If the proliferation of articles like this one from nearly every publication and the viral popularity of things like Spotify’s Wrapped have taught us anything, it’s that people love reflecting back on the year that was as it draws to a close. We’re certainly no different, and so here is this year’s look at some of our staff’s favorite things that they experienced in 2023.
Erin Brown
director
This was my year of reading things that have been on my list for far too long. Below are the books I know I’ll be recommending to others, if they didn’t already read them years ago! I don’t know why I waited – everyone was right, these are all definitely worth a read.
Case Histories by Kate Atkinson
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Fleishman is In Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O’Farrell
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Still Life by Louise Penny
Kara Buono
assistant director: programs & outreach
A Newlywed’s Guide to Fortune and Murder by Dianne Freeman
Another funny and sweet installment in the Countess of Harleigh series. If you haven’t read any of this series, I highly recommend starting at the beginning. In this story, Frances’ friend has gone from vibrant to frail, and there may be an attempted murder plot at hand, but who is the culprit? Full of mayhem, tender moments, and amateur sleuthing, this series is a must-read.
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
When a romance makes me laugh out loud, it deserves to be in the top books of the year. This story is about two men from similar, yet very different families in a frenenemies-to-lovers will they/won’t they plot. Woven in are the political dynamics of families in the public eye and the deep risks in taking chances for love. It was a wonderful read that I look forward to re-reading in the future. Audiobook recommended.
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
I am not usually one to read general fiction, but this story grabbed me from the very beginning. Mistakes and missteps are often apologetically fixed in narratives, but this story takes mistakes as turning points, filled with grief and unease, making it a refreshing deviation from traditional stories. I loved every sister in this book, and easily saw their family dynamics shift and sway across the story. It’s a beautiful tribute to family, discovering yourself, and the consequences of both.
Gilded by Marissa Meyer
This retelling of Rumpelstiltskin has a lot going on – ghosts, time travel, restless villagers, hero versus villain, curses, romance, and plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. The crafted lore drives this story and includes plenty of references to other pieces of German folklore. It’s a dark, albeit lengthy, and imaginative story.
Murder Road by Simone St. James
Traveling down a stretch of deserted road, April and Eddie encounter a woman – a real woman – in need of medical attention. When she later dies at the hospital, the duo are the prime suspects to the crime. They have to quickly uncover who the real murderer is, or spend their lives in jail.  Full of ghosts, twists, and a compelling story with a shocking end, this is one of this author’s best stories yet. Look for this in March 2024.
Heather Burns
patron services
Lyle, Lyle Crocodile
The picture books are such a fun read. The movie takes some license with the original tale, but it is definitely worth watching. It made me laugh and made me cry.
Stolen Youth: How Radicals are Erasing Innocence and Indoctrinating a Generation by Bethany Mandel & Karol Markowicz
The authors discuss many ways in which childhood is being taken away from children at an early age.
That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis
This is the third book in Lewis’ Space Trilogy, however, it reads well on it’s own. Part science fiction, the story revolves around a battle for the preservation of humanity.
Fiery (But Mostly Peaceful): The 2020 Riots and the Gaslighting of America by Julio Rosas
An interesting account of the riots from an on the ground perspective without a lot of the usual nonsense.
Nefarious
The movie is set mostly in a prison cell where a man on death row is having his “last chance” interview to prove he is insane before being put to death. Is he insane or possessed by a demon? Watch the movie to discover the answer.
Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3
Always nice to see a return of the Guardians. Sad at times with it’s recollection of Rocket’s treatment as a young raccoon.
Five Nights at Freddy’s
I have never played the video game, but I enjoyed this movie based upon the game. Just enough surprises to make it scary, but not too scary for younger viewers. I watched it with a 9-year-old and he continues to give it high ratings.
Blackbird House by Alice Hoffman
I really enjoyed this book. The main character is the house and each chapter tells the story of the various inhabitants throughout the years. I would describe this book as haunting, heartbreaking, and hopeful.
