Mid-year is the perfect time to check in and reassess goals, which means that it is the perfect opportunity for me to jump in with a reading and blog update for the year since I’ve published two posts before today. (Yikes.) Today is the official midpoint of the year, so let’s check-in on my reading this year (not much) and Project Backlist with the 2023 Mid-Year Reading Check in tag!
Reading Statistics for January – June 2023
It wouldn’t be a reflection post on Reader Voracious without some charts and data, but unfortunately I haven’t been reading much this year. I read 3 books total before mid-June; thankfully my Reading Slump abated and I had my best reading month in a long time.
Compared to roughly the same time last year, I’ve read about 21 less books this year over the same period in 2022 — which is depressing. In case you’ve been wondering why I’ve been on the blog, this is why I haven’t been posting.
I’ve found myself gravitating to non-fantasy books this year, which is a bit difficult because apparently that genre makes up most of my books? Despite Sci-Fi being my favorite? Make it make sense. That’s probably a big reason for the slump.
I decided to focus a bit on my overdue ARCs in June which is why that percentage is so high this year. This is the first year that I’ve tried to keep track of reading by author identity (BIPOC, LGBT+, Both, or None) and there’s room for improvement on that front for sure.
Project Backlist Update
In the interest of accountability, I want to explicitly check in on my Project Backlist progress, even though you can easily see from the above section that I am failing.
The good news is that I haven’t hauled that many books this year, so while my owned TBR and ARC TBR remain roughly unchanged at least buying books slowed down. I’ve read a total of 11 books in 2022 and 3 of those were ARCs.
I’m reading less and less each year, and as I’m realizing this year: my reading interests are evolving. Despite my deep love for science fiction, the vast majority of my unread books and arcs are fantasy, in large part because I tend to read sci-fi books when I pick get them rather than languishing on my TBR.
📚 Want to tackle your TBR? It’s not too late to join
What’s in store for me and the rest of 2023 in Reading? My goal is to continue to focus on my overdue ARCs while listening to my reading mood. This means a lot of reading first chapters to see what hooks my interest and waiting for the right time for books. But it also means taking a long look at my owned books and unhauling books I’m no longer interested in reading. Whew, I’m tired just thinking about that!
What is Project Backlist?
The goal of Project Backlist is easy: read your owned TBR. Where this challenge differs from others is you decide the details of your challenge. The challenge is deliberately built in a way that everyone can join the community and build the challenge to meet their specific goals.
Project Backlist is what you make of it based on your own needs and no matter the ways you decide to participate, there is a community of readers there with you every step of the way.
2023 Mid-Year Reading Check In Tag
The original tag was created by ReadLikeWildfire and Earl Grey Books.
2022 Check In 2021 Check In 2019 Check In 2018 Check In
1. The best book you’ve read so far this year?
I’ve been blessed with three 5-star reads this year (27.27% of overall reads!) and each of those books have wormed their way into my brain. I am struggling to find the words to adequately do them justice but expect full reviews on the blog eventually.
- What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall is the author’s first adult thriller and had better not be the last!
- The Haunting of Alejandra by V. Castro explores generational trauma and the patriarchy with a woman haunted by La Llorona.
- You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayon is an ode and love letter to slasher flicks and a must-read for horror fans.
2. The best sequel you’ve read this year?
I haven’t read any sequels this year.
3. New releases you haven’t read yet but want to.
She is Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran, Rubicon by J.S. Dewes, and The First Bright Thing by J. R. Dawson
4. Most anticipated releases for the second half of the year.
So many books and not enough time! Admittedly, I haven’t been following upcoming releases that closely in an effort to not buy all the books, but I am very excited for A Haunting on the Hill by Elizabeth Hand, Foxglove (Belladonna #2) by Adalyn Grace, and The Death I Gave Him by Em X. Liu.
5. Biggest disappointment.
The Butcher is an adult western dystopia where “An Eye for an Eye” is taken a bit too literally. An interesting premise and discussion of power, control, and justice; however, I was left wanting more. More information about the world. More coherent plotting. More compelling narrative. This was almost painful to read but my interest was piqued enough to see how it ended, but the ending didn’t offer a satisfying payoff. I didn’t enjoy this at all and I’m so sad about it.
