Hello beloveds.
Not me changing the “Hello besties!!” thing, but moving on. This blog is utter chaos, so no one expects me to this this, even *I* did not expect me to do this but it’s 10:53 pm and I have nothing to do, so hey why not do the Mid Year Book Freak Out Tag?
So see I like to keep my expectation low, because honestly I stopped expecting things from myself ahaha? Therefore, I have read 34 out of my 30 book goal this year!! Honestly not bad.
Look I would show you Storygraph statistics but I keep on forgetting to use it, soo…never mind.
Best Book You Have Read So Far
This feels highly targeted. I am not enjoying this, but fine I’ll just show three out of my very very long list.
—The Lady or the Lion was show-stopping, mind blowing, spectacular, do we even need anymore adjectives? This was one of the first books I read this year and surprise surprise I LOVED IT. Also it’s written by one of my most favourite people in the world so go buy it and read it please!! Or else ducky will haunt you. Read my interview with Aamna here.
— Soo haha Ophelia After All made me cry more than I expected to. I was like “Oh yes a contemporary about a girl in high school discovering her queerness? Pfft I will not cry.” I lied to myself. I cried, and I cried a lot because as queer person of colour who is still in high school this book made me relate with Ophelia a bit too much. Needless to say I loved it!! Also everyone needs a person like Ophelia in their life. Read my interview with Racquel here.
— Another queer YA contemporary I loved reading was How to Excavate a Heart. You tell me I get to read a lesbian Jewish Christmas time YA rom-com and then not expect me to go feral is silly talk is what it is. Shani and May are my parents now and I love them, and also Raphael (the corgi) just stole my entire heart so- I LOVE THIS BOOK YOU ALL. Also special mention to Jake for sending me an ARC that was so sweet you’re the best 😭 Read my interview with Jake here.
Side note: I’m a BTS stan now, so slay.
Best Sequel You Have Read So Far
Obviously it’s The Man or the Monster. When I tell you how much pain and suffering this book made me go through, but then also healed me is not funny (okay it’s a bit funny). This one’s for the durreasfi nation (aka me). Best sequel I have ever read!! My forever parents ka pyaar hits different.
New Releases You Have Not Read But Want To
— Childhood friends to lovers + Kpop is enough to make me desperately want Once Upon a K-Prom to be honest.
— I saw Café Con Lychee in the bookstore I go to from time to time and I knew I had to get it because soccer gays and an Asian café sounds like my dream for real.
— Hacienda was actually a book I wanted to read because one of my friends on twitter loved it, but turns out it was also on my Summer Reading List for school!
— I have been so so excited for The Stardust Thief for many months, and my pre-order copy might be arriving soon! I cannot wait to dive into this enchanting Arab fantasy.
Anticipated Release(s) For the Second Half of the Year
You do realise how hard this is for me right? But if you want to read more about almost all my most anticipated reads— See my 50+ diverse books releasing in 2022 post.
The funny thing is I got the ARC of this 2 months ago but I am scared shitless that As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow will ruin me so I’m reading 1% every other day haha?
Biggest Disappointment(s)
This was actually a pretty refreshing concept to be honest. But it fell short.
Some of the twists were very predictable. Another part I did not like was the romantic relationship between Signa and Death. It made me a bit grossed out since Death is like a a bajillion years old + he knew Signa since she was a child, so haha not going to root for this.
Biggest Surprise
The last time I read middle grade was three years ago, so I did not expect to love Nura and the Immortal Palace as much as I did!
This book was literally my dream book— it was like a desi Spirited Away, and you all know how much I love Studio Ghibli, especially spirited away!
Reading about the realm of the Jinns was so fun, and also while this book was fun and adventurous it also discussed the horrific cycle of child labour and exploitation.
Book(s) That Made You Happy
Most of the books I read make me very happy but this year I think Seoulmates was one of the books that made me the happiest!
I loved Hannah and Jacob and basically the entire plot. I repeat, childhood bffs-to enemies-to lovers is so far the best trope to ever exist. Also I read this book pre my Bangtan obsession but if I would have read it now I am so sure I would have loves it even more!
Book(s) That Made You Cry
So of course it is When a Brown Girl Flees! It isn’t out yet but Aamna was so nice to send it to me to read 🥹 When I tell you I have not cried this much like ever. This book broke me, I had snot running down my face.
If you want to read about self healing, reconnecting with one’s faith and one’s self, working & bettering relationships, and basically starting anew this book might be perfect for you!!
New Favourite Character
Orion Hong get behind me. I love Orion more than life itself now and I am not kidding about this. How can someone be smart, untimely funny, and hot at the same time is beyond me honestly.
He’s my favourite chaotic bisexual ever 🥹🫶
Books You Need to Read by the End of the Year
— I have the ARC of Monsters Born and Made so I definitely have to start it soon! I mean a South Asian book with chariot races? Sign me up.
— I am actually so sad they declined my request for the ARC of Last of the Talons, but nevertheless I am so excited for it! A Reaper and a Dokkaebi? I think I just found the book of my dreams.
— AHH Death by Society is actually such an amazing book with an amazing premise. Cannot wait to devour it as soon as my ARC arrives!
If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to support the blog, please consider checking out my WISHLIST ! You’ll be helping me read and feature more books 🤍
I hope you enjoyed this post! What are your favourite books that you have read this year? Did you spot any favourites in this post? Chat with me in the comments!!
I really hope you love The Stardust Thief, because it is a wild, fun adventure!
omg I really want to read As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow once it’s released, but I’m also scared of how emotional it will make me 😭
I’ve not heard of The Hacienda before but it sounds SO good 👀
OPHELIA AFTER ALL AHHH!!! It was such a good read, I’m actually OBSESSED!