As you can probably guess by the title of this post, it’s finally the middle of the year, and it’s time for us to F R E A K O U T(!!) 😱 2019 has been a year filled with good books, great friends, and thousands of words written and read. I’ve been procrastinating for this tag for a while, but I knew this was one I wanted to get done because I love reflecting back on the year and seeing all the books read and loved.
Best Book You’ve Read This Year
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. This was a book I never expected to pick up and probably never would have if it weren’t for the constant praises from the blogging community. 💚 I didn’t think historical fiction would be my cup of tea, but after hearing everyone talk about how this book left their souls shattered, I knew I had to pick it up. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo left me in tears. I didn’t expect to become so invested into the famous Evelyn Hugo’s life but seeing her journey and how deeply she loved was riveting.
Best Sequel You’ve Read in 2019
The Princess and the Fangirl by Ashley Poston. I loved Elle and Darien in Geekerella and being reunited with these two wonderful characters plus meeting even more amazing ones in this book was so much fun. ✨ In this story, Imogen and Stone were recreated in the Prince and the Pauper tale, and Ashley Poston’s humor and charm perfectly captures the spirit of the fairy tale we all know and love, presenting it in a creative and unique way. The Starfield franchise is the best thing ever because it just perfectly captures all the passion and love fans have for the series.
New Release You Haven’t Read Yet But Want To?
The Fever King by Victoria Lee. OKAY OKAY I KNOW. I’m the worst because I have been saying that I need to read this book even before it was released, but I honestly think that I’ve just been procrastinating on reading this book because I’m terrified of not liking it. EVERYONE I know who has read it has fallen in love with the characters and story. There are fandom shirts. ⚡️ There’s a webcomic now. I honestly just need to bite the bullet and pick it up because I have high hopes that I’ll enjoy it, but the fear of potentially not liking it has been keeping me away.
🌺 Related: 6 Books On My Immediate TBR
Most Anticipated Release For The Second Half Of The Year?
The Dragon Warrior by Katie Zhao. Katie is one of the sweetest people on the internet, and I absolutely cannot wait to support her upcoming debut novel. She’s such a kind and funny person, and her writing snippets of The Dragon Warrior makes me laugh every time. I can’t wait to meet Faryn, and since the book is branded as similar to Percy Jackson, I already know that I’m going to love and enjoy it. I’m super lucky to have received an ARC from the publisher so I’m planning on diving into this book very soon. This is a book that I already know I’m going to be gifting to younger cousins and sharing with all my friends!
🌺 Related: Most Highly Anticipated Asian Fantasy Releases for 2019
Biggest Disappointment?
Again, But Better by Christine Riccio. Christine was one of the first BookTube videos that I ever watched so I was initially really excited to read her debut novel. However, although it had lots of potential, the entire story just fell flat for me. I couldn’t bring myself to support the problematic relationship between the main love interests which was based on cheating, and since the story felt like a self-insert fantasy, it made me view Christine in an iffy way. 😕 The main character’s parents were also extremely emotionally abusive, but this factor was never addressed in the book. Overall, this book just wasn’t my cup of tea.
Wildcard by Marie Lu. I loved the first book in this series so imagine my disappointment when I was introduced to Book 2. The character development of Emika and Hideo just got thrown out the window, and the plotline flew off the rails in terms of a logical direction. 😭 The world-building fell flat in comparison to the first book so instead of being fully immersed in the Warcross world, we’re faced with more unnecessary drama and over-the-top dialogue. I’m still a fan of Marie Lu’s books, but this one just wasn’t for me. I think the best part of this book was that I got to bond with Shealea over our disappointed feelings~
🌺 Related: Buddy Read Review: Warcross by Marie Lu
Biggest Surprise?
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo. This book wasn’t high on my radar or TBR, but after reading Shealea’s review and hearing her and Fadwa’s praises, I knew this was one I had to pick up. When it became available in my online library, I decided to give the audiobook a listen, and I loved Emoni and her family so much. 🥭 Her abuela was the sweetest, and her little daughter was so adorable. With the Fire on High was such a powerful story about motherhood. The food descriptions had my mouth watering, and I loved reading about Emoni’s passion for cooking.
Newest Fictional Crush?
