2023 Favorites

My Three Favorite Books I Read in 2023

Favorite "new to me" books I read this year.

3.  Love, Theoretically, Ali Hazelwood
This wouldn't be a complete "Val's list of top reads" without an Ali Hazelwood STEM-centric rom-com on the list, now would it? Exactly. As per usual, we have a male main character who is an absolute fool for the female lead. Plus he's so caring, so soft, so gentle, so capable. And Elsie, said female lead, was such a fun character to follow—teaching college courses, loving Twilight, striving after her dreams... we love to see it! Overall, I don't know what it was about this one—the chemistry between our leads? The fun and cheesy humor? The smarty pants science talk? I'm not sure, but I bet a second (or a third) read-through will help me decide!

“He studies my face for several moments, like he cannot stop on the cover or the first page, like he needs to read the whole book every time.” 

 2. The Right Move, Liz Tomforde
Listen, if you have ALSO read this book, I only need to say two words for you to understand this book's high position in my ranking: Ryan. Shay. RYAN SHAY! Sigh. But to expand a little bit more... In the romance book-readers world, "tropes" are everything, and this one delivered SO MANY of my favorite tropes: grumpy sunshine. Best friend's brother. Opposites attract. Fake dating. Pro athlete. Like, hi, I am SOLD. Plus, the number of 😍 emojis Ellie and I sent back and forth while reading this? THE LIMIT DOES NOT EXIST. Give me a caring and protective male main character and I am absolutely here for it, always and forever. Tears were streaming down my face by the end of this book, and I just thought to myself, 'Thank you, Lord, for Ryan Shay.'

“You can’t stop being who you are because someone else thinks it’s too much, Ind. He can go find less."

1. The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, Elizabeth O'Roark 
When international pop star Drew Wilson needs a break from her grueling tour schedule, she ends up in Hawaii with the family of her ex-boyfriend. Along for the ride? His dashing but grumpy older brother Joshua, a tall, 'Doctors Without Borders' type who soon develops a soft spot for Drew. I gobbled up the entire "Devil" series in a flash, and seriously considered just making three of them my top picks of the year, but this second entry was the one to capture my heart along with the top spot. (It must be said, though, that the first book in the series, "A Deal with the Devil" is also great and I loved it SO MUCH.) But anyway—the Hawaiian mountains, globe-trotting story, deep feelings, and sprinkling of heart-sparkling moments (the pastry! at her door! I. DIE.) were just exactly the perfect formula to make this a favorite all-time read for me.

“It takes so little to make her happy and I wonder if anyone in her life even tries.”

Honorable Mention

Flawless by Elsie Silver (Never thought I needed a professional bull rider in my life, but then I read about Rhett Eaton.)
Caught Up, Liz Tomforde (The third book in the Mile High/Right Move series. I'm thoroughly obsessed with these books, and this is another series that easily could have just taken up the top three spots on my list.)
Freaks, Gleeks, and Dawson's Creek: How Seven Teen Shows Transformed Television, Thea Glassman (If you're a pop culture/television fan, or if you loved any of these shows, this book is for you!)
Kiss My Cupcake, Helena Hunting (He owns the axe-throwing pub next door to her bakery. What more do you need to know?)
Murder for the Modern Girl, Kendall Kulper (A fun and interesting read, with a smart and inventive plot. Loved the main characters!)
Say You Swear, Meagan Brandy (I read a lot of romance books this year—obviously—but Noah Riley was one of my FAVORITE 'book boyfriends.')
I'm Glad My Mom Died, Jennette McCurdy (This girl has been THROUGH IT, but she wrote a beautiful, smart, and heartbreaking memoir about it all.)
Always Mine / Ever Mine, Laura Pavlov (The first two books in the Honey Mountain series were my favorite, but they're all worth reading!)
Done and Dusted, Lyla Sage (I need the sequel to this book to come out YESTERDAY. But I'll settle for March!)
Bookworm, Cookie O'Gorman (Cookie O'Gorman is my GIRL, and I will read her sweet, soft YA romances as long as she keeps putting them out.)

I read 98 books this year, and the only people who would have been interested in that information are my grandparents. They aren't here anymore, so I'm telling you. Is 100 in my future? Come back next year...

 My Three Favorite Movies of 2023

Runner-Up: Oppenheimer
"Oppenheimer" is an outstanding film. The cast, score, direction, structure... it just all works for me. It's absolutely top tier. Nevermind that it's a "who's who" of fiercely talented Hollywood actors (including my first true movie love Josh Hartnett), it's also a fascinating story that sweeps its way through time and across the world, and I just really loved the whole experience. 

3.  Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1
"Dead Reckoning" is a smart, twisty, clever blast. These movies always strike the right balance between humor and tension, and "Dead Reckoning" is no different. It has a unique and inventive plot, some great character development, and, of course, more than a few jaw-dropping stunts and set pieces—plus a ton of laugh-out-loud moments! I love that they brought Hayley Atwell (forever my Agent Carter!) and Pom Klementieff (who was awesome formidable and... kinda scary!) into the fold—those two combined with the return of Rebecca Ferguson and Vanessa Kirby created a formidable line-up of strong female characters, and we really love to see it. It's a shame that "Dead Reckoning's" release got eclipsed by Barbenheimer, because it deserved more time in the theatrical spotlight, so to speak. Please see it if you missed it—if not for me, do it for Shea Whigham. That guy's awesome.