Persian Lessons
A Jewish man pretends to speak Farsi to keep himself alive in a German concentration camp during WWII. Creating false words, he teaches “Farsi” to a camp officer who is interested in opening a restaurant in Iran after the war.
Mary Ecklund
collection development librarian
In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune
A human boy is raised by a robot in the woods. After tragedy strikes, the boy takes his robot friends (a spicy nurse-bot and a worrisome Roomba, plus the murderbot they found in the dump) on a journey to the city to save their loved one. TJ Klune’s writing is so glorious he could tell me a story I’ve heard a million times and I’d love it anew. His writing balms my soul. I highly recommend all of his books.
Beach Read by Emily Henry
January and Augustus knew each other in college and thought the other either hated them or were ambivalent toward them. Now they are unexpectedly living next door to each other, attempting to get out of their writing ruts. She writes romance, he’s trying to write “The Next Great American Novel.” And of course, they each think the other’s genre is super easy. So they make a deal to switch genres, and they’ll go on routine excursions to help spark creativity. I love all of Emily Henry’s books, and this one was a perfect summer joy.
Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher
Marra’s sister is married off to an abusive prince. After she dies her other sister is sent to him. Marra is happy enough with her convent life, but needs to save her sister. She gets magic involved and creates a crew of a grave witch & her chicken (possessed by a demon), a bone dog, an ex-knight, and her reluctant fairy godmother. The book is beautifully written and feels like a fairy tale I should have grown up knowing.
The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
A woman who works as a bodyguard is assigned to work with a now-reclusive celebrity. Fresh off a breakup, she ends up staying with the celebrity at his parents’ ranch pretending to be his girlfriend. There are many opportunities for bad decisions, and I’m grateful she (generally) acts intelligently throughout the book. This was my first Katherine Center book, and I’ve been enjoying her catalog throughout the year.
Happiness for Beginners for Katherine Center
I watched the movie on Netflix because it had Ellie Kemper in it, and enjoyed it enough to read the book. It’s a satisfying story of personal growth, and some romance, and choosing how to interact with your life.
Hello, Stranger by Katherine Center
A woman stops being able to see faces, which is especially difficult considering she’s a portrait artist. Even if you can guess where the story is going, it’s a wonderful ride. And in the afterword, the author has an excellent piece about how romance books are all about the journey.
All the Broken Places by John Boyne
This is the sequel to The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, which was written in 2006. We pick up with Gretel, Bruno’s older sister, as an old woman. We see her life now, as she continues to grapple with the war and her family’s participation in it. We also see the life that led her to where she is now, and gain insights into her family’s lives during World War II. While the first book is a children’s book, this is solidly a book for adults. There is no softening of details to leave moments open to interpretation. This is a book I’ve thought of often after reading it.
Quietly Hostile: Essays by Samantha Irby
This is the most recent of Samantha Irby’s books dealing with different parts of her life. She has a similar humor to David Sedaris and Jenny Lawson, with a lot more aggression. I didn’t necessarily want to be her friend at the end of her books, but I did fully enjoy them. And it turns out she’s responsible for the parts of And Just Like That (the Sex & the City reboot) that I liked! She does a great job reading the audiobooks herself, and I think her delivering certain parts is key to understanding her tone.
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
An ogre quits their life as a warrior to start a coffee shop. Easy, right? Well, not really. But she’s passionate and quickly begins connecting to the community. Part cottage core, part D&D, and fully enjoyable. When you’re done with this one, pick up the prequel Bookshops & Bonedust.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
I’m happy to report that all the hype surrounding this book was well deserved! There’s a woman who misses her son, there’s an octopus who doesn’t like being caged (tanked?), and there’s a whole wonderful story waiting for you.
The Darcy Myth: Jane Austen, Literary Heartthrobs, & the Monsters They Taught Us to Love by Rachel Feder
A dive into the classic literary men we grew up (possibly) loving, with social and psychological context. The book remains conversational, and the author reads conversationally. Listening to this book made me want to take a class with her!
