Book Blog End of Year Survey // 2020
Happy early January, 2021, friends!
Please, please ignore the lack of actual book reviews on this supposed book blog. I am, as I mentioned in my December wrap up, feeling very slump-y and not super motivated to read and or talk much about what I’m not reading.
However, I recently came across the wonderful Dini’s post – part 2 of her answering the End of Year Survey questions. I didn’t know what this was, but upon further inspection, discovered that it’s an annual survey created by Jamie from The Perpetual Page-Turner. You can find the questions here, if you’re curious.
Anyways, I thought these would be great questions to answer to summarize my reading year, and also to look back on in future years to remember what I read and posted on the blog. Also, I mean, just why not?
So, without much more preamble, here are the questions, and my responses! (This is a very long one, so feel free to skim and/or skip all-together if you have ~responsibilities~ to attend to.)
1. Best Book You Read In 2020?
Fantasy: The Poppy War Trilogy
Contemporary: Have a Little Faith in Me
New Adult: You Deserve Each Other
2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?
Kingdom of the Wicked, hands down. Biggest disappointment of 2020, for sure.
3. Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read?
The Stalking Jack the Ripper quartet. I didn’t expect much going in and ended up devouring the entire series in 4 days. Thus, why Kingdom of the Wicked was such a disappointment!
Also, Wolf by Wolf really surprised me. I had ordered these two awhile ago and finally got around to picking the first one up after seeing it on a Booktube TBR, and I really, really loved it. It’s heartbreaking and disturbing and a bit chaotic, but a great read, nonetheless.
4. Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read (And They Did)?
I got three of my friends to read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, though I also got one to read a bunch of NA romance books. I think Evelyn Hugo has a story and a theme that resonates with a wide variety of people, thus why I got a few friends to give it a try!
5. Best series you started in 2020? Best Sequel? Best Series Ender of 2020?
Best series: The Poppy War
Best sequel: Hunting Prince Dracula
Best series ender: The Burning God
6. Favorite new author you discovered in 2020?
Chloe Gong! I discovered a lot of new favorite authors this year, but I’ll admit that I love Chloe a bit more than any of the others. She’s one of us: a college student, avid reader, Twitter fanatic, turned NYT bestselling author, and you just have to love that for her. I can’t wait for the sequel to TVD to come out next year!
7. Best book from a genre you don’t typically read/was out of your comfort zone?
I actually am going to go with the Bridgerton series for this one, because it’s historical romance and I don’t didn’t read historical romance up until this series! I loved the drama, the angst, the strict and ridiculous social standards. I have a feeling that, if I let it, this genre will take over my life.
8. Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year?
Going to have to go with The Burning God for this one. I think most of us who’ve read it can agree that after getting our hands on the third and final book in the trilogy, we just had to finally know how Rin’s story ended. I chugged through this in two days and sobbed at the end.
9. Book You Read In 2020 That You Would Be MOST Likely To Re-Read Next Year?
Probably Stalking Jack the Ripper, honestly. I read it so fast that I feel I didn’t properly consume it, if ya know what I’m saying. I could see this being an annual reread, just because I loved it so much. I could also probably reread Chain of Gold in preparation for Chain of Iron releasing in 2021.
10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2020?
As much as it pains me, probably Addie LaRue. I didn’t love the story, but even I can’t deny that the cover is absolutely stunning.
11. Most memorable character of 2020?
Rin from The Poppy War, just because she’s so unlike any character I’ve ever read before. Hers is not a heroes journey, though it’s still incredibly powerful. I loved her, even though I also kinda hated her sometimes.
12. Most beautifully written book read in 2020?
Again, sorry to say it, but Addie LaRue. V.E. Schwab just writes SUCH beautiful prose, and some of the lines in there had me right in the feels.
13. Most Thought-Provoking/ Life-Changing Book of 2020?
Gosh, I’m sounding like such a broken record, but The Poppy War again! The commentary on imperialism and how war can ravage countries in so many ways, and the struggle for power (either for good or for evil) was so interesting and had me thinking constantly.
14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2020 to finally read?
I read the first book in the Magnus Chase trilogy this year, and I’m shocked it took me so long since I’ve had all three books on my shelf FOREVER. It was really cute – Rick Riordan has such an ability to make me crack up!
