Recent Updates | 2022 Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag

Hi everyone! I'm going to do something a bit different today. I haven't been around this year for a whole host of reasons, but long covid and too many commitments have been at the top of that list. Things are improving in both of those areas, and I'd love to get back to updating this space. I've decided to do the Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag because I think it's a great way to catch up on my bookish year so far, and also I just really like this tag so I'm happy to have it motivate me today!

1. Best book you’ve read so far in 2022?

Bad Witch Burning by Jessica Lewis - This book had such an emotional impact on me. It was fantastic.

 

2. Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2022?

The Collectors (Fright Watch #2) by Lorien Lawrence - Fright Watch is such a fun series. It's kids who are like the neighborhood watch combating evil neighbors.

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

My goal as I try to get some of my personal time back is to be able to read new releases as I get them. I'm trying to catch up right now so I can get to that point. The book I probably want to read most from my 2022 purchases is The Hunger of the Gods by John Gwynne, but I will need to read The Shadow of the Gods first!

4. Most anticipated release for the second half of 2022?

This was a tough one because there are several books I'm super excited about this year, but I'm going to have to say the upcoming fantasy book from Stephen King is probably at the top of the list.

Fairy Tale by Stephen King

5. Biggest disappointment?

I'm going to have to go with Mine by Delilah S. Dawson. It just didn't have the heart of a middle grade horror so it was a miss for me. It's highly rated on Goodreads so it's probably not a bad book, but it wasn't what makes me tick when I pick up a middle grade so I was disappointed.

6. Biggest surprise?

I'm struggling with how to phrase this because I don't want to sound like I'm bashing YA. You guys know I read a lot of YA, but it's my least favorite age level because I'm often not interested in the themes of this age range. However - I've read so many great YA horror books lately including White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson. I highly recommend it.

7. New favorite author?

Hands down - Catriona Ward. I read The Last House on Needless Street last year, and while it wasn't my favorite book of the year, it was definitely my favorite reading experience of the year. I'm in the middle of reading Sundial by Catriona Ward right now, and it has solidified her as a new favorite must read author.

8. Newest fictional crush?

I don't think I read the right type of books for this question. Lots of horror and thrillers I really shouldn't be crushing on so I'm happy to report no one.

9. Newest favorite character?

As I was scrolling through my books, Ophie popped out as the most memorable character in the list. I hope we get more books with Ophie in the future.

Ophie's Ghosts by Justina Ireland

10. Book that made you cry?

Girl in the Walls by Katy Michelle Quinn - This is a heartbreaking and wonderful tale of self-discovery.

11. Book that made you happy?

I'm currently reading Never Say You Can't Survive: How to Get Through Hard Times by Making Up Stories by Charlie Jane Anders, and it is making me really happy. There's a lot about creating whatever it is you need to create in that moment for your own wellbeing.

12. Favorite book to movie adaptation you’ve seen so far this year?

I finally watched Doctor Sleep recently, and it was so good. I'm looking forward to watching Where the Crawdads Sing very soon, too.

13. Favorite review you’ve written this year?

Probably my review of Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls by Kaela Rivera

14. Most beautiful book you bought this year?

I'm having trouble finding any pictures online but my family got me a gorgeous anniversary edition of The Princess Bride for Mother's Day this year. It's beautiful.

15. What books do you really need to read by the end of this year?

I already mentioned my goal of getting to the point where I can read books as they are released. These are the my top 3 2022 I've already purchased but have not yet read (not including Hunger of the Gods that I mentioned earlier).

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James

The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd

Thank you so much for letting me somewhat catch up today. If you want to do this tag as well, consider yourself tagged!

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This post is being shared as part of Book Date, Unleashing Readers, and Teach Mentor Texts It's Monday! What Are You Reading? and Caffeinated Book Reviewer's The Sunday Post.