The Book That No One Wanted to Read by Richard Ayoade
The comedian Richard Ayoade has written a book! About a gross little book, and a kid, and all that books can be. In the audiobook, Ayoade voices the book – and it is perfection.
The One & Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate
This is the third book in the One & Only series, following The One & Only Ivan and The One & Only Bob. We follow Ruby the baby elephant in her new home while she enjoys her new family and traditions, processes her trauma, and celebrates loved ones from the past.
A Court of Thorns & Roses series by Sarah J. Maas
If you want a dramatic story with lots of magic and an interesting personal journey, this is a great book for you! Feyre ends up dragged into the faerie world, where she’s not only vulnerable but has angered many. In a beauty and the beast type story, there are mysteries, curses and horrifying trials. A lot of story and a lot of feelings, and a nice long series you can get lost in!
The Folk of the Air series by Holly Black
Jude and her sisters were brought to the world of faery when their ‘father’ killed their parents. Jude fights to be accepted by everyone, but she’s human and they hate her. Cardan, the prince, seems to hate her the most. When the crown is supposed to pass down, mayhem ensues, and Jude & Cardan are thrown together. There is constant angst, trickery and mistrust, but if you enjoyed A Court of Thorns & Roses, you’ll certainly love this series.
Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli
Imogen is the #1 LGBTQIA+ ally, going to meetings and being an all-around supportive friend and sister. During spring break she visits her friend at college (she’s still in high school) and has to pretend she is also her friend’s ex. During this time, Imogen starts to think she is possibly bi… or is she? Imogen goes through a lot of internal dialogue throughout the book, trying to understand her own feelings, actions and motivations, as well as the actions and reactions of her friends. An encouraging story that can also be informational.
You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories About Racism by Amber Ruffin & Lacey Lamar
Amber lives in NYC and her sister Lacey lives in Nebraska. Lacey experiences all kinds of people, many doing all kinds of racist things – sometimes knowingly, often not. These stories are relatable to plenty, a reality check for some, cause for introspection to many, and horrific to all. I’m both impressed and grateful they are able to relate these stories with humor and perspective. Amber and Lacey read the audiobook and it feels more like a podcast. After you listen to this, pick up their second book The World Record Book of Racist Stories.
The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11 by Garret M. Graff
This book compiles firsthand accounts of 9/11, including oral histories, transcripts, government documents, interviews and more. Accounts are spliced throughout the book to present everything happening in a timeline of the day. I listened to the audiobook which was read by a full cast, helping me keep track of individuals throughout the day. This was a very emotional listen, and I had to take breaks to read other books every now and then. I’m very glad I did listen all the way through – for coping, understanding, and remembering.
Lockwood & Co. series by Jonathan Stroud
In an alternate London, ghosts are definitely real, and they can kill you. And only kids and teens can see them. There are agencies that employ youth to extinguish hauntings. These agencies are generally run by adults, except Lockwood & Co. which is entirely run by 3 teens. One has a mysterious past, one is passionate about research, and the other has come to London to escape a horror. My partner and I watched the Netflix show based on these books and couldn’t handle the cliffhanger, so we started listening to the books on car trips. They are an excellent read for anyone who likes mystery and can handle some horror (the creepy kind, not the gross kind).
The Lost Summers of Newport by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, & Karen White
Set in Newport, RI, this book carries multiple timelines with details weaving and linking, shining light on multiple generations and revealing their secrets. Set in 2019, 1958 & 1899.
Queen of the Tiles by Hanna Alkaf
Najwa hasn’t played Scrabble since her best friend suddenly died during last year’s tournament. This is especially surprising since it was her life until then. Now she’s back to compete – and, it turns out, to solve her friend’s murder.
