Hey, friends!
So, 2020 is over. Thank goodness, yes? We’re back to tabula rasa now, and will hopefully fill it with growth, healing, advocacy, love, and good health. I could write a whole reflection, but I don’t think it’s needed. Instead, before we jump into 2021 with vigor and import, I thought a fun post might be called for, something lighthearted to balance the seriousness with. Therefore, below, you’ll find my favorite things I’ve read, watched, listened to, and indulged in over 2020. Originally, I tried to get two per category, but ya girl is indecisive and sentimental when it comes to marvelous and/or enjoyable art, so many of these have four. Some even have honorable mentions. There are no rules here.
Enjoy!
Books
Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler: a novel written in the most creative fashion I’ve ever seen, engaging, inventive, and enticing. It somehow manages to be both sexy and vulnerable, humorous and dark, at the same time. Danler’s novel influenced me to try a different writing style than I normally do, leading to a novel-in-progress. Reminiscing on reading the book, I so wish I could go back and read it again for the first time.
The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White: a reimagining of Frankenstein from Elizabeth Lavenza’s perspective, inspired by Mary Shelley’s foreword to the original novel. Dark, subversive, painful, and poignant, White’s piece was an incredibly intelligent and addictive feminist work. I finished it within a week (during finals week, I might add). So, so good.
Without Apology: The Abortion Struggle Now by Jenny Brown: a non-fiction surrounding the history and current situation of the reproductive rights fight in America, though it pulls some stories from around the world. As a pro-choice woman with a fair amount of knowledge in this realm, Brown’s book surpassed my every expectation. She is empathetic and kind, yet blunt and honest. She hits us with fact, with story, with consequence, from every angle. This is a book for the ages. I still, to this day, can’t really stop thinking about it.
Scout’s Honor: Sexual Abuse in America’s Most Trusted Institution by Patrick Boyle: a non-fiction (now out-of-print; my guess is that the BSA had something to do with that) covering the prevalence of sexual abuse within the Boy Scouts of America, tracking the pattern all the way back to its founding. I was both entranced and horrified the whole way through. Boyle covers the subject without holding anything back, but with utmost kindness and consideration for the boys and men affected by it. A must-read, especially with what’s happening surrounding the scandal today.
Plays
The Wolves by Sarah DeLappe: a play following a high school soccer team during their indoor season. At first glance, this premise sounds overly simplistic, yet it is one of the most touching plays I’ve read. DeLappe explores themes of adolescence, insecurity, grief, sexism, and worldly pressures with a steady hand and a knowing heart. I was left feeling saddened and empowered by the end. Also of note: none of the girls have a name. We only know them by their number. You’ll have to tell me what you think of that.
Five Times in One Night by Chiara Atik: a series of five vignettes covering sex and sexuality throughout the ages. I saw this at my professor’s theatre in Hoboken (MST, whoop whoop!), and, I have to admit, I came in not expecting much. I was blown away. Atik’s work is a perfect mixture of comedy and drama, covering things like sexual identity, motherhood, fetishes, consent, and celibacy with equal parts humor and blatancy. I laughed until I cried; I cried until I laughed. I left with a full heart. So very good.
This is Who I Am by Amir Nizar Zuabi: a Zoom play following an estranged father and son (one in Ramallah, one in NYC) as they cook fteer, a beloved family dish. I have a slight recency bias on this one (I just saw it last week), but my god, you guys. It is a reminder of the power of theatre. It is a flawless exploration of family, love, loss, and cultural and generational divides. It doesn’t feel a pandemic piece. It just feels real. If you ever get a chance to see it, please take it. I mean it when I say Zuabi’s work is flawless.
Heroes of the Fourth Turning by Will Arbery: a play following four young Republicans as they return to their small Wyoming college town to honor a former professor. I hadn’t seen a contemporary play centered around conservatism before; Arbery’s is the first I’ve read. While it’s largely a philosophy piece, it is engaging, heartfelt, and humanizing in ways subtle and innovative. It is a piece for the times, and I enjoyed every thought-provoking second of it.
Bonus 10-minute play! The Forgotten Place by Jeff Locker: two men meet to interview for the best friend position, and their lives unfold in the time it takes to post on Instagram. Funny, heart-wrenching, and terribly evocative.
TV Shows
Bridgerton, created by Chris van Dusen: okay, yes, it took me into January to finish this, but it still counts, okay? I’m jumping on the well-deserved Bridgerton bandwagon: I’m not a binge-watcher by any means, and my mother and I finished this within three days. It is a period drama for a modern audience, self-aware and slightly satirical of Regency romance. It is hilarious (the sibling dynamic is the most realistic one I’ve ever seen on the small screen), full of wit and charm. It is poignant, making powerful statements on racial divides, sex and consent education, sexual identity, and the inherent struggle of forced roles. So. Freaking. Wonderful. Watch it. (Sexiness warning, though! Think graphic!)
The Crown, created by Peter Morgan: what can I say, I love British TV. The fourth season of The Crown came out in 2020, and I was just as enamored and amazed by it as in the past. Emma Corrin, especially, was incredible. Her control, her vulnerability, her balance between real-life Princess Diana and this fictionalized world was perfect. I cannot wait to see what else she does. In addition, I hope she and Josh O’Connor do another show together, because their friendship and chemistry is through the roof.