Lennon from Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett. Jenn Bennett has easily become one of my favorite contemporary writers, and this book might just be my favorite out of all the ones she’s written. Zorrie and Lennon are the definition of best-friends-to-enemies-to-lovers, and Jenn Bennet writes this trope so freaking well(!!) I loved their interactions and their friendship, and the slow-burn throughout the story was so real. 🌟 He showed so much care and understanding towards Zorrie, and he was super swoon-worthy~
Book That Made You Cry?
Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han. Maybe it’s because I just recently wrote my review for this book last week, but the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy will forever hold a special place in my heart. 💖 The characters have grown to be familiar friends, and I genuinely feel like part of the family. Seeing the entire story conclude in this last book made me feel so incredibly emotional and had me all up in my ~feels~. Watching Lara Jean conclude her senior year and go off to college felt like seeing my younger sister grow older.
🌺 Related: Review: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
🌺 Related: Review: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
Book That Made You Happy?
If I’m Being Honest by Emily Wibberely and Austin Siegemund-Broka. Okay, so according to Ju…I’m basically an Emily and Austin stan account, and honestly, I’m totally fine with that. Emily and Austin are easily my top auto-buy authors, and I was over-the-moon excited when Penguin Teen invited me to participate in their blog tour. 🌴 Cameron and Brendan were so cute together, and I 110% supported their budding friendship and eventual romance. Everything about this book just had me smiling from ear to ear!
Favorite Book-To-Film Adaptation?
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to watch this movie in theaters, but my friends and I decided to watch it for movie night a few weeks ago…and I was crying my eyes out by the end of this movie. WOW. Like the book, this movie was POWERFUL. ✊🏼 It’s honestly something that everyone should read, and the film did a great job of capturing so many of the intense scenes and feelings. While some parts were cut out from the original book, I think it made sense given the timeframe.
Favorite Post You Have Done This Year?
I guess you could say that my favorite post is New Blog, New Me because I got to introduce my self-hosted site to the world after spending weeks working behind-the-scenes to find a new look. I’m so happy with the final product, and I just get super happy seeing my new site out there in the world!
I also really enjoyed writing my How To Make Pretty & Aesthetic Mood Boards post because I’d like to think that I’m well known for making pretty aesthetics. It’s one of my favorite sub-activities in blogging, and I’m so proud of the mood boards that I’ve created. If you ever make a mood board following my tips, please let me know!
Most Beautiful Book You’ve Bought This Year?
Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim. I don’t own many physical copies of books, but I was super ecstatic to receive a copy from the publisher as part of the book tour hosted by Shealea from Caffeine Book Tours. 🧵 It’s one of my favorite covers because I think it’s just so beautifully illustrated. The details in the drawing make it all the more beautiful, but everything comes together so cohesively to represent the story that Elizabeth Lim created!
Tagging my amazing friends 💖:
- Kay from Hammock of Books
- Marie from Drizzle and Hurricane Books
- Kelly from Another Book in the Wall
- Olivia from Purely Olivia
- Malka & Chana from Paper Procrasinators
Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest
Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest
Read By Tiffany 
Ahhhhhh I love it I love it!!! I loved reading what you liked or what you didn’t or what surprised you about the books. Your selection is so diverse, that now I’ve got a few I want to check out as well. ☺️☺️
LikeLike
Aww thank you so so much!! I’m really glad that you love my selection of books 🥰 I think I got really lucky with tons of amazing reads this year!
LikeLike
You’re welcome ^_^
LikeLike
I just love when people do this tag because it’s such a wonderful way of wrapping up the first half of the year! And we’re in the exact same situation with The Fever King. I was anticipating it when it still didn’t have a cover or full synopsis. Then it came out to wonderful reviews, and I just don’t know why I haven’t read it yet! I was planning to in March, but then I didn’t and it just flew off just radar? I’m gonna be so sad if I don’t enjoy it though 😦
honestly I kind agree that you are an Austin and Emily stan account, but your excitement is so infectious and it’s part of the reason why both of their published books are on my immediate TBR. I really hope you get an arc of their third book. You deserve it so much 💕
Also I have a hardcover copy of With the Fire on High and it’s BEAUTIFUL. Elizabeth Acevedo has wonderful writing and I can’t wait to read more of it!
