2020 End of Year Survey

This survey was originally developed by Jamie over at The Perpetual Page-Turner. I maybe got rid of over half the questions – the original is long!

**2020 READING STATS**

Number Of Books You Read: 143*
*As of 12/29/20, it’s likely to go up by one or two before the end of the year

Best Books You Read In 2020?

Beach Read by Emily Henry and The Heir Affair (The Royal We #2) by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan.

Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. I just have to give up on reading horror novels. I never appreciate them.

 Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read?  

The F List by Alessandra Torre. I went into this with no expectations and it became one of my favorite books of the year.

 Favorite new author you discovered in 2020?

I loved The Tourist Attraction by Sarah Morgenthaler.

Best book from a genre you don’t typically read/was out of your comfort zone?

I don’t read much historical fiction anymore, but I loved Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon.

Favorite cover of a book you read in 2020?

Fallen Crest Forever by Tijan. I think this cover is just so cute and romantic.

Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2020 to finally read? 

Life and Death by Stephenie Meyer (originally released in 2015).

Favorite Book You Read in 2020 From An Author You’ve Read Previously

No Way Out by Cara Hunter

Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most FUN To Read?

The Honey-Don’t List by Christina Lauren. I know a lot of people didn’t love this, but I really enjoyed it!

Hidden Gem Of The Year?

I thought A Path to Redeeming Love was a very good devotional and recommend it if you’re looking for one!

Most Unique Book You Read In 2020?

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2020 But Will Be A Priority in 2021?

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins. I bought a hard copy of this when it first came out and still haven’t read it.

Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2021?

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry. Beach Read was one of my favorites of 2020 so I have high expectations for Henry’s next book.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Loved but Never Reviewed

This week’s Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is: Books I Loved but Never Reviewed.

1. Attachments by Rainbow Rowell. This is a pre-blogging favorite and one of a handful of books I marked as 5 stars on Goodreads.

2. A Voice in the Wind (Mark of the Lion #1) by Francine Rivers. Another pre-blogging/5 Star Goodreads book.

3.  Defending Jacob by William Landay. I just remember being really surprised by the direction this story took. This has been made into a tv show, but I don’t have the whatever platform it’s on. If someone has watched it, I’d love to hear what you think of it!

4. The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. What stands out about this series for me is how everyone in my family read it – and loved it.

5. Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen. I think this is Austen’s most underrated book. I absolutely love it.

6. Us Against You (Beartown #2) by Fredrik Backman. I rated this one just as highly as Beartown, but didn’t do a full, formal review of it.

7. In the Dark (DI Adam Fawley #2) by Cara Hunter. I reviewed the book before and after this one, but never did this one for some reason, even though I liked it just as much.

8. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. Like everyone else, I was obsessed with this book. It was from my pre-blogging days, though.

9. On the Fence by Kasie West. One of my favorite West books and I only wrote one sentence about it on Goodreads.

10.  Wild at Heart (The Simple Wild #2) by K.A. Tucker. I seemed to be in the minority that enjoyed this more than the first one, but never did a review to explain why.

What books have you liked that you never reviewed?

Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag

BEST BOOK YOU’VE READ YET IN 2020

The Heir Affair (The Royal We #2) by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan and Beach Read by Emily Henry.

BEST SEQUEL YOU’VE READ SO FAR IN 2020

Since I already mentioned The Heir Affair, I’ll go with Wild at Heart (The Simple Wild #2) by K.A. Tucker.

NEW RELEASE YOU HAVEN’T READ YET BUT WANT TO

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins. I actually bought this just after it came out, but still haven’t read it.

MOST ANTICIPATED RELEASE FOR THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR

The Silent Wife (Will Trent #10) by Karin Slaughter

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier. I’m in the minority here, but it didn’t come close to living up to my expectations. It read a lot more like Women’s Fiction than Mystery/Thriller to me.

BIGGEST SURPRISE

The F List by Alessandra Torree. I expected nothing from this, but LOVED it.

FAVORITE NEW AUTHOR

Karla Sorensen

NEWEST FICTIONAL CRUSH

Dallas from Wait For It by Mariana Zapata.

NEWEST FAVORITE CHARACTER

Caden from Anti-Stepbrother by Tijan.

BOOK THAT MADE YOU CRY

I don’t think I’ve cried at any books yet this year. My cold, black heart remains intact.

BOOK THAT MADE YOU HAPPY

The Honey-Don’t List by Christina Lauren.