2. Barbie
It makes little to no sense, but part of me wanted to NOT rank "Barbie" super high? Just because it got SO popular, you know? But that's not really fair to Greta Gerwig, and it's really not fair to one Barbara Millicent Roberts. And it's also just not the truth, because "Barbie" was insanely fun, creative, smart, heartfelt, and hilarious, and man was it a great time at the theater! I mean I was literally pointing at the screen when I saw Barbie clothes I used to own. I had a blast spotting so many people in the audience dressed up in pink (I honestly had to stop myself from yelling "Hi Barbie!" to my fellow Barbies). Also I laughed probably a little too much (it had my favorite joke of the entire year!*). I truly think it's the funniest movie I've seen in the last few years. The whole experience was so nostalgic and refreshing and positive and FUN (I know, I keep using that word), and... I don't know. I just wish more movies could be like that.

*“It’s like I’ve been in a dream where I was really invested in the Zack Snyder Cut of Justice League!”

1. Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret
This. Movie. Is. Wonderful. My gosh. I already love coming-of-age films, but this one was so smartly, delightfully, and reverently crafted, I found it impossible not to immediately deem it a favorite. The cast is pitch perfect, the script is both funny and touching, and the direction is flawless. Abby Ryder Fortson did a fantastic job anchoring the film, but Rachel McAdams (playing Margaret's mom) nearly stole the whole movie. I love Rachel in everything, but she was so magnetic and sensitive and relatable and dynamic in this, I found myself in awe of her talents all over again. The whole viewing experience was outstanding—I laughed, hid my face in embarrassed amusement, and teared up throughout. I didn't want it to end! It's as close to perfect as a movie came for me this year, and I can't encourage you enough to check out this sweet, poignant, funny, relatable gem of a movie.

Honorable Mention: The Holdovers, The Color Purple, Missing, Joy Ride, A Haunting in Venice, No Hard Feelings, Guy Ritchie's The Covenant

My Three Favorite TV Shows of 2023

Favorite shows I started watching this year:

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Here's the (very strange) deal: I only started—and finished—two new (to me) shows this year. I started several other good ones, but for whatever reason just haven't managed to make it to the end yet. That being said, at this point finishing all available episodes of a series is a big compliment from me, so with that in mind... Here are my top two new shows I stuck with this year!

2. Reacher
I didn't initially jump at the chance to check out "Reacher." Mostly because, to be honest? It seemed like the epitome of a "dad show." (Not my dad, but you know... DADS.) However, I saw a couple clips online, didn't have anything else to watch (clearly), and decided to give it a whirl. Okay so, to get it out of the way, yes: a lot of it is just a very (very) big guy punching and shooting people. And giving people the stink eye, and spouting off some pretttttty cheesy dialogue. BUT. But. "Reacher" also has a compelling season-long mystery, some fun twists and turns, and a few actors I loved in other shows (Hi, Clive from "iZombie!"). It's a little gory and sometimes pretty brutal, but overall I had a great time traversing rural Georgia with a 6'5" dude who can snap his way out of zip-tie handcuffs and kick a car hard enough to deploy an airbag.

1. Poker Face 
File this one under "S" for "Shows That Feel Like They Were Made Just For Me." I mean—a witty, sprawling mystery that unfurls over the course of ten tight and highly entertaining episodes? This has VALERIE written all over it! Natasha Lyonne is perfect in the lead role of Charlie Cale, a smart and compassionate gal-on-the-run who can always tell when someone is lying (it's a feeling, you see). As she makes her way across the country trying to stay one step ahead of bodyguard/bad guy Benjamin Bratt, she finds herself solving mysteries in a myriad of different venues—a barbecue joint, a race track, a retirement home, and more. Along the way, we are treated to a series of iconic guest actors like Judith Light, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Stephanie Hsu, Charles Melton, Tim Meadows, and Cherry Jones. It's absolutely outstanding, and I cannot wait for season 2.

My Three Favorite Events of 2023

3. Summer + Christmas Family Time
Our family's annual Galveston vacation is always one of my favorite weeks of the year! Going out on the boat, eating ice cream on the Strand, building sand castles, playing games, driving the golf cart, throwing water balloons, celebrating birthdays, fishing in the ocean... what's not to love? Wish I could play this week on repeat a few more times!

 
We got together again at Christmas, but why tell you about it when I can just SHOW you? Press play to see our December fun:

2. Morby Family Reunion
The reason we got together—my grandfather's memorial service—was less than fun. But everything that came with my entire extended family gathering together for it was pure magic. We took all the little kids to a trampoline park, spent time out at "Morbyland" (my nieces' first time ever!), laughed a ton, played board games, and just enjoyed all being in the same place. It was more fun than it should have been, and I am so, so incredibly thankful for this group of people. 

1. Ciminellos and Morbys in New York
All my favorite people in one of my favorite places? IF I'M DREAMING PLEASE DON'T WAKE ME UP 'CAUSE BABY I CAN'T GET ENOUGH. My parents took me, my brother, and my sister and her family to New York City this October, and it was amazing! I loved getting to see the Big Apple through my nieces eyes—it was their first time up there, and it was SO fun getting to show them around! We ate fantastic food (family-style dining is my new favorite and I firmly believe more restaurants should be like this), got to experience so many iconic NYC landmarks/attractions together (Broadway Museum where have you been all my life??), and saw incredible shows ("Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" was a mind-meltingly incredible experience and I will never be over how astounding it was). It felt like the trip of a lifetime and I am so, so grateful that we got to do that together. Thanks, Mom and Dad! 

Honorable Mention: Girls trip to Kentucky, SMG movie club, Galveston weekend with Ellie, celebrating 15 years at my job (!), Ciminellos at family camp, old media team reunion at Melissa's anniversary party, celebrating Dad's 70th birthday, sweet surprise gifts from co-workers, celebrating Kristen's time at Pine Cove, and Thanksgiving in Galveston.

