2022 was a tough year. Unbelievably, 2023 has been even worse. I won't go into any details, but I think absence of new posts is usually the best indicator that life challenges have been all-consuming. Things are getting a bit better now, so here I am with my mid-year update on reading. In hindsight, I am very glad I did not set any reading goals for myself for 2023. It is good to be able to just read whatever I want and frankly enjoy the escapism that books allow.
1. Number of books read so far this year:
50 - my Goodreads goal is set at 100 for the year, so I am right on target!
2. Best book you’ve read so far in 2023:
Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano. It touched me enough that I actually posted a review of it on my blog despite going through a lot of emotional turmoil at the time.
3. Best sequel you've read so far in 2020
I have not read many sequels this but, I must say, Aurora's End was a very satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. I highly recommend it for Sci-Fi fans.
3. New release you haven't read yet, but want to
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. This is a fantasy romance that is insanely popular at the moment. A lot of book bloggers I follow say it is fun and takes you back to the feeling you got reading Divergent and Hunger Games, but with DRAGONS (!!). I could definitely use some fun and have actually just started this book last night. I am only 20 pages in and already loving it.
4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year
I have not really been focused on following upcoming releases, but if I like Fourth Wing, it's sequel is coming out this fall.
5. Biggest disappointment
The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni. I just don't understand why this trilogy is popular. Book 1 had major plot holes and I barely got through it.
6. Biggest surprise
Do NOT be fooled by the cover! Yes, this is fantasy romance, but the world is complex, the plot is interesting - it really felt like reading an epic adventure than anything else. I will definitely be reading the sequel.
7. Favorite new author. (Debut or new to you)
Hands down Hester Fox. I just finished her new release The Last Heir to Blackwood Library and absolutely loved it. Set in post-WWI Yorkshire in a remote Abbey, it is a gothic story complete with ghosts, mysteries, an unreliable narrator and even some romance. I can't wait to dig into Hester Fox' backlist.
8. Newest fictional crush
I am hoping Xaden from Fourth Wing will be in this spot. Right now, it is Wynter Atrialan from The Winter King.
9. Newest favorite character
Khamsin Coruscate, Princess of Summerlea and summoner of Storms, from The Winter King.
10. Book that made you cry
Group by Christie Tate and Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi. Both of these books are going to be my favorites of the year. Both are heartbreaking and poignant. Definitely recommend them.
11. Book that made you happy
I love the series about the Vanderbeekers family and every book is a delight!
12. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?
On my immediate TBR are
Babel by R.F. Kuang
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Picture in the Sand by Peter Blauner, and
Briefly, A Delicious Life by Nell Stevens
