Best of 2019 - Book Edition

As the year comes to a close it is once again time to reflect back on the books I read and highlight a few that I particularly enjoyed reading this year.

My reading suffered this year. I did not read nearly as many books as I hoped to. I am resolving to fix this in 2020. I did manage to read some pretty awesome books this year though.

Here are my top ten reads of this year (in no particular order). They each link to my review (where one has been written and posted) if you want to see exactly why I loved them.


1 Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

2 Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

3 Stay Sexy and Don't Get Murdered by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

4 Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

5 The Beautiful by Renee Ahdieh

6 Transcend/Epoch by Jewel E Ann

7 Chase Darkness With Me by Billy Jensen

8 The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

9 American Royals by Katharine McGee

10 A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer


This list, obviously, includes books released this year and some that were not. My only criteria was that they had to be books I read this past year.

Do you agree with any of the books on list? Feel there is a book I missed this year that I should make a priority to read in 2019? Let me know in the comments.

Best of 2019 - Movie Edition

As we say goodbye to 2019 I thought I would share my top ten list of the best movies I saw this year. I kept this to movies that came out this year to help narrow it down.

These are in no particular order (as that would be impossible). There are also some movies that have come out this year that I haven't seen yet (like Uncut Gems for example).

There were plenty of movies I liked this year but only a few that I would say I LOVED. I don't really have a Call Me By Your Name/A Star Is Born movie that I am completely obsessed with this year. It makes this list a little harder, and a little more interesting to write.

Here is my Best Movies of 2019 list:

1. Parasite

There are always movies that people will tell you to go in knowing as little as possible as to not ruin or taint the experience. Many have said it regarding Parasite. This is one of the times where this advice should actually be followed. It's a fantastically plotted movie that is better enjoyed as an experience. The performances, directing, script, and pretty much everything else are incredible.

2. Marriage Story

This movie offers an uncomfortable look at a marriage that is ending. It, at times, may feel too authentic to people who have gone through a divorce. It's, mostly, filled with reasons that this marriage does not work, but does show you these little moments where you understand why they were together. It doesn't take a real 'side' in terms of who is a fault but instead offers that it was a mixture of both people in the marriage that caused it to not work out. Adam Driver gives an incredible performance as do many other members of the cast.

3. The Farewell 

A beautiful, sad, and sort of uplifting movie about a woman and her connection with her grandmother and what happens when that grandmother gets ill and the family decides to keep the diagnosis from her. This is one that manged to sneak up on me and I didn't realize how much it had impacted me until it was over. Awkwafina delivers a different performance than what is typically expected of her and does so brilliantly.

4. Knives Out

A fun, incredibly entertaining, whodunit from director/writer Rian Johnson that I had a blast watching. Great performances from the entire cast (and an especially enjoyable turn from Chris Evans in a fantastic cable knit sweater) and a satisfying conclusion to the mystery at hand make this one a must watch.

5. Booksmart

A supremely fun coming of age story from director Olivia Wilde that boasts amazing performances from Beanie Feldstein, Kaitlyn Dever, and Billie Lourd. Think Superbad but teen girls instead. It's a funny, sometimes raunchy, heartfelt, and entertaining coming of age story that entirely charmed me.

6. Rocketman

Taron Egerton carries this movie and does so brilliantly. It is one of my favourite performances of the year. It also happens to be a good movie. Elton John's involvement ensured that the music was exactly what you wanted from this movie, and he didn't demand they sweep past any of the struggles he went through. Making it more of a musical than a straight up biopic was a fantastic choice as Elton John's story is one that would lend itself to this more than others.

7. Us

I did not like Us as much as I liked Get Out. There were elements from US that fell a little short for me, but it was still one of my favourite experiences at the movies this year. It boasts one of the year's best performances from Lupita Nyongo. She's incredible as Red. The movie itself is a good horror movie, and once again showcases Jordan Peele's directing skills.

8. Little Women

I am pretty sure people will be mixed on this movie, but I enjoyed it immensely. Saoirse Ronan is a great Jo, and Timothee Chalamat is a perfect Laurie. I do think that fans of Little Women, and those familiar with the story, will enjoy it more than those who are going into it fresh (but I doubt that applies to many people at this point). You can tell that director Greta Gerwig loves the source material and that shines through every frame of this movie.

