Hello everyone! It’s time for the mid year look back! I can’t believe we are here already, honestly. But here we are.
Alrighty, let’s take a look at what I loved and didn’t love!
Best book you’ve read so far
This was really a very difficult choice. I loved so many books so far this year. But when I closed my eyes and thought about it, this is the one that popped into my head first! So, it is the winner. I am so glad that I found these slice of life books, that are just so gentle and easy.
2. Best sequel you’ve read so far
This is literally one of the only sequels I have read this year! But I did love this short little series.
3. New release you haven’t read but want to
Ok so this one really isn’t a new release anymore but I am putting here anyway.
4. Most anticipated release for the rest of the year
5. Biggest disappointment of the year so far
I don’t know what I wanted from this, but apparently something a little different.
6. Biggest surprise of the year
I put this book off for decades but I am glad that my niece asked me to read it. It really was a fantastic book.
7. Favorite new author (debut or new to you)
Ok, I apologize. I feel there may be a trend you see here in these next few.
8. New fictional crush
Carl. Although it’s not really a crush since he is half my age. But if he were old then it would be a crush for sure. I mean come on, he loves his cat!
9. New favorite character
And the aforementioned cat. Princess Donut. I absolutely love her!!!!
10. Book that made you cry
I don’t think I need to really explain here. So good but also so sad.
11. Book that made you happy
Such a happy sweet story. I loved it so much!
12. Most beautiful book you’ve bought or received
Sarah Beth Durst always has the most beautiful covers!
13. What books do you need to read before the end of the year
I already said I am really looking forward to Sea of Charms so I will mention the other two coming out this year that I am excited about!
14. What is your favorite nonfiction read so far? (I added this question)
I have been reading a lot of nonfiction (for me) this year, so I wanted to acknowledge that on here. I absolutely loved this book. It was beautiful and heartfelt and I highly recommend it. Especially if you love rabbits like I do!
How about you? How would you answer these? If you end up doing this post, let me know! I would love to see your answers!
And that is it from me today!! I hope that whatever you do today, you do something that makes you smile!
Oh I love this! Such a fun snapshot of your reading 🙂 I may have to give this a go in July … once June is finished (like I’m going to get so much more read in 6 days, lol) 😉
I am catching up on blog stuff today and I can’t believe I missed your comment. I love putting together these look backs. Lol.
I love these reflective posts! I need to do one!
Off topic…..I’m putting together a blog collaboration this week and wondering if you’d like to participate? All I need is one best recommendation for a summer read…plus a one paragraph blurb (brief summary plus why you rec the book) plus a link to your review so I can promote your blog.
The only thing is I need it within the next week so I can publish early July. Let me know if you’d like to participate!
Hi Carol. I would love to participate. Is sending it by Sunday acceptable? I am going to email you instead of talking here.
Perfect! Email me at readingladies1@gmail.com
P.s. here’s a link to last year’s post so you can see what it will look like…
https://readingladies.com/2025/07/07/summers-one-must-read-book-2025-book-reviews-collaboration-mustreadbook-summerreading-bookx-booksky-bookblogger-booklist-readingrecommendations/
This was so much fun to read, Erin! I love how you make these deep connections to books. I don’t read as fast as I used to, and needless to say I’m not making deep connections! I do love the covers of these books!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Thank you Marsha. I think that my book journaling helps me do that!
Great idea for a post! You reminded me about the hare book, which i need to read.
I just realized I never titled this post! And thank you!
I literally just finished Dungeon Crawler Carl this morning on the elliptical machine. I didn’t even realize I was almost done! I just tapped my Kindle to turn the page and boom! I got an achievement for finishing the book. I wasn’t mentally prepared for it to end, especially on a cliffhanger! But I agree with this as a good choice for favorite debut, crush, character, etc. I need a Princess Donut in my life!
Lol!! I am glad that you agree! And I need a Princess Donut too!! I loves her!!
That’s a great list and I absolutely loved Raising Hare.
Me too!!!!! Such a good book.
The Correspondent is amazing! Hopefully, you’ll get to read it soon.
I hope so too!
I love that Dungeon Crawler Carl hit so many for you! I am so obsessed with the books right now! Here is my post:
https://lisalovesliterature.bookblog.io/2026/06/25/2026-mid-year-book-freak-out-tag/