15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2020?
I’m famously bad for remembering/writing down my favorite quotes (something to fix in the new year!) but “Light it up, Danika” will forever be sending me to the floor.
16.Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2020?
Ohh, hmm. I think the shortest I read was probably How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories and the longest was Crescent City.
17. Book That Shocked You The Most
Chain of Gold shocked me with how boring it was, These Violent Delights shocked me with how addicting it was, and Stalking Jack the Ripper shocked me with how much I adored it.
18. OTP OF THE YEAR (you will go down with this ship!)
I will go down with: Thomas and Audrey Rose, Juliet and Roma, Marshal and Benedict (not canon as of now but I’ll still GO DOWN FOR THEM), and Naomi and Nicholas. Catch me swimming.
19. Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship Of The Year
If you would’ve asked me a month ago, I might’ve said Rin and Kitay. However, upon a bit of reflection and research, I’ve come to the conclusion that their dedication to each other (while admirable to some degree) also held really unhealthy elements that I would never want to mimic in a friendship (I still love them, don’t get me wrong!). Therefore, if I had to pick another relationship, I’d probably say either Felix and Ezra from Felix Ever After or Bryce and Danika from Crescent City.
20. Favorite Book You Read in 2020 From An Author You’ve Read Previously
Reflecting back, I’ve actually done a great job of reading new-to-me-authors this year, which is why I’m having trouble answering this. Hmmm…maybe Magnus Chase? Or Chain of Gold, though I found it kind of boring? I read so many new authors this year, so wahoo!
21. Best Book You Read In 2020 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else/Peer Pressure/Bookstagram, Etc.:
Confession: I had no plans to read These Violent Delights. I couldn’t deal w/ the Romeo-Juliette retelling aspect, because I’m just not a big retelling gal. However, after seeing how many people LOVED it and how involved Chloe is in the book community, I decided to pick it up, and now it’s one of my faves of the year. Thanks, internet!
22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2020?
Thomas Cresswell could step on me with his perfectly polished boot and I’d say thank you.
23. Best 2020 debut you read?
These Violent Delights, and if you haven’t yet, you should check out my review here.
24. Best Worldbuilding/Most Vivid Setting You Read This Year?
I will never fully wrap my head around how talented R.F. Kuang is. Truly. Her worldbuilding in TPW trilogy is astounding. I found myself stopping multiple times just to admire how absolutely brilliant the worldbuilding was.
25. Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most FUN To Read?
As I wrote in my review, I haven’t laughed as hard as I did while reading Have a Little Faith in Me for a long, long time. CeCe had me dying, I love her.
26. Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2020?
I am an emotionless MONSTER. I barely cry over books. Sometimes my heart feels like it’s shattering into a million tiny, irreplaceable pieces, but I rarely cry. However, two books made me cry this year: Crescent City (see #15) and Capturing the Devil (upon finishing!).
27. Hidden Gem Of The Year?
I’m going to emphasis the hidden part, as in ‘hidden from this b*itches thoughts because all she does is talk about the same five books over and over again’. I’m going to go with The Kiss Quotient for this one – I read it over the summer and was surprised by how much I enjoyed it! Same with The Bride Test – I’m excited for Helen Hoang’s next installment!
28. Book That Crushed Your Soul?
There really…was no soul crushing this year, thankfully. Honestly, I’m not sure my poor soul could’ve handled it!
29. Most Unique Book You Read In 2020?
For this one, I’m going to have to go with Wolf by Wolf again. I couldn’t even begin to explain this story if I tried, but it’s basically an alt-reality where Hitler and the Axis Powers won the second World War. A young girl, Yael, who was experimented on in a concentration camp, now has the ability to shape-shift, and enters a motorcycle race across the continent in an attempt to get close enough to Hitler to kill him. It’s a wild ride, but I had a good time reading it and would recommend it to anyone.
30. Book That Made You The Most Mad (doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t like it)?
Going with Kingdom of the Wicked for this one, because so many of the decisions made seemed so unnecessarily dumb and totally took away from my ability to enjoy the book. I was mad at the main character, mad at Kerri Maniscalco, and mad at myself for setting my expectations so high, only to be crushed.
