Anyway, here's how my year was in books and blogging.
Number of Re-Reads: 5
Genre You Read The Most From: Contemporary
1. Best Book You Read In 2017?
Yeah, I'm going to have to ask you to refer to the list I made of my favorite reads of 2017. I ain't picking just one.
2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?
Geekerella by Ashley Poston | Don't get me wrong--I still really enjoyed this book! It was cute and fun, but I expected it to be among my favorites this year (like it was for many others), but sadly it just barely missed the mark. No worries, I am still a total Ashley Poston fangirl and she is on my auto-buy list.
3. Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read?
Coming Up for Air by Miranda Kenneally | I've read a few of the previous books in this series and they were very middle-of-the-road reads for me. Forgettable. But I enjoyed this one a lot! This novel managed to give me the fluffy, romantic fix I needed, along with depth and characters I ended up becoming very invested in.4. Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read (And They Did)?
Caraval by Stephanie Garber | My book pushing habits were a bit wilted this year, but I know I encouraged many a-people on Twitter to pick this gem up, which is funny because people on Twitter are the reason I read it myself.5. Best series you started in 2017? Best Sequel of 2017? Best Series Ender of 2017?
I actually started quite a few series this year, which is new for me. The best series I've started this year goes to Caraval by Stephanie Garber (buckle in, kiddos, because this book is going to be my answer to a lot of questions). The best sequel goes to Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. And I haven't really read any series enders because I suck at commitment, okay. I can't remember the last time I finished a series.6. Favorite new author you discovered in 2017?
I read so many new-to-me authors this year and I can't pick a favorite, so stay tuned for this upcoming Top Ten Tuesday when I'll discuss all my favorite new-to-me authors.
7. Best book from a genre you don’t typically read/was out of your comfort zone?
Even though one of my goals for the year was to read out of my comfort zone, I didn't. Like, at all.
8. Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year?
Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff | This novel, just like its predecessor, kept me on my toes literally the entire time. I could not wait to see what insane situations these characters would find themselves in next. This series is wild, my dudes.9. Book You Read In 2017 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year?
Heartless by Marissa Meyer | This was the first book I read in 2017 and one of my favorites. It has been nearly a year since I read it and I'm having withdrawals. I need to pick it up again and rediscover its charm.10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2017?
Caraval by Stephanie Garber | Every iteration of this book is beautiful. The US edition, the UK editions. And while it's gorgeous on a computer screen, the cover is even more stunning in its physical form.11. Most memorable character of 2017?
Jest from Heartless by Marissa Meyer | Trust me, I will NEVER forget.12. Most beautifully written book read in 2017?
The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh | This novel is brimming with lovely descriptions. Ahdieh sure knows how to paint a picture with her words.13. Most Thought-Provoking/ Life-Changing Book of 2017?
Daytripper by Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba | Not particularly life-changing, but it was thought-provoking. Not only because it made me ponder the important moments of my life, both big and small. Also, it made me wonder what the heck certain aspects were supposed to mean.14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2017 to finally read?
Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff | It started off a bit slow and confusing, but when it took off, IT TOOK OFF. I fell in love with the characters and the book's style. It is riveting and emotional and ALL THE GOOD WORDS YOU CAN THINK OF. I'm so mad that it took me so long to join this party.15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2017?
I shall repeat last year's answer: I am 100% too lazy to go find an answer for this.
16. Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2017?
Shortest: Lackadaisy by Tracy J. Butler (graphic novel) | 96 pages
Thrill Me: Essays on Fiction by Benjamin Percy (essay collection) | 173 pages
A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket (novel) | 176 pages
Longest: Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff | 659 pages
17. Book That Shocked You The Most
Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff | This novel was unlike anything I'd ever read before. I also kind of went into it blind. I knew it was a sci-fi novel, but not much else. I was never prepared for any of the twists and turns this novel brought.18. OTP OF THE YEAR (you will go down with this ship!)
First of all, I feel personally attacked because there are a lot. But. I'm gonna go with Marko and Alana from the Saga graphic novel series by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples | When the series begins, they already have an established, solid relationship. Throughout the series, their relationship faces many a challenge, but the pair proves that their love for one another is enough to conquer any obstacle.19. Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship Of The Year
Lina and Howard from Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch | They began as strangers and developed such a sweet father-daughter relationship, despite certain circumstances that could really hinder the progress of their relationship. As a total daddy's girl, I adored seeing the two grow more affection for each other.20. Favorite Book You Read in 2017 From An Author You’ve Read Previously
Once and for All by Sarah Dessen | I've said it before, and I'll continue to say it until the end of time: Sarah Dessen is my queen! Her latest novel had everything I love in a Dessen novel (summer, romance, family) and was also somehow different than all her other works.21. Best Book You Read In 2017 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else/Peer Pressure:
What to Say Next by Julie Buxbaum | Someone on Twitter said this book was a must-read and I had just won it in a giveaway. I knew nothing about it. I wasn't even that excited about it. But it is INCREDIBLE. Seriously, everyone should read this.22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2017?
