Hi ya. Let’s get to it. Linking up with Jana and Steph per usual!
(Also, borrowing portions of Jamie‘s year-end book survey again.)
No. of Books Read: 33
No. of Re-Reads: 1
Most Read Genre: Fantasy
Best Book You Read In 2017?
Uhhhhh… I just don’t know.
Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?
The Westing Game. I wanted it to be a little more sinister than it was… I guess I should’ve read it when I was younger. I didn’t really enjoy A Wrinkle in Time, either. Once again, I should’ve read it when I was younger.
Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read?
The Last Runaway. This book was edgier than I expected. Also, I found myself disagreeing with the main character through most of the second half, but I still liked her. That doesn’t happen often. (We’d have made different choice and I actually think I’d have made the wrong ones… lol.)
Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read (And They Did)?
I think I pushed Heartless and The Bear & the Nightingale on people. Whether or not they read them, I don’t know.
Best series you started in 2017? Best Sequel of 2017? Best Series Ender of 2017?
I finished The Lunar Chronicles this year. Sigh. I wish I could read it all again with virgin eyes.
Favorite new author you discovered in 2017?
I started reading Agatha Christie books and found out that I really enjoy her writing style. I mean… she’s not new, but she’s new to me. Taylor Jenkins Reid blew me out of the water, too.
Best book from a genre you don’t typically read/was out of your comfort zone?
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I usually avoid contemporary but damn. So good.
Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year?
I give the series overall three stars, but The One was pretty fast paced and “unputdownable.” I also devoured The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.
Book You Read In 2017 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year?
None. I rarely reread books. (I’ll reread HP & the Sorcerer’s Stone but not in 2018.)
Favorite cover of a book you read in 2017?
The Sisters Brothers.
I bought this book for someone for Christmas and I refused to buy it with the alternative cover.
Most memorable character of 2017?
Enzo from The Art of Racing in the Rain ❤︎
Most beautifully written book read in 2017?
The Bear and the Nightingale.
Most Thought-Provoking/ Life-Changing Book of 2017?
Without contest, The Handmaid’s Tale.
Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2017 to finally read?
Definitely The Handmaid’s Tale again.
Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2017?
Intrigue in Capri (54 pages) & Winter (827 pages).
Book That Shocked You The Most?
There was some serious violence in The Sisters Brothers.
OTP OF THE YEAR?
Other than all the couples in Winter/The Lunar Chronicles, I didn’t really have a favorite romance this year.
Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship Of The Year?
Vasya and Alyosha from The Bear and the Nightingale.
Favorite Book You Read in 2017 From An Author You’ve Read Previously?
I read three from Ashley Weaver this year, but I liked A Most Novel Revenge the best.
Best Book You Read In 2017 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else/Peer Pressure?
I think Jana & Erin both recommended The Sisters Brothers. And everyone recommended The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.
Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2017?
I was so in love with Frost while I was reading The Bear and the Nightingale. It was a weird attraction. Haha.
Best 2017 debut you read?
I loved Meyer’s graphic novel debut Wires & Nerve.
Best World-Building/Most Vivid Setting You Read This Year?
Heartless was amazingly descriptive, as was The Moonspinners.
Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most FUN To Read?
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
Book That Crushed Your Soul?
The Art of Racing in the Rain. First of all, the dog’s name was Enzo. Secondly, I started this book right after we lost our family dog Heidi. This book straight up destroyed me- I was sobbing on Sunset Beach in the middle of a hot July afternoon.
Most Unique Book You Read In 2017?
A Boy Called Christmas. It was a holiday book and a kids book (I think) but it was sweet and sad and wonderful. Last January I made a note in the December section of my planner to read this book and I’m glad I did!
Book That Made You The Most Mad (doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t like it)?
The Wrath and The Dawn. I know people loved this one, but it had allll my YA pet peeves tied into one story. *shrug*
One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2017 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2018?
Just one? HA. Probably Three Dark Crowns (Kendare Blake) & Girl Waits With Gun (Amy Stewart) since they’re a part of Erin’s challenge. I also plan to read One of Us is Lying (Karen McManus).
Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2018 (non-debut)?
I’m hoping to start the A Court of Thrones and Roses series this year.
The 2018 Debut You Are Most Anticipating?
I’m not sure… Any suggestions?
Series Ending/A Sequel You Are Most Anticipating in 2018?
I’m pretty excited for Wires & Nerve, Volume 2: Gone Rogue (Marissa Meyer) due out Jan. 30th.
One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging Life In 2018?
I’m planning to finish one of Erin‘s challenges- hopefully the 8.0 one.
What did your reading year look like?
Life as Louise 
I really need to get on the Lunar Chronicles myself.
I just bought a,Wrinkle In Time to read myself & now I’m afraid.
Love how you did this post.