6. Biggest Surprise.
The Haunting of Alejandra completely captivated me in ways I wasn’t expecting and my mind is still reeling from reading it. A full review will come on the blog, but I was surprised at the raw and “unglamorous” side of motherhood depicted. I was expecting a ghost story but my goodness, this is so much more. The feminine rage burns bright for me and this book spoke to me.
7. Favorite new to you, or debut, author.
An interesting thing about my reading habits this year: I’m reading a lot of the same authors but am excited to read more from V. Castro after The Haunting of Alejandra!
8. Newest fictional crush.
I don’t really have fictional crushes.
9. Newest favorite character.
It’s weird but there aren’t really any character standouts for me this year.
10. Book that made you cry?
11. Book that made you happy?
I haven’t really been reading many happy books, but my friend loaned me Secretly Yours by Tessa Bailey and this book was a heartwarming delight!
12. Favorite book to film adaption?
I haven’t watched any (that I’m aware of).
13. Favorite post you have done this year?
Considering I’ve posted all of twice in 2023 so far, there weren’t a lot of options but I am so glad that I brought back my Stats Transparency post after a few years because stats aren’t a dirty word and we should talk about them more!
14. Most beautiful book you have bought this year?
You know what? I haven’t bought that many books this year!
15. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?
Um, a lot. Sooo many (see Project Backlist lol). I am currently focusing on the 38 unread eARCs that I have going back to 2018.
✨ Well, that’s it for my 2023 mid-year reading check-in!
Have you read any of the books that I highlighted?
What are some of your favorites?
Do you have happy book recommendations for me?
i love hearing about how your reading tastes are changing this year, that’s always fun and exciting! i also feel you on needing to unhaul books but feeling tired just from thinking about it… i officially ran out of shelf space again so i definitely have to pick out some to get rid of soon! i was already excited about the haunting of alejandra but your love for it makes me even more sure i’ll love it. hope you continue to have a good reading year!!
ugh I not only am out of shelf space but I tried to take a book off one of them earlier and the structural integrity is not sound! it’s DANGEROUS! I hope you love the haunting of alejandra as much as I did and always good to have you stop by xoxo
I think it’s amazing that you had so many 5 star reads and yay for going through your TBR!! <3 I'm curious about What Lies in the Woods, I've been into thrillers lately, maybe I'll check it out! 🙂
I hope the second half of the year will be fantastic to you! <3
Despite not reading nearly as many books as usual, I truly have been blessed with the quality of my reads this year! I really REALLY recommend What Lies in the Woods… it’s so good! I loaned it to my best friend and she texted me 2 days later “Well I stayed up until 4 am reading that book so thanks a lot” aahhah.
I love reading your mid-year wrap-ups every year!
It’s great that you’re reading so much from your TBR. While I’m not reading a lot of ARCs per see I’m also not doing great at tackling my physical TBR :/
awww thank you, Charvi!
It definitely helps that I haven’t been buying many books or requesting ARCs in 2023, so I am left with mostly what’s been on my tbr. Happy reading to you!
I can’t wait to read What Lies In The Woods, and I couldn’t resist adding The Haunting Of Alejandra to my wishlist straight away! I hope the rest of 2023 will treat you well.
Both of those books are TOP TIER and I hope you love them as much as I do! Happy reading the rest of the year
I’ve got What Lies in the Woods on my TBR list! I’m looking forward to catching up on my reading this summer, I’m nowhere near my goal yet haha. Thank you for sharing your updates!
I am so behind on my reading goal, but thankfully there’s still time. I hope you’re having an amazing summer reading and hope you enjoy What Lies in the Woods as much as I did.
Your enthusiasm for The Haunting of Alejandra makes me want to pick it up right now. I haven’t had a chance to read that one and it’s on a long list of 2023 horror novels I want to get to. I hope the second half of 2023 is wonderful for you both reading and blogging wise.
Let me tell you that you ABSOLUTELY should picking up The Haunting of Alejandra right now. It is SO GOOD!?!?!? I hope you love it as much as me, and what other 2023 horror novels do you have on your list?
