I Cannot Live Without Books

Happy World Theatre Day everybody! In case you weren’t aware, I am a total musical theatre dork; as such, when I learned that today, March 27, is World Theatre Day, I knew I had to make a tribute to some of the musicals that have brightened even my rainiest days. Without further ado, here are reviews of my top ten favorite musical theatre shows of all time—each in ten words or less.

#10—Hadestown

Hamilton meets Greek mythology in this haunting modern musical.

#9—Come From Away

A heartwarming/breaking show based on the effects of 9/11.

#8—Anastasia

This musical is wholesome and chock-full of fun, beautiful numbers.

#7—Mean Girls

Utterly hilarious with high energy—someone cast me in this!

#6—Les Misérables

Les Mis is pure magic with a slew of iconic songs and characters.

#5—Wicked

Wicked is whimsical, witty, and packed with lively characters.

#4—Dear Evan Hansen

Flawed-but-lovable characters and powerful songs dominate this musical.

#3—Falsettos

Looking to laugh and sob? Try this unique, vivacious show.

#2—Newsies

Vibrant songs, dances, and characters! Newsies has my whole heart!!!!

#1—Hamilton

Revolutionary. Groundbreaking. Heart-stopping. Magical. Hamilton is all of the above.

Welcome to the last installment of 2020 Top 7! Although we are well into the new year (whoops), I couldn’t finish off my “2020 bests” without books—I mean, just look at the name of this site. Here are my favorite books that I finished for the first time in 2020!

#7—Home by Toni Morrison

This poignant short novel is written with a fractured timeline, which makes it both a fascinating read and challenging to follow. However, the emotionally raw characters and incredibly relevant storyline had me hooked, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who’s looking for a thought-provoking read. Indeed, this work from the legendary Morrison might have landed higher on this list if it weren’t a required reading that I did for school (for that, however, it loses points.)

#6—Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen

Let me just start by saying that this book is not one I would recommend for the majority of my readers because it was written for middle schoolers. That said, it is absolutely adorable and was a great, very lighthearted quarantine read. The concept is simple enough: a girl is head over heels for her neighbor, until she realizes he’s not the boy she thought he was… which is exactly when he starts to develop feelings for her that are very different from the annoyance he’s felt for years. The story is told from the main characters’ alternating perspectives, and while it’s not an intellectually challenging read it certainly made me smile. I also recommend the very true-to-the-book 2010 film!

#5—The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

A classic you either read or pretended you read in high school, The Great Gatsby stimulated my imagination and entranced my mind. As one of American literature’s most famous works, Gatsby is a heart wrenching tale of love and loss, all in the shadow of glamorous life in 1920’s New York. I hate to risk my nerd status by admitting it, but the grandeur and glamour described in this novel make me desperate to attend a Gatsby party. Nevertheless, this novel has also been the center of some controversy and with good reason—throughout this novel, Fitzgerald solely emphasizes the rich white man’s American Dream, thus romanticizing the time period and country. And while I enjoyed Gatsby while reading it, looking back with an activist lens has shunted it pretty far down my list.

#4—When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

Another cheesy-but-delightful young adult romance, this book details the story of two Indian teenagers who parents are trying to set them up. The romantic, artistic boy is totally on board with this tradition, but the feisty coder girl is most definitely not. However, when the two become partners at coding camp, sparks start to fly and I start to squeal like a four-year-old on Christmas. Not only is this a sweet YA romance, but it also introduces a slew of realistic characters who are lovable because of, not in spite of, their flaws. I did, however, put this book down in 2019 and didn’t pick it up to finish it until the summer of 2020 if that tells you anything about the middle of the book.

#3—Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Here’s another classic I was happy to have read in 2020, but let me just say this: Little Women is looooooooooong. Okay, now that that’s out of the way, I can expound on all the reasons I love this novel! To begin, the stubborn but lovable main heroines and those who surround them are some of the most vibrant, layered characters I’ve ever encountered. Alcott has a seemingly effortless voice which makes me feel like her characters are right there in the room with me: I can hear Jo’s boastful tone, see Amy wrinkling her nose, and feel the warmth of their family unit even though I’m merely reading words on a page. Little Women is a classic which filmmakers and playwrights have been adapting and re-adapting for ages, and now that I’ve finally finished the book I can see why. These characters and their impeccably illustrated relationships are a true masterpiece.

#2—I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

Phew, okay. If you have not read this book, I implore you do so at some point in your life. Its pages are full of harrowing accounts of life in a war-torn country, the joys of learning and loving, and above all the powerful voice of a young woman named Malala Yousafzai. Best known as the youngest ever winner of the Nobel Prize, Malala Yousafzai (often called solely by her first name) is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to public speaking—and I can now confirm that her incredible power is present, if not amplified, on paper. This book is not just an explanation of how Malala was infamously shot by the Taliban because she fought for girls education; rather, it is an exposé of the country of Pakistan and its history, an exploration of what it means to be a young Muslim woman who adores learning, and a narrative of Malala, her family, and her perpetual desire to make the world a better place. I Am Malala is an exquisite autobiography and a powerful story, but be warned—it is at times an exhausting and heart-wrenching read.

