Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag: 2016

I think the Orang-utan Librarian can read my thoughts. Just as I was considering to do this tag, she tagged me in her post. Obviously she’s been hitting the mystic bananas.

I first did this tag last year and since then decided to do it every year. It was created by ReadLikeWildFire (a booktuber) and Ely Jayne (a blogger). Let’s get to it.

Best book you’ve read so far in 2016.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. I’m so glad to have finally read this book and it’s now a favorite. I love the story. I love how it’s written and I love most of the characters. The circus is magical and is one of the few fictional places I wish was real or I could visit.

Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2016.

I haven’t read many sequels so far this year but of the few I’ve read, the Fullmetal Alchemist ones are the best.

New release you haven’t read yet, but want to.

Truthwitch by Susan Dennard because I WANTED this book when I heard it was coming out and what the story is about. I was so excited for it and I can’t believe that I haven’t yet read it. Smh.

Most anticipated release for the second half of the year.

I’m not anticipating any releases; even the new supplemental Harry Potter book play doesn’t entice me and so far, neither does the illustrated Harry Potter book that’s slated to be released later this year. I am, however, looking forward to the release of the paperback copy of The Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma.

Biggest disappointment.

It’s a toss up between these two. Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief was a disappointment because I didn’t like the audio book, which is the medium I used to consume the story. Also, the story didn’t grip me as it first did. Witches of East End wasn’t great at all. I was hoping it would be better than the show but it’s not.

Biggest surprise.

The Martian by Any Weir. This is a sci-fi novel with hard science facts used for parts of the story. It’s about a guy stuck alone on Mars. How can any of that interest me? But I was surprised that it did.

Favorite new author. (Debut or new to you.)

Another toss up, but I guess Hiromu Arakawa isn’t exactly new to me since I’ve been watching the anime version of Fullmetal Alchemist for a year or so now. However, this year is the first that I’ve sampled Robin Hobb’s work and her Assassin’s Apprentice was fun.

Newest fictional crush.

I don’t think I have one, but I think Selim, the Turkish lieutenant in Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant by Tony Cliff, is kinda cute.

Newest favorite character.

Can I choose a character I find most intriguing instead? I don’t think I have a new favorite one. However, I find the Swallow Man in Anna and the Swallow Man by Gavriel Savit very intriguing. I guess he is kinda a new favorite character because I miss him.

Book that made you cry.

My answer to the question is actually Anna and the Swallow Man. I didn’t cry, but a tear prickled the edge of my right eye (I think it always cries first, wimp) when I got close to the end. So, why is Song of Kali above? That’s because I’ve decided to choose my most shocking read and Dan Simmons book won in that category because….I don’t even know how to make sense of it.

Book that made you happy.

I was trying to avoid using the same book twice but Robin Hobb’s Assassin’s Apprentice made me happy. Until then, most of the stories I read didn’t grip me. But this one fits the bill for the type of fantasy stories I like.

Favorite book to film adaptation you saw this year.

Uggghh…I haven’t seen any. I haven’t been to the movies since last year, which for me is dreadful, and I’ve only been watching book videos on Youtube and TV shows not based on books.

Favorite review you’ve written this year.

My favorite reviews thus far are on Anna and the Swallow Man by Gavriel Savit (great story. Go read it.) and Fullmetal Alchemist, Vols. 1-9 by Hiromu Arakawa (great story. Go read/watch it.).

Most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year (or received).

That would be Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel. The hardcover copy is beautiful with the dust jacket on and off. I haven’t read it yet though.

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

I’m horrible at TBR lists, which is why I’ve tried to avoid doing a summer one. Of the 7 books I listed for this answer last year, I read only 2 of them in that year and 1 earlier this year. But, I do love making TBR lists though I don’t adhere to them so I’m taking advantage of this opportunity to make one. Feast your eyes on what I might not read it next!

Maybe I’m overreaching. Maybe I’m not. This time I chose books I know I’m very, very likely to read.

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer = I already borrowed it from the library. It’s pages are waiting, anticipating, me reading them!

The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater = I just read Blue Lily, Lily Blue! Obviously I won’t wait until next year to read the final book…right?

Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb = Peh! I loved Assassin’s Apprentice. I can’t wait to read the second book.

Jane Steele by Lyndsay Faye = I recently read Jane Eyre. Plus, I got this shit for free. I gotta read it this year.

Hidden Bodies by Caroline Kepnes = What the hell has Joe been up to this whole damn time?? I must find out!

Through the Woods by Emily Carroll = I didn’t read it last year, so I must read it this year.

A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin = Friggin Hardcore Game of Thrones made me nostalgic about the damn story.

 John Crow’s Devil by Marlon James = I need to read all 3 of his books.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith = The movie was great. I need to read this.

The Curse of the Wendigo by Rick Yancey = Loved the first book. I need to read the second.

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov = Victoria over at Addlepates and Book Nerds just reminded me that I want to read this.

Sorcerer to the Crown by Zen Cho = It’s the Diverse SFF Book Club pick for early July and I’d like to participate.

Stardust by Neil Gaiman = I have never read his books but everyone loves him. I need to find out why.

Eldest by Christopher Paolini = It’s about time I reread this because I’m rereading the series.

Truthwitch by Susan Dennard = Yo, I wanted this book so bad earlier this year and I got it and it’s blowing my mind that I’ve yet to read the friggin book! What’s my problem?

Ok. That’s it. I tag everyone who feels like doing this tag.

Link back here or just let me know so I can see your post. 🙂

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