Reflecting on 5-star Predictions and New Predictions

Hey, everyone! One of my favorite things is the 5-star prediction videos and blog posts. I love the guessing of what will be a favorite and then seeing what will not. If you are not familiar with the concept, it's choosing books that you think will be 5-star reads- the absolute best. This should be how most readers read, but I've been blogging for eight years now and reviewing for nine, so I don't have the tendency to read just for pleasure. I read for a multitude of reasons and I like to say that I think every book is a 5-star when I pick it up, but sometimes I go in with expectations that are too low, too high, or just hitting the nail on the head. I like the idea of 5-star predictions because you don't know if you are right in your initial assumption based off of the cover, synopsis, or reviews if that has influenced you in some way. I previously did a prediction at the beginning of 2019 in April and I'm going to update you and where I'm at in my predictions.

THE Original 5-star Predictions

   

THE RESULTS:
Misery by Stephen King- It is no surprise that I loved Misery. It's surprising, however, how twisted and nasty this book got. I had watched the film and I'm familiar with Kathy Bates and the hobbling scene, but reading that scene almost made me throw up. Chilling. Also, let's not forget what lawnmowers can do. Poor Paul Sheldon. If you are looking for a suspense novel that focuses on the psychology and torture of the character with some horror thrown in, then this is for you. It's slow, but gripping at the same time. Hard to put down! Results: 5 stars SUCCESS
Us Against You by Fredrick Backman- Backman has become one of my favorite authors in 2019. I read Beartown at the beginning of the year and was wrecked by it. It only makes sense that Us Against You would be a favorite and it was! This book broke me. It's gritty, raw, honest, and one of the best character studies of a small town that I've ever read. So beautiful. I ugly cried forever. My emotions were wrecked and my face was a mess. Still grieving, man. Results: 5 stars SUCCESS
Here, Now: Unearthing Peace and Presence in an Overconnected World by Kate Merrick: I thought this one would be a hit with me because it's about the author's experience in living is Israel when her family moved out there to try some treatments for her daughter's cancer. It's all about unplugging and abiding in the Sabbath (or Shabbat). I really enjoyed the book. There were some beautiful moments and commentary, but the book wasn't a must-have for me. It's one that I highly recommend and enjoy, but now an absolute favorite. However, the writing was really good and I own another book by Merrick, so I'm planning to read her other work for sure! Check out my review here! Results: 4 stars ALMOST A SUCCESS
The Invited by Jennifer McMahon- I was expecting this novel about a woman building a haunted house to become an absolute new favorite. It wasn't an absolute favorite, but I did enjoy it a lot. I wouldn't consider this to be an all-time favorite novel, but it is definitely a favorite novel (if that makes sense). It just wasn't 5 stars for me. I did love the mysteries introduced and the creepiness of the women. Plus, I love generational stories, so that was a fun bonus. Results: 4.25 stars ALMOST A SUCCESS
Disciple Her: Using the Word, Work, & Wonder of God to Invest in Women by Kandi Gallaty- I was so excited to read a book all about discipling women. Books on discipleship are common, but this is the first one to be published that is specifically by women and for women. It's a nice instructional manual. I love discipling women. It's one of my greatest passions and callings in life. I enjoyed this book. There was some awesome information in here, but I didn't always agree with Gallaty's approaches. However, we have very similar discipling techniques and processes. Check out my review here! Results: 4 stars ALMOST SUCESS

Success: 2/10
Almost Success: 3/10
Miss: 0/10
Huge Miss: 0/10
Didn't Read: 5/10

Do I still think it will be 5-star?
Dreamer's Pool by Juliet Marillier- FOR SURE. I love Marillier. She is my favorite fantasy writer. I savor her books and tend to always want to read them and never pick them up. It's a horrible pattern that I'm trying to break.
An Illusion of Thieves by Cate Glass- I don't think so. I'm still going to give it a read and hope that I love it, but now I'm not sure if it'll be 5-star read for me. It may be a 4-star read, but I'm not getting 5-stars from it. That makes me nervous!
The Raven's Tale by Cat Winters- Edgar Allan Poe retelling with Lenore being a Muse that drives him mad? SIGN ME UP! I think I'll love this one! I've read Winters before (wasn't able to finish the ARC before it expired) and I loved her writing, so I think this could be a hit.
The Familiars by Stacey Halls- This is about a woman who wants to have a baby, but isn't lucky. She meets a woman who wants to help her and the woman is accused of witchcraft. That sounds WILD and right up alley. I love historical fiction surrounding witches. I think this could be a favorite if the writing catches me and wins me over. Really with books like this it's all about the writing for me.
How to Make Friends with the Dark by Kathleen Gasglow- I love the synopsis. It's the type of writing that draws me in and steals an afternoon from me. It's captivating, so I can't wait to read this novel. It's sounds gritty and sad. I'm excited!

15 NEW PREDICTIONS:

 
  
The goal for the end of 2020 is to have the five books I originally predicted read as well as the new ones.

Here's to actually completing my predictions list next year and checking in. :)

Have you read any of these books? Did your prediction line up with your rating? Let me know down below in the comments!