LikeLike
WAIT AGREED. I’m honestly really glad then that we’re in the same boat. I’ve just been hearing so many great things, but I keep procrasinating on reading it. And now that it’s been so long, I keep continuing to push it off for other releases! I have high hopes that we’ll both enjoy it though 🥰
LOLOL OKAY I’M GLAD THAT MY EXCITEMENT GETS YOU EXCITED FOR #WIBBROKA. Caitlin I swear if I got an ARC of their third book I would actually cry. 😭(but lowkey i do think i’m pretty good publicity for them LOL)
yes!! the cover is so gorgeous and i heard the inside of the jacket or the book has mangoes?? i think that’s just adorable. i can’t wait for you to read it!! i’m excited to read the poet x now because of it~
LikeLike
I’m looking forward to The Dragon Warrior as well. I love what you have to say about If I’m Being Honest. I’ll have to check it out! And I agree that the cover to Spin the Dawn is gorgeous! I’m looking forward to what they do for book 2 🙂
LikeLike
ahhh yesss i’m so excited to support Katie and TDW is supposed to be similar to Percy Jackson and i freaking LOVED PJO so I’m super excited!! def go pick up IF IM BEING HONEST if you get the chance~~
LikeLike
“If I’m Being Honest” was so good! Really enjoyed that one. I’ve heard from many that “Again, But Better” was disappointing.
LikeLike
Yes!! IF I”M BEING HONEST is one that you should definitely pick up 🥰I’d definitely recommend it. and yeaaaa AGAIN BUT BETTER didn’t meet my expectations 😕
LikeLike
I loved reading this tag and all your answers!!
I loved the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo as well– it was so good and it captured so many different things, I loved it!!
I need to read the fever king— I keep forgetting about it then I see it and all the feelings of I must read this immediately come flooding back! So I will read it soon– I will put it on a post-it note and remember!!
I’m sorry Wildcard didn’t live up to Warcross– I read Warcross this year and I do want to read the sequel even though I have heard mixed things about it. I think maybe going in with lowered expectations might help.. maybe??
I really want to read With The Fire On High– I’ve heard a lot of incredible things and it does sound amazing. Plus I don’t think I read from the perspective of a mother before.
I definitely need to read Starry Eyes now it sounds amazing!!!
Great post– I loved reading it!! ❤
LikeLike
Aww thanks, Sophie!! I’m not sure if you’ve done this tag yet but I’d love to see your answers 😍 I think going into Wildcard with lower expectations will definitely help because Warcross was just TOO good in comparison. I think you’ll really really love with the fire on high!! if you get a chance to read the audiobook, i’d defintiely recommend it 🙂 It’s honestly such an inspiring yet also heartwarming book about a teenage mother.
Starry Eyes is definitely one of my favorite books ever, and the romance was just UGH so wonderful!! I hope you pick up all of these amazing books ❤️
LikeLike
Yes I did do this tag– it is a really fun tag to do!!
Yes I will try not to compare it to Warcross and see what I think. I do want to see how the story concludes though.
Oh ok I will try to look for the audiobook!! It sounds like a lovely book– I can’t wait to read it!!
Thank you– I will try to read them all!! ❤
LikeLike
I LOVED “If I’m Being Honest”! Those authors have topped my “must buy” list. I think they’re planning to come out with another book in 2020 thank gosh!
Great post!
LikeLike
YES!! Their next book TIME OF OUR LIVES will be out in 2020, and I’m SO excited for it! I totally agree that they’re must-buy authors. I can’t wait for both of us to read it~
LikeLike
Ahhh so many great books here that I need to get! I can’t wait to read Spin the Dawn, it looks amazing. I got an ARC of Again, But Better but I never ended up reading it. I was disappointed by Wildcard, too! I’m excited for Rebel, though I just hope it’s good because I LOVE the Legend series. *crosses fingers*
LikeLike
AHHH Sounds like you have such an exciting TBR coming up 😍 I really enjoyed SPIN THE DAWN, and I hope you do too! If you have an ARC of AGAIN BUT BETTER I still think it’s worth the read. It’s just a little weird if you watched Christine as a booktuber because you might see too close of connections. I am SO FREAKING EXCITED as well for REBEL!! I totally understand your feels because the LEGEND series was one of my absolute faves. 💖
LikeLike
I got Spin the Dawn today from the library, I can’t wait! Okay awesome. I don’t watch Christine, so it sounds like I may like it better! :))
LikeLike
Thanks for the tag ❤ I also loved Princess and the Fangirl, and Always and Forever Lara Jean made me cryyy ❤ I really need to read If I'm Being Honest, Spin the Dawn, and Seven Husbands (I'm the last person left in the universe who hasn't read this one apparently). I hope your second half of the year is amazing!
