Hello, friends!

I wanted to share my thoughts on some of my favorite books, movies, and TV shows I enjoyed last month. I thought this would be a new way to discuss the stories I enjoy, separate from the update posts I make.

to read

People Like Us by Dana Mele

I think I finished this at the end of December, but I haven’t had the chance to talk about it, and it deserves to be mentioned. My cousin sent me this book for Christmas, and it was so so so good.

It’s a YA mystery set at an all-girl’s boarding school, in which the main character’s friend group of mean girls are targeted by an online blog made by a dead girl. It’s gripping, it’s queer, it’s impossible to put down. I’m not much of a mystery reader, but I was obsessed. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a fast-paced thriller.

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

I know. I’m behind. When Twilight came out, I was in elementary school. My mom was a vampire purist and absolutely appalled by the concept of sparkling vampires. So I condemned it as foolishness.

In college, I watched the movies for a laugh and absolutely loved them for their absurdity. I figured if I was gonna love the movies, I had to give the books a chance.

Is Twilight the best book ever written? No. Should it have opened up conversations about older men being way too interested in young girls? For sure. Is it way too long when much of it could be condensed for better pacing? I think the movie proves that. But it’s entertaining. Twilight really defined the genre of young adult romance, with its quirky main character, impossibly-handsome (albeit problematic) romantic lead, and a stupidly serious love story with otherworldly stakes. It’s just fun.

to watch

Star Wars IX: The Rise of Skywalker

I have a lot of feelings about this movie. Let’s just say there were things I liked and things I didn’t. Frankly, I found this movie to be a disappointing ending to the new trilogy. I might do a video soon about poor endings, because it seems to have been a theme of 2019.

John Mulaney and the Sack Lunch Bunch

This was a fun watch! I had some good laughs. It isn’t my favorite John Mulaney special and I did not realize it had so much singing, but it was entertaining.

Twilight

Obviously after I finished the book, I had to watch the movie again. I have to say, the pacing is a little better than the book. The movie condenses unnecessary characters and gaps in plot to make the film more engaging and easier to follow. Is it the best acted film? Perhaps not. Do I love it? Absolutely.

Miss Americana

I am, admittedly, a Taylor Swift fan. I think it took me longer to admit my Taylor appreciation to myself than it did for me to come out of the closet. Anyway, this documentary is a spectacular look into the journey she has made as an artist and as a human being. It’s raw, it’s inspiring, it’s beautiful. I also watched this on a night when I really needed it. My love for Taylor has only grown.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series

Shut up, this show is good. I know a lot of people think High School Musical is sacred and shouldn’t be touched. And it is sacred! But that’s part of what makes this show so great. It takes something iconic to our generation and freshens it up, while still paying respect and homage to the original. The combination of mockumentary humor with musical numbers (both old and new) makes this show so much fun. Plus, it has heart at the root of it that allows you to connect emotionally while still having a laugh.

to listen

Here are some of my favorite albums of the month:

• Fine Line by Harry Styles
• Manic by Halsey
• Rare by Selena Gomez

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And here are some great podcasts I’ve been enjoying:

• Myths and Legends
• Office Ladies

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Tell me about your favorite stories from January! If you’ve read or watched something I mentioned, let me know your thoughts. Feel free to like and follow as you see fit.

That’s all for now. Thanks for reading!