Loved seeing your Mid-Year Checkin! 💕 Glad to hear that you’re slowly getting out of your reading slump! I’ve had such a good time participating in Project Backlist 🥰 This month I’ll also be working on tackling some of the ARCs that I have!
Glad to see that you liked What Lies in the Woods! I love Kate Alice Marshall and still need to read her Adult debut 👀
Let me tell you, What Lies in the Woods is AMAZING. Like, how is she so talented across genres and age ranges? And why isn’t she more widely read?!?!
Good luck tackling old arcs! I’ve knocked a couple out so far, and DNFed some as well. Happy reading, Caro!
I’m glad your slump seems to have dissapeared. I still want to get to Rubicon as well. That cover alone is just amazing.
UGH, me too! It seriously was messing with my identity to not be reading. I can’t remember who was screaming about Rubicon on Twitter, but it’s been months and I still need to get it for myself. Happy reading!
Solid and insightful mid-year check-in, Kal! Keep your head up and read whenever the desire comes and I think you’ll still love what you’ll have accomplished by the end of the year. 😀 A Haunting on the Hill sounds so exciting. I’ll have to look out for that one. Happy reading!
Thank you for stopping by, Lashaan! I’ve definitely been much kinder to myself this year and just trying to read without expectations. It helps that I haven’t requested arcs for this year really, so the obligation remains low. Happy reading to you as well!
Great post! I’ve had Secretly Yours sitting on my shelf, but haven’t gotten to it yet. I will have to make some room for it soon since you enjoyed it.
I hope you enjoy Secretly Yours as much as I did, I have a feeling you will! Thanks for stopping by friend, good to see you xo
Progress—including learning about evolution of our habits and reading tastes—is still great!
You’re absolutely right, and honestly it just feels good to be reading again. I’m focusing on trying to clear out my old review obligations but it’s so hard.
Now I’ll be adding What Lies in the Woods to my TBR!
AS YOU SHOULD, Sophie! I literally loaned it to my best friend and she texted me the next day “I stayed up until 3am reading that book, thanks a lot” haha
As someone who loves stats, I really enjoyed reading this post! Good for you to try and clear your TBR list! I look forward to seeing your year end report! Happy Reading!
Huzzah for the stats loving readers, let us unite! Thank you and happy reading as well.
I just LOVE that you did this post, it’s my favorite post to do this time of year! It’s so wonderful to reflect on your reading every six months. I love seeing what you have been reading. I tend to not focus as much of a author’s identity, some authors don’t share that so it can be hard to determine it. I do like to look at my percentages of what I read diversely though.
Love seeing a romance with Tessa Bailey though. She does deliver on happy feels. If you’re looking for more authors with that vibe Emma Hart, Linda Kage, and Meghan Quinn are my personal favorites.
This is one of my favorite posts to do monthly as well, thanks for stopping by! I’ve definitely found that it’s difficult to accurately track identity and I’m confident that my data is skewed. I think next year I will be tweaking how I track my diverse reading for sure.
Tessa DEF delivers on those happy feels! Thank you so much for the recommendations!!!
Seeing how much you loved The Haunting of Alejandra, I’m kicking myself for not reading it yet! Thanks for putting it back on my radar. And I’m also annoyed that I haven’t read Rubicon. Sigh. There are just too many books😁
Honestly, I am kicking myself for not getting to my ARC copy sooner… I even bought a finished copy because I enjoyed it so much! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and ugh, need to get my hands on Rubicon. too many books indeed!
I love that you added graphs and stats to the post! Though all the luck on that TBR! I loved reading your answers! You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight is on my tbb list and I hope to get it soon so I can read it for my vacation in August~ The Haunting of Alejandra also looks very good, maybe I should check it out~ Oh oh and I hope you enjoy She is a Haunting, that was such a GOOD book! Have a great second half of the year!
Thank you for stopping by and I’m glad you enjoyed reading! You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight is SO GOOD and a perfect summer read, I hope you love it as much as I do when you get a copy. I’ve heard mixed things about She Is Haunting so I’m glad you enjoyed it. Happy reading!
Many of the books you’ve read so far are on my “immediate” TBR. I hope I get to read some of them by the end of this year.
I hope you not only get to those books but also love them, happy reading!