LikeLike
Ahh I’m excited to see your answers Kay!! Princess and the Fangirl was such a great read, and YESSS the TALTBILB will forever hold a special place in my heart ❤️OMG you DEF need to read IFIBH, STD, and Seven Husbands. They’re just SO freaking good and I loved them all with all my heart~~ I hope your second half of the year is also amazing!
LikeLike
Thank you so much for the tag! We actually did this one in early June because I wanted to take the whole mid-year thing as literally as possible!
I read Starry Eyes last year and I totally agree with you about Lennon! He’s the absolute best and that relationship was handled masterfully! And while I wasn’t exactly surprised by With the Fire On High, I did really enjoy it and I’m so happy you did as well! And I keep hearing everyone praise If I’m Being Honest! I bought that book the week it acmes out, and then just let it sit on my shelf ever since! I’m ashamed at myself!
LikeLike
AHHH I’m so sorry I didn’t realize! My tag definitely did come a month late 😅
Lennon was SUCH a swoon worthy love interest!! His care for Zorrie made me fall in love, and everything about the book was so great! and MALKAAAA You have to pick it up!! Emily and Austin are two of my favorite authors, and I’d love to hear what you think of their book~~
LikeLike
Don’t worry about it! 💕
And I know, I know! I really want to read it! But I’ve been very slumpy recently, and combined with my mood reading tendencies, I’ve just been waiting until the time feels right for me to read it!
LikeLike
I loved reading this so much! I’m also super excited for The Dragon Warrior, esp. since it’s being marketed as something similar to Percy Jackson. I’m currently rereading Percy with the hubby (since he’s never read it before), and I’m feeling ALL THE EMOTIONS. I’ve also not yet watched The Hate U Give (I keep thinking I might read the book), but I’m so glad to hear that it is a great adaption!
LikeLike
AWW thank you Kat!! Feel free to do this tag too if you haven’t yet~~ and OMG YESSS I’m honestly so so excited for TDW and I’m just going to shout about it to everyone since it’s simialr to PJO and people are more familiar with that 😉
and AGHHHH KAT THAT”S SO CUTE!! My boyfriend hasn’t read it before so I might try to get him to listen to the audiobooks or pick up the books. and omg you HAVE to watch THUG. I was feeling so sad and empowered and everything during the movie and crying a bunch!!
LikeLike
This was such a lovely post to read! I love that Evelyn Hugo was your fav book so far, it’s such a great read! Ashley Poston is one of my favorite authors and I can’t wait for her next addition to the geek series!
I was also incredibly disappointed with Again but Better, I’d anticipated it so much and it just wasn’t good? And someday soon, I want to watch The Hate U Give, it’s on my list!
LikeLike
AWW thank you, Liz!! I hope work has been going well~~
Evelyn Hugo HIT ME SO HARD IN THE FEELS!! I can’t wait for the next book in the geek series for Ashley Poston too because idk it just captures all the fangirl feels so ~perfectly~
I can relate so much with what you thought about for AGAIN BUT BETTER. I just expected so much more? ehh I hope her next book will be better though!
and O M G LIZ I SWEAR TO YOU YOU WILL LOVE THUG!! IT WAS SO FREAKING GOOD~~
LikeLike
Thank you so much for the tag, Tiffany! ❤ I fell so head over heels in love with Lennon when I read Starry Eyes! He is the absolute best! And I cannot wait for the Dragon Warrior! Katie is so sweet, and I'm sure I will love the book with all my heart! You've also reminded me that I seriously need to read the Princess and the Fangril soon!
LikeLike
Yes!! Lennon is just so cute and was so amazing in the book 🥰Super swoon-worthy~ I have high hopes for The Dragon Warrior a lot!! I can’t wait to hype it up for everyone~~ and YESSSS please read it sometime soon!!