#1—Paper Towns by John Green

While it may seem erroneous of me to place a young adult John Green novel above the classic works of Alcott and Fitzgerald, Paper Towns truly was the most enjoyable and intriguing book I read in 2020. This novel involves a convoluted mystery, unrequited love, and authentic friendships, but it also has one of the most captivating opening scenes of any young adult novel I’ve ever read. Green begins Paper Towns with a ridiculously entertaining slew of pranks and hi-jinx, carried out by the beautifully enigmatic Margo Roth Spiegelman and her hesitant but caring neighbor Quentin Jacobsen. The latter of these two characters is one of my favorite literary narrators of all time because he is hits-too-close-to-home realistic while also being the epitome of a lovable book boy. Overall, Paper Towns‘ charm lies in its layered characters, the increasing stakes as Green builds toward the solving of a mystery, and the perfect imperfectness of the story’s ending.

Happy new year everyone! Although 2020 is over, I’m still grateful for the music that was one of my greatest sources of comfort throughout the year. Without further ado, here are my 7 favorite albums that I regularly listened to in 2020!

#7—Fine Line by Harry Styles (2019)

Harry Styles’s sophomore album has been praised by fans and critics, and with good reason. Full of delightful, impossible-not-to-sing numbers such as “Watermelon Sugar” and “Canyon Moon,” Styles provides a fresh sound that forces a smile upon the listener’s face. However, Styles also juxtaposes his cheerful songs with ballads of unrequited love like “Cherry,” which are just as good. This mix does not, however, save the album from its biggest flaw: many of the songs sound the same. Sorry Harry! Nevertheless, the album was still one of my favorites to listen to this year, and I recommend it for anyone who wants to smile.

#6—Manic by Halsey (2020)

I’ll say it right off the bat: Halsey’s Manic was totally robbed when it received no Grammy nominations this year. The album is full of incredible lyricism and deeply vulnerable songs, some of which are much more relatable than I’d like them to be. Unfortunately, Manic also offers several interludes and even some full songs that don’t add anything special, but overall this very personal and entertaining album is worth the listen.

#5—evermore by Taylor Swift (2020)

All hail Taylor Swift, the queen of 2020! This album was a surprise for Swift’s fans when she released it in mid-December. Even though it was a latecomer in the year of music, evermore‘s enrapturing stories and Swift’s simple but powerful vocals make the album one to remember. My favorite tracks are “ivy,” “long story short,” and “champagne problems,” which are very different from one another but all three have—as do the rest of the songs on the album—Swift’s signature, unbeatable lyricism.

#4—1 by The Beatles (2000)

This album was not a normal release by The Beatles, but instead it is a collection of their number one songs and it is wonderful. With widely beloved hits like “Can’t Buy Me Love” and “Eleanor Rigby,” the band’s lyrical genius, upbeat melodies, and iconic sound shines through on 1. This album truly showed me why The Beatles are considered one of the best music groups of all time, and I am officially a fan.

#3—Falsettos (2016 Broadway Cast Recording) (2016)

Most of you probably haven’t heard of this musical, which originated on Broadway in 1992 and was revived with an iconic new cast in 2016. The show follows a gay man named Marvin as he deals with the fallout of leaving his wife and son to be with his new lover. The convoluted and love-filled relationships in this show are intoxicating, but the music is even more so. The album includes many delightful numbers such as “This Had Better Come to a Stop” and “Everyone Hates His Parents,” but the second act introduces a poignant conflict that leaves me sobbing over the sounds of “What Would I Do?” and “Unlikely Lovers.” Balancing humor, heartbreak, and love, Falsettos is one of my favorite musical theatre shows of all time. And I mean, with an opening number titled “Four Jews in a Room B**ching” who could not be intrigued by this show?

#2—Newsies (Original Broadway Cast Recording) (2012)

If you ask any member of my household what I did during quarantine, they would undoubtedly mention my Newsies obsession. For over a month, this musical was all I could talk about, and with its rousing music and a slew of lovable characters, the filmed version of this show (which is available on Disney+) almost made my top 7 movies list. The soundtrack provides Alan Menken’s iconic musical style along with some delightful solo ballads and exquisite harmonies throughout. In case it wasn’t totally clear by now, the newsboys have my whole heart, and so does this album.

