Mid Year Book Freak-Out Tag 2021

Now that we are officially half way through the year, it is time again for the Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag! Here we go!

Best Book You've Read So Far in 2021

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn - I went back through all the books I've read this year, and this one is probably the best one. There was one other contender but today, this one takes the cake. The feeling I had at the end of just pure, righteous, joy made this one shine.

**Best Sequel You've Read So Far in 2021

Heartstopper Vol. 2 by Alice Oseman - These two boys are just such cinnamon rolls. I can't wait for my copy of the third one to come in.

New Release You Haven't Read But Want To

Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano - I've heard such marvelous things about how funny this one is. I'd really like to read it, but alas, I have to many other things on my plate.

Most Anticipated Release for the Second Half of the Year

Under the Whispering Door by T. J. Klune - I'm going to have to go with this one. Look at that cover!

Biggest Disappointment

Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant - This was pretty boring, all things considered. The main character went on and on about not being able to write, but she was afraid to say anything to the instructor of this major writing camp or whatever. I hate when a problem could be cleared up by a little communication, but the character is too scared to do it for a really dumb reason. This was dumb.

Biggest Surprise

Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley - I did not expect this to be so fantastic. YA mysteries have a habit of shying away from topics that would get big play in an adult novel, but this one went there. It tackled missing and murdered indigenous women, the production and sale of meth in indigenous communities, and the appropriation of indigenous culture by white people. And it did it well.

Favorite New Author (Debut or New-To-You)

TJ Klune

Newest Fictional Crush

Meh. This isn't really my jam. I can't find any characters I like that much this year.

Newest Favorite Character

Dawnis FireKeeper from Firekeeper's Daughter - She is smart and fierce. I hate when a character lets everything show on her face and the bad guy knows when she's figured it out. Dawnis plays everything straight. And when a guy does her wrong, she's not afraid to punch him in the face. That was good part.

Book That Made You Cry

Hell in the Heartland by Jax Miller - When Miller describes the mother of one of the victims and her continued search for the bodies of the missing girls, I cried every time. That poor woman.

Book That Made You Happy

Broken (in the best possible way) by Jenny Lawson - This book made me laugh out loud many times. Yes, it talked about sad or difficult things, but then there would be something so ridiculous that I just guffawed.

Most Beautiful Book You've Acquired This Year

The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner - I haven't read it, but I have it.

What Books Do You Need to Read by the End of the Room

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr - I mean, there are many books I need to read, but this one fulfills the PopSugar challenge to read the book that's been on my shelf the Longest. This has been hanging around since August of 2014.

Favorite Book Community Member

Olivia Reads a Latte - This is my favorite BookTuber right now. She is an 8th grade English teacher in Texas and her videos are funny. Also she has a big ole dog named Jake. She's very creative and says just the right amount about the books she showcases. Not too wordy. Her vlogs are outstanding.

And there it is! The 2021 Book Freak Out Tag.