While 2020 was a year that felt like it would never end, 2021 is zooming by! Am I on track to reach my reading goals? Is it time for me to freak out? OR am I doing better than I think? I’m hoping this tag will put everything in perspective and help me to have a better grasp on the rest of my reading year. 🙂

How much have you read?

I’ve managed to read 46 books out of my goal of 75 for the year. I’ll typically end up reading 100 books. I’m not sure why I don’t just set it for 100. Ha! But 10 books ahead of schedule sounds good, right??

I’ve read 35 books out of 60 for my yearly reading challenge, which puts me 6 books ahead. Here’s My 2021 Popsugar Reading Challenge Mid-Year Update post if you’d like to see what I’ve read so far.

What have you been reading?

Thanks to Kal @ Reader Voracious ‘s spreadsheet, I can produce this lovely pie chart showing exactly what I’ve been reading. I’m not surprised by the results. Romance is my go-to genre.

Best book(s) you’ve read so far in 2021?

Unlike last year, I don’t have a clear favorite so far. Love at First by Kate Clayborn, The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren, and People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry are currently tied for the spot. 🙂

Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2021?

I would have to say Chain of Iron by Cassandra Clare, but I haven’t read too many sequels so far this year.

A new release you haven’t read, but want to?

So much buzz around Seven Days in June! Let me know if you’ve read it.

Most anticipated release for the second part of the year?

I was over the moon when I was approved for Lia Louis’ next book Eight Perfect Hours. I’m so excited to get to it!

Biggest disappointment?

I haven’t read anything so far this year that I really disliked. But halfway through The Perfect Guests by Emma Rous, the story kind of fell apart for me.

Biggest surprise?

I was not expecting to enjoy The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave as much as I did. Unputdownable!

New favorite author (debut or new to you)?

I’m so happy I discovered Priscilla Oliveras when I read Anchored Hearts! I love her memorable characters and swoon-y romances.

Underrated gems you’ve discovered recently?

I was very impressed with this debut. A Summer to Remember is a lovely historical fiction romance—perfect to read on vacation or by the pool!

Rereads this year?

I’ve only reread 3 books so far this year, and that was in preparation for the release of sequels. I’m hoping to dedicate some time to a few rereads this summer.

Newest fictional crush?

Hmm. I guess I would say Keane from Float Plan by Trish Doller. He was sweet, kind, and patient.

Newest favorite character?

Ryland Grace from Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir!

Book that made you cry?

While I had mixed feelings about Hurricane Summer, it was definitely heart-wrenching!

Book that made you happy?

I had way too much fun reading Moonlighting: An Oral History by Scott Ryan.

Favorite book-to-film (and book-to-tv) adaptation?

The only book-to-film adaptation I can think of having seen recently is Moxie. I enjoyed the book and film! And I flew through the Shadow and Bone adaptation, too. I highly recommend it for fans of the series!

Most beautiful cover you’ve bought (or received) this year?

The beauty of The Last Hours covers can not be captured in a photo.

What books do you need to read by the end of the year?

I’ve been devouring my ARCs hoping to free up a few months to devote to books off my existing shelves—and to cross off some of those books I’ve penciled in to fulfill prompts on my Popsugar Reading Challenge. At the moment I only have 7 ARCs for the rest of the year. And I’m currently halfway through one of them. I know that number will change, but it feels nice to have it momentarily under control. The one book I feel like I NEED to read is Daisy Jones & The Six simply because it’s been on so many of my TBRs for the past few years. 😉

Favorite blog post you’ve done this year?

For the first few months of the year I was dealing with technology issues on the blog, so I definitely haven’t been able to focus on many of the posts I had hoped to create. I wanted to dive into some discussion posts, host a few giveaways (I promise they’re coming!), and finally finish all those tags waiting in my drafts. But the technical issues kind of sucked the wind out of my sails—along with views. I’ve been doing good to consistently post reviews and Top Ten Tuesdays. I’m hoping it’ll be better the second half of the year. But so far I most enjoyed (and worked hardest) creating My Book Soundtrack | Love Song Edition, Vol. II: Tropes TTT post. It was unfortunately shared right when all my issues started so it didn’t get much traffic.

And that’s it! Thanks for reading along. I’m feeling okay about my progress, but I’m hoping to read more five-star reads the second half of the year. How’s your reading year looking so far?

Happy Wandering!