#1—folklore by Taylor Swift (2020)

If you’re shocked that Taylor Swift’s eighth studio album tops this list, then you probably have never heard me talk about music. I’ve been a long-time fan of Swift, but folklore is my favorite album by her yet—no offense evermore, you just don’t pack the same punch. Swift’s incredible storytelling, magical instrumentals, and breathtaking vocals on folklore helped it skyrocket to the top of my list, with songs like “invisible string” and “cardigan” playing on repeat in my brain since July. The album’s opening and closing tracks are also two of my favorites; while the upbeat tones on “the 1” introduce a new attitude for Swift, her closer “hoax” is a hauntingly beautiful tale of finding the perfect person to be sad with. The best way I can describe listening to folklore is this: picture yourself wrapped in a warm fuzzy blanket, walking through a magical forest with a mug of hot chocolate warming your hands and tears—the good kind—streaming down your face. This stunning album dominated my 2020 playlists, and I have a feeling it will continue to warm my heart throughout 2021.

Honorable Mentions: Ungodly Hour by Chloe x Halle, Future Nostalgia by Dua Lipa, Mean Girls (Original Broadway Cast Recording), Tickets To My Downfall by Machine Gun Kelly, Legends Never Die by Juice Wrld

Welcome back to my 2020 Top 7! Next up: movies. While some of these films were not made in 2020, I watched all of them for the first time this year. I hope I can help you find some new things to enjoy! 🙂

#7—La La Land (2016)

This film was of course a major talking point back in 2017 when it won six Oscars, not including Best Picture (if you don’t know the story behind that one, you should definitely look it up). However, I didn’t watch the film until this year, and when I finally did I fell in love. The musical’s stunning visuals, vibrant costumes, and poignant storyline had me head over heels. I will say the film was slow at times, and I wish Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling had a smidge more chemistry, but otherwise I really enjoyed La La Land and I highly recommend it.

#6—The Impossible (2012)

When clips from The Impossible first appeared on Netflix, I was instantly captured by its terrifying visuals, which depict a 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that devastated Thailand. This film follows a tourist family of five as they become separate amidst the terror and chaos of this natural disaster. The gruesome film is hard to watch at times, but overall it is heartwarming and has you desperately rooting for this family to be reunited. I do, however, find it unfortunate that a blockbuster movie about this tragedy focused on the white tourists and their struggles rather than the millions of people living in Thailand who suffered as a result of the disaster.

#5—Knives Out (2019)

Another excellent and critically acclaimed film, Knives Out is a fun murder mystery just brimming with witty banter and clever storytelling. This movie unravels the truth behind a crime novelist’s untimely death through the eyes of a detective, who attempts to analyze the conflicting stories of the novelist’s family members and young caretaker. With a plethora of exciting twists and small, ingenious details that made my jaw drop, Knives Out was a fantastic watch from start to finish. And don’t even get me started on Chris Evans and his cable-knit sweater.

#4—Knock Down the House (2019)

This political drama from Netflix made my heart quadruple in size. Following the groundbreaking 2018 congressional campaigns of four women—Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Cori Bush, Paula Jean Swearengin, and Amy Vilela. The most well-known of these inspiring women is of course AOC, whose win in the 2018 primary was revolutionary to say the least. Although the end of this film is a bit depressing due to the fact that three out of the four candidates lost, it is also one of the most powerful documentaries I have ever seen. In fact, the moment that AOC realizes she just won her primary election had me bawling with pride and joy.

#3—Safety (2020)

This hilarious and heartfelt film from Disney has to be my favorite cheesy football movie of all time. Based on a true story, this film follows a freshman at Clemson as he navigates football, classes, and dating—all whilst attempting to hide the fact that his younger brother is living in his dorm. Despite the heartbreaking conflict that burdens this goofy sibling duo, the film’s real characters and wonderful relationship dynamics had me grinning through my tears.

#2—Inception (2010)

Immediately after I watched Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed Inception, it became one of my favorite films of all time. This movie is convoluted and nearly impossible to wrap your head around, but it is also a true cinematic masterpiece. With a plot based on entering and manipulating people’s dreams, I knew from the get-go I would be enraptured by the story. What I didn’t know was that the film’s mind-bending visuals are stunning and that Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance would shake me to my core. My only complaint is how confusing the story is at times—which, of course, is part of what makes the movie so intriguing.

#1—Hamilton (2020)

Let’s be totally honest—the release of Hamilton on Disney+ over a year earlier than originally planned saved 2020. I’ve loved this musical since I saw it onstage with the original Broadway cast, but I have to say that the cast is even more impressive on the big screen. The musical’s vibrant colors and exciting angles made me giggle with delight one song after the next. Not only am I constantly in awe of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s lyrical genius, but the vocal talents and perfect comedic timing in this ensemble make Hamilton the absolute best watch of 2020.