1. New favorite book blog/Bookstagram/Youtube channel you discovered in 2020?
So, SO many. Being introduced to the world of ~book blogging~ had truly introduced me to countless amazing content creators, such as Ruby, Tasya, Kaya, April Lee, Ali, and Dini – just to name a few! Book bloggers are so so talented and dedicated and just seriously the best, I’m so thankful for ya’ll!
2. Favorite post you wrote in 2020?
Oh gosh, this is a tricky one! Hmm, let’s look back. I don’t know if I have one specific post that I’m especially proud of, but definitely a few that I had a lot of fun writing. My review on Have a Little Faith in Me was super fun to write, mostly because I loved the book so much! I also had a good time writing the discussion post on why I feel guilty rereading because it really helped me organize my thoughts on the subject and get to the bottom of my stigma.
3. Favorite bookish related photo you took in 2020?
Oh jeez. I am far, far from an expert photographer. I’d love to eventually consider starting a bookstagram, but I’d for sure have to take a few Skillshare classes on photography, haha! I think I’m more proud of my proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud than anything else.
4. Best bookish event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, etc.)?
OH, I wrote a whole post on virtual book events that you should check out! I’ve been so happy to tune into virtual events from the comfort of my own home, honestly. I got to do a little meet n’ greet with Kerri Maniscalco before her virtual launch for Kingdom of the Wicked, which was so much fun! I love getting to hear from authors that I adore.
5. Best moment of bookish/blogging life in 2020?
Starting this blog, for sure. I’ve only been on this platform for a short half of a year, but starting it was one of the best decisions and I’m so thankful for the incredible welcome that I’ve received from fellow bloggers! This community is astounding, and I could not be more thankful to be a part of it.
6. Most challenging thing about blogging or your reading life this year?
The most challenging thing has probably been the slump I’ve been in for the last two months. I talked a bit about it in my final wrap up of 2020, but I’ve been in a huge reading/media slump for the last month or two and am having a really hard time dragging myself out of it. It’s making me feel guilty about not reading anything new to blog about, though I don’t want to force myself to read if I don’t feel like reading. I’m hoping this ends soon, but definitely a challenge to overcome!
7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?
A good question! I don’t track my stats too closely, which maybe should change so that next year this question is easier to answer! The day that I got the most views/hits on my blog was when I posted by Reading Rush Wrap Up, though I got the most likes on my Best and Worst of 2020 post!
8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?
It sounds cheesy, but I’m truly thankful for every single person who takes the time to click on my posts. There are none off the top of my head that I wish got more love, because I know there are SO SO many talented bloggers producing content that I’m grateful to share the love with! ♥
9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?
Obviously a ton of book blogs, which I’d never taken the time to fully read before this year! As well, I’ve been writing for Bookstacked, which I never would’ve done without this blog!
10. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?
I hadn’t set any specific reading goals for myself in 2020, though I did complete the reading rush, which I was super proud of! I also discovered that readathons might not be my thing, but ya never know.
1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2020 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2021?
Barack Obama’s A Promised Land, which I’m currently reading! I had hoped to get to it before the year end, but it’s truly a massive book and has taken me WAY longer than I expected to get through. Regardless, I’d give all my time to the Obamas, so I’m not mad about it.
2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2021 (non-debut)?
A Court of Silver Flames. I’m SJM trash, I apologize. But I’m SO ready.
3. 2021 Debut You Are Most Anticipating?
Counting Down with You by Tashie Bhuiyan! Tashie and Chloe Gong’s friendship is SO pure and their love of each others books has made me want to support them both forever.
4. Series Ending/A Sequel You Are Most Anticipating in 2021?
A Crown of Gilded Bones by JLA, Gods & Monsters by Shelby Mahurin, and the sequel to These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong! (Sorry, that’s three, but I couldn’t help myself.)
5. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging Life In 2021?
One of my goals for 2021 is to read one classic a month. I’d like to read more classics overall, and this feels like a good goal to achieve that! As well, I’d like to confront my weirdness over rereading, and reread some old favorite series in 2021. The year of comfort books, ya know?
Well, my dears, there’s my 2020 Reading Survey! I don’t expect that many people read this all the way through, but if you did, hi there, and thank you!