Finlay Donovan series by Ellie Cosimano
Finlay is a writer, she does not intend to become a murderer for hire. Fortunately, she’s not terrible at it. An enjoyable mystery series with plenty of humor.
The Selection series by Kiera Cass
Set in an alternate future, America’s name is pulled to meet the prince and compete to become his bride. Unfortunately, she secretly has someone she loves at home. But the prince doesn’t mind. Since she has no interest in winning, she can help him make his choice. This is a light but interesting read, making it a perfect summer book.
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jenette McCurdy
A straight forward and not self-pitying look at some pretty terrible things Jenette experienced growing up as a child tv star (most notably on the Disney show iCarly). By the end, you’ll understand the title’s sentiment.
The Rajes series by Sonali Dev
Each book in this series is an enjoyable retelling of a Jane Austen novel, each focusing on different members of a family. The author did an excellent job with including the story from the source material without allowing herself to be restricted by it.
OTHER BOOKS I ENJOYED THIS YEAR:
The Night Shift by Alex Finlay
Exes & O’s by Amy Lea
The Siren by Kiera Cass
The Summer I Turned Pretty series by Jenny Han
Who HQ series (especially Who Was John McCain?, Who is Megan Rapinoe?, What is Black Lives Matter?, What Do We Know About the Loch Ness Monster?, and What is the Story of the Headless Horseman?)
Maame by Jessica George
Delphine & the Silver Needle by Alyssa Moon
Confessions of a Funeral Director: How Death Saved My Life by Caleb Wilde
Abuela, Don’t Forget Me by Rex Ogle
I’m the Girl by Courtney Summers
One for All by Lillie Lainoff
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
Sex Talks: The 5 Conversations That Will Transform Your Love Life by Vanessa Marin
A Message from Ukraine: Speeches, 2019-2022 by Volodymyr Zelensky
Ali’s Well That Ends Well: A Tale of Desperation & a Little Inspiration by Ali Wentworth
Dracula by Bram Stoker
What You Wish For by Katherine Center
Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones by Dolly Parton
The print book (rather than audiobook) is especially beautiful with lots of pictures of her costumes!
Being Henry: The Fonz… & Life Beyond by Henry Winkler
One Puzzling Afternoon by Emily Critchley
The Bright Side of Disaster by Katherine Center
Sean Farrell
DIGITAL OUTREACH ASSOCIATE
35. Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle
This quick horror novel about a gay conversion camp managed to make them even scarier than they actually are while never forgetting about their real impact on people’s lives. Clever, terrifying, and emotionally resonant it proved the author more than capable of breaking out beyond his other more outré works.
34. India Rose Crawford
A sweet TikTok account that features adorable short films about little, knitted frogs enjoying idealistically contented lives. It’s hard not to feel immediately happier after watching one of these.
33. The Big Brunch
I cannot get enough of cooking-based reality shows in general, but the infectiously pleasant vibes flowing through every moment of this one made it a particular standout. The contestants are all likable and seem to genuinely enjoy their time on the show with each other, bartender Xia Rashid charms in her brief appearances, and judges Dan Levy, Sohla El-Waylly, and Will Guidara have an easy rapport that makes you wish you could join them.
32. The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff
At this point I think it’s safe to say that Lauren Groff could write about nearly anything and I would enjoy it. This tale of a servant girl on the run from an early American settlement inspired by Jamestown may be a little light on plot, but as usual with Groff every sentence is a joy to read. Few writers working today are as gifted with the written word as she is.
31. Dimension 20: Dungeons & Drag Queens
If anyone would have told me that this Summer I would be fully hooked on a show in which a small group of people get together to play a tabletop game I don’t think I would have believed them, but mere minutes into this season of the Dungeons & Dragons-based Dimension 20 I was hooked. Played by Bob the Drag Queen, Alaska, Jujubee, and Monét X Change (all RuPaul’s Drag Race alums) and hosted by the incredibly talented Dungeon Master Brennan Lee Mulligan, the random rolls of the dice wound up leading to one of the year’s most compelling, funny, surprising, and unexpectedly emotional stories.
