Freak out Mid-year Book Tag 2021
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Freak Out Mid-year Book Tag 2021
Not sure why it’s called freak out, but maybe because we are all anxious and cannot believe it’s the middle of the year 2021 already
This book tag is a chance to reflect back on the reading journey over the first half of 2021. After seeing my favorite booktuber uploaded a video about this, I decided to make one myself too. I have read 14 books so far this year (I include 2 books I only skimmed/ partially read, and do not count a book I read halfway).
1. Best book I’ve read so far in 2021
I cannot choose one for this category, so I have An Absolutely Remarkable Thing, Mating In Captivity, Rebecca, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Anxious People. All of them are the best in their own right.
Anxious People just genuinely made my happy and put a smile on my face when I was sick.
Rebecca has always been a favorite of mine and I reread the book in my native language, Vietnamese. Reading it at a different phase of life and in another language brought a layer of depth I didn’t expect, so that is why it is one of the best reads.
An Absolute Remarkable Thing and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo give me so much to think that I would love to discuss and delve deeper into the topics of the books. The way these authors entangle difficult topics to talk about into the fiction and the characters’ narrative was exquisite.
Mating in Captivity is just an easy best because I simply adore Esther Perel. I love how she is able to weave in multiple perspectives to consider the traditionally taboo topics, so definitely thought-provoking.
2. Best sequel I’ve read so far in 2021
I haven’t read that many series this year. I only finished the Six of Crows series this year, so the best sequel would obviously go to Croocked Kingdom.
3. New release I haven’t read yet but want to
The Anthropocene Reviewed and Girlhood. I found these two books at a gorgeous bookstore in downtown Harrisburg, PA, and I got tempted into buying. They seem to be intriguing books, so I can’t wait to read them.
4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year
I do not keep up with new releases, so I am not familiar with this. I would say The Comfort Book by Matt Haig because I know it’s been out for a few days.
5. Biggest disappointment
I generally do not have expectation for books. The only reason why I choose The International Advantage by Marcelo Barros is because the friend who suggests this book to me also recommends The 2-hour Job Search (2HJS). I love 2HJS so much that I expect The International Advantage to be at that level. It is not a bad book by any means and I believe many people would benefit tremendously from the advice given here, but I just did not enjoy it as much as the other one.
6. Biggest surprise
Still no expectation so no surprise. I might choose Evelyn Hugo and An Absolutely Remarkable Thing because I know how Hannah, my absolute favorite booktuber (Check her out at A Clockwork Reader) loves them and I picked this book up because I trust Hannah’s recommendation. I guess I’m surprise at how much I love these duos. They instantly get in my absolute favorite tier ranking, while I might expect them to be in the good/ great tier. So yes, that is a surprise.
7. Favorite new author (debut or new to me)
This is the first time I read Đặng Hoàng Giang and his commentary in Tìm mình trong thế giới hậu tuổi thơ is truly spot-on. I can tell he’s done a lot of research for this book and it was just spectacular how he delivers the analysis in an approachable way. Really love to buy more of his books. Another one is Fredrik Backman because his book just genuinely makes me happy. Just so pure.
8. Newest fictional crush
I don’t have fictional crush.
9. Newest favorite character
I’d say Zara from Anxious People, Evelyn Hugo, and April in An Absolutely Remarkable Thing. When I write this down, it’s interesting to notice the pattern that all of these characters are certainly not the most likeable. I know some people cannot finish Evelyn Hugo because they hate her character so much. But I believe that’s the reason it’s easy to be attracted to them because they are humans. They make so many mistakes and it is understandable why they become this way once we see their background and perspectives.
10. A book that made me cry
No doubt, it’s Croocked Kingdom. I was reading and was so shocked at the ending that tears fell out without me knowing.
11. A book that made me happy
Anxious People. Just for sure. It amazed me that this book lost to The Midnight Library by 5 votes (72,828 for Midnight Library versus 72,823 for Anxious People) for Goodreads Best Fiction of 2020. Imagine losing by 5 votes at around 75,000 people. I actually voted for The Midnight Library because I have not read any of the other nominees back then, but I definitely would have voted for Anxious People now. I believe both are great books but because of the context when I read them. I was super sick when I read Anxious People, so the book is similar to a warm cup of soup that fulfills my soul. It just genuinely made me happy and it’s one of the two books this year that I finish in one sitting.
12. The most beautiful book I’ve bought (or received) this year
I actually don’t think the books I bought this year have beautiful covers. The best would be Evelyn Hugo with the elegant green dress. I would have chosen Anxious People because I like the cover, but I borrow it from the school library so it does not count here.
13. Books I need to read by the end of this year
All the ones in section 3. The Water Dancer because it’s required for work. Data Feminism. Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, The Coaching Habits, Ideal Team Player, Nội tình của ngoại tình (The State of Affairs in Vietnamese), Stuff Matters (in both English and Vietnamese).
I will for sure have another end of year book tag to see what progress I have made based on this plan. I believe once the semester starts, I would not have that much time to read, so I try to stay flexible. My top priority does not include reading, which is sad, but I will achieve the other goals I set for myself. I believe so!