9. Hustlers

This is another movie that is fun to watch. It may be overtly about this group of women scamming money out of a bunch of rich wall street guys, but it is also about female friendship. Constance Wu and Jennifer Lopez's performances are great (and Jennifer Lopez should absolutely be in the Supporting Actress talks for Oscar nominations). It is the type of female led movie that I hope to see more of in the future.

10. Lords Of Chaos 

A movie that will absolutely not appeal to everyone. It's violent (sometimes brutally so) and doesn't delve as far into some of the elements surrounding the true crime that inspired this movie as I would have liked. It does, however, boast some pretty good performances and manages to be mesmerizing while you are watching it. Rory Culkin and Emory Cohen, in particular, stand out in the cast, but Jack Kilmer's portrayal of Pelle 'Dead' Ohlin also lingers with you.

What movies make your Best of 2019 list? Let me know which ones I need to check out in the comments below.

Best Reads Of 2019 .... So Far

We are quickly approaching the midway point of the year and that means checking in on my reading progress and the books that have stood out so far.

I am always amazed at how fast the year is going whenever I decide to write one of these posts. It seems like it is flying by in particular this year.

I have not read nearly as much as I wanted to. I am already 8 books behind in my Goodreads challenge. I am hoping to refocus my attention on reading and the blog and making some progress this summer.

Taking a look at what books I have read this year has made me realize that I have become quite good at picking books that will appeal to me. I feel like my reading is made all the richer as a result. I still stray outside my comfort zone (especially if friends recommend a book) but feel like I genuinely know what books I will and will not enjoy. This has made picking my ten favourites even more difficult.

Here, in no particular order, are the ten books that have stood out to me during the first half of the year;

1. Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

2. Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

3. Stay Sexy and Don't Get Murdered by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

4. The Kingdom by Jess Rothenberg

5. A Curse So Dark And Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

6. You'd Be Mine by Erin Hahn

7. Top Secret by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy

8. Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins

9. 99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne

10. Chase Darkness With Me by Billy Jensen

All of the above books are linked to my reviews so you can discover exactly why they made my list if you so choose. Chase Darkness With Me is not currently reviewed so there is no link for that, but expect a review closer to release date.

I will be curious to see which books make it on to my year end list as the year continues! What book makes your own best of 2019 (at least so far) list? Let me know in the comments!

What I Am Excited For In 2019

We are a week into 2019 and I figured now would be an excellent time to showcase the things in pop culture that I am most looking forward to this year. I am not going to discuss books because I had an entire event dedicated to showcasing some of the titles I am excited for in year to come. Today's post will focus on movies, television shows, and podcasts that I am looking forward to entertaining me this year.

PODCASTS

The podcast section will most likely be the shortest but there are a few things I am excited about. It is hard to predict what will be the next big thing and may podcasts do not announce themselves months in advance the way movies and television shows do.

1. Exactly Right

The podcast network started by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark (aka the amazing ladies behind My Favorite Murder) has definitely got my attention. They launched late 2018 with some pre-established shows and are going to expand this year with some that they helped create specifically for the network. The exciting part for me? These have all been chosen with fans of My Favorite Murder in mind! I am fairly certain that one of these podcasts will quickly become a new obsession for me (and I have a feeling that Paul Holes may end up being the host of one of them). 

2. Disgraceland Season 3

This is easily one of my favourite podcasts and I am so excited for it to return from hiatus in February. I cannot wait to see what musicians he features and what episodes will end up being my favourites. 

TELEVISION

I could, again, list a bunch of television shows I am looking forward to in 2019, but I am going to keep this to my top five.

1. Stranger Things Season 3

It is probably no surprise that this made my list. It is the show I am most looking forward to in 2019! I gushed already about great the poster is and am (im)patiently waiting for a trailer! 

2. I Am The Night

Patty Jenkins and Chris Pine once again team up for this limited series that seems to revolve around The Black Daliha. 

The trailer is really gripping so I hope the show is as good as I think it is going to be.

3. Game Of Thrones (Final Season)

It's all been leading up to this final season! We're finally going to know who will sit on the Iron Throne at the end of it all. Winter is here!

