Every six months, I like to update you on my reading for the year so far. In 2021, I set my goal to 200 books. I read a ton of children’s books and read more than usual this year for a work project, so for me, this was doable. As of June 30, I had read 160 books. Check out the books I read in the first half of the year here! Though I considered upping my goal, I did not, and came in at 292 books total.
Here’s a recap of the standout books I read from July 1 though December 31.
My First Read (as of July 1)
Katie the Catsitter by Colleen A.F. Venable
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a fun read!! A vegetarian who barely eats vegetables, a super villain fighting for animal rights… Obsessed.
My Favorite Romance Read
The Good Girl’s Guide to Rakes by Eva Leigh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Omg, what a fun, sexy, empowering read. I’m obsessed with everything about this one. I love that we get two MCs who like to go out and be a little wild and getting their HEA doesn’t stop them from having that fun. ❤️ With a whole lot of dirty talking and a dash of guyliner, Celeste & Kieran are relationship goals.
My Favorite Children’s Read (…that isn’t Middle Grade)
Stuntboy, in the Meantime by Jason Reynolds
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love both of these creators and they’ve combined to make something really special with this one.
My Favorite Middle Grade Read (…that isn’t my favorite read)
The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Simply WOW. I don’t even like sci fi and could not put this one down.
My Favorite Audiobook
You All Grow Up and Leave Me: A Memoir of Teenage Obsession by Piper Weiss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Part memoir. Part true crime.
My Favorite Reread
In a Dark, Dark Wood: An Old Tale with a New Twist by David A. Carter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a Halloween classic with a fun spooky pop-up at the end.
My Most Recent Read (as of December 31)
Cookie Count: A Tasty Pop-up by Robert Sabuda
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is just gorgeous.
My Absolute Favorite Read
Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As a garlic-loving, witchy vegetarian with anxiety, I couldn’t NOT vibe with this book. A short, fun read.