Lastly, I can't end this entry without talking about the other big thing that happened this year. After nearly 93 years living, laughing, and working (Lord, how he worked) on this earth, Grandpa Glenn finally went to his rest. If we're honest I'm still wrestling and reconciling with this one, but I'm left with the sweetest memories of him and the legacy he left behind. Nothing is the same without him here, but oh—how grateful am I that I got to have Glenn Morby as my grandfather. Rest well, Grandpa, and enjoy eating some nachos, watching the Nicholas brothers dance, and making malts with Grandma. Love you.

2021 Favorites

 My Three Favorite Books I Read in 2021

Favorite "new to me" books I read this year.

3. The Wall of Winnipeg and Me, Mariana Zapata
 As many books as I read in a year, I still don't come across many that I would consider "un-put-down-able." This one definitely qualifies. I stayed up way too late immersed in this sweet, warm blanket of a romance leaving me heart-eyed and daydreaming of a gruff and caring Aiden of my own. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, and it doesn't feature the most beautiful writing I've ever experienced. It does, however, constantly invoke a slow, dopey grin at the push-pull of Aiden and Vanessa's love/hate relationship, and sometimes that's all we're looking for in our comfort books.

“You haven’t left me when I needed you. Why wouldn’t I do the same for you?” 

2. More Than Maybe, Erin Hahn
I literally read a dozen books last year before I made it to a five-star read: "More Than Maybe." And I fell hard and fast for this sweet gem! An intelligent and passionate female lead? Check. A dashing yet uncertain (and British!) male lead? Check! Erin Hahn truly has a gift for romance writing—her descriptions of the thoughts you have when you have a crush on someone... like, GET OUT OF MY BRAIN! This was fun and lovely and tinged with sadness—I cried my way through the end. And even though I'm not much of a popular music fan, I still found myself admiring and respecting Luke and Vada's zeal for it. "More Than Maybe" is a book that feels alive with passion and anticipation, and Hahn really seems excited to be telling this story. It's absolutely fantastic and I can't wait to read it again.

"We want to be moved and changed and knocked over and pieced back together. We want to swoon and taste and cry and scream to the sky, yes, Yes, this."  

1. Better Than the Movies, Lynn Painter
Oh my heart! It's pretty rare that you read a book that feels like it was written just. For. YOU. But that was "Better Than the Movies" for me! A high school-set rom com? With an enemies-to-lovers story? And endless film and song references? Sign me UP! This is the kind of book that I found myself truly losing myself in. I would listen to it in my car, and then arrive somewhere and then just sit in the front seat staring out at the middle distance and smiling as I listened to Liz and Wes banter their way to their happily-ever-after. I love this book. I want to listen to it a hundred more times. If you love a sweet young adult rom com as much as I do, you owe it to yourself to hunt down a copy of "Better Than the Movies."

“She. Isn’t. You. When I see her, I don’t feel like I have to talk to her or mess up her hair or do something – anything – to get her to swing that gaze on me.”

Honorable Mention

The Bookshop on the Corner, Jenny Colgan (This will make you want to move to Scotland and fall in love with a farmer.)
Frankly in Love, David Yoon (I couldn't read this one fast enough!)
Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania, Erik Larson (Our research king strikes again!)
The Love Hypothesis, Ali Hazelwood (Ridiculous and cliche and SO MUCH FUN.)
Well Met, Jen DeLuca (I'm in love with Simon Graham and I don't care who knows it!)
The Cheat Sheet, Sarah Adams (So, so cute! I had a lot of fun reading this one.)
New Morning Mercies, Paul David Trip (Precious and holy, full of reminders of the gift of grace.)
If I Never Met You, Mhairi McFarlane (What an author! Can't wait to read more by Mhairi McFarlane.)
Wallflower, Cookie O'Gorman (A book as sweet as the author's name!)
The Tourist Attraction, Sarah Morgenthaler (Absolutely delightful. Alaska, here I come!)
A Very Punchable Face, Colin Jost (Super entertaining. I laughed out loud multiple times!)
Don't You Forget About Me, Mhairi McFarlane (The final "declaration of love" speech was one of the best I've ever read!)

I ended up reading about 77 books, and I feel like you can sense a theme as to the category most of them fell into! If you're interested, you can view my full list here.

 My Three Favorite Movies of 2021

Runner-Up: Even though it feels like I hear a lot of people talking about "The Mitchells vs. the Machines," I still find myself thinking, "Why aren't more people talking about 'The Mitchells vs. the Machines?'" It is the most hilarious, most creative film of the year, and you owe it to yourself to check it out as soon as possible! You will laugh out loud and probably cry (I certainly did!), and I really can't imagine anyone not enjoying it.

3. Kid Detective
I don't think I could describe this movie any better than Kevin Smith did on his podcast when he said, "What if 'Brick' was funny?" And I don't mean funny like "parody" funny or "silly" funny, I just mean layered, deadpan, noir humor embedded into the DNA of this script and all of the performances. It's definitely got a "Veronica Mars" flair, but also a dash of something Jason Reitman-y and maybe Edgar Wright-y. If any of those references piqued your interest, then I cannot encourage you enough to check it out. Adam Brody is perfect as a private detective trying to live up to his former glory days as a young Encyclopedia Brown-type who gets served up an intriguing and twisty case. I promise you will not see the ending coming in any way, shape, or form. Please watch this movie—it's amazing.

