Can you believe I’ve been blogging for over seven years? No? Me either. I ask myself that question every time I go back into the deep pits of my blogging archives. It’s an embarrassing trip, added on top of the formatting that got ruined when I moved to WordPress and awful graphics to boot. But at least I can laugh at myself now? 😂 And wonder how much I’ve grown over the years.
And today, bookwyrms, we’re going back into the archives and talking about favorite reads over the years!
Do I really want to read my old reviews? No way. “But it’ll be fun,” they said.
Also shoutout to Kal for running on the same brain wave and encouraging that I write this post. The picks were hard because there are quite a few favorites and as bookwyrms, favoritism is difficult when it comes to books.
It’s time for a trip into the past!
Year 1 – Marking Time by April White
I really wanted to put Katana by Cole Gibson, but I only recall a little bit of the series. I’m a firm believer that a book is truly a favorite if I can remember a great amount of the book years later, and Marking Time by April White definitely falls in that category! I’ve been wanting to dive back into the series since I got the box set of the copy, but first, we’re definitely rereading even if I remember the main details.
Also, Marking Time is one of my first review requests as a book blogger, so I might be biased at this point? I don’t know, but there is a special place in my bookwyrm heart for this book.
Year 2 – Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
If I thought my first year was hard, my second year is even more difficult and a tie with These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner. But ultimately, Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare wins out because I vividly recall almost crying. I rarely cry with books and here I was, a 15-year-old about to bawl her eyes out. I didn’t actually cry, but if this ever goes to the screen, I might actually cry.
The Infernal Devices also has the love triangle to end all love triangles – despite hating Will Herondale, he definitely wormed his way in. I still think Jem got the shorter end of the stick though, but that’s a discussion for another day.
Oh, and definitely not linking this review without cleaning up. I’ll get to it eventually when I’m not procrastinating. (Look, I have nearly a thousand posts to go through. Cut me some slack, here. 😂)
Year 3 – Gathering Frost by Kaitlyn Davis
In case you’re not aware, I’ve been all over the internet screaming about how Kaitlyn Davis finally wrote a third book in the series after two years. The Once Upon a Curse series is by far one of my favorite series and retellings, so it goes without saying that the book that introduced me to Kaitlyn Davis is a definite favorite.
I have a few other favorites that I want to name as well since they’re all from smaller publishers or self-published and therefore don’t receive as much noise.
Year 4 – Love Me Never by Sara Wolf
Part of me wanted to put Withering Rose by Kaitlyn Davis as my favorite read during my fourth year of blogging. But then I realized I already talk about Kaitlyn Davis enough but not another author I enjoy. I know I’m not listing all my favorite authors. Shame on me.
Sara Wolf is one of the few authors that I’ve read every book and thoroughly enjoyed it all. Love Me Never has one of the sassiest characters and writing and I adore it. If I know I need some sass in my life and books, Sara Wolf is the author. Too bad I have to wait for more books to come out, but the wait is well worth it.
(I’m currently reading Find Me Their Bones, which is her latest release. Actually, it’s the ARC, because lately, I’m tardy and behind again. You should definitely check out the first in the series, Bring Me Their Hearts.)
Year 5 – The Epic Crush of Genie Lo by F.C. Yee
I thought I read a lot more diverse books in my fifth year, but while looking back in my reviews… I found myself extremely disappointed.
At least… until I found The Epic Crush of Genie Lo by F.C. Yee hidden somewhere. (I honestly thought this list would be dominantly white and while yes, they are amazing authors, I wanted to feature some authors of color, too.) The sequel (I got the ARC! I got the ARC! 💃💃💃) is coming out in a few months and I’m super excited to see what’s in store. I remember Yee’s debut novel being so well written, I kind of forgot it was a debut? Big oops.
Year 6 – American Panda by Gloria Chao
Pretty sure my own blog is laughing at me because I complained earlier how hard it was to find a favorite. My sixth year in blogging was the year in blogging for me because so many major things happened, including making the big move to WordPress. It’s also the year where I read a lot of good books and got introduced to some of my favorite authors.
