I have been seeing this tag all over the blog-o-verse, as well as on BookTube, and it seemed like so much fun! I have read a total of 83 books in the first half of the year. I thought this would be a fun way to take stock of what I have read so far and evaluate what I want to read for the second half of the year. Here we go!

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1: The best book you’ve read so far this year

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

This book had so much hype, but it is completely deserved! It was so well written, and all in all just an amazing story.

2: Best sequel you’ve read so far this year

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas

This was such a highly anticipated sequel, and it did not disappoint! I never thought that Maas could get me to actually like Nesta…but here we are haha

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

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid; Half Sick of Shadows by Laura Sebastian

These were both my Book of the Month picks for June, and I am so excited to finally pick them up soon!

4: Most anticipated release for the second half of the year

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The River Has Teeth by Erica Waters (7/20/21); The Last Legacy by Adrienne Young (9/7/21); Never Saw You Coming by Erin Hahn (9/7/21); A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout (10/19/21); All the Feels by Olivia Dade (10/26/21); Here’s To Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera (12/28/21)

5: Biggest disappointment

The Night Country by Melissa Albert

I really liked The Hazel Wood, and this book just didn’t deliver what I was hoping it would. I found it kind of boring and just didn’t have the same feel as the first book. 😕

6: Biggest surprise

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Wow! I never read sci-fi (although, that seems to be changing…who am I?!) so I didn’t think this would become such a favorite for me. But, I love this series! It was so good, and I was surprised by how much I loved it and how fast I consumed this trilogy.

7: Favorite new author (debut or new to you)

Jennifer L. Armentrout

I have been absolutely loving the Blood and Ash series! It is so good!! I now really want to pick up more of Armentrout’s older titles because I want more of her writing style.

8: Newest fictional crush

Casteel from the From Blood and Ash series

He is just delightful 🥰

9: Newest favorite character

Charlie and Nick from Heartstopper

I couldn’t choose between them, so I am combining them into one. I love these two so much! I just want to squeeze them in the tightest hug. They are precious and must be protected at all costs.

10: Book that made you cry

Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon

So, I haven’t had a book actually make me cry this year, but this one got pretty darn close. Amy Harmon is a brilliant writer, and the emotions that this novel evokes are so deep and heartfelt. I really need to pick up more books by her.

11: Book that made you happy

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Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

This series is just the sweetest! I have loved all four volumes, and I cannot wait until the final volume releases next year!

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

Fable and Namesake by Adrienne Young

These two books together are just *muah* chef’s kiss 💋

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

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Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

A Universe of Wishes: A We Need Diverse Books Anthology ed. by Dhonielle Clayton

Cleopatra by Stacy Schiff

Vicious by V.E. Schwab

The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory

Book Girl by Sarah Clarkson

Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell

…and so. many. more.

I have so many books left on my TBR pile for this year. My ultimate goal is 150 books, so I couldn’t possibly fit them all here without it going on for forever. But, these are a few of the ones I most want to read before the year is out.

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How about you? What are some of your answers to these questions? Do we have any similar favorites? Let’s chat in the comments!

Love and happy reading,

Whitney