Movies
Portrait of a Lady on Fire, written and directed by Céline Sciamma: Jay and I took a day to watch this much-talked-of French film over the summer, and, by god, was it worth it. Sciamma’s film has stayed with me ever since, joining the ranks of my favorites. It is poetry in motion, a heart-breaking story of two women in love in 1770. Its utilization of silence, the artistry of its dialogue, and the deceptive simplicity of its shots make it as artful as the portraiture of the title. You will tear up at the end. You will love it. I promise.
1917, written by Sam Mendes and Krysty Wilson-Cairns and directed by Sam Mendes: I completely forgot I saw this in 2020 until I went back and looked. It feels like ten years ago. Regardless, the historical accuracy and innovation of this piece is some of the most remarkable work I’ve seen in recent years. It’s your typical war movie, yes, but the use of continual shots and the skill of George MacKay as the lead makes it stand out. Vulnerable, bloody, unwavering, and hopeful.
Booksmart, written by Emily Halpern, Sarah Haskins, Susanna Fogel, and Katie Silberman and directed by Olivia Wilde: I don’t know why I waited so long to watch this movie. If ever you needed a movie to describe high school Rhiannon (albeit a much exaggerated one, because hell yeah, clever comedic movies), this would be it. I felt seen. I felt heard. Booksmart is just as its title proclaims: smart, and clever, and absurd, and heartfelt. The friendship of these two girls and their antics before graduation give me a smile every time I think of it. If you’re tiring of the same comedies over and over, this will revitalize you.
Knives Out, written and directed by Rian Johnson: speaking of clever comedies, this is one, too. Rian Johnson crafted a piece that had me guessing and invested from beginning to end. He somehow combined the feel of dark academia with the tradition of murder mystery with the beloved formula of dark comedy. This. Was. Hilarious. And baffling. I saw none of the twists coming, the actors were phenomenal, and I could not stop talking about it afterwards. Throw in blunt questions about discrimination and immigration, and you’ve got yourself a damn good movie.
Podcasts
The History Chicks: you all know I’m a history nerd. Therefore, it stands to reason I will constantly seek out historical content. This podcast—hosted by Beckett Graham and Susan Vollenweider—is not only factually accurate (they cite their ample sources at the end of each episode), but covers one of my favorite things: women of history. They’ve done everything from royalty to peasants to fictional characters, talking of women forgotten or misunderstood. Their passion is mine, too. In addition, their dynamic is wonderful: they play off of each other with familiarity and hilarity. It almost feels like you’re a part of their nerdy sisterhood. The only thing to be aware of: the episodes are pretty long, so listen while you’re commuting or over the course of a few days.
Broadway Bullshit: hosted by Cassidy Kaye (whom I know, so shoutout to you, girl!) and Abbey Harris, this podcast hilariously covers the pervasive issues within beloved Broadway shows. Each week, they decide whether a show should fly, die, or retry, on occasion with well-informed and equally entertaining guests. These two are knowledgeable and passionate about theatre, and call out its ugly problems with love and blunt force. I’ve loved listening to their episodes; I can’t wait to see what they do next.
Honorable mentions: TalkBack and Lauren Gunderson’s Facebook chats
Music
folklore/evermore (Taylor Swift): while I am not a Swiftie, I, like everyone else on first world planet Earth, fell hard for this surprise pandemic duo. I’m a lover of indie music; I’m a lover of stories. These albums combined those two loves with incredible skill. Taylor Swift has always been a good lyricist, has always known how to write an earworm lyric: this time, she’s shown herself to be a storyteller. Listening to these albums makes me want to write, and, in the midst of a stressful year, that’s been a comfort.
Confessional (Janet Devlin): When my professor of pop/rock repertoire asked the class what the one genre was we could listen to for the rest of our life, the way I categorized mine was “witchy indie music.” Janet Devlin’s 2020 album fits that niche perfectly. It is dark and evocative, managing to create an impeccable mix of bops and thought-provoking imagery. Her songs feel as if a wood nymph or witch appearing from the forest, detailing her life and her pain. I loved and still love listening to it. A poet’s dream, I do declare.
Small Businesses
Storybook Candle Co.: I’ve purchased multiple candles from this company. While slightly expensive, they are so worth it. They are creative in theme (geared towards biblio- and cinephiles), potent but not overpowering, and they last forever. In addition, the woman who runs the store is an absolute sweetheart, and so very passionate. I highly recommend.
For the Bees Vintage: if you know me, you know I love thrifting. The majority of my closet, and many of the items that decorate my house, are thrifted. When I found this small business, I immediately fell in love with it. Her sourcing of vintage clothing in nearly unparalleled, and their quality is top-notch. Her response times are rapid; her love for vintage apparel and for her customers is undeniable. In addition, proceeds go to environmental charities, and the packaging is low-waste and perfectly sustainable. Love.
Leaf & Lore Co.: my favorite cozy sweatshirt of the year is from this store (the “Classic Settings” one), and I look forward to ordering many more items from her. A book nerd’s paradise, Leaf & Lore sells high-quality candles, mugs, and apparel, all based on literature. The sweatshirt feels incredible on and fits like a dream, and I look forward to being able to purchase a few candles soon enough (they sell out as soon as she restocks, and I’ve yet to be quick enough!). Go forth, my bibliophiles and fans of cozy wear!
Honorable Mentions: Black Cat Clothiers and The Spiral Bookcase (simply because I’ve yet to purchase from them!)
That’s it for now! I hope you enjoyed this list, and that it provided some levity for you. Maybe it even gave you a recommendation or two, who knows. :) What were your 2020 favorites?
Thanks for reading! I love you all, and have a wonderful day!
~Rhiannon~
Artwork not my own. All credit to original creators.
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