4. Mindhunter Season 2

The second season is rumoured to feature both Ted Bundy and Charles Manson as Holden Ford and Bill Tench continue to interview serial killers and help solve cases. The Atlanta Child Killings are supposed to have a large focus and I expect that we'll have Cameron Britton's Ed Kemper show up again.

5. Fosse/Verdon

 I saw this trailer during the Golden Globes and immediately wanted to watch this show. Both Michelle Williams and Sam Rockwell are great actors and this looks like a potential Emmy contender.

I love the way this trailer bounces from the obvious more dramatic elements, but also has the flair and fun of the dancing.

MOVIES

There are way too many movies on my list for 2019. Instead of listing every single one I figured I would keep it to a maximum of 10. As more and more movies are announced I am certain there will be some that end up my favourites that are not even on my radar this early in the year. The list is in no particular order other than by release month as it was easier.

I am also going to keep all of the Disney and Marvel movies off this list. It goes without saying that I am excited for them and it gives me a chance to spotlight other titles instead of a whole list featuring them.

1. Us (March 15th)

Anyone who has seen Get Out knows exactly why Jordan Peele's newest movie would be on this list!

The trailer is creepy and I am so intrigued by the entire premise! There is a lot of potential with the 'we're our own worst enemy' vibe that this movie has. 

2. Wounds (March 29th)

I was intrigued by this one the instant I heard it was a New Orleans set thriller.

No trailer yet so I'll share the description provided on IMDB: Disturbing and mysterious things begin to happen to a bartender in New Orleans after he picks up a phone left behind at his bar. 

3. Rocketman (May 31st)

This Elton John biopic seems to be offering a unique twist to the genre.

Taron Egerton looks great as Elton and I love the 'based on a true fantasy' tagline.

4. Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (July 26th)

There has not been much released for this one yet but I've been cautiously optimistic about it since the movie was announced.  For those who may have missed what this one is about, here is the IMDB description.

A faded TV actor and his stunt double embark on an odyssey to make a name for themselves in the film industry during the Helter Skelter reign of terror in 1969 Los Angeles.

The true crime aspect of this movie was the hook, but I appreciate that the murders are going to be in the background. Plenty of movies have already been made about these crimes. It'll be interesting to see it from a different perspective.

5. The Goldfinch (October 11th)

This is based off the book by Donna Tartt and it seems to already be popping up on potential Oscar contenders lists. The IMDB page has this description:

A boy in New York is taken in by a wealthy Upper East Side family after his mother is killed in a bombing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

It also caught my eye because it has Sarah Paulson in it. I am looking forward to seeing a trailer (and reading the book this year hopefully).

6. Last Christmas (November 15th)

This sounds like a fun holiday movie with a very charming cast! It also happens to be named after the famous song.

There isn't a description or much known about the movie other than it is a holiday romance set in London. It stars Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding which is enough to get me to go see it.

7. Queen and Slim (November 27th - rumoured)

Again, not much is known about this movie. It has a rumoured release date of November 27th and I was intrigued by the fact it stars Daniel Kaluuya whom I have loved in everything I have seen him in.

The IMDB and release date sound like potential Oscar bait to me:

A couple's first date takes an unexpected turn when a police officer pulls them over.

8. Knives Out (November 27th)

This one sounds like it could be a lot of fun. It's described as a modern murder mystery in a classic whodunit style (as per IMDB) and stars Chris Evans, Toni Collette, and Michael Shannon (to name a few). 

9. Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (release date unknown)

Our first glimpse of Zac Efron as Ted Bundy was enough to get me excited for this movie.

This tells the story from the point of view of Ted's girlfriend, Elizabeth Kloepfer, and her coming to terms with the fact he was a monster.

10. The Highwaymen (release date unknown)

I have always been fascinated by the story of Bonnie and Clyde. This movie seems to offer up a different point of view by focusing on the law enforcement who tried to apprehend them.

The description from IMDB reads:

A pair of police officers come out of retirement to catch the infamous outlaws Bonnie & Clyde.

There is, interestingly, no Bonnie or Clyde listed in the cast so we may not even see the infamous duo. This one has a rumoured release date of March 29th but I cannot find anything definitive.

What are you most looking forward to in 2019? Let me know in the comments! I am excited to add new books, shows, and movies to my list (and always love podcast recommendations) so I cannot wait to see what you're all excited about.