Honorable Mentions: Enola Holmes (2020), The Shawshank Redemption (1994), John Mulaney: The Comeback Kid (2015), Hillbilly Elegy (2020), Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

While 2020 has been one of the hardest years imaginable, I’ve tried to find silver linings wherever possible. One of those silver linings is that I’ve had lots of time to discover new (and old) TV shows, music, movies, and books. So, I’ve decided to introduce something new to the blog—my top 7 in each of these categories for the year. For those of you who don’t know, 7 happens to be one my favorite numbers. Isn’t this so much more interesting than a top 5 or top 10? Anyway, I hope I can help you find some new things to enjoy! 🙂

#7—Floor is Lava

Okay, don’t judge me, but this reality competition show from Netflix was exactly what I needed in 2020. If you haven’t heard of it, don’t worry—it’s precisely what it sounds like. In this show, teams of three compete in complex obstacle courses in an attempt to cross a room with a floor made of “lava.” This is basically a version of the famous childhood game on steroids, and it is soooo amusing. Watching people launch themselves at slippery lava-covered objects, only to then disappear into the red-orange sea below, is a wonderful way to feel better about both 2020 and yourself. This is a show truly anyone can enjoy, and while it may be a very stupid kind of fun, it certainly made my year brighter.

#6—Anne with an E

Although Netflix canceled this delightful show after its third season, fans everywhere (including me) are desperate for more. With a talented young cast and episodes that tackle serious, important issues, Anne with an E is a wonderful watch. I never read the Anne of Green Gables series, but from what I can tell this show does it justice. The lead characters are incredibly likable and the actors have wonderful chemistry. This series would be higher on my list if only it had a more conclusive ending or I had watched it more recently than February.

#5—The Wilds

While I only discovered this show less than a month ago, it has quickly risen through the ranks as one of my favorites from this entire year. The Wilds is an Amazon Prime original based around a Lord of the Flies scenario but with nine teenage girls whose plane crash landed near a deserted island. The big twist? That plane crash was no accident. This show is a fascinating one, with mysteries that leave you with a thousand questions and theories. Each episode follows one of the show’s central characters, mixing flash forwards to a government investigation with backstory and important events on the island. While the girls can be petty, crass, and otherwise infuriating, their real flaws are partnered with redeeming qualities that leave you rooting for each and every one. If you’re looking for something that is part human vs. nature, part teen drama, and part mystery, The Wilds is exactly what you need.

#4—The Witcher

If you haven’t watched this show…YOU NEED TO. It is the most mind-boggling, confusing, intoxicating, crazy fantasy show I have ever seen. Once you finish the action-packed first season, you’ll want to immediately go back and watch the whole thing again. It has everything a good fantasy show needs, from monsters and monster hunters to castles, balls, witches, and so much more. However, the Netflix show’s real strength lies in its overlapping and interwoven timelines. Without giving too much away, I’ll say this: you’re gonna be trying to figure out every piece of this show long after the final episode is through.

#3—a million little things

Another latecomer to my 2020 television inventory is ABC’s a million little things, which my mom and I started watching in early November. We had seen commercials for years and knew the show be good, but it wasn’t until we sat down and watched the first six episodes in a row that we realized just how good it really is. Based around a group of men and their families who struggle to cope with their friend’s suicide, this show is brimming with drama, lovable-yet-flawed characters, and complex relationships. I’ve become enamored with the marriages, parenting choices, careers, and relationships in this show. I highly recommend to anyone who needs a bit of drama and family/friend love, but be warned—it can be a major downer at times. Like, a cancer/depression/suicide/divorce/car accident type of downer.

#2—The Queen’s Gambit

This one’s no shocker, as it dominated Netflix’s top 10 for nearly a month and has been raved about by critics around the world. This critic is no different, and the nuanced relationships and incredible drama of The Queen’s Gambit have made it one of the best shows of 2020 by far. While the main character Beth Harmon is hard to root for in some moments, for the most part she is a strong, level-headed, intelligent, and stylish young woman who is good at what she does and she knows it. I fell in love with the setting and characters on this show, but what’s even more impressive is the fact that it made chess (yes, chess!) really interesting.

#1—Away

This show is a bit of an underdog because I nearly forgot about it when I originally drafted my top picks for this list. However, after looking back more thoroughly at what I’ve watched this year, I can say with certainty that Netflix’s Away comes out on top. This show stars Hilary Swank as the captain of humankind’s first mission to Mars. I’m normally not a huge science/space lover, but this show is absolutely enrapturing. With a slew of lovable yet realistically flawed characters, Away managed to find the perfect balance of action, relationships, comedy, and character development. My only complaint? The astronauts face a lot more challenges than they should have considering it’s a multi-billion-dollar mission. But of course, that nail-biting, high stakes drama part of what makes the show so damn good!

Honorable Mentions: Seven Seconds (Netflix), On Pointe (Disney+), Station 19 (ABC), The 100 (The CW), The Morning Show (HBO), Bridgerton (Netflix), How to Get Away with Murder (ABC)