Okay, again, attacked because I have many many many many. I kinda wanna make a post about this, though, so I shall leave you with only one: Nik Malikov from Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. He is one of the newest of my fictional crushes.23. Best 2017 debut you read?
Caraval by Stephanie Garber | This might actually be the only 2017 debut I read this year, but I'm fairly confident it would still be my favorite. If you couldn't tell, I loved this book.24. Best Worldbuilding/Most Vivid Setting You Read This Year?
Heartless by Marissa Meyer | Everything was so whimsical and fantastical and I was absolutely sucked into this world of nonsense. The excellent world building is one of the many reasons I am so in love with this novel.25. Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most FUN To Read?
Noteworthy by Riley Redgate | A CAPPELLA!!!!!!26. Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2017?
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson | No matter how much I prepared myself, I was not nearly prepared enough for the mess of emotions this book evoked. Morgan Matson is a true genius with character and I was probably wayyyy too invested in these characters' lives.27. Hidden Gem Of The Year?
What to Say Next by Julie Buxbaum | I need to hear more people talking about this novel. Somehow this book managed to break my heart and put it back together again. I love this book.28. Book That Crushed Your Soul?
Heartless by Marissa Meyer | There's a reason this book is called Heartless and it's because Marissa Meyer is cruel and ripped my beating heart right out of my chest. And I adored every second of it.29. Most Unique Book You Read In 2017?
The Saga graphic novel series by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples | Everything in this series is so imaginative. The images are vivid and the world is creative as heck.30. Book That Made You The Most Mad (doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t like it)?
The One by Kiera Cass | Listen, I devoured the first three books in this series in like 2 days. They were so addictive and easy to get lost in. HOWEVER, this series makes me angry because there's legit no reason for it to have so many books, aside from the fact that the protagonist is an indecisive, blathering excuse of a human.
1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2017?
I haven't read any book blogs in months, unfortunately.
2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2017?
Yeah, what an easy decision. Definitely.
(I'm lying)
Here are a few I like:
3. Best discussion/non-review post you had on your blog?
I feel like, for a little while at least, I really stepped my game up this year with discussion posts and other non-review posts. I always strive for creative content and to talk about things that other people might not be talking about right now. That said, I have several discussion/non-review posts that I am quite proud of. Sorry, but not really.
A discussion on backlist books
A discussion on doing it all in the book community
4. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?
Um, to be honest, I didn't really participate in anything this year.
5. Best moment of bookish/blogging life in 2017?
4. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?
Um, to be honest, I didn't really participate in anything this year.
5. Best moment of bookish/blogging life in 2017?
When I was blogging consistently, I loved all the comments I was getting on my discussion posts and all the creative ideas I was having.
6. Most challenging thing about blogging or your reading life this year?
The same thing I struggle with every year: Reading and posting during the school semester. I'm just not capable of focusing on my blog or pleasure reading while also focusing on school. It's simply not possible for me.
7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?
My list of the Top Ten Anticipated Reads in the Second Half of 2017 got a good amount of views and comments. (In case anyone was wondering, I've literally only read one of the books on the list)
8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?
From the Page to the Stage #1: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?
I've been a bad little blogger this year, okay. I feel like I've been so removed from the community for most of the year and not focusing on the bookish side of my life.
10. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?
I had several resolutions that I set forth for myself at the beginning of the year, and while I did a mediocre job living up to many of them, there are a few I feel I accomplished:
1) Read more series. I'm still not a series-reading machine, but I'm working on it.
2) Read more popular books/new releases. Of the 44 books I read this year, 14 of them are 2017 releases. Out of the books that are not new releases, 12 of the books I read are fairly popular novels (and that's excluding my re-reads). Sounds good to me.
3) Strive for quality. Like I said earlier, I've produced a lot of posts I'm really proud of this year, so I consider that a win.
1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2017 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2018?
The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell. This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and I got an eARC and I STILL HAVEN'T READ IT. Why, you ask? I have no idea, but I need to!!!!!
2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2018 (non-debut)?
Okay, wow. This is a tough one.
3. 2018 Debut You Are Most Anticipating?
Admittedly, school took me away from the book community for awhile, so I'm not tuned into the hype surrounding next year's debuts. However, I have heard wonderful things about American Panda by Gloria Chao, and the premise sounds really compelling!
4. Series Ending/A Sequel You Are Most Anticipating in 2018?
Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff | AHHHHHHHHHH.
5. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging Life In 2018?
I'm hoping to be more consistent with my reading habits (I say for the millionth year in a row. It never happens). Also, while I want to keep this a book blog, I want to incorporate more lifestyle elements and more writing.
6. A 2018 Release You’ve Already Read & Recommend To Everyone (if applicable):
None :(
Oy. What a year. Admittedly, I read some pretty wonderful shit. I'm definitely lucky in that regard. So here's to 2018 and hoping that it's full of delightful reads for all of us!
What do you think of my selections? How was your bookish and blogging life in 2017??
