31 May 2025

My 2025 Mid-Year Reading Check-In: Surprises, Letdowns, and What’s Still on My TBR

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2025 Mid-Year Freakout Tag

As we hit the halfway point of 2025, I thought it was the perfect time to reflect on the highs, lows, and standout characters from the books I’ve read so far this year. From surprise favourites to reads I’m still itching to start, this check-in gives a snapshot of where my reading life is at and where it’s headed next.

Whether you're also tracking your reading goals or just love a good book recommendation, here’s my mid-year reading check-in.

All links take you to StoryGraph 💜

Also, I'm not sure who is still running this or responsible, so if you have any information for credit, please let me know!

Quick Stats

  • Books read: 53/100
  • Pages read: 6,795/10,000
  • Hours listened: 457.08/1,000
  • Average Rating: 3.61
  • Number of 5 star reads: 3 (see them below)

Best Book Read So Far


This charming, magical middle grade had me completely enchanted.
It's heartfelt, empowering, and full of great character work. A true gem.

Best Sequel You’ve Read So Far in 2025

This sequel built beautifully on the cozy fantasy vibes of the first book and gave me even more of what I loved — books, tea, and sapphic pirate mischief.

New Releases I Haven’t Read Yet But Want To

I'm behind on some ARCs so here's some that I am still catching up on that have already released:

Most Anticipated Release for the Second Half of the Year

I’ve got a few books pre-ordered and on my radar, but nothing beats the anticipation of diving into something new and magical.

Here are my upcoming preorders:

Expect a full post soon on my most anticipated Fall 2025 reads!

Biggest Disappointment

The Wedding People by Alison Espach
This just didn’t work for me. The hype had me intrigued but oof was it just bad.

Biggest Surprise

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa
I wasn’t expecting this little translated gem to completely steal my heart. It’s quiet and cozy but incredibly moving.

Favourite New Author (Debut or New to Me)

Claribel A. Ortega
Witchlings sealed the deal — I’m definitely going to pick up more from Ortega. Her voice is so distinct and full of warmth. And a new Witchlings book comes out in September so I gotta catch up on the series before then!

Newest Favourite Character

This one’s hard to answer just based on my tracker, but I’ve had quite a few standout characters this year.

Pick up these books for great characters:


Let me know if you want a character spotlight post!

A Book That Made Me Cry

American Royalty by Tracey Livesay
I was not prepared to get emotional over a celebrity romance — and yet here we are. It hit me right in the feels.

A Book That Made Me Cry (Derogatory)

The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Yes, I’m still salty about this one. I should have listened to my gut on this one but sometimes the hype of a book gets to me.

A Book That Made Me Happy

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa
There’s something so healing about books that take place in bookstores, especially when they explore grief and rebuilding with such tenderness.

Books I Need to Read by the End of the Year

Here are the upcoming ARCs and releases I’m prioritizing before 2025 wraps up:

These are a mix of queer reads, cozy fantasy, and atmospheric speculative fiction. Aka, totally my vibe.

Five star reads

I only have a few of these so far but these books took my breath away!

Instagram Wrap-up

That’s my reading life at the halfway mark of 2025! Let me know if you’ve read any of these (or plan to), and drop your own mid-year reading wins or letdowns in the comments. I’d love to compare notes.

What have you read so far in 2025? Tell me below!

quickedit
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