Hello everyone,
We have made it to halfway through the year – where did that go?! Anyway, that means it is time for the mid-year check-in, where I not only look back at what I have read so far in 2024, but also the directions my reading might take for the rest of the year.
It allows me to take stock of my reading targets and also to look at my progress from a different perspective, so with that in mind, let us get straight to the prompts!
How much have you read?
As I type, I have finished a total of 27 books so far in 2024. This puts me on track to hit my reading target of 52, especially considering that I also have three other books on the go.
Of course, I would have loved to have read more and June was my slowest reading month of the year. But I also realise that I am not blessed with vast amounts of time that I can dedicate to reading, so I am fairly happy with my current progress. I am doing marginally better than at the same stage in 2023, so that is definitely a win!
What have you been reading?
The usual range of genres! I began the year by reading the Hunger Games trilogy for the first time in my life (I know!) and have recently read the prequel. That helps to increase the amount of dystopian fiction I have read, and I am also reading slightly more fantasy and non-fiction than normal.
Elsewhere, there have been thrillers, mysteries (including two entirely in multimedia), historical fiction, horror, and young adult.
Best Book You’ve Read So Far In 2024
I really cannot split these two books, as for me they were both word perfect and given five stars without any hesitation. Interestingly, they are two of the shortest books I have read all year, with Medusa being a novella and Tales Of The Celestial Kingdom a collection of short stories.
Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2024
I have only read two sequels in 2024, and this was the superior one. I really enjoyed the trilogy as a whole for its fast pace, and Catching Fire was a gripping sequel which introduces some great new characters, a new arena, and a great cliffhanger ending.
New release you haven’t read yet, but want to
So many!!! It is hard to choose just one. I am about to start The Reappearance Of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson which is certainly up there, but it has been a while since Stuart Turton last released a book, which makes his new one a very exciting prospect.
Most anticipated release for the second part of the year
Two books which are filling me with intrigue! Bridget Collins likes to write novels with very unique concepts and I am fascinated to see what she has come up with next in The Silence Factory. And when I found out that Richard Osman was taking a break from the Thursday Murder Club to write another series, it was unexpected! I am not sure what to expect, but I am pretty sure I will love it.
Biggest disappointment
I had very high hopes for this one, but it fell flat through a combination of a deathly slow pace and a dense writing style that diluted the plot – and even that was repetitive. It has not put me off reading more from Ava Reid, but it was a real disappointment.
Biggest surprise
I had heard good things about this one from some friends, but I am not much of a horror reader and was not totally sure I would love it. However, it turned out to be a great read, full of quirky concepts and originality.
New favourite author (debut or new to you)
Having read and really enjoyed The Hunger Games this year, I would probably say Suzanne Collins. But a special mention to Will Dean for the excellent The Last Thing To Burn, the first book of his that I have read.
Underrated gems you’ve discovered recently
Not necessarily a gem, but I did really enjoy this book for the most part and it has not always received overwhelmingly positive reviews.
Newest favourite character
I really liked the main characters in this book (another five star read!), but the protagonist Endurance Proudfoot is someone who you truly root for throughout.
Book that made you cry
I mentioned this book earlier. The stakes get so high towards the end and the tension is unbearable, as the characters go through a harrowing ordeal. It was when one main twist arrived that tears started to form in my eyes.
Book that made you happy
This one again! It made me happy because following the main duology, this set of short stories gave me everything I could have possibly wished for in terms of answers and closure. The world is beautiful and every second spent there is pure joy.
Favourite book to film adaptation
After reading all the Hunger Games books, I watched the films – including that of the prequel just last week. I really liked all of them – and was especially impressed by Mockingjay Part I for being arguably superior to the book.
The adaptation of A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder has just landed, so I will watch that with interest soon and share a review afterwards.
Most beautiful cover you’ve bought (or received) this year
I have not bought many books this year, mainly to save money. However, one pretty book I did buy was The Household by Stacey Halls. Fairly minimalist compared to her previous ones, but still attractive nonetheless.
Favourite posts you have done this year?
My posting this year has been inconsistent, but the post that has generated the most discussion is my list of Good Books with Disappointing Endings.
My favourite review I have posted this year is for Murder In The Family by Cara Hunter.
Let’s Chat
What is your favourite book of the year so far? Have you discovered any great reads that exceeded your expectations? Let me know in the comments!
Happy reading 🙂
Stephen Reads Books 