Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag 2022

Yes, it has been a hot minute since I last completed a book tag, and no, it is no longer technically the “middle” of the year anymore. But the urge to complete the mid-year book freak-out tag hit me in full force today, and I thought it would be a fun way to review all the reading I’ve managed to do so far in 2022.

So, without any further ado, let’s get to it! ✨

What is the best book you have read so far in 2022?

This was genuinely such a difficult decision because I’ve been really lucky and picked up a lot of great reads this year. Right now it’s going to be a tie between Grady Hendrix’s The Final Girl Support Group and Jennette McCurdy’s I’m Glad My Mom Died.

As a long-time horror movie fan, Hendrix’s novel felt like a love letter to the genre, and I really enjoyed looking out for all the obvious and more subtle easter eggs throughout. I literally just finished McCurdy’s memoir this morning, but I already know it will stay with me for a long time. A very honest look at her life as a child star under the purview of her mother. It hits hard and holds nothing back.

What is the best sequel you have read so far in 2022?

This has to be Iron Heart by Nina Varela. I thought it did exactly what a good sequel does: capitalize on what the first book did well, and expand the story even further.

What is a new release that you haven’t read yet but want to?

Um, what isn’t a new release that I haven’t read yet but want to? Ha, but actually there are so many. If I had to pick one it’d probably be I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston because I have the Indigo exclusive edition cover proudly displayed on my bookshelf and it taunts me every minute of every day that I have not read it yet.

What is your most anticipated release for the second half of the year?

This is tough again because there are SO MANY. I’m gonna say A Wilderness of Stars by Shea Ernshaw. I really loved her novel A History of Wild Places, so I’m definitely excited to read more stories written by her.

What was your biggest disappointing book so far?

This is going to be a three-way tie between The Other Woman by Sandie Jones, The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica, and Gods & Monsters by Shelby Mahurin. I saw the twists coming a mile away for the first two and just wasn’t impressed with how things played out. I also had to include G&M because I had low expectations going into it and I was still underwhelmed. 🤷🏻‍♀️

What was your most surprising book so far?

This one is a little tough because I’m not sure any book I read really surprised me. But if I had to pick one it would be House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland. I definitely didn’t know what I was in for when I picked this one up! (In a good way.)

Who is your favorite new author (debut or new to you)?

Two words: Angeline. Boulley. I find it almost impossible to wrap my mind around the fact Firekeeper’s Daughter was her debut. It was exceptional. Honorable mentions to Sue Lynn Tan’s Daughter of the Mood Goddess and Faridah Abike-Iyimide’s Ace of Spaces.

Who is your new fictional crush?

I don’t get fictional crushes. If it’s any consolation, I really wish I did?

Who is your newest favorite character?

Jo Kuan from The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee. How could you not love her? Strong, fierce, opinionated. Everything I appreciate in a main character.

What books made you cry?

I am a cry baby when it comes to, well, anything. So I cried a number of times while reading this year. The most memorable times were to I’m Glad My Mom Died and The Downstairs Girl.

What is one book that made you happy?

Home Field Advantage by Dahlia Adler! Look, I am just a simple, queer, ex-cheerleader who is happy to see her experience (or something like it) captured on paper. This book does a good job at balancing the more serious moments with the heart-thumping romance. A true expression of queer joy. 🥰

What is the most beautiful book you have bought or received so far this year?

Daughter of the Mood Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan – thank you again, Harper Voyager! 😍

What books do you need to read by the end of the year?

How do I even narrow the list down? Most acutely, it’s probably Pachinko by Min Jin Lee. I promised both my best friend and my girlfriend that I would read it soon so we could cry about it together and watch the movie – and I still haven’t! 🙈 It’s not that I don’t want to! It’s just that the only books I have been physically reading right now (and not listening to on audiobook) are test-prep books. So it’s taken a back seat.

How about you?

What was your favorite book of the year?

Is there anything you’re especially looking forward to reading soon?

Let me know!