30. That! Feels Good by Jessie Ware
When so much around us can feel so distressing, a good disco record can be just what we need. British pop singer Jessie Ware came through in a big way this year on her 5th album, swirling synths and orchestral instruments together to produce the sort of maximalist dance music that only the Brits seem capable of. Catchy and irresistible.
29. The Traitors
You’d be hard pressed to find a reality TV show more addictive than this Peacock hit, available in both US and UK flavors and each equally worth binging. Competitors are tasked with trying to discover who among them are the “traitors”, in an attempt to vote them off the show before the finale while the traitors “murder” the other players one-by-one each night. If even one traitor is left standing at the end, they take all the prize money. Like a live action version of video game hit Among Us, it’s compelling because of the outsize personalities on display, but also because it looks like it would be so much fun to play.
28. Ted Lasso
The series about American college football coach Ted Lasso being put in charge of a UK soccer team has never been fully able to match the magic of its stellar first season but has still remained one of the best things on TV. The third season brings Ted’s arc to a close in a satisfying way, while leaving the door open for a potential spinoff about the rest of the memorable characters that make up AFC Richmond. Whether or not that happens, at least we got to enjoy the time we’ve been given with this story.
27. Poker Face
Director Rian Johnson’s Columbo-inspired “case-of-the-week” mystery series Poker Face stars the imminently watchable Natasha Lyonne as casino worker Charlie Cale, who has the ability to always tell if someone is lying and is on the run from her former boss. The 10 episodes in this first season only feature 1 that misses the mark, while each of the others contain a pitch-perfect blend of wry humor and expertly plotted intrigue. Memorable performances by guests like Benjamin Bratt, Ron Perlman, Adrien Brody, Lil Rel Howery, Hong Chau, Judith Light, Tim Meadows, Jameela Jamil, Simon Helberg, S. Epatha Merkerson, Tim Blake Nelson, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and many others only make each episode shine that much more.
26. Rye Lane
A fresh take on the romcom that pushed against the formula of the genre while still keeping the parts that work. The chemistry of the two leads is infectious and spending time with them as they roam around London getting to know each other is a genuine treat.
25. The Age of Pleasure by Janelle Monáe
One of the few artists working right now who is genuinely unafraid to experiment with their sound, Monáe has given us a short album packed full of smooth, summer jams. She knows her way around a hook, and each of these songs is more infectious than the last. It may not be her most complex record, but it’s easily her most fun, and still retains the sonic adventurousness that has endeared her to her many fans.
24. If Books Could Kill
In each episode of this podcast, hosts Michael Hobbes and Peter Shamshiri select one bestselling nonfiction book and rip it to shreds. Blending thoughtful analysis and cutting humor they absolutely eviscerate works like Outliers, Freakonomics, Rich Dad Poor Dad, Hillbilly Elegy, Atomic Habits, and more, often exposing the authors as the frauds that they are, and in some cases even demonstrating the dangers of their advice, all while never forgetting to entertain their audience.
23. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
This return to the Hyrule of 2017’s Breath of the Wild isn’t perfect (in many ways it can feel more like an expansion to BotW than a sequel), but it’s still wonderful to get to spend more time in this world. The addition of the constructing mechanics is a nice touch that adds a lot of variety to the experience and some nice twists to the shrine puzzles of the prior game, but it’s getting to revisit old friends that makes this truly something special.
22. Something to Give Each Other by Troye Sivan
Carrying on the legacy of queer-coded dancepop music begun by acts like the Pet Shop Boys and Erasure, Australian Troye Sivan began to finally break into the American mainstream with his 3rd full-length album. Largely focused on the joy of life, the energy is undeniably infectious.