2. Tick, Tick... Boom!
If you're envisioning a dry or hard-to-follow or rote, uninspired movie musical whenever you hear about "Tick, Tick... Boom," you need to take a giant eraser to your brain and replace those misconceptions with the reality of this vibrant, sparkling film full of swirling songs, breathless storytelling, and performances that will make your hair stand on end. The entire film, to borrow a phrase, "crackles and pops with incendiary wit." Andrew Garfield is a musical revelation and he infuses every frame with the jittery time-is-running-out creative spark that the real-life Jonathan Larson exuded every day of his too-short life. Garfield dances, sings, smiles, and cries out in such desperation that it's hard to believe the Oscar doesn't already have his name engraved on it. He takes viewers on such a personal, complete journey of emotions that by the time he's raw and pouring out his heart on a stage in Central Park wailing "Why?", our hearts are raw and yearning right along with him. "Tick, Tick... Boom" is an incredible piece of art, and you owe it to your heart, your soul, and your ears to check it out.

1. West Side Story
If you're surprised by this pick, you haven't been paying attention. I've been looking forward to "West Side Story" since 2019 (its released was delayed to 2021 due to you-know-what) and proceeded to see it five times in the theater. I absolutely could not get enough! Suffice it to say, Steven Spielberg and company more than met my expectations. Rachel Zegler, David Alvarez, Ariana DeBose, Mike Faist and the entire cast burst onto screen with style and flair and soul and passion that I haven't seen on screen since... I don't know when. Justin Peck's choreography is mindblowing, and watching the Jets dance together is like watching a grown-up cast of "Newsies" roam the streets (mostly because half the Jets are literal former members of the cast of "Newsies"). "West Side Story" paints the story of Romeo and Juliet in bold, beautiful strokes, and it pushes one of my all-time favorite stage actors into the spotlight he's always deserved. As Tony's right-hand man Riff, Mike Faist grabbed the camera with both hands and wouldn't let go until... well. You know. If you haven't seen this one yet, run to the theater as soon as you can so you don't miss this incredible, heartfelt movie musical on the biggest screen possible.

Honorable Mention: Free Guy, Black Widow, Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Finding 'Ohana, Last Night in Soho, Always and Forever

My Three Favorite TV Shows of 2021

Favorite shows I started watching this year:

3. Girls 5eva
Busy Philipps, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Sara Bareilles, Paula Pell, and two of Broadway's "Mean Girls" (Erika Henningsen and Ashley Park) were always going to be a winning combination. So we're not surprised this show was a WIN! Whip-smart writing, memorable songs, and countless all-star cameos add up to one intensely fun and funny show, one I am thrilled to know is getting a second season. It harnesses early-2000's nostalgia, hilarious song lyrics, and unexpectedly silly sight gags into an unstoppable joyride that will have you laughing out loud and seeking out the music to listen to on repeat.
Stream it on Peacock

2. WandaVision
By the end of episode one I was intrigued. After episode two, I was hooked. By episode three my mind was blown, I was all in, and I'd bought the t-shirt. (Sweatshirt, actually, but you get the idea. I literally bought the shirt.) "WandaVision" is the perfect bridge between Wanda's experiences in "Infinity War" and "Endgame" to her next adventures in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. What's amazing is that they could have used "WandaVision" to tell a relatively straightforward story about Wanda's grief and introduce a new adversary for her. Instead, they placed the characters and elements of the show into a kaleidoscope, spun it, and held it up to the light of a television screen playing famous sitcoms from throughout television history. The result is an imaginative and affecting journey that kept me guessing the entire way.
Stream it on Disney+

1. Only Murders in the Building
I love this show. I love the opening credits, I love the cast, I love the writing, I love the cinematography, I love the jokes, I love the costumes, I love the twists, I love the cameos, I love the music, I love the references. I just love it all. A murder mystery with comedic elements? Set in New York City? Featuring tons of Broadway favorites (not to mention Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez as pitch-perfect trio of amateur detectives slash podcasters)? Sign. Me. UP. Was this made for me? I was hopeful that I'd like it, but from the moment the murder victim broke the fourth wall and looked at me and told me that he would be dead in approximately 12 minutes, I was hooked. It's brilliant and unpredictable and fascinating, and the second season just cannot come soon enough.
Stream it on Hulu

Honorable Mention: Schmigadoon, Loki, Reservation Dogs, One of Us is Lying

My Three Favorite Events of 2021

3. Vaccination Station
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 in March truly felt like a miracle. After I received in my first dose I sat in my car and just felt a sense of awe and thankfulness that a year into the pandemic, I had finally received protection against the worst affects of Covid. Thank you, Lord, for creating the incredibly smart researchers and doctors and systems that led to my first dose, second dose, and booster shot. All glory to God!

2. Summer Family Time + Christmas
My sister and nieces were in Texas for the entire month of June this year—thanks, home renovations! I got to soak up time with them in Houston and Tyler, and then for an entire week in Galveston when we were joined by my brother-in-law (and my parents and brother, of course). During these four weeks we went to the pool, picked blueberries, surfed in the ocean, played games, collected seashells, went on boat rides, visited the zoo, and so much more! It was amazing and my favorite and I wish I could relive it all again now.

 Christmas? You know I have a video for that!

1. Morby Madness in Virginia
My babiest cousin Dawson got married to his bride Hannah in Virginia this past November, and their wedding was lovely. What was really memorable for me, though, was seeing family members stretching from 12-year-old Lexi to my 92-year-old grandparents make the trek to the east coast to celebrate the new couple. Consistently showing up for family members is one of my favorite parts of being a Morby, and all of us coming together to dance, laugh, toast, and honor Dawson and Hannah filled my heart with enough joy to tide me into the new year. 