Makes me inspired go look at my stats for the year….as sad as they may be
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My stats aren’t great 😉 I missed my goal by a few books. Oh well.
Oh girl… go read The Lunar Chronicles! They’re all out, too, so no waiting around for the next in the series!
Maybe you’ll like A Wrinkle in Time! I’m still planning to see the movie 🙂
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Glad you enjoyed Evelyn Hugo! I really enjoyed that one. The Lunar Chronicles are the best!
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It was SO good. I was/am in the middle of two other books but when I opened that from your package I KNEW I needed to start it right away! I’m so glad that I did!
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I have the most fond memories of reading The Westing Game when I was young. I remember LOVING it. I re-read it as an adult and felt the same way as you…it’s definitely for a younger crowd.
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After the thrillers and murderous mysteries I’ve read, The Westing Game was clearly written for a younger audience. Lol. I’m ticked I missed out on it in elementary/middle school!
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This is the second in the linkup I read with these prompts…if I spend too long on them I will not get anything done today! They’re a really good way of making you think about what you read this year.
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Hahaha. Whoops! Sorry!
I saw some other fun questions and prompts from this link-up that I think I’m going to try out next year 😉
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This is such a fun way to look at the books over the year! I wish that I could reread The Lunar Chronicles with virgin eyes too! It was just so good! And I can’t believe that it took me until this year to read The Handmaids Tale too! I’m glad that they made the series because it gave me the push I needed!
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I haven’t watched the series for The Handmaid’s Tale. I don’t know if I can… I can read violent things and things that make you think, but watching them is a totally different story for me…
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Very intriguing way to approach this linkup! I like it!
Glad to hear continued rave reviews about The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I will be reading it soon as a part of Erin’s Challenge.
Happy Holidays!
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Thanks! I actually filled it out at the start of December, then ended up finishing three more books and I had to redo it. Whoops!
I hope you enjoy Evelyn Hugo as much as I did!
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I definitely recommended The Sisters Brothers because it’s one of my all-time favorite books and the cover IS my all-time favorite.
Hooray for Evelyn on another list!
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Both those books were awesome. I am SO glad I read them this year!! Thank you!
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Alright, everyone keeps talking about the Evelyn Hugo book, and now i feel like I need to read it even though like you it isn’t my normal pick. And I agree, all the heart eyes for Bear and the Nightingale!
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You DO need to read it! I don’t know that I’ll read any more TJR because I just don’t read contemporary stuff that often, but Evelyn Hugo knocked it out of the damn park!
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Same on The Lunar Chronicles! So fun. Wires & Nerve was my first ever graphic novel 🙂
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I’m so excited for the second one to come out next year! And to pick up Renegades!
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I want to read A Wrinkle In Time this year before the movie comes out. I never read it as a child. I finally read book 2 of the Lunar Chronicles, but don’t think I”m going to continue with the series. I want to read A Court of Thorns and Roses too.
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I hope you enjoy it more than I did. I listen to the audiobook so maybe reading it is the way to go?
Oh man… You’re giving up The Lunar Chronicles after Scarlet?? Honestly, though, if that one didn’t hook ya then it’s probably best you abandon ship now.
We both need to pick it up in the new year!
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i am on the fence about A Wrinkle in Time- i want to read it so i can see the movie and because it’s a classic but i am afraid it will be a ‘should have read it when i was younger’ book for me too. loved the bear and the nightingale, i have the sequel on my kindle hoping to get to it soon. still haven’t read Heartless (I KNOW) but hopefully in 2018.
if someone invents a way to wipe our memories so we can read our favourite books again for the first time, sign me up (but i still want to remember that i loved it and want to re-read it, you know? just forget the details of the book lol).
Taylor Jenkins Reid! love her.
oh noooooooooo about The Wrath and The Dawn. i loved it 😦 but i get it, pet peeves are pet peeves.
i am hoping to get to A Court of Thrones and Roses series as well! sometime in 2018 lol.
i am also hoping to finish erin’s 8.0 challenge. i just made my list today, hoping if i left it to the last minute i’d be more inclined to read them. normally i make my list too early and i change my mind in the month before it starts.
your stats! the graphs! i love them way too much. so fun.
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I listened to the audiobooks of Wrinkle. Maybe that had something to do with my displeasure?
Man, I loved The Bear and the Nightingale so much. I’m terrified to pick up the next book because what if it ruins the story for me??
I hope you like Heartless when you get around to it. I was in the middle, I guess. I’ve seen a lot of shade thrown its way, though.
I’ve seen the sequel to The Wrath and the Dawn on clearance in the bookstore and, while I’m a sucker for clearance books, I just have NO desire to read it. Lol
I love the graphs 🙂 I had to remake them, though, because I finished Evelyn Hugo at the last minute. Ha!