21. No One Will Save You
Almost completely devoid of dialogue, writer/director Brian Duffield’s No One Will Save You is a relentlessly tense alien-invasion thriller that only falters a bit near the end. Kaitlyn Dever is spectacular as the protagonist, ably conveying her character’s differing emotional states using only her face. Anchored by a deep eddy of sadness, and featuing some creative creature designs, this is one of the scariest movies in years.
20. Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie
Fans of Michael J. Fox will absolutely adore this documentary, which blends interviews with Fox and footage of his various roles to tell his life story in a unique and engaging way that feels precision-engineered to hit our nostalgia receptors. Seeing him deal with Parkinson’s Disease is often sad, but he remains upbeat enough to leave the viewer hopeful that he can live out his remaining days happy with his family.
19. Silo
Based on the book series by Hugh Howey, this sci-fi mystery series takes place in an underground silo that descends for 144 floors. The 10,000 residents inside are governed by strict regulations allegedly meant to protect them from an unnamed tragedy that has befallen Earth outside, but as people who question the nature of things begin to turn up dead, engineer Juliette Nichols (Rebecca Ferguson) finds herself drawn into what appears to be a vast conspiracy. The filmmakers have built a compelling world here, filled with more than enough intrigue to keep viewers hooked. The revelations of the season finale have me eagerly waiting to see where things will go from here.
18. Top Chef: World All-Stars
For the final season with Padma Lakshmi as host, Top Chef has decamped to London and brought in some of the best chefs from its various editions around the world, in turn reclaiming a lot of the magic that made this the best show of its kind to begin with. The sense of camaraderie among the chefs as they learn from and compete with each other is infectious and the level of cooking seems better than it ever has on this, or frankly any other, show. Who knows if they’ll ever be able to top this season, but like a rare delicacy, it was worth savoring while it lasted.
17. Skinamarink
Using the restraints of its low budget to its advantage, this found-footage horror has us watch as a pair of young siblings find themselves trapped alone at home, with the windows and doors having disappeared. Eerie events transpire around them while the dimly lit environment and grainy VHS filter leave us struggling to interpret what exactly is happening. I’ve never before had a movie so viscerally remind me of the feeling of being a scared child in the middle of the night as this one did.
16. Asteroid City
Wes Anderson’s take on a sci-fi story is every bit as quirky as you would expect, following an all-star cast of eccentrics who become quarantined in a miniscule desert town after encountering a UFO. Though that story is actually a play, which is being staged for a documentary about its creation, often blurring the lines between what is supposed to be fact and fiction. Filled with absurdist humor, moments of deep pathos, and ruminations on the nature of the universe it might be Wes Anderson at his Wes Andersoniest. And where else are you ever going to see an alien creature design that could be so accurately described as charming?
15. The Fall of the House of Usher
Mike Flanagan has made a name for himself as a master of horror storytelling in recent years, and his adaptation of the various works of Edgar Allen Poe only further cements that status. With an excellent cast, stylish visuals, some truly stunning set pieces, and a compelling overarching mystery, this vicious takedown of a powerful family whose money was made in pharmaceuticals is truly addictive. While Flanagan takes massive liberties with the source material, he manages to largely retain the stories’ tone and message while scattering references to others of Poe’s works throughout to further flesh out the universe.
14. How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
Making a story about a killer doll that isn’t cheesy can be a daunting task, but author Hendrix proves himself more than up to it. As a pair of siblings deal with past traumas while trying to sell their deceased parents’ home they must contend with malicious supernatural forces. Not afraid to lean into the plot’s inherent campiness, but suspenseful when it counts and surprisingly sweet, it’s a highly imaginative and memorable read.
13. Tension by Kylie Minogue
If anyone is going to help us dance our way through the apocalypse it’s Kylie Minogue. On this, her 16th album, the Australian pop diva gifts us with 11 shimmering electrodance tracks (more on the deluxe versions) filled with catchy hooks and euphoric beats. Co-writing many of the tracks and serving as an additional vocal engineer on 9 of them, Minogue ably demonstrates how she has achieved such longevity by delivering one of the best dance albums in years.
