Well, it’s certainly been a wild year already, so it’s a good a time to post this as any. As with last year, I’m only going to let myself use ONE book for each answer to keep things spicy, and I’m not allowed to reuse answers.
Best book you’ve read so far
In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado, which absolutely destroyed me.
Best sequel so far
I’ve read almost entirely standalones this year, but I’d have to say The Adventure Zone: Murder on the Rockport Limited was probably the best of the [checks notes] 3 sequels I’ve read so far this year.
New release you haven’t read but want to
For this, I’m including only those already published (because of the below question) and I’m gonna go with Exciting Times.
Most anticipated release in the second half of 2019
Okay, this one was HARD but I have to go with Survivor Song because, a) I like Paul Tremblay, b) this is set in Massachusetts, and c) it features a rabies-like virus and I have a rabies PHOBIA so I am basically guaranteed to love and/or be forever scarred by this.
Biggest disappointment
I found Frankissstein to be transphobic garbage and a pretty bad reading experience.
Biggest surprise
I did think I’d enjoy The Body Lies, but I had no idea how much it would blow me away.
Favorite new author
Oof, I was torn on this one but ultimately chose Kate Elizabeth Russell because not only did I love her debut, but I also really love her as a person on social media.
Newest favorite character
[heavy breathing] DECLAN LYNCH. Maybe Jordan. Definitely one of them.
A book that made you cry
Kept Animals devastated me.
A book that made you happy
I don’t reaaally read happy books, but Rafe was a fun romance.
Favorite book to movie adaptation
I’ve only seen film adaptations that I dislike so far this year, so I’ll go with Season 2 of Castle Rock instead!
Favorite review
I haven’t particularly enjoyed any of my reviews so far this year, but I’ll go with Mr. Mercedes because who doesn’t love a rant review?
Most beautiful book bought/received
Okay I’m going to break my own rule and say the Call Down the Hawk cover I posted above. I preordered a UK edition because I HATED the US cover and think this one is pretty dang nice.
Books you need to read by the end of the year
2020 is a trainwreck, so I’ll just put the Women’s Prize Squad books I need to read.
Sarah Ames-Foley 
Loved reading your answers. In the Dream House was definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year. Supper Club is also really interesting–I’ve never read anything quite like it!
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i’m really excited to get to it!
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DECLAN LYNCH.
also my favorite book of all time (which I never talk about since it’s in Serbian and it was never translated) is titled Rabies and it’s about rabies spreading through Heathrow airport 😬
I loved reading your answers, I love that we share In the Dream House as our best of the year so far 😊
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DECLAN LYNCH!!!!
omg that sounds terrifying but SO intriguing!
thanks, i’m glad we share it too! so well-deserved. 🙂
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Yessss these are some great books! I’m currently reading MDV and can tell Kate Elizabeth Russell will probably become a favorite author for me too. Also, for someone who was not planning to read any Raven Cycle spin-offs, I’m getting really excited about Call Down the Hawk! That UK edition really is superior.
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i thought Call Down the Hawk was so fun!! i hope it ends up being at least decent for you haha 🙂
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I haven’t read Call Down the Hawk yet, but I am low key impressed that Declan is your new fave character!!
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god i just ended up loving him so much! i loved how maggie expanded on his characterization from the previous series. 🙂
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Well now I’m even more excited to read this!! I just can’t handle cliffhangers so I’ll probably wait until closer to book 3 release date. (Which kills me slightly…)
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probably a good call!
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In the Dream House was such an amazing and well written book! Im so glad you enjoyed it! It was my last read of 2019 and it quickly snuck its way into my 2019 favourites list because it was so good lol.
Also I loved The Fire Starters when I read it earlier last year! the writing is so good; I really hope you enjoy it!!
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i had preordered it and ended up glad i waited until i was in the right headspace to read it instead of picking it up right away. but if i had, i think it would’ve made my 2019 favorites list as well. 🙂
ooh that’s good to know! i’m hoping i love it as well.
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