Hands down, though, I chose American Panda by Gloria Chao because I distinctly remember how I felt seen while reading her debut and not alone in my experiences. As much as I love the humor and sass in Three Mages and a Margarita by Annette Marie and Bring Me Their Hearts by Sara Wolf, the most precious villain in Keeper of the Bees by Meg Kassel and the gross yet deeply fascinating story in #MurderTrending by Gretchen McNeil, they don’t go down deep into my core. And they don’t mean as much to me as American Panda.
Year 7 – The Dragon Warrior by Katie Zhao
The joke’s on me because I can’t even choose between six books up to my most recent blogoversary (blogiversary?). I chose The Dragon Warrior by Katie Zhao because it’s a book I would’ve enjoyed back in my Percy Jackson days. It’s a definite nod to my childhood, and the book means just as much to me as the last two books I chose. Plus did I really go extra taking bookish photos? Yes. Only for my favorites.
Some other favorites in the past year of blogging:
- Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds
- Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
- The Shadow Glass by Rin Chupeco
Favorite Book Read While Blogging
You know that dreadful feeling you get when someone asks you about your all-time favorite book? I hate it. There are so many good choices to choose from! I could go all day long talking about my favorite books and listing reasons why everyone should abandon their TBRs right now and read the book right now.
And it is especially difficult when you’re trying to choose between three books that mean a lot to you. The Epic Crush of Genie Lo, American Panda and The Dragon Warrior all feature humorous writing and debut novels, and they’re all books I would have loved when I was younger. But if I really have to choose one book?
It’ll be The Dragon Warrior by Katie Zhao. Also, I want more from Katie Zhao and I can’t wait to see what books she’ll write next.
Let’s talk, bookwyrms: What are your favorite reads since you started blogging?
Sophia started blogging in February 2012 for the hell of it and is surprisingly still around. She has a GIF for nearly everything, probably listens to too much K-Pop and is generally in an existential crisis of sorts (she's trying her best). More of her bookish reviews and K-Pop Roundups can be found at The Arts STL.
If you enjoy her posts or found them helpful, consider tipping on KoFi!
You just inspired me to do a similar post…but maybe I’ll save it for my tenth year LOL.
I’ll be looking forward to it. 3 more years! Assuming you don’t forget… but don’t worry, I’ll probably make it a big deal since ours fall within a month of each other. 😌
A Clockwork Princess, and as a matter of fact, that entire series, is my favorite so far in the Shadowhunter world. I really enjoyed American Panda as well, but I think I liked Our Wayward Fate even more. Genie Lo was also a hit for me. Genie is a great character, and I am excited to read the next book
Oooooo yes, The Infernal Devices is a definite fave for me! I haven’t read The Dark Artifices unfortunately, but I think The Last Hours will possibly be a second fave when it comes out since the characters from TID will be in there.
I just finished Clockwork Princess…and I wanted to cry. One of my good friends encouraged me to read it, even though I hadn’t like TMI. I’m really glad I did. I was busy trying not to cry on my lunch break at work yesterday.
Aww. 🥺 Clockwork Princess really wrecks with emotions though. I also didn’t like TMI (and haven’t continued with the series beyond the second book).
I haven’t read any of these, but most of them are on my TBR! One day! Congratulations on seven years! It’s a huge accomplishment. My blog just turned two, and I already cringe at what some of my original posts looked like.
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬
Ahahaha, I’m sure your posts aren’t that bad! But then again… that’s what everyone says to me… 😂
Oh gosh, this would take awhile to figure out, but what a fun idea for a post!
-Lauren
11 years for you (if I recall)! That’s a lot of hard choices for sure. 😅 Best of luck if you choose to go through and find your favorites throughout blogging!
Love this idea Sophia… and honestly how incredible to still be doing this after 7 years… I think I’m on year 3 or 4?! I need to check how far I go back. I know I’ve been tracking on Goodreads since 2012 but I haven’t blogged that long. You have some great books on here too… and a couple I need to check out, like Dragon Warrior!