12. The Eight Mountains
This spare and striking Italian drama follows two men who meet as children and remain close through adulthood. As they each try to find their own purposes in life, the movie touches on themes of male friendship and platonic love and treats us to stunning natural cinematography. Alternately heartwarming and heartbreaking, it’s a film I won’t soon forget.
11. Knock at the Cabin
M. Night Shyamalan can be pretty hit or miss, but in this adaptation of Paul Tremblay’s phenomenal The Cabin at the End of the World he definitely hits his mark. Hewing pretty closely to the book, we follow a small family whose vacation is interrupted by a group of strangers who insist that one of them must be sacrificed in order to prevent the apocalypse. Keeping the reality of the situation intentionally vague until the end keeps viewers on their toes, while the changes Shyamalan made to the story and the premise’s inherent creepiness will keep readers of the book engaged as well. This may be the director’s most harrowing work.
10. Barbie
Who knew that a movie ostensibly conceived for the sole purpose of selling toys would turn out so good? In the hands of Greta Gerwig, Barbie transcended its commercially minded roots to tell a story about the expectations our society puts on people solely based on gender, embracing what makes oneself unique, and treating our fellow humans with dignity. Far quirkier than I would have ever expected a billion-dollar hit to be, it also shows that there is a market for fresh and original filmmaking, and that’s certainly something to celebrate.
9. The Holdovers
Alexander Payne’s wry Christmas dramedy is the best movie centered around the holiday to come out in years. Following a small group who must stay behind at a boys’ boarding school over the Winter break, we are treated to excellent performances by Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and newcomer Dominic Sessa as a trio of damaged people who convincingly begin to heal and grow by virtue of having met each other. Acerbic and sweet in equal measure, it’s a gift worth treasuring.
8. Succession
HBO’s dark comedy about the internecine struggles for control of a family media empire has come to a thrillingly satisfying conclusion. The Roy family continued to be one of the most entertaining messes on TV right up until the end, bickering and backstabbing while dealing with the fallout of patriarch Roman’s death. It was seriously so much fun watching this cast in these roles that it feels sad to know it’s over, but it ended on such a high note that it will always be fondly remembered.
7. When Evil Lurks
Stunningly, seriously, sickeningly, scary. Argentinean filmmaker Demián Rugna’s horror freakout is absolutely unmatched by any other genre movie this year, oozing dread from its first moments. Watching brothers Pedro (Ezequiel Rodriguez) and Jimi (Demián Salomon) get put through the wringer as the world around them descends into madness is one of the most intense and distressing experiences one can have with a movie. That it also delivers a strong message about society’s growing lack of trust in scientific experts is a bonus. This is not a movie for the faint of heart.
6. Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3
This has not been a very good year for fans of comic book movies, but there was one bright spot in writer / director James Gunn’s trilogy closer. Despite having to deal with plot developments forced upon his characters in other people’s movies, he has still been able to bring the story he wanted to tell about this group to an emotional and satisfying close. Rocket’s backstory in particular takes center stage here and is often deeply painful to watch, but Gunn’s over-the-top action sequences and absurdist humor keep the film from becoming overbearingly dark. Marvel only has 1 movie slated for release in 2024 so hopefully they will take that time to reflect and try to give us more of the sort of fleshed-out characters and original storytelling that Gunn delivers here.
5. The Other Two
No other series this year approached being as funny as the third (and unfortunately final) season of this biting showbiz satire. With all 4 members of the Dubek family now firmly entrenched in the entertainment industry, the series leans into the absurd lengths that people will go to remain famous to hilarious effect. The wild exaggerations of how seriously Hollywood takes every minor event lead to some of the most memorable comic set pieces ever on television, and it is all buoyed by the perfect timing of the cast. It would have been nice to see where this show could go from here, but at least we got the 3 seasons that we did.
4. Baldur’s Gate III
Belgian video game developