I have had a great reading year so far and am on track to reach my goal of 70 books. I haven’t blogged in a while because life has been so busy. But I love doing the mid year wrap-up post and I thought it would be a great way to step back into the blogging world again.
Best book you’ve read so far in 2023?
I have two that take the top spot so far this year. Beartown by Fredrik Backman and Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.
Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2023?
I’ve only read one sequel this year – The First Shadow Dragon by Lee Newbury. I love these books and wish they were out when I was a child. It’s even better that they’re set in Wales as not many books are!
New release you haven’t read yet, but want to
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver is one that’s on my radar. It’s been recommended to me by so many people I think I’ll have to pick it up soon.
Most anticipated release for the second half of 2023
There are a few books that I’m excited for:
📖 Heartstopper volume 5 by Alice Oseman
📖 The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella
📖 Rogue by Mona Awad
Biggest disappointment
Probably Heatwave by Victor Jesin. I’m not sure what I expected but I found it extremely difficult to finish this book.
Biggest surprise
Fight Night by Miriam Toews. Again, I’m not sure what I expected as I got this in a Rare Birds Book Club subscription and it was a random pick. I devoured it in one sitting. It was heartwarming, funny and I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did.
New favourite author?
Lisa Jewel is an author I will be reading more of after finishing Then She Was Gone. It was a brilliant story that kept me gripped until the end. Even though the plot was predictable at times, it was well executed.
Newest favourite character?
I adored Elizabeth Zott from Lessons in Chemistry. Her views of the world, how she pushed for other people to have better rights was just a wonderful thing to read. She stayed with me for a long time after finishing the book.
Book that made you cry?
I don’t cry when reading books so I can’t answer this one
Book that made you happy?
Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I loved Carrie, her relationship with her dad and the whole focus surrounding tennis matches. I didn’t know a whole lot about tennis before reading this but still found it completely addictive and Taylor Jenkins Reid somehow always creates characters that seem so real.
Favourite book to movie adaption you’ve seen this year?
I honestly don’t think I’ve watched one! But I am excited for season two of The Summer I turned Pretty.
Favourite post you’ve written this year?
I think my review of Lessons in Chemistry is one of my favourites from this year. I love talking about my favourite books more than ones I dislike and this is definitely a contender for top place this year.
Most beautiful book you bought this year?
I got gifted Circe by Madeline Miller for my birthday in March and that’s probably the most beautiful cover I’ve picked up this year.
What books do you really need to read by the end of the year?
Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart. I started it but wasn’t in a reading mood so I think I will revisit it soon. I also want to read Circe and at some point.
What has been your favourite book of the year so far? Let me know by commenting below.
I’m also on Instagram and Twitter – @bookwormgirl_24
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