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Ha! Me too exactly with The Bear & the Nightingale – I have a fictional crush on… Winter? Yep. I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
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Yeahhh, girl! Like… was he even a person? I don’t know. I was just so mesmerized by him. Hahaha!
Man… I kind of want to read it and I kind of want that story to stay as it is in my head forever. Lol
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Do you mind if I make my post look like this next year?? It’s so cute!!!
Also, definitely going to checkout some of these books.. 🙂
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Yeah, girl!! I modeled mine after other people, too! If you think it’ll work for you, use it!
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Oh, I love The Lunar Chronicles but I still need to read Winter. That will be one of my first 2018 reads I think! I’m glad you are enjoying Agatha Christie! I do love her; my favorite of her books is probably The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
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Winter is a long one, but I FLEW through it.
I am loving the Agatha Christie books! That type of murder mystery is just my speed 🙂
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I just got Wires and Nerve yesterday! Usually not a graphic novel person, but I think I’ll love this one! I also really loved Evelyn Hugo. 🙂
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I think you’ll love it, too 🙂 If you do (fingers crossed!), Meyer’s second g.n. in the series is out in February! You won’t have to wait too long!!
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I need to read The Art of Racing in the Rain this year!!
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It was so, so good. I sobbed like a baby in a public place (the beach! haha) but I’m so glad I read it. So wonderful.
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You are right: the cover of that book is amazing! I reread books fairly often, I think, although I didn’t reread many this year. I need to write my 2017 book recap post!
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I hardly ever reread books. Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland are the only two I read over and over. (When I was younger I’d read the Dear America/Dear History Cleopatra book over and over, too. Lol)
The Sisters Brothers was such a good read for me and the cover art caught my eye every time I walked past it.
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I did and survey for my post too but it’s not the exact same one.
I love Agatha Christie! I think I’ve read The Body in the Library about 3 times (enough years apart to forget who dunnit. Haha).
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Hahahaha. I like that you forget who the bad guy is between reads 🙂 I wish my brain would do that. If I put enough years between Harry Potter rereads (and I watch the movies in between the books) I tend to forget the little details and then feel happy and shocked again when I read them 🙂
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LOL, well to be fair I rad it the first time when I was 10 and the second time when I was 18 so I had a few years (and other books!) in between!
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I love all these prompts! I think The Sisters Brothers has one of the best covers too. I haven’t read the book yet but hopefully will get to it this year. The Bear and The Nightingale is on my TBR but I can’t remember what it is about. 😀 Does that happen to you? Where you have so many books on your TBR and can no longer remember why some are there or what they are about? I am old so it might just be me! Heartless was sadly not a love for me as you know. And to answer your question, I read Alice as a child and did not like it because I wasn’t a fan of fantasy and found it weird. Ironically, if I read it today for the first time, I’d probably like it. But I didn’t so the dislike stayed. I’m next on the waiting list for Renegades and hoping it’s more like Lunar Chronicles. Here’s to more great books in 2018!
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I am obsessed with the cover.
I CONSTANTLY forget what the books on my TBR list are about. I also forget why the heck I added them and who the heck recommended them. Hahaha! No shame there 😉 The Bear and the Nightingale is like an adult Russian fairytale with a badass female protagonist who slowly but surely finds her voice and strength in a very masculine and old-fashioned world.
Ahh. I wish I could give you virgin eyes for Alice in Wonderland! Bummer that it’s been tainted for ya!
How low on the list are you for Renegades? I was gifted two copies for Xmas so I’ll send one your way if it’d be faster!
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Ah I love this!!! 1) I AM SO GLAD YOU LOVED THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE! I have pushed it on EVERYONE I know. I think that you, Kelly, Kristin, and Jess read it. That makes me SO happy! I am re-reading right now… and then on to the sequel. I couldn’t remember the actual plot points, just that it was fabulously different, and magical.. and yeah. 🙂 I still need to read Heartless!! I also need to read Wires & Nerves! Glad you had a great reading year… you may have tipped the scale for me on Evelyn Hugo… but I’m not sure. I’m not sure if it’s my thing or not. I hope that 2018 is a great reading year for you! 🙂 OX – Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
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Man, I LOVED The Bear and the Nightingale! (I forgot that I’d gotten the recommendation from you when I commented on your site earlier this week!) I just love the fierceness and the fairy tale aspect and the subtle romance all wrapped into one unique story.
I’ve heard a lot of people rag on Heartless. Hopefully you’ll like it. Wires & Nerve was great, though! If you decided to go in with Evelyn Hugo we can talk about it 🙂 I don’t like *super* heavy stories and this really wasn’t too bad. Maybe I just didn’t connect with the characters as much? It’s just a very intricate tale of old Hollywood.
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