazing novel it is.

7. Favorite new author

Ruta Sepetys. While reading Salt to the Sea, I fell in love with Sepetys' writing style. It's beautiful, simple, and she doesn't shy away from punching you with the truth. I love how each one of her books hold's something personal to her and each story sounds so interesting. It's awesome to see authors taking unknown events and creating such awareness to them in their novels. I cannot wait to read more of her books and see what else she writes in the future. 

8. Newest fictional crush

Gavril from Sea of Shadows by Kelley Armstrong. I read this book in August, and guys, I found a new fictional crush! He's the best, oh my goodness I love him. So far the second book he isn't in and it's driving me crazy. He is so sweet and cares about Moria so much, plus he's sassy and sarcastic. What's not to love? He'll be back and everything will turn out great, it has to!

9. Newest Favorite Character(s). 

Every single character from The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater. This book has some of the best characters I have ever read. I love them so much! Each character has their own distinct personality and voice and I really like how Stiefvater made them all so different, but you can still relate to each one and enjoy them. I can't even begin to choose a favorite character from this series, they're all just that great!

10. Book that made you cry

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. This book ripped my heart out of my chest, smashed it up into little pieces, stuck it in a blender, and threw it off a cliff. When I finished it, I was nannying and I just sat there with tears running down my eyes. The little boy I watch came over and sat next to me, gave me a cuddle and started crying right along with me. It was adorable. 

11. A book that made you happy

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate Dicamillo. This book is so darn cute! Every time I think about it I smile. It's such an adorable story and no matter what, it is bound to make you happy. You can't help but fall in love with the adorable little mouse and his mission. Go do yourself a favor and read it, please. 

12. Most beautiful book you've bought

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. This is my all time favorite book, so when I saw this 10th anniversary edition at Costco, I had to pick it up. Look at it! It's beautiful. I love how simple and clean it is. Plus it's full of bonus material, so of course I had to pick it up. No regrets, none at all.

13. What book(s) do you need to read before the end of the year?

Far Far Away by Tom McNeal. This book sounds so cool! It has one of the Brother Grimm ghosts in it and beautiful writing. I've been wanting to read it, but I've kept putting it off. I'm thinking of starting it this October. It sounds like a good read for that time of year. 

14. Favorite book community members

My favorite book blogger is for sure Cait from Paper Fury. She has so many fun blog posts and I love her reviews. I would highly recommend you go check her out. There are also so many amazing booktubers I love to watch. Check out Lilly of course, and I also love Regan from Peruse Project. 

What bookish things have been freaking you out lately? Any book bloggers or booktubers you'd recommend?

With love,

Elizabeth