Honorable Mention: Really fun office shenanigans, Maddy starring as Cruella in her elementary school's production of "101 Dalmatians," Dani surprising me in Galveston for my birthday, seeing some of my articles published in Pine Cove's magazines, celebrating Ellie's 30th birthday in Austin with an amazing rom-com themed bash, and seeing my neighborhood blanketed in snow.

I feel like I can't close out any sort of summary about my year without mentioning the passing of one of my closest friends, Grandma Doris. She stepped out the door of this life and into her new body and new life with Jesus on Christmas Eve. While it still feels surreal and I'll never stop missing her, I'm also at peace knowing she was more than ready to go, and got to do it on her own terms—at home, surrounded by loved ones, and with the promise that we'll all see her again one day. I love you, Grandma.

So long, farewell, auf wiedersehn good night! I hate to go and leave this pretty sight...

2020 Favorites

 My Three Favorite Books I Read in 2020

Favorite "new to me" books I read this year.

3. By Your Side  Kasie West
One of the coping mechanisms I turned to during this absolute swamp of a year was reading light, bright young adult romance novels—the easier, the sweeter the better. And the author that delivered the joyful champagne bubbles that I needed again and again was Kasie West. Of the eight Kasie West books I read this year, By Your Side was my soft, heart-eyed favorite. One fateful Friday night, Autumn Collins finds her locked inside a gigantic, empty library. Only it's not so empty: the school "bad boy" soon makes his presence known, and the two find themselves pairing up to fight off boredom, hunger, and perhaps some burgeoning feelings. This book was just exactly what I was needing when I read it, and I found myself grinning and feeling bubbly throughout. I see myself reading it again soon!

“What was I scared of? Letting someone close? Handing him the power to hurt me? Letting go of control? Possibilities don’t hurt as much as realities. Possibilities are exciting and endless. Realities are final.”

2. Natalie Tan's Book of Luck and Fortune, Roselle Lim
I gobbled this book up in one day, and it's hard to say what I enjoyed more—the story line, the love interest, or the food descriptions! When they're all vying first place like that, you know you're in a good spot. Natalie Tan returns to her childhood home after the death of her mother determined to reopen her grandmother's old restaurant, and finds herself armed with an old cookbook containing recipes for more than just delicious dishes. Incredibly, this is Roselle Lim's first novel, and we are so fortunate that she chose to bestow on us her exquisite descriptions of everything from food to grief. With a touch of the fantastic, Natalie Tan's Book of Luck and Fortune is the perfect novel to whisk you away into a swirling world of charm, steam, and mystery.

“Wishes are worth nothing because there’s so many of them. If they turned into stars, there will be no sky left.”

1. Alex, Approximately, Jenn Bennett
A blonde movie fan with a penchant for crushing on charming gentlemen? No, unfortunately this book is not about me. However, it is about lover of all things retro Bailey Rydell, who moves to a tiny California town, takes a job at a quirky local museum, and sets about searching for her fellow cinema-lover and pen pal, Alex. In the meantime, she makes friends, has more than one adventure (including rescuing a replica of the Maltese falcon), and even catches the eye of a terribly attractive museum security guard slash surfer. With every chapter beginning with a different movie quote ("10 Things I Hate About You," "The Force Awakens," "You've Got Mail), it felt at times that Alex, Approximately was written just for me. This book absolutely turned my heart into confetti, and I can't recommend it enough.

"I'll give him a pass. Because, hello! The Philadelphia Story. I could watch this a thousand times and never get weary of it. Watching with someone else who's never seen it is so much better. With Porter? I can't believe my luck.”

Honorable Mention
There's Someone Inside Your House, Stephanie Perkins (Terrifying and unputdownable.)
The Fill-In Boyfriend, Kasie West (This one VERY narrowly missed making my top three.)
My Life Next Door, Huntley Fitzpatrick (I'm in love with the main character's love interest!)
Serious Moonlight, Jenn Bennett (Mysterious and lovely.)
How to Speak Boy, Tiana Smith (Gave me heart eyes for days!)
One Of Us is Next, Karen M. McManus (Even better than the first book in the series.)
Girl at Heart, Kelly Oram (Gave me all the butterflies!)
P.S. I Like You, Kasie West (More like P.S. I Love This Book!)
Shuffle, Repeat, Jen Klein (Sweet and well-written.)
The Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad, Cookie O'Gorman (Listened to this in one day!)
Two Can Keep a Secret, Karen M. McManus (Twisty and fascinating.)
Our Stop, Laura Jane Williams (I literally cried from the loveliness.)
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, Holly Jackson (I absolutely cannot wait for the sequel to be released!)

My goal heading into this year was to read 60 books. Thanks to the-virus-that-shall-not-be-named, I had a lot more reading time and ended up finishing 83. If you saw me throughout the year, this doesn't surprise you. "I've read 50 books." "I've read 60 books." "I've read 70 books." Maybe I thought if I said it enough, it could be something other than my only accomplishment of the year. Regardless, I genuinely enjoyed almost everything I read! You can view my full list here.

My Three Favorite Movies of 2020

3. The Gentlemen
Exceptionally dynamic and unmistakably Guy Ritchie, "The Gentlemen" has to be the most fun I had watching a movie this year. Stacked with the most impressive cast this side of "Ocean's 11" (Matthew McConaughey, Henry Golding, Hugh Grant, Charlie Hunnam, Colin Farrell, Michelle Dockery) and an intricately spun and delightfully twisty script, Ritchie's latest film takes us on a wild ride of blackmail, betrayal, and more than a little hilarity. "The Gentlemen" had me laughing, gasping, and covering my eyes, and thinking back on it now, it's taking everything in me to not abandon this blog in favor of watching this movie again.