I’d love to see what your choices are if you go back! I also highly recommend checking some of these books out; The Dragon Warrior is a particular favorite mine and I hope you’ll love it as much as I have when you get to it.
This is a really cool idea. Congrats on blogging for over 7 years! I don’t think you should be embarressed by your first few years worth of reviews (were you? it felt like that to me…) coz you were still growing and learning etc. I’ve been loving what I’ve been reading this past yr so I think that growing process has been worth it 🙂
Aww, thanks, Anthea! <3 I'm definitely embarrassed, haha! They were super cringe-worthy, but like you said… I was still growing and learning, and I do agree that the growing process has been worth it even if I want to hide from my younger self. 😅
It’s always so hard to pick a favorite book! I really enjoyed this post. It’s awesome you have been blogging for so long and can take a trip down memory lane.
Thanks, Brooke! I completely agree that it’s hard; it’s the worst question to ask a reader. 😂
Oh this is such a good post idea! American Panda sounds really good, it’s been on my list for a while. 🙂
American Panda is amazing, especially if you’re looking for a cute romance and light read with humor. I highly recommend it! Hope you enjoy it when you get to it! 🙂
I love this idea for a post! Tho I haven’t read any of your favorites haha. Congrats on over 7 years! That is impressive!
Happy 7 years, SOPH!! I only know Clockwork Princess and American Panda (which I still havent read) but it’s amazing to see how much reading tastes change throughout the years.
Because of you I definitely have added American Panda and The Dragon Warrior to my tbr lists, great to see what you’ve enjoyed while blogging :3
Excellent. Now please read them ASAP so you can add them to your favorites (hopefully). And then shove them at others who will enjoy this as well.
The Epic Crush of Genie and American Panda are on my TBR. I remember I started American Panda back in the day and relating to something that happens in the beginning. (I don’t know why I never finished it . . . maybe I had to return the book to the library before I got the chance to finish it?) I did read and love The Dragon Warrior. I agree that it would appeal to Percy Jackson fans!
I remember when I got Tempests & Slaughter for review. That was exciting since I’ve loved Tamora Pierce’s works since middle school. Another review book I love is Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee. Some non-review books I love include The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss and the Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb. I know there are many more that belong to this list, but it’s really hard to think of favorite books off the top of my head!
Oh no, I hate when that happens! (Speaking of which, that might happen in a few weeks if I don’t get reading anytime soon.) I hope you’ll get the chance to pick up American Panda again.
Oooooooh, I enjoyed Dragon Pearl! Not as much as The Dragon Warrior, though.
Thanks for the shoutout, I love sharing brain waves with you! Also this post was so cool to read — I loved seeing your faves through the years!
honestly I cried when I read Clockwork Princess and I am not ashamed. (though I also cry really easily so I guess it might not be saying *that* much …) I still can’t believe Cassie Clare got me genuinely invested in a love triangle, tbqh.
I am so glad you got me to read American Panda; while I wasn’t totally blown away, I think that’s more reflective of the fact that we’ve gotten so much more Asian-American rep in books lately, which is awesome! (and ofc American Panda has some really great lines and scenes)
Genie Lo and The Dragon Warrior have both been hanging out on my TBR for ages, so here’s hoping I’ll get to them in 2020 🤞🏻 I’ve only been blogging for about a year so my favorite reads are still the same lol – The Night Circus, Fangirl, anything Maggie Stiefvater, etc etc. (I couldn’t pick a genuine top favorite though; I say The Night Circus for convenience but it is a fierce competition)
SAME. Of all the authors, I never really expected Cassie Clare to be one of the rare few to get me invested in a love triangle of all romantic tropes. I really hope you’ll get the chance to read Genie Lo and The Dragon Warrior soon; they’re all amazingly wonderful debuts and the sequel to Genie Lo is coming out soon if it hasn’t already! Plus The Dragon Warrior is releasing a sequel later this year and I am exciteddd. 11/10 would recommend getting your hands on them when you get the chance.