Best of 2019
Okay, so a preface, I suppose: I am very slow at finding books, TV shows, music, and movies. So, while I consumed all of the following content last year, much of it may have not been originally released in 2019. I will try, though. And onwards we go —
Books
Alright, books! Regretfully I think I read a solid two books for pleasure during my four years in high school, so during the past few months I’ve had to do a little catch-up. I’m still nowhere near where I used to be at age ten when I could tear through multiple books in a single day, but I’m considering three books in a year as a win.
1. Call Down the Hawk — Maggie Stiefvater
A book that actually came out in 2019? No way! Well, yes way. Call Down the Hawk is the first book in a fantasy spin-off trilogy of Stiefvater’s other series, The Raven Cycle. I read the entirety of that series fairly recently, and this novel did not disappoint. I have no qualms in loudly sharing that Ronan Lynch is my favorite character from the original series (with Adam Parrish coming in a close second), so I absolutely love getting to read a whole new set of stories surrounding him (and them) in a way that couldn’t previously be explored. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and frankly can’t wait for the next two.
2. A Little Life — Hanya Yanagihara
I could talk about this novel for eternity. There is just so much to unpack, so much to talk about, from the story to the characters to the writing itself. Never before have I had such an overwhelming urge to give a character a hug. I read this entire book while in Europe on vacation, when I could’ve been outside looking at historical landmarks, and that should give you enough context for how much I loved it.
3. Portraits — Gunner Stahl
A photo book! I’ve gotten way more into photography this past year, and more interested in doing portraits, since most of my work right now is of still life, architecture, and nature. Stahl’s book features prominent singers and rappers, and despite its overall lack of words the photos tell all the stories one could hope to glean.
Music
I’ve definitely forgotten something from this list. Will I remember what? Probably in two months.
1. GINGER — brockhampton
Their second studio album and sixth album overall, Ginger is intentional and nuanced in a way that BROCKHAMPTON’S previous albums have been lacking. Is this album perfect? No, of course not. But being a fan since the Saturation days, it’s been a privilege watching this boyband grow, and that growth is visible in everything they do.
2. Pony — Rex Orange County
Not gonna lie, I don’t have a lot of thoughts about this album, not because there isn’t a lot to think about but because I honestly just listened to the song “It Gets Better” on repeat for a solid week straight. And that was enough to get the album on this list.
3. Homesick — Laundry Day
Oh, Laundry Day. This album and this band quickly weedled their way into my heart, so much so that in the last year I purchased concert tickets for them two separate times. Laundry Day honestly deserves a post of their own but I will say that this album is nostalgic yet youthful yet also mature in a way I didn’t think was possible at the same time.
4. Immunity — Clairo
I just got into Clairo, so I’m not exactly a voice of authority on her or this album. That said, the songs on Immunity are incredible, and I love seeing the recent rise in queer women singers.
5. IGOR — Tyler, the Creator
I’m not going to lie, when I first listened to Igor, I thought it was just a bunch of noises. I did, however, listen to it while on a bus full of sixty people, so it’s very possible that I was just hearing actual noises. But after listening more since that first time, Igor has intensely grown on me, and I immensely respect Tyler for making music that he wants to make without regard to what people tell him he needs to make.
Television
2019 was a great year for TV. I saw none of the shows that people are talking about. I did see these, though.
1. Schitt’s Creek
I saw this entire show in a weekend. But I do love David Rose with all my heart. And that is enough.
2. wtFOCK (SKAM Belgium)
I saw the original Norweigian Skam after it had aired, so seeing WTFock clips as they were released was really an experience. Since the original Skam, there have been many remakes of the show in different languages and countries. I’ve seen bits of the Italian version, all of the French version, and now all of the Belgian, and I have to say the latter is my favorite. The way this show follows the original plot yet deviates from it in a way that makes the events that occur feel fresh and inventive is incredible. I was able to enjoy the homages to the original show and simultaneously be kept on my feet, and honestly I really enjoyed that. Skam is kind of your classic teen drama, but I would recommend it to everyone because of its realistic depictions of teenage friendships and drama, as well as its respectful take on mental illnesses.
3. Bojack Horseman
I’m late to this, I know. But Bojack Horseman has somehow touched my heart in a way I didn’t expect, and I’ve been thoroughly enjoying watching these animals (and humans) wreak havoc.
4. Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj
I love Hasan Minhaj. That is all.
Movies
You, probably, as you look at the length of this list: You’re a film major, we get it
Me: I might be a film major but only one of these movies that came out this year is currently on an Oscars shortlist. So really, film school hasn’t changed me, not yet at least.
1. Marriage Story — Noah Baumbach
I cried five times during this movie. Please watch it.
2. Knives Out — Rian Johnson
Watch this with your family/people you laugh with. It is so well written, acted, and made, and honestly just a fun time. I saw this last week but I’m already ready to see it again.
3. Booksmart — Olivia Wilde
I thought about making a real blurb about this but instead here’s my Letterboxd review: “someone wanna tell me how all the side characters in this film are literally people from my high school”
4. Three Identical Strangers — Tim Wardle
Truly mind blowing. I will endlessly recommend this documentary.
5. The Social Network — David Fincher
I think I might have seen this when I was too young to, but I don’t really remember. But, the past is the past, and in the present, I love Aaron Sorkin, and it’s no secret that this film is incredible.
6. Wadjda — Haifaa al-Mansour
Part of why I love this movie is because of the context in which I saw it, but that aside this film is applaudable if only for who made it, where it was made, and the story it tells.
7. Fight Club — David Fincher
Seeing this in a room full of my favorite sixty people from high school was incredible. The film too.
8. Chungking Express — Wong Kar-Wai
Messed with my mind a little bit but overall just so inventive.
9. Moonlight — Barry Jenkins
Incredible, but that’s no surprise.
10. Boy Erased — Joel Edgerton
Heartbreaking and important and incredible.