2. P.S. I Still Love You
Dear Peter Kavinsky... If you're surprised to see the second film in the "To All the Boys" series on my list, you clearly do not know me well at all! While it didn't quite live up to the first (mostly due to its undercurrent of sadness and edge of heartbreak), I still found it to be a fun and charming escape. Jordan Fisher was a brilliant (and swoon-worthy) addition to the cast, and Lana Condor and Noah Centineo are still the perfect, absolutely magnetic center of the franchise. Overall "P.S. I Still Love You" was absolutely delightful, full of tender moments, swirling snowflakes, and a sky full of lanterns.

1. Palm Springs
What a breath of fresh air! From its very first moment, "Palm Springs" showed itself to be smart, original, and laugh-out-loud funny. Starring the brilliant Andy Samberg and a lovely Cristin Milioti (who was more than up for the task of holding her own against Andy), the latest film from the Lonely Island crew is more than a "Groundhog Day" retread. It's a bright, colorful, and unexpected joy ride that keeps you guessing for the entirety of its runtime. While the story of a man trapped reliving the same day again and again, desperate to create joy where he can may not sound like much of an escape from our current reality, it's nevertheless an enchanting and surprising diversion with more than a little heart—and a GREAT use of J.K. Simmons. Now hand me my jean jacket—it's time to go dancing.

Honorable Mention: Tenet

I obviously didn't get to see the number of movies I would have liked this year—yet another thing the pandemic ripped away from me. One of my favorite moments of last year was unrepeatable this year, and the less said about it the better.

My Three Favorite TV Shows of 2020

Favorite shows I started watching this year:

3. (tie) Outer Banks
This show? This show right here? Is absolutely ridiculous. And stressful and dramatic and unbelievable... but I don't know! It's also eternal summer and pretty people and a treasure hunt and friendship and storm surfing and wait why are you running from the cops and WHY DOES THAT GUY HAVE A GUN I THINK I'M GOING TO HAVE A HEART ATTACK. I just kept coming back for more, and when a BIG MOMENT happened in the penultimate episode, I legit stood up and screamed from the SHOCK of it, and honestly isn't that what we want from our suspenseful TV shows? And then when my winter needed an extra dose of eternal summer, I found myself diving straight back into the OBX for a second time.
Stream it on Netflix

3. (tie) Downton Abbey
A few months into lockdown I was desperate for something new to watch. Enter the Crawleys, their household staff, and a truckload of Maggie Smith one-liners here to transport me to World War I-era England. I started the series not knowing the difference between a housekeeper and a lady's maid, and left scoffing at the idea of household with only one footman (can you IMAGINE). At times over-the-top and incredibly soapy (jail! illegitimate babies! blackmail!), Downton nevertheless offered a brilliantly written and perfectly acted escape from the mundanity of yet another evening spent at home.
Stream it on Amazon Prime

2. High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
Before she blessed us with "Drivers License," Olivia Rodrigo was lighting up the screen and tugging our heartstrings with songs like "All I Want" in the Disney+ small screen treasure High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. There's honestly just too much to love about this show: the songs, the musical theater in-jokes, the breaking of the fourth wall, the love triangle, the callbacks to the original HSM. I'm here for it, I'm in heaven, I just started watching it for the third time, BRB.
Stream it on Disney+

1. Taskmaster
Just when the long days of quarantine were realllllly starting to drag, lo: the heavens opened up and the Lord bestowed upon me the MOST perfect show for escaping pandemic living: Taskmaster. It's premise is incredibly simple: Greg Davies, aka "The Taskmaster" forces a set of five comedians to complete a task, and then awards them points based on their performance. The tasks range from the straightforward (create the tallest cardboard box tower) to the bizarre (measure the circumference of a caravan in baked beans), but they are always, always hilarious. Even better are the moments between tasks in the studio when the Taskmaster passes judgement on the performances of the comedians (nothing makes me laugh harder than Greg Davies staring in silent disappointment at a contestant who knows they totally failed their task). This hilarity, along with the show's puzzle-solving aspect (certain tasks contain a hidden clue, while some contestants parse the language of the task itself to find a workaround), combined to create my ideal television show, and my most favorite of the year.
Stream it on YouTube 

Honorable Mention: Never Have I Ever, The Mandalorian, The Baby-Sitters Club, The Queen's Gambit

My Three Favorite Events of 2020

3. New York, New York
Some people call the day the pandemic became real—like, really REAL—"Tom and Rita Day," because it was the first day most people finally felt like they knew someone (albeit two very famous people—the Hankses) who'd been diagnosed with COVID-19. Well I just happened to be in New York City on Tom and Rita Day. (I know, I know. I know.) I was there with Lori and Emily, and while our trip kind of folded in on itself due to... gestures around wildly at the all of everything... we still pieced together a memorable holiday spent thrifting, visiting my favorite restaurants (Buvette and Valerie!), spotting celebrities on the street (Hugh Dancy!), and seeing Six in its as of yet final performance before the shutdown. And even as the world crumbled around us, I was fortunate to face it all with slightly unhinged laughter ("MHMMM!") and pizza consumed on our hotel room beds with Lori and Emily.

2. Gal Pal Weekends
Before, during, and... also during quarantine (lockdown?), I was blessed to get weekends away with some of the best ladies in the land. In February several handfuls of Britt's nearest and dearest descended on her family's lake house to celebrate her bachelorette weekend with food, games, Mamma Mia, and all the catching up with far-flung friends. It was glorious. 