FAVORITE BOOK TO FILM ADAPTATION

So I haven’t actually read these books, but I did enjoy the Netflix show that’s based on the books by Sherryl Woods- The Sweet Magnolias

MOST BEAUTIFUL BOOK YOU’VE BOUGHT THIS YEAR

I actually do not buy a lot of books. I did pick up The Simple Wild ebook when it was on sale, though.

WHAT BOOKS DO YOU NEED TO READ BY THE END OF THE YEAR

Invisible Girl by Lisa Jewell

Midnight Sun (Twilight #5) by Stephenie Meyer

Outsider (Kate Burkholder #12) by Linda Castillo

Yours to Keep (Man of the Year #2) by Lauren Layne

WWW Wednesday: June 3, 2020

WWW Wednesday is hosted by Taking on a World of Words.

What did you recently finish reading?

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. I was, unfortunately, disappointed in this one. But it’s probably my own fault for not realizing this was a horror book.

Varsity Heartbreaker (Varsity #1) by Ginger Scott. This took me awhile to get into, but I overall enjoyed it.

What are you currently reading?

Four Days of You and Me by Miranda Kenneally and Drummer Girl by Ginger Scott. I’m not terribly interested in either one of these yet. I’m feeling pretty book-slumpy, though.

What do you think you’ll read next?

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (The Hunger Games #0) by Suzanne Collins. No, I still haven’t started this one yet. I’m determined to start it soon, though.

What are you reading?

WWW Wednesday: May 27, 2020

WWW Wednesday is hosted by Taking on a World of Words.

What did you recently finish reading?

Eyes on Me by Rachel Harris. This was cute, if pretty average.

What are you currently reading?

Cheesy on the Eyes by Teagan Hunter. This is pretty enjoyable so far. My review for this one will be up next week.

What do you think you’ll read next?

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (The Hunger Games #0) by Suzanne Collins. I broke down and bought a hard copy of this to go with the rest of my collection. I haven’t seen too many reviews on it yet, so I’m going to be cautiously optimistic going in.

What are you reading?

A Long Time Ago, in a Land Far, Far Away Book Tag

I was tagged by Deanna over at A Novel Glimpse (check out her blog, she’s awesome!). Feel free to tag yourself if you would like to participate.

ONCE UPON A TIME

At least in western fairy-tales, once upon a time is the most common and well-known opening for a traditional fairytale. What book opening makes you feel nostalgic?

I don’t think I entirely understand this question. So, I’m going with a book opening that has “once upon a time” with a twist. The Rose Society by Marie Lu.

“Once upon a time, a girl had a father, a prince, a society of friends. Then they betrayed her, and she destroyed them all.”

IN A LAND FAR, FAR AWAY

Another common opening which speaks of far off places. What is a book set in a country completely unlike your own?

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo is set in Ketterdam. Yes, it’s fictional. But it’s kind of Russian inspired, right?

FROM MOUTH TO MOUTH

Our oldest fairy tales were told time and time again with no written record, told only in the spoken form. Everyone had their own version of the fairy tales. What is your favorite retelling?

All of The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer are really well done, but I think Cress (Rapunzel re-telling) is my favorite book of the series.

THROUGH THE GENERATIONS

Fairy tales are told to us as children and so are passed on through the years. What is a book that someone beloved passed on to you?

I am usually the one that forces people to read books. The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins is one that I read and then bugged and bugged my sister to read. When she finally did she loved it,  so much she started working for one of the major HG fansites, and so then my parents and brother all decided to read it too.

A SPECIAL STORY

Fairy tales are a big part of our culture and say a lot about who we are as people. What is your favorite fairytale and what does it say about you?

Beauty and the Beast, like all good bookworms. Of course there is the relatable factor of Belle being a book lover. But I guess I also like the idea that physical attraction doesn’t play a role in them falling in love. And I never really realized it until I was searching for a picture to use and found the above one, but Belle is one of the most feminist characters which is cool.

AND THEY ALL LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER

Fairy tales tend to have happy endings. What is a book you’ll love forever?

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne is one of my new favorites.

The Olympic Book Tag: Take 2

I love the Olympics and I love Olympic Book Tags! Yes, I have already done one, but there are 2 Olympic Book Tags floating around the blogosphere and Deanna from A Novel Glimpse, tagged me for this one.

The Opening Ceremony — What book did you think had an incredible opening?

Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum. I was hooked on this book from the start

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The Games — What is your favorite fictional competition?

The Hunger Games is literally the only book I can think of with a competition. I feel kind of bad for saying it’s my favorite competition, though, haha.

