I did my own mid-year check-in last year, but I thought I'd do this tag this year, which is popular among book bloggers and BookTubers, and make it an annual thing. I've read 182 books so far, so I've already met my goal (of 175 books) but I still need to meet my YA goal of 10 books.
This post comes from Beaches and Books, who found it from its original creators, Earl Grey Books and Chami. It's a series of questions reflecting on your year of reading so far. Sit back and enjoy!
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Best Book You've Read So Far in 2024
I've given several 5 stars out to some BL this year, but in terms of actual fiction, I think The Butcher of the Forest by Premee Mohamed is my favorite. I gave it four stars instead of five because I wanted it to continue, but it's a memorable, atmospheric piece of fiction that I can't forget about.
Best Sequel You've Read So Far in 2024
After We Gazed at the Starry Sky Vol. 2 by Bisco Kida is one of many sequels this year I gave 5 stars to. This is a sweet romance about a man with a disability who has to use a wheelchair, and the photographer who loves him. Volume 2 didn't really have any major conflicts, but was just wholesome and sweet as the two move in together and are trying to make a life for each other.
New Release You Haven't Read Yet, But Want To
I want to get into The Poisons We Drink by Bethany Baptiste. Bethany shared some details on Twitter about the magic system (love potions) and it was honestly one of the coolest, most creative systems I've ever seen. It really resonated with me. I need to get on with this!
Most Anticipated Release for the Second Half of the Year
T. Kingfisher's A Sorceress Comes to Call comes out in August and it's another fairy tale reimagining, this time "The Goose Girl" from the Brothers Grimm.
Biggest Disappointment
A horror novel inspired by "The Fall of the House of Usher" by Edgar Allan Poe ended up disappointing me. I gave it three stars when I was hoping for a four.
Biggest Surprise
Dear My Killer Tune by Iyada was a pleasant surprise. It's about a fan who idolizes a guitar player, and the start of a very real relationship between the two, which began out of a chance meeting! I really like how the manga focused on the tenuous line between idolization and true love. Plus, it's just really sweet. A nice age gap romance, too!
Favorite New Author (Debut or New to You)
For the first time I ever I read a new author named Kell Woods, who wrote a dark fairy tale story inspired by Hansel and Gretel. I really enjoyed reading it and I want to see more from this author.
Favorite Fictional Crush
Minato from the Secret XXX, Therapy Game, and Therapy Game Restart series by Meguru Hinohara (currently ongoing) is a cutie I don't mind having a crush on. Although he'd never give me the time of day, ha ha!
Newest Favorite Character(s)
So many of what I've read this year so far are continuations of previous stories, so I can't think of any new characters I like!
Book That Made You Cry
I didn't full-on cry, but there was something about Sachi Narashima's Cosmetic Playlover Vol. 4 that really had me emotional and mist up! I gave it five stars.
Book That Made You Happy
Anzu and the Realm of Darkness by Mai K. Nguyen is a middle grade graphic novel that took me back to the myths of Japan and had me feeling nostalgic. The story focuses on the goddess Izanami and the underworld of Yomi...although there are some changes to the myth, too, that makes this story fresh and sweet.
Most Beautiful Book You Bought So Far This Year
The Heart of Thomas is a beautiful hardcover edition of Moto Hagio's work. I'm not familiar with Heart of Thomas but I read A Cruel God Reigns by Moto Hagio and had a feeling I'd be in for a beautiful, emotional ride.
What books do you need to read by the end of the year?
I need to read 10 YA fantasies! I have a handful already and raring to go; I just haven't been able to get into them because I've been having an easier time reading manga. We're only halfway through the year, though...so wish me luck, please!