Mid-Year Book Freak out Tag

2017 has been an interesting year for my reading, January was a great reading month, but I slumped badly until booktubeathon and now I’m back on track. I’ve currently read 36/50 books for my goodreads challenge, so I thought I’d do this tag to look back on m reading so far this year.

1. The Best Book You’ve Read In 2017 So Far:
   

   The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli

   Oh gosh, even thinking about this book gives me so many emotions. After reading (and loving) Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda last year, I was very nervous going into this, I was very unsure whether it would live up to my expectations, but thankfully, it completely smashed them. I remember staying up until 2am because I just couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened. And, I remember just crying because I got so emotionally invested to the characters and the relationships they had were so raw and honest, it just broke me when anything bad happened to them. The other great thing about Becky Albertalli’s books, is that she always has such a diverse cast, but she does it in a way that’s subtle and it’s not shoved down your throat. I’m very excited to see if any book will match this, cause I absolutely adored it.
2. Favourite Sequel Of The Year
   

   Faking It by Cora Carmack

   Although this book didn’t come out this year, I had to include it because it was without a doubt the best sequel. Although, this book may be thought of as more of a companion novel, we do still see characters from Losing It. I enjoyed Losing It but it didn’t blow me away, however, this certainly did, I loved how true the relationship felt, it wasn’t forced or insta-lovey, it was just two people who you could see truly cared for each other. I really hope I can find a copy of Finding It because I really want to continue on with this series.
3. A New Release You Haven’t Read But Really Want To
   

   Margot & Me by Juno Dawson

   Juno Dawson is one of my absolute favourite authors, but due to exams and slumps, I haven’t yet got round to this. Hopefully before the end of the year I can get to this, because I was so hyped to read it, and though it has died down a bit, the announcement of her new book Clean has motivated me to prioritise this.
4. Most Anticipated Release For The 2nd Half Of The Year
   

   It Only Happens In The Movies by Holly Bourne

   I loved the Spinster Club series, and Holly Bourne’s writing is just getting better and better with every book she writes. I love supporting UK authors, and I’ve been really trying to read more UKYA this year, so this is getting me so hyped. I was lucky enough to meet Holly back in 2014 and honestly she was so lovey and is so talented that I will probably pick up everything she publishes.
5. Biggest Disappointment 
   

   Because You Love To Hate Me edited by Ameriie

   It pains me to say this, but this wasn’t good. I’ve always had a problem with short stories because I feel there’s always a lack of development because there’s no room for build up, this makes me feel so disconnected from the story. I loved Andrew Smith’s and Samantha Shannon’s stories but the rest just didn’t interested me, even though I read books by a lot of the authors and loved them (*cough* Nicola Yoon *cough*)
6. Biggest Suprise Of The Year
   

   The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

   When I went on holiday, I finished all the books I took with me, so I had to go to the hotel’s shelves to find my next read. I picked this up purely because I’ve heard of the film, never seen it, and I was expecting a fluffy, slightly cringy love story. However, what I got was a touching and heart-breaking story of how first love impacts you, as well as how people’s lives change when you don’t see them for years. Now I need to watch the film and finally understand the hype.
7. Favourite New-To-You or Debut Author
   

   Noah Can’t Even by Simon James Green

   As I said earlier, I love supporting UK authors, and when people started dubbing this book the UK’s answer to Simon Vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda, I had to pick it up, and it didn’t disappoint. Although, some might say there’s too much drama, I think it was so necessary to the story, Simon James Green really captured what it’s like to be a teenager at secondary school and I’m so excited to see what else he publishes.
8. New Fictional Crush
   

   The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp

   I might be a bit biased because he was played by Miles Teller in the film, but I feel in love with the mess that is Sutter Keely. Something about him was so endearing and loveable. Although we see Sutter is a bit of a train-wreck, I could’t help but root for him.
9. New Favourite Character 
   

   Delirium by Lauren Oliver

   Don’t worry I’m not talking about Lena, we all know she was extremely whiny and annoying. I fell in love with her best friend Hana, her POV in Requiem was the highlight of the whole series, and her voice was so present and refreshing. I just wish the series was focused on her and not Lena.
10. A Book That Made You Cry
    

    Just A Girl Standing In Front Of A Boy by Lucy-Anne Holmes

    I can’t explain why I cried at this without spoiling it, but I can explain my appreciation for the mother-daughter relationship in this book. I feel like it’s such an overused trope in YA, having deceased, separated or unsupportive parents so it was so lovely to read about a daughter who truly respects her mum and the compassion the pair have for each other was so heartwarming.
11.  A Book That Made You Happy
    

    And A Happy New Year? by Holly Bourne

    Lottie, Amber and Evie’s friendship is one of my all-time favourites and I honestly didn’t realise there’s was going to be another book in the series. Although this was only a short book, it was so nice to see where they are now and what the future has in store for them. This book, although it had it’s downs, it just filled me with joy.
12. Your Favourite Adaptation Of 2017
    

    Murder On The Orient Express by Agatha Christie

    Although this is not yet out, I can’t not mention it because I am ridiculously excited. So many great actors, and a story I adored last year. I cannot wait for this to be released and I’m hoping it becomes one of my favourite adaptations of all-time.

13. Most Beautiful Book You’ve Bought This Year
    

    Caraval by Stephanie Garber

    This book is stunning, hardcovers are very rare in the UK so it really stands out. I’m excited to dive into this despite the mixed reviews, and hopefully it’s as beautiful as the cover.
14. Books You Need To Read By The End Of The Year
    

    Queen Of Shadows & Empire Of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

    I adore Srah J. Maas’ books, but they’re so intimidating, however, before the end of this year, I really want to get to these bricks before the end of the year, and hopefully before Tower of Dawn is released. I’m very excited to dive back into this world, but I may have to look at some recaps.

I would love to know what you’re favourite read of 2017 has been so far, let me know in the comments. And if you haven’t done this tag, consider yourself tagged!