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The Original — The modern games are based on the original Greek competition – what is your favorite book based on a classic?

Definitely, Maybe in Love by Ophelia London. A cute re-telling of Pride and Prejudice

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The Eternal Flame  — What is one ship that you won’t let die, even after the books made it clear it was never going to happen?

I usually end up shipping the ship we’re supposed to ship, so the only one I can really think of is *Ruin and Rising Spoilers* Nikolai and Alina. While I was ok with her ending up with Mal, Nikolai was always my favorite.

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Gymnastics — What’s a book that had so many twists and turns it left your head spinning? (in a good way)

Golden Son. I was trying really hard not to repeat books, but what is a tag without a Red Rising mention?!

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The Controversial Judge  — What’s a book that you have a totally different opinion about than most other people?

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. I just don’t get it. I really did not like this book at all, but the blogosphere loves it.

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Beach Volleyball  — What is your favorite fictional duo?

I’m going to go with Shazi and Khalid from The Wrath and the Dawn series. I thought they were a great example of a romantic pairing also working together for the greater good.

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Weightlifting — What is the most massive book on your shelf?

A collection of Jane Austen’s novels. I love it.

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Track & Field — What is a book that you just tore through with world record speed?

I read P.S. I Like You by Kasie West in a day.

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Synchronized Swimming — What is a book series that you kept reading, even though you didn’t have any idea why?

Pretty Little Liars. I made it to book 10 before I couldn’t take anymore.

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The Tortured Fan — What fictional family, group, nation, or organization do you irrationally root for no matter how many times they break your heart?

Joe from the You series. He is a sociopath, but I always root for him.

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Closing Ceremony — What book had an ending that just blew your mind?

Dangerous Girls by Abigail Haas

Bookish Book Lover Tag

I saw this over on A Novel Glimpse (you should check out her blog, btw) awhile back and thought it looked like a fun tag, so I’m stealing it 🙂

What book are you currently reading?

  

I’m currently not reading anything, but my next read will either be This Adventure Ends by Emma Mills, which I just got approved from NetGalley for (I’m so excited!) or The Problem with Forever by JLA, which I just got from the library (finally!)

What’s the last book you finished?

Paper Princess by Erin Watt. This is definitely not the type of book I usually like, but it was a super addicting read. I’m kind of eager to read the next book (out later this month). Though this is a YA book, I WOULD NOT recommend it for YA readers. It reads way more adult.

Favourite book you read this year?

Golden Son (Red Rising #2) by Pierce Brown. The whole Red Rising trilogy is amazing, but this one is my favorite of the three.

What genre have you read most this year?

Contemporary

What genre have you read least this year?

Historical Fiction

What genre do you want to read more of?

Mystery/Suspense. It’s one of my favorite genres, but I haven’t read a ton of it this year yet.

How many books have you read this year, and what’s your goal?

My goal is 75 and I’ve read 69. I should probably up my goal.

What’s the last book you bought?

  

Imposter by Susanne Winnacker and Messy by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan. I was having a bad day at work and walked down to the Dollar Tree that’s in my work plaza for a break and picked these books up on a total whim. Imposter was pretty decent (though I later found out the author decided not to finish the series, so that kind of pissed me off). I haven’t read Messy yet, but I after I bought it I realized it’s by the same authors as The Royal We, so I have high hopes for it.

What book are you saving up to buy next?

Among the Wicked (Kate Burkholder #8) by Linda Castillo. I’m planning on seeing her in a couple weeks at one of my local libraries and usually buy the book there so I can get it signed.

How many books did you check out last library visit?

I use the e-library, so I usually just get one at time – whenever my hold on a book comes in

What’s a book you can’t wait to read?

I am dying for Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo.

What’s a series you’d recommend to everyone?

  

I think that The Hunger Games, though kind of old news these days, has mass appeal to all ages – every single person in my family has read this series and enjoyed it (that includes a brother in his 20s and dad in his 60s). For YA/Fantasy/Paranormal enthusiasts, I think everyone needs to read The Lynburn Legacy by Sarah Rees Brennan. Great characters and witty writing.

Who’s an author you’re hoping writes more?

Can Erin Morgenstern PLEASE write another book? The Night Circus is one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read and I just need more from her!

A few books your heart adores?

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Red Rising by Pierce Brown

Unspoken by Sarah Reese Brennan

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White

The Best Man by Kristan Higgins

What series’ coming conclusion makes you sad?

I’m sad that Six of Crows is only a duology.

What books are on your wish-list?