I’m sending my best wishes to every book blogger in 2021, and hope that everyone takes time to recharge and regroup. It’s been a year, my friends, but we’ve got this!!
18 Comments
erin @ Reading On A Star
ahh always a joy reading your posts! i started tvd and hated it whoops, but I may try again!
erin
Thank you!! ♥♥ Oh no!! 😂 I wanna hear your thoughts on it!
Dini @ dinipandareads
LOVED this post! Actually, I always love reading your content and I’m so glad you decided to join the blogosphere in 2020 🙂 Also, I’m so with you about Kingdom of the Wicked–it was just not what I thought it’d be and I was so disappointed especially when I wanted so much to love it! I think I’m kind of convinced that Maniscalco and I might not ever be a thing (as I read SJTR #1 and it also kinda disappointed a bit). But hearing you talk about the other books in that series does tempt me to maybe pick them up (or at least the second book) at some point LOL I hope 2021 starts off on a less slumpy note for you and that you find your drive to read/blog again!
erin
Aw thank you so much!! ♥ That actually means the world. I’m genuinely so shocked with how much I despised (strong wording but I feel like it fits w. this book, sadly) KOTW, so I’m happy to see others also feeling disappointed!! If you do decide to give SJTR another shot definitely let me know, I’d be super eager to hear what you think!!♥♥
TheGeekishBrunette
Great post! I have seen a lot of people say they were disappointed in Kingdom of the Wicked. Luckily it didn’t interest me and it still doesn’t, haha. The Poppy War books are amazing! I still need to read the last one but I think that I will reread the first two before I dive in.
erin
Tbh I agree, definitely a “skip it” book if you’re not already inclined to pick it up! Ohhh yes, it’s always time for a Poppy War reread. I hope you love TBG when you get to it! ♥
Ali
This was fun to read! I am planning on reading Chain of Gold this year in preparation for Chain of Iron as well. I’m so excited for it’s release! Thanks so much for including me in your list of book bloggers! You have truly been one of my favorite blogs to read this year. I like reading anything you post. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself (much easier said than done I know!) Honestly, I have given up trying to write dedicated book reviews at this point. I’m much too lazy for that. 😅
erin
Aw thank you! I adore your blog so so much, your graphics are so perfect!! ♥ I feel that, I’m too unpredictable in what pops into my head for scheduled blog posts 😂
Ali
Thanks and me too! I write my posts like the day that I write them, I truly can’t bring myself to schedule posts in advance 😂
Tasya @ The Literary Huntress
Ahh thank you so much for including me in your wrap up 🥺 I really love your blog too, I find so many amazing books and prioritizing existing books from my TBR from your reviews! Here’s for 2021! ✨
erin
Of course!! ♥ Sending tons of good vibes to you for 2021!! (:
erin
Of course, I love your blog so much! Sending lots of love to start out the new year!! ♥
Morgan
This is such a great post! I hope you’ll get out of your reading slump soon!
Ohh, Magnus Chase is probably my favourite Riordan series!! 😍
erin
Thank you, I hope so too! 😭 Magnus was so cute, I can’t wait to read the rest of his books! 🥰
April Lee
ahh I can’t wait for Counting Down with You either! fake dating is one of my favorite tropes, so sign me up!! and thank you so much for mentioning me in your wrap up!! I always love reading your posts and your aesthetic is literal goals!! lovely post! best wishes for the new year!!!!
erin
CDWY sounds so cute, I can’t wait for us both to get our hands on it!! ♥ And thank you so much, same to you!! (:
Ruby Rae Reads
Omg LOVE all the categories Erin and your answers are all so wonderful.
I haven’t read any of your top three yet but they’re all definitely on my tbr. I also just got approved You Deserve Each Other on Netgalley (I think for the PB release) and I can’t wait to read. Also, The Poppy War is 1000% on my 2021 tbr
Eeeepp love that BOTH ships from These Violent Delights are on here because SAME UGH I LOVE THEM <3<3
Lots of love friend xx
erin
I cannot wait for you to get to TPW, I’m so eager to hear what you think!! Will be anxiously following along for that one 😂 Also okay yes if These Violent Ends doesn’t cure my heartbreak and devastation then it’s over for me, I’m obsessed w/ Chloe Gong ugh. Hope you’re having the best month!! ♥