Then in August, I grabbed a few close buddies and escaped down to the Morby beach house for a relaxed birthday weekend. It was incredibly, blessedly chill, full of coffee and reading and laughing and talking. We made more than a few trips to the beach, walked down to watch the sunset each evening, played games (a movie game AND a To All the Boys game), made homemade pizza, and watched Taskmaster. Though we never ventured into town, I think this low-key time away was just what we all needed. (As Melissa put it, "All I want to do is sit on the deck and drink coffee." And we did.)

Finally, early in the fall Ellie and I booked a room at a charming hotel in Dallas with pink doors, twinkling string lights, and a sparkling pool. We spent our time reading in the pool, reading next to the pool, eating good food, and watching Cobra Kai. We never left the hotel grounds and I still find myself longing for a repeat visit. (Ellie?)

1. Double Family Vacays
The very best people, in one of my very favorite places. If I had to pick a bright spot for the year, as I've been doing for each day, this would be it. And that we got to do it TWICE in 2020? All glory to God. Because it was dreamy, dreamy, dreamy. Trips to the beach and swimming at the club. Boat rides, catching crabs, flying kites, fishing, golf cart rides, catching crabs, playing card games, jumping in the canal, watching movies... Literally, what more could I want. What. More.

The last thing I want to do is leave the impression that my year was full of highs, or that I was exempt from the lows. This year took so much from me—from all of us, of course—and we won't be forgetting its effects anytime soon. The important thing to remember is that there are bright spots, even if they're as mundane as morning coffee, and that they're bestowed on us by the very One who holds this whole thing together. Be near, Oh Lord! (And open Broadway again as soon as you can, thanks SO very much.)

XOXO,
Val

2019 Favorites

My Three Favorite Books I Read in 2019

Favorite "new to me" books I read this year.

3. The Only Thing Worse Than Me Is You, Lily Anderson
First things first: this is a great book title. Second: this is a great book. (At least for me. Surely you know by now that I'm a sucker for a sweet YA romance novel.) Set in a school for gifted students and populated with a surprisingly fascinating group of supporting characters, The Only Thing Worse Than Me Is You delivered on everything I love about these young adult books. It had me grinning uncontrollably, covering my face in empathetic embarrassment, and turning pages faster and faster so I could find out what happened next. If a modern day adaptation of "Much Ado About Nothing" set in a high school sounds up your alley (and why wouldn't it be?), I can't recommend this book enough!

"I'd always assumed that I wasn't the kind of girl that anyone would stay up late thinking about. And here I was with a boy who was thinking about me. It just happened to be a boy whom I spent hours torturing."

2. Where the Crawdads Sing, Delia Owens
The most popular books that everyone's reading don't always turn out to be a win. This book, however, lived up to the hype. The story of Kya, her abandonment, her relationship with the environment, and the people who weave their way in and out of her life were at once heartbreaking, hopeful, and riveting. Add to that a deep, perplexing central mystery and you have exactly why this book has been flying off the shelves. Delia Owens is a breathtakingly talented author, and the fact that this is her first foray into fiction is almost unbelievable. I wanted to copy down line after line of her gorgeous writing so I wouldn't forget it. Get on the waiting list at the library as soon as you can, because reading this book is a must.

“She laughed for his sake, something she’d never done. Giving away another piece of herself just to have someone else.”

1. Eleanor & Park, Rainbow Rowell
Wow. My heart. This BOOK. It's so well-written, so sweet, so tender, and yet completely unrelenting and heartbreaking. Park is the kind of guy you wish you'd known in high school. Eleanor is the kind of girl you wish you could just protect and take care of. The way Rainbow writes about these people, and the feelings they have (my goodness, the FEELINGS), you can't help but relate to them so strongly that you all but fall headfirst into the pages themselves a la Harry Potter in The Chamber of Secrets. Throughout the novel, the point of view switches from Park to Eleanor and back again, keeping you on your feet, and also giving insight into what's going on in each of their minds. Get your hands on a copy of this book and read it immediately. It's that good. 

“You can be Han Solo. And I'll be Boba Fett. I'll cross the sky for you.” 

Honorable Mention
Best. Movie. Year. Ever.: How 1999 Blew Up the Big Screen, Brian Raftery
Since You've Been Gone, Morgan Matson
We Were Liars, E. Lockhart
The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, Stuart Turton
Evvie Drake Starts Over, Linda Holmes
Stay Sexy and Don't Get Murdered, Karen Kilgariff & Georgia Hardstark
I Believe in a Thing Called Love, Maurene Goo
The Unexpected Everything, Morgan Matson
Fall and Rise: The Story of 9/11, Mitchell Zuckoff
God is Able, Priscilla Shirer
Murder on the Ballarat Train, Kerry Greenwood

At the beginning of the year, I set a pretty big goal for myself: to read 50 books in a year. I finished reading my 52nd book on New Years Eve, surprising myself in the process for managing to pull it off. Reading a book a week involved many trips to the library, constant perusal of Goodreads, and always carrying a book in my purse. Thankfully I really enjoyed most of the books I read, and only hated two. (Curious? Check out my full list.)

My Three Favorite Movies of 2019

3. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Spoilers ahead!
The first three quarters of The Rise of Skywalker were a blast. I enjoyed watching the interplay between Finn, Poe, and Rey, meeting new characters, and just being along for the adventure. I laughed a ton, loved the music, and was just overall thrilled that this movie was more in line with The Force Awakens, which I loved, than The Last Jedi, which I... did not. And then (spoilers ahead) Ben ran into the cave. (The lair. Whatever it was.) And everything that happened for the next 15 minutes? Holy moly. I felt absolutely electrified. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, and if you told me that I'd started levitating in my seat during these sequences, I WOULD BELIEVE YOU. Every time I thought it couldn't get better, IT DID. Man. I've seen this twice so far, and I can't wait to see it again. In summary, I leave you with just three words: Ben. Solo. Shrug.