P.S. I Like You by Kasie West

The Kept Woman by Karin Slaughter

Broken Prince by Erin Watt

Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty

The Seasons of Book Blogging Tag

I have been an awful blogger lately! I haven’t been able to focus – I’m “currently reading” three different books – so not only have I not been posting, but I’ve been slacking on reading other’s posts. To help get me out of my rut I decided it was time for a tag and this one looked fun. I was tagged for The Seasons of Book Blogging Tag by A Novel Glimpse.

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Rules and Regulations:

• Thank the creator and the person who tagged you.
• Begin with the month in which you have been tagged and move forward from there!
• State the best gift you’ve ever been given after you answer the question for your birthday month.
• Tag whomever you’d like when you’re finished.. or else you’ll be “it” forever.
• Have fun, of course!

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November is the month when we’re reminded of how much we have to be thankful for. Choose one book you’re grateful for having read and give a shout-out to the person who recommended it!

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern because it’s beautiful and is one of my favorite books. Thanks to all the bloggers who wrote amazing reviews on it – I wish I could remember the specific blogs that made me pick me it up.

My birthday is in November, so my favorite gift was…I think I’ll go with my birthday this year – I got a Keurig from my parents.

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December is a time when friends and families come together and celebrate. Name one book you would give as a gift.

I’ve been debating getting all my family members books for Christmas, but I’m not quite sure yet. I was thinking of getting Triptych (Will Trent #1) by Karin Slaughter for my brother because he’s a cop and I think he may like it.

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January begins a new year. Name a resolution you made this year and if you’ve kept it or not!

I did not keep ANY of my bookish resolutions I made for 2015. One big one was to read the Harry Potter series and I still haven’t started it (honestly…I probably never well).

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February is the month for relationships. Name your favorite book relationship: romantic, platonic, or familial, your choice!

This should come as no surprise to anyone – The Raven Boys and Blue! I’m obsessed with them and I’m SO SAD that there’s only book left, but I’m SO EXCITED to read it.

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March is the month for luck and new beginnings. Name a book or series that you would like to re-experience as if you’d never read it.

 

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I completely devoured these books within days and it remains one of my favorite series of all time.

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April is a spectacularly ordinary month. Name a book that was so over-hyped that it just could not live up to your expectations.

 

Emmy & Oliver by Robin Benway. It seemed everyone gave it 5 stars and I was really looking forward to it, but it was a complete let down for me.

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May is the month when the flowers start to bloom. Name a book that was a pleasant surprise to you.

The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Adhieh was a book I expected nothing from and I ended up loving it!

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June is the time to take a break. Name a book or genre that you like to read when you just need to check out.

 

Cutesy, YA Contemporary – like The Fill-in Boyfriend by Kasie West.

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July is the time to celebrate your independence! Name a book that made you see fireworks. (Figuratively. Please don’t light books on fire.)

 

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo completely lived up to the hype for me and I just LOVED it – especially Kaz Brekker, my great book love.

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August is the hottest month of the year. Pick an up-and-coming author that you think will be the next hottest thing.

 

I’m going to go with Renee Ahdieh. I don’t think The Wrath and the Dawn was her first book, but it was huge this year and I’ve seen it’s sequel on a lot of people’s most anticipated 2016 reads – including mine!

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September is time for students to go back to school! Pick a book you read for school that you actually enjoyed.

 

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck.

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October is time to celebrate Halloween! Pick one character that you would love to dress up as for Halloween.

 

Effie Trinket ALL THE WAY!

Thanks again to Deanna for tagging me! I tag anyone who would like to participate!

Find Me Book Tag

So I was tagged for this forever ago by BookLoversBlog. Basically this tag involved finding books from my bookshelves which fit the prompts offered. I did as many as I could in hard copies so you can see the pretty colors, but most of my books are on my Nook, so some of them are less than stellar graphics. Enjoy!

1. A Book With A Sunset: Get to Me by Lara Van Hulzen

2. A Book With Water: Truly Madly Greekly by Mandy Baggot

3. A Book With A Flower: Dangerous Girls by Abigail Haas

4. A Book With A Heart: Solitaire by Alice Oseman

5. A Book With Gone in the title: Gone Missing by Linda Castillo

6. A Book With a Moon: New Moon by Stephanie Meyer (Yes I cheated on this one!)

7. A Book With A Weapon: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

8. A Book With a Girl in a White Dress: Soul Screamers: Volume One by Rachel Vincent

9. A Book with a Couple Kissing: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

10. A Book with Headphones: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

So that was fun! I tag anyone who would like to participate!