LikeLike
Now you’ve reminded me that I HAVE to read The Princess and the Fangirl very soon! And The Dragon Warrior is high on my TBR too! Looks like you’ve had a great reading year so far!
LikeLike
Yes!!! Nicole!! If you liked Geekerella, you’ll LOVE princess and fangirl!! and omg i’m so so excited for TDW and i can’t wait for the world to fangirl about it~~ i hope you’re having a great reading year so far too!!
LikeLike
I’m kinda glad I’m not the only one who did this so late. I haven’t read too much of these books, but I totally agree with on THUG. I loved the adaptation, and it’s also a bonus was that Thomas worked on the film to make it her vision.
I’m also anticipating The Dragon Warrior and I’m kinda jealous that you got an ARC of that book.
LikeLike
Yea I was definitely behind schedule on posting this, but I’m glad that I finally got around to it! EXACTLY I’m so glad that she got to work on the movie and make sure it stayed loyal.
I was really lucky to get a copy, but I hope you get a chance to read it once it’s out!! I really adore Katie, and I have a feeling it’s going to be good~
LikeLike
i picked the hate you give for favorite book-to-film adaption as well! the movie never made it to theatres where i live, but i had the chance to watch it on the plane. the hate you give is such a powerful book, and i felt that the film did the story justice.
and i didn’t know the princess and the fangirl was based on another story! i thought the author had totally abandoned the whole story retelling idea, but apparently i was wrong hahaha.
LikeLike
hi chloe!! i just went to poke around your blog, and can i just say i love your aesthetic?? it’s so cute and marshmallow + pudding is just so soft and cute 😍
i’m so glad that you love the hate you give because i think it was SO underrated in the states. i really wish that it got more attention and love because it’s so especially relevant.
i think the princess & the fangirl was a spinoff of geekerella but i think it still did a really great job! it’s super geeky and cute, and i think it’s something us book bloggers can appreciate ~
thanks for dropping by!!
LikeLike
thank you so much tiffany! your blog design and aesthetic is also one of my favorites ❤
i actually didn't know there's a sequel to geekerella until a few months after the release date of the princess and the fangirl, and i read it as soon as i found out about it because i loved the first book so much! i really liked the lgbtq+ representation 😀
LikeLike
I read Evelyn Hugo last year and ended up loving it so much as well! I never would have picked it up without all the praise from the bookish community too and it was totally worth it💚 I also cannot believe that I still haven’t seen the THUG movie adaption, it’s really time to watch it 😱
LikeLike
Yes exactly!! I never would have picked this book up if it weren’t for all the praise in the book community, but I’m so glad that I did! 😍 OMG Caro!! You will sob tears at the THUG movie. It’s just too great~ Thank you for reading my tag! If you ever do this tag, please let me know. I’d love to see your answers ✨
LikeLike
So many of the books on here I need to read! Glad you’ve had more highs than lows, it seems. I need to read THUG before I watch the movie, clearly.
LikeLike
I would definitely recommend so so many of these books, and YES!!! YOU ABSOLUTELY NEED TO WATCH IT. I was balling tears 😭❤️ I hope you get a chance to watch it sometime soon~
LikeLike
Aww I’m sorry that Again, but Better fell flat for you. I actually really loved it–I listened to the audiobook and had so much fun reading it. I thought it was a really cute story and it’s actually become one of my favorite contemporaries! And omg the cover of Spin the Dawn is soo gorgeous *heart eyes* I have an arc and not a finished copy but I might have to get one because it’s just that beautiful.
LikeLike
Ooo I’m glad to hear that you liked it then! I can definitely understand because audiobooks can make the experience so much better 💖
YESSS the cover for Spin the Dawn is just GORGEOUS and I love it so much. Ahh an ARC is still just as special Cailin!! I hope you love it when you read it~
LikeLike
I know what you mean about being afraid you will not like a book everyone seems to enjoy (that’s me with Evelyn Hugo lol)! I really do hope you give The Fever King a chance and love it as much as I did, because it is truly such a great book – I own it in two formats!
Happy rest of 2019, Tiffany!
LikeLike
OOOO Okay that is honestly such great reassurance (I’ve literally been putting this book off for almost a year) Everyone just loves it, and I really really hope I do too. I have some other ARCs I need to knock out first, but thanks for giving me the nudge I need 😭❤️
LikeLike