2. Knives Out
From the moment the first trailer dropped, I was hooked. A whodunnit? With that cast? And Chris Evans wearing THAT sweater?? Sign. Me. Up. And this movie totally delivered! It had everything: twists. Turns. Jamie Lee Curtis in a pink power suit. I mean, what more could you want? There was no way to predict where this movie would go next, which made it all the more satisfying by the end. Also, I've just gotta say: this is a movie that rewards re-watches! I picked up several things the second time around that I'd missed the first. So go back and watch it again, and you'll see that the donut hole has a hole in its center, and it is not a donut hole at all but a smaller donut with its own hole...

1. The Peanut Butter Falcon
A man with Down's Syndrome escapes his care facility and ends up traveling down the coast of North Carolina with Shia LaBeouf. I know—it's not the log line you expect for the movie that beat Star Wars and the Avengers for the top spot on my list. But there's more to it than that, of course. There's joy, and there's sorrow. There's life. And somewhere around the time Zach told Tyler, "I'm gonna give you all my wishes for my birthday," my heart completely shattered. In the absolute best way, if that's possible. And by the end of the movie, as tears streamed down my face, my heart was whole again.

When people talk about the power of cinema, about what movies can do, this is what they're talking about. A movie that can scoop out your insides and replace them with glowing stardust. And a movie that knows that rule number one? Is party.

Honorable Mention: Avengers: Endgame, 1917, Little Women, Marriage Story, Late Night

My Three Favorite TV Shows of 2019

Favorite shows I started watching this year:

3. Fosse/Verdon
I can tell you in two words why Fosse/Verdon was so good: Michelle Williams. How about two more: Sam Rockwell. Oh, I can have four additional words? The Hamilton creative team (producer Lin-Manuel Miranda, choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, director Tommy Kail). The wrenching story of lovers turned co-dependent, separated collaborators is so creatively, lovingly told, you just can't look away. Add in a cast of Broadway all stars (Norbert Leo Butz, Santino Fontana, Brandon Uranowitz, Laura Osnes) with a side of Michelle Williams' tears, and you've got a recipe for a truly outstanding TV show.
Stream it on Hulu

2. Derry Girls
Derry Girls is a gift. I'm so glad it exists in the world. Because the world absolutely needed a show about Catholic school girls navigating their lives in Northern Ireland at the height of the Troubles in the 90's. And it is ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS. You'll be obsessed with these girls and their stories, and by the end of the second season you'll be right there with Cousin James, screaming, "I'M A DERRY GIRL!" It's on Netflix, so go look it up right now, because you're gonna love it. (Just be sure you watch it with subtitles—those Irish accents are no joke.) Sláinte!
Stream it on Netflix

1. Schitt's Creek
When I saw the first handful of episodes a year or two ago, I dismissed the show as not for me. "I mean I get it," I would tell people. "It's just not that funny to me." This summer I decided to give the show another try, and this time something clicked. The more I watched, the more I could see pieces of myself in each of the characters. The more I genuinely laughed at the brilliant writing. And as the series progressed, I found that each season was better than the last. Now I'm ALL IN, can't wait for the next season, and find myself taking on more and more of Annie Murphy's mannerisms. What can I say? I'm just a little bit Alexis.
Stream it on Netflix

Honorable Mention: In the Dark, The Other Two

My Three Favorite Events of 2019

3. Let's Go to the Movies
I (obviously) love movies, and a huge part of that is seeing them in the theater. This year I got to see an amazing amount of new releases, and it just made my heart so happy! A big reason I made it to the theater so often is due to my movie buddy who's as committed to keeping up with the cinemaverse as I am: Ellie Bennett. Of the 37 movies I saw in theaters this year (and up through this weekend), 24 of them were with Ellie. And that's on God, for blessing me with a fellow entertainment-obsessed friend. 

2. Double New York
This past spring, Ellie moved to New York for a few months. And I got to visit her! We ate great food (especially at Valerie!), visited the Museum of Natural History, went rowing in Central Park, and of course saw some shows. In total I was able to take in five Broadway musicals (My Fair Lady, Tootsie, Be More Chill, Kiss Me Kate, and Mean Girls), placing me squarely atop cloud nine. It was an incredible trip, and I'm so grateful I got to go!

Then in July, Emily and I returned to the Big Apple together for our sixth time! Power outage aside, we had a fantastic time, saw some beautiful art, toured Ellis Island, and took hundreds of photos. And this trip's Broadway shows were all over-the-top exceptional: Frozen, Moulin Rouge!, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Part 1 (we missed Part 2 thanks to the aforementioned power outage). But we're coming back for you, Harry! Stay tuned...

1. So Morby
a. Morbyfest 2019
This year, two of my grandparents turn 90 (!). And if that weren't enough they also hit another big milestone: 70 years (!) of marriage. To celebrate, my entire extended family descended on Crawford, Texas for a weekend of toasts, games, and laughing at each other. Press play for a small taste of our celebration weekend:   

 

b. Galveston
The whole Morby/Ciminello clan returned to Galveston for another amazing family vacation this summer, and it was filled to the brim with golf cart rides, water balloons, sand sculptures, chocolate malts, crab-catching, and boat rides. There was a moment when David and I were fishing, Ginger and Dad were reading, and Mom and Clay were watching Norah and Lucia play in the pool, and I thought to myself, "This is how life should always be." 

c. Christmas
I could tell you about our magical Christmas, but wouldn't you rather see for yourself? Check it out:


Here's to you, 2019! See y'all next year...