In today’s post, I am doing the Mid year book freak out tag. This tag has been going around for a while where basically you talk out about the books you’ve already read this year. This tag was created by: Chami @ ReadLikeWildfire and Ely @ Earl Grey Books – originally on their book blog in 2014. It was brought to BookTube in 2015.
This year I have taken a challenge of reading at least sixty books. I have read 45 books so far. So I am quite on track as far as reading is concerned.Now without further ado, let’s start with the questions:
Questions:
- Best book you’ve read so far in 2020
This is such a hard question! Always is! Well, I can’t pick just one book, so I will share my top 3 favorites:
Educated by Tara Westover: This is one of those books that I can’t stop talking about. Everything about this book amazed me. This is an inspiring memoir which everyone must read. Tara Westover grew up in an extreme Mormon family which didn’t believe in education, healthcare or anything else that had to do something with the government. Having never set foot in a classroom before the age of 17, Tara embarks on a road of self-discovery and self-invention through the means of education.
- By the river Piedra I sat down and wept by Paulo Coelho
By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept revolves around a young couple who is reunited eleven years after their adolescent love. Pilar has transformed with time into a strong and independent woman, and her devoted childhood friend has evolved into a handsome and charismatic spiritual leader. Reunited at last, they embark on a difficult journey as they explore the future of their relationship and some of life’s biggest questions. This beautiful book is considered a spiritual parable and explores the themes of love, spirituality, and life’s hardships.
- Little Women by Louisa May Alcott This is a timeless classic tells the story of March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy and spans from their teens to adulthood. This delightful book is full of morals and life lessons. The insightful advice which is thrown throughout really does benefit the reader of any age. With its beautiful prose, charming story, realistic and compelling characters, Little Women is a complete work in itself.
- Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2020?
The Devil and Miss Prym by Paulo Coelho. It is a thought provoking novel that tries to explore the notion of good and evil.
When I picked the book, I didn’t know that it was part of a famous trilogy called ‘And On the Seventh Day’ by Paulo Coelho. By The River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept is the first book in the trilogy. The other two books are Veronika Decides to Die and The Devil and Miss Prym. Though it’s a trilogy but all the three books can perfectly be read as standalones.
- New release you haven’t read yet, but want to?
House of Earth and Blood which is the first book in the series – Crescent City. By Sarah J. Mass. Everyone is talking about it and so I am really intrigued.
- Most anticipated release for the second half of the year?
Dancing With the Octopus by Debora Harding which is expected to come out in 22 September 2020. When she was 14, Debora Harding was kidnapped and left for dead. Against all odds, she survived but the trauma never left her. As an adult, she decided to meet her imprisoned kidnapper to understand his history and motivations. A gripping memoir, Dancing With the Octopus is both a heartbreaking reconstruction of a crime and a powerful account of healing from trauma.
- Biggest disappointment?
Menaka’s Choice by Kavita Kane. I picked this book up with high hopes but it was disappointing. A story worth only few pages is stretched into a whole book.
- Biggest surprise?
The Silent Patient by Alex Michealides. This psychological thriller had an ending which was definitely one of the most shocking, mind-blowing twists in recent memory.
- Favourite new author (debut or new to you)?
First is Alex Michaelides whose debut novel The Silent Patient is one of the best psychological thrillers I have ever read. The second author is Oyinkan Braithwaite. Her debut novel My Sister, the Serial Killer is an interesting story of two sisters, one of whom is a serial killer. I was hooked from the beginning of this book and loved the subtle, dark humor ingrained in Braithwaite’s writing.
- Newest fictional crush?
Theodore Laurence or Laurie from Little Women
- Newest favourite character?
Jerusha Abbott from Daddy Long Legs. She is a poor, teenaged orphan who aspires to be a writer.
and Jo March from Little Women who is a book worm and a writer.
- Book that made you cry?
The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa. This charming story of Nana, The cat and his owner Satoru will make you smile and also will make you cry. It is Beautiful and heartbreaking.
- Book that made you happy?
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
This is such a beautiful book which focuses on family, friendship and relationships. It has so many life lessons to teach in the most simplistic and delightful way.
- Most beautiful book you’ve acquired this year?
The devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino. I really liked its cover which lends it such an enigmatic touch.
- What book(s) do you need to read by the end of the year?
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Veronika decides to die by Paulo Coelho
Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakam
Open by Andre Agassi
Here’s my YouTube video on the same:
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