2016 Year in Review and Ringing in the New Year Book Tags

Since this week is about reflections and resolutions, I decided to end it with book tags that fit those themes.

To look back on 2016, I chose the 2016 Year in Review Book Tag, which was created by booktuber, Farah at A Booktube Book. I forgot which blog I discovered it on, but when I saw the categories, I immediately wanted to do it. It’s a humorous way to look back on a year filled with disappointing global events.

2016 Year in Review Book Tag

Trump vs. Clinton: Name your favorite character rivalry.

Tom and Jerry

Okay, so this isn’t a book or comic and I didn’t even watch it last year, but gosh, Tom and Jerry’s rivalry will always be my favorite. When I was little, I used to rush home after school so I could watch Tom & Jerry, Animaniacs, and Droopy. I loved those cartoons. Saturdays were my favorite back then because cartoons would play all morning on TV.

Turkey’s failed coup: A book you started but failed to finish. DNF.

Air Awakens by Elise Kova

It started okay, but I didn’t like the writing. However, I recently corresponded with two bloggers who did enjoy it so now I’m wondering if I should give it another shot. I really wanted to like this one.

Pokemon Go: What book did you buy or read based on the hype? Did you enjoy it?

Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat

Actually, I’ve heard mixed reviews on this one and surprisingly, it’s the negative reviews that make me want to read it. I’m so damn curious to see what it’s about.

Stranger Things: What’s one book you want everyone to read?

I was going to say the memoir When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, and I do think everyone should read it, but I don’t think it’s a book suited for everyone. Lauren Redniss’s Thunder & Lightning, however, is a nonfiction book that will suit more age ranges. It’s illustrated and easy to read, and it’s filled with lots of interesting facts about weather and various places in the world.

Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Mr. Robot: What was your favorite book cliffhanger within a series?

Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

Well, all my favorite cliffhangers occur in the Song of Ice and Fire books. Sometimes they get annoying, but they do keep me on edge and interested in the story.

The tragic crisis in Aleppo: Name the last book that made you cry or teary-eyed.

Girls in Pants by Ann Brashares

The third installment in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series made me a bit teary-eyed as I read, especially Lena’s chapters where she used art to heal the relationships in her family.

Brexit: Name a book you have an unpopular opinion towards.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

It will be published this month. I really didn’t like it, but sooo many people did so now I’m wondering if I was mistaken or if I missed something.

Four new elements discovered in the periodic table: Name an author you discovered/read for the first time [last] year.

Hyperion by Dan Simmons

I didn’t read Hyperion last year, but I did read Dan Simmon’s horror novel, Song of Kali, which was really good. It was my first time reading one of his books and I’d like to try another. Since I often hear of Hyperion, I’d like to give that one a shot.

#AllLivesMatter: Your favorite diverse read

The Only Child by Guojing (illus.)

It’s a fantasy picture book about the author’s experience growing up in China under the one-child law. The story is told using only pictures, but we get how lonely she felt having to stay home alone.

Zika Virus: A book that spread like wildfire.

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

I haven’t yet read it, but it was one of the most popular books of 2016. EVERYONE was talking about it and singing it praises.

Leonardo DiCaprio FINALLY won an Oscar: What was your most anticipated book release [last] year?

Truthwitch by Susan Dennard

I was so eager for the release of this book. The hype bit me and I couldn’t wait for it to be published. But did I read it? No. Don’t ask me why. I’ve yet to figure that out.

In memorium: Name a memorable character death.

Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa

One of my favorite characters dies in this series. I can’t remember if I’ve already read past that point in the manga though. I’ll definitely have to reread these before continuing with the rest of the books.

Samsung phones: One book that blew your mind [last] year.

Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire

It’s the fairytale-inspired fantasy story that I didn’t realize I wanted until I read it.

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That’s it for 2016. Time to look forward with the Ringing In the New Year Book Tag, which I found on Rachel’s blog, Life of a Female Bibliophile. It was created by Rae at Bookmark Chronicles.

Ringing In the New Year Book Tag

Best book and/or series that you’ve read in 2016.

Locke & Key, Vol. 1: Welcome to Lovecraft by Joe Hill, illus. by Gabriel Rodriguez

Since I already did a best of 2016 list and have mentioned those books quite often, I decided to instead highlight a book that was good but didn’t make that list. Locke & Key is a horror comic book series. The first volume was good and I loved the illustrations. This volume wasn’t scary, but it has piqued my interest in the series.

Authors that you’ve recently found and would like to read more of in the new year.

The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

I didn’t read this last year. I instead read Barbery’s The Life of Elves, which I didn’t enjoy, but I so loved her writing that I’d like to try more of her work.

Most anticipated book turned movie/tv show?

Into the Badlands

None, but here’s a TV show I can’t wait to watch: AMC’s Into the Badlands. I LOVE that show! Season one left me with so many questions. I need season two NOW!!! 😀

Name a character that you wouldn’t mind sharing a kiss with at midnight (if there is one).

Lady Mechanicka, #1 by Joe Benítez (illus.)

Umm…none so instead here’s a character who’s wardrobe I’d love to try: Lady Mechanika. She’s a sexy badass with lots of guns!

What’s on your TBR for 2017? (Top 5 will suffice if it’s an extremely long list!)

I already shared my reading plans for 2017, which included a couple TBR lists, but there were hardly any comics on them. So here are five comics/graphic novels I plan to read this year.

Batman: The Long Halloween

Batman: The Killing Joke

Velvet, Vol. 3: The Man Who Stole the World

I Hate Fairyland, Vol. 1

Through the Woods

How many books do you hope to read in 2016?

40

Will you participate in the Goodreads Reading Challenge or any others (PopSugar, Read the Books You Buy, etc.)?

Yes.

Goodreads Reading Challenge

Book Riot 2017 Read Harder Challenge

2017 Beat the Backlist

2017 Library Love Challenge

Read Diverse 2017

Any New Year’s Resolutions? (Bookish, blogging, and otherwise.)

Persevere

Stick with those hard-ass goals to the bitter end.

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😀 That’s it. If you wanna do either of these tags, please go ahead and do so.

Peace.