Favorite "new to me" books I read this year.
A book series that imagines Lois Lane as a high school student and junior investigative reporter chasing down mysterious leads and instant messaging someone known only as "SmallvilleGuy" on the side? This one was a no-brainer for me! The third and final book in the series, I loved reading the fast-paced story of a strong, fearless female lead investigating the fantastic and experiencing a sweet, budding romance along the way. Gwenda Bond's Lois is smart, sassy, and brave, and does a solid job filling that Veronica Mars-sized hole in my heart. If you enjoy inventive young adult mysteries, this whole series will be right up your alley!
"I didn't mind walking into danger on my own. Not the concept of it, anyway."
How To Find Love in a Bookshop was the first book I read in 2018—and what a way to kick off my year of reading! I loved it, rated it five stars, and immediately started recommended it to everyone I could think of. (I even gave it to my sister for Christmas!) It's sweet and lovely (two of my favorite adjectives when it comes to books), interweaving stories from various townspeople in the small village of Peasbrooke, England into one delightful novel. I've not yet met anyone who didn't enjoy this book, so pick it up if you're craving sweet and lovely.
“The whole point of life was you couldn't ever be sure what would happen next. Sometimes what happened was good, sometimes not, but there were always surprises.”
When Lara Jean Song-Covey finds out that her private letters to every boy she's ever had a crush on have actually been mailed out, she's ready for the earth to swallow her whole. Awkwardness, hilarity, and melt-in-a-puddle sweetness ensue. I love so much about this book series, but here are a few of my favorites. One, Peter Kavinsky. Two, everything. The story did not go at all in the direction I expected it to, and every unanticipated turn was a delightful surprise. Jenny Han is a gifted writer, and her ability to get into the mind of a high school "good girl" character is remarkable. I could not put any of these books down; they were all completely mesmerizing to me. Always and Forever, Valerie Mae.
"My heartbeat is going quick-quick-quick. I’m giddy. Is this a dream? If so, let me never wake up."
Honorable Mention
Nate Expectations by Tim Federle
The City Baker's Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller
One, Two Buckle My Shoe by Agatha Christie
I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara
Something Wonderful: Rodgers and Hammerstein's Broadway Revolution by Todd S. Purdum
This Will Only Hurt a Little by Busy Philipps
The Secret Life of the American Musical: How Broadway Shows Are Built by Jack Viertel
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
My goal for 2018 was to read 40 books. Miracle of miracles, I was able to finish 44! If you're looking to set a reading goal for the year, I can't recommend Goodreads enough. It's a great way to track what you're reading, what you'd like to read next, and what your friends are reading! Plus, once you set your goal it tells you where you are in the journey to completion. Check it out, and then find me here!
My Three Favorite Movies of 2018
Runner-Up: Mary Poppins Returns
What a joy. What a soundtrack. I'm so, so glad this film lived up to my expectations! I laughed and cried and haven't stopped listening to the soundtrack since. It's pure sunshine.
3. (tie) Searching
Everything is fine. Then one day, a single dad's only daughter doesn't come home, and he partners with the police to try to piece together what happened. He goes on a journey to learn more about his daughter's life, and in the process, finds out exactly how much he DOESN'T know. As the mystery deepens, the story takes more than a few left turns, and just when you think the twists are over THERE'S STILL MORE TWISTS. (And if you know me, you know I love a good twist.) All of this would be enough on its own, but here's one more reason you might want to check it out: the entire movie takes place on a computer screen. And I know that sounds like a gimmick, but it all works. It really does! It serves the story, and adds a layer of relate-ability because everything Jon Cho's David does (search Facebook, look up Google Maps, etc.) is something I would do if I were trying to solve a real-life mystery. Don't miss this one!
3. (tie) Bad Times at the El Royale
Spin me a solid, creative tale with plenty of twists and turns and my heart is yours forever. I fell in love with the Bad Times trailer, but didn't fully know what I was getting into. I'm so glad I didn't, because not knowing who the main characters were or exactly what the movie was about made everything all the more deliciously enjoyable. I am obsessed with mysteries (see my love of Agatha Christie, Veronica Mars, etc.) and have a healthy appreciation for movies set in a single night. Add in a stellar cast, a slowly unfolding story, gorgeous, haunting music, and I'm hooked. It all culminates in bloody mayhem, but the reveals and surprises that come along the way make it all completely worth it.
2. Game Night
The moment Kyle Chandler's character gave the "Poor man's Johnny Depp" clue* in a game of "Celebrity," I knew this movie was for me. Starring some of my favorite performers (Rachel McAdams, Jesse Plemmons, Jason Bateman, the aforementioned Coach Taylor), Game Night is a nonstop thrill ride of laughs, clues, reveals, and money being slid across a table reeeeeeally slowly. It's so funny, it's such a blast, and I can't wait for you to see it, if you haven't already.
*Skeet Ulrich
1. To All The Boys I've Loved Before
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Did you really think I'd pick something else? I watched this movie for the first time with a big group of girls, and it was the ideal movie-watching environment. We all instantly turned 15 years old (it was crazy, I know!) and spent the movie laughing, blushing, swooning, and hiding behind blankets because OH THE EMBARRASSMENT. When it was over we restarted the movie from the beginning and watched all the highlights again. And I've watched it many, many (many) times since. It's turquoise and pink and perfect. I could write a book about how much I love this movie. I could write a whole musical (and I actually did—well, kinda) about how much I love this movie. It's such a beautiful adaptation of the book, with a delightful cast and a whole collection of tiny moments that are like little snow globes for me—pick each of them up and swirl the magic around and relive the perfection. The handshake under the cherry blossom tree. Moving the popcorn. The splash. Everybody wants to rule the world. The milkshake. "Progress." And of course (OF COURSE), the pocket twirl. I love this movie to death, and if you'll excuse me, I think it's time for me to go watch it again.
Honorable Mention: Avengers: Infinity War, Set It Up, Crazy Rich Asians, Mission Impossible: Fallout, The Hate U Give, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, A Star is Born
My Three Favorite TV Shows of 2018
Favorite shows I started watching this year:
3. Veep
Everything you've heard about "Veep" is true: it's that funny. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is that genius. (It's also that crass, unfortunately, so fair warning!) This show is just truly a joke machine, using one-liners, crazy situations, and every other available element in its comedy arsenal. It's a dream of a cast, led by the incomparable JLD, and I can't wait for Hulu to release more seasons so I can fully catch up!
Stream it on Hulu and HBO
2. Queer Eye
Show me a more encouraging and uplifting show that came out this year. Because I can't think of one! "Queer Eye" matches compassion with entertainment and joy, and it makes for a truly winning combination. A lesson in empathy and kindness, QE utilizes its platform to demonstrate a healthy dose of generosity—and more than a few laughs along the way. It was a joy to watch, and I am more than ready for season 3!
Stream it on Netflix
1. Cobra Kai
No, I'm not kidding. My favorite show of the year is the YouTube Premium series "Cobra Kai." Despite not being super familiar with The Karate Kid, I fully embraced the continuing story of "good guy" Daniel and "bully" Johnny. But when lines blur, motivations change, and empathy grows, an incredible opportunity for unexpected storytelling presents itself. Shockingly hilarious and extremely bingeable, "Cobra Kai" surprised me with its twists and turns, its phenomenal cast, and its "world turned upside down" sensibility. Forget that it's a YouTube show. Forget that it's based on a 30-year-old property. I encourage you to jump full into this incredibly well-made series and enjoy its unexpected storytelling, its deeply felt character moments, and its out-and-out hilarity.
Stream it on YouTube Premium
Honorable Mention: Busy Tonight, Homecoming, Evil Genius, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
My Three Favorite Other Things That Don't Fall Into Another Category of 2018
3. The Hamildrops
Lin-Manuel Miranda has released a lot of amazing new music based on or inspired by Hamilton. Two of my favorites were released this year: The Hamilton Polka and Found/Tonight. Weird Al's cover of a majority of the songs in Hamilton—in five minutes, no less—is a feat in itself. The fact that it's also a blast (not to mention hilarious) just pushes it over the top! Then with Found/Tonight, Lin found a way to marry one of the undersung Hamilton songs with the beautiful anthem You Will Be Found from last year's top event Dear Evan Hansen. Press play on that song and tell me you don't get chills from second one.
2. Bandstand filmed live
During the summer of 2017, I saw an incredible Broadway show starring two megawatt stars (Corey Cott and Laura Osnes). It was called Bandstand. It was outstanding, and once it was over I was so sad thinking I'd never get to see it again. Fast-forward to this spring when my heart swelled with JOY finding out this Tony-winner for best choreography had been filmed during its all-too-short run, and would be coming to big screens across America! My friends and I loaded up the car on a Tuesday night in June and drove one city over (eye roll that it did not play here) to relive this exhilarating, beautiful, heart-stopping show one more time. It was extraordinary, and I am forever grateful that I had that opportunity.
1. Tesssa Virtue & Scott Moir
I know the Winter Olympics seem like FOREVER ago, but it really was this year! And the highlight of the Olympics, for me, was Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue's Moulin Rouge-inspired program. It's just so, so beautiful. I love it so much. And I absolutely cried watching it again just now. If you haven't seen it in a while, then it's time to treat. your. self.
Honorable Mention: John Mulaney's "Kid Gorgeous" (honestly would have made the list but I've already waxed poetic about my love for Mulaney), these Muppet outtakes, this video, this video, and this video
3. Broadway 2018
For the fifth summer in a row, my roommate Emily and I took on the Big Apple, cramming in tons of sightseeing, walking (literally FIFTY BLOCKS FROM THE MUSEUM OF NEW YORK TO BLACK TAP), and of course, Broadway shows! The Band's Visit (2018's Tony winner for Best Musical) was breathtaking and original and Anastasia was beautiful and classic. Carousel was everything I hoped it would be, from the mind-blowing choreography ("Blow High, Blow Low" was a high point of MY LIFE) to that hall of fame-worthy score (tell me the overture doesn't make you cry!). But when Joshua Henry started singing the Act 1 closer, "Soliloquy," man. I have no words. Actually, yes I do: it was incredible. It was like witnessing something that only happens once in the history of the world. His voice filled the entire theatre and blew us back in our seats. I cried, I got chills, and I'll never, ever forget it.
The fourth show I saw was Mean Girls, and it has instantly vaulted itself into the list of my top favorite stage musicals of all time. The songs are phenomenal, the cast astonishing, and the entire thing is hilarious and heartfelt. It has so many of the things I love: quick changes, exceptional choreography, whip-smart dialogue (thanks, Tina Fey!), empathetic characters, and on and on. The cast recording was the album I listened to most this year (and "Stupid With Love" was my top song), I've been having a blast following the cast on social media, and I am so, so, so, so, so glad I got to see it.
For the fifth summer in a row, my roommate Emily and I took on the Big Apple, cramming in tons of sightseeing, walking (literally FIFTY BLOCKS FROM THE MUSEUM OF NEW YORK TO BLACK TAP), and of course, Broadway shows! The Band's Visit (2018's Tony winner for Best Musical) was breathtaking and original and Anastasia was beautiful and classic. Carousel was everything I hoped it would be, from the mind-blowing choreography ("Blow High, Blow Low" was a high point of MY LIFE) to that hall of fame-worthy score (tell me the overture doesn't make you cry!). But when Joshua Henry started singing the Act 1 closer, "Soliloquy," man. I have no words. Actually, yes I do: it was incredible. It was like witnessing something that only happens once in the history of the world. His voice filled the entire theatre and blew us back in our seats. I cried, I got chills, and I'll never, ever forget it.
The fourth show I saw was Mean Girls, and it has instantly vaulted itself into the list of my top favorite stage musicals of all time. The songs are phenomenal, the cast astonishing, and the entire thing is hilarious and heartfelt. It has so many of the things I love: quick changes, exceptional choreography, whip-smart dialogue (thanks, Tina Fey!), empathetic characters, and on and on. The cast recording was the album I listened to most this year (and "Stupid With Love" was my top song), I've been having a blast following the cast on social media, and I am so, so, so, so, so glad I got to see it.
2. Nashville Friend-cation
We drank tea and talked. We went out to eat delicious food (including the best burger OF MY LIFE) and talked. We shopped and talked. Walked and talked. And at the end of the day? We'd sit down and TALK. And it was the most life-giving, soul-soothing weekend I can recall. Together for the first time since 2009, my reunion with Annie, Julie, and Dani came at the perfect time for all of us to get a break from normal life and spend time breathing and talking deeply. We piled into boutique dressing rooms, trying on clothes and encouraging each other to treat ourselves to new coats or high-waisted pants. We sat on the floor of a brand-new art gallery, listening to music by artists like Moda Spira. We went to brunch to have a "blind date with a book," and each came home with a new read. The entire time was a breath of fresh air, a sigh of relief, and I'm so, so thankful we had this time together.
1. Family Vacations
a. Galveston
It was all sand and sunglasses, wind and laughter. Chalk on the breezeway, bubbles on the stairs, and a shuffleboard tournament with a side of guacamole. Sunset boat rides, giant sea creatures molded from sand, angry live crabs in buckets, and endless fishing on the bulkhead. We ate good food, strolled the Strand, and visited our favorite ice cream shop. Family time is always the best, and my nieces were a dream. If I could rewind my life and press play again at the start of this trip, I would. Plus, I caught a STING RAY. IN THE CANAL. TWICE. (They're boneless!)
b. Christmas
The whole family together in Houston. Be still my Christmas-loving heart!
a. Galveston
It was all sand and sunglasses, wind and laughter. Chalk on the breezeway, bubbles on the stairs, and a shuffleboard tournament with a side of guacamole. Sunset boat rides, giant sea creatures molded from sand, angry live crabs in buckets, and endless fishing on the bulkhead. We ate good food, strolled the Strand, and visited our favorite ice cream shop. Family time is always the best, and my nieces were a dream. If I could rewind my life and press play again at the start of this trip, I would. Plus, I caught a STING RAY. IN THE CANAL. TWICE. (They're boneless!)
b. Christmas
The whole family together in Houston. Be still my Christmas-loving heart!
Honorable Mention: My new office building, and my cousin Shannon's son Justin in the Little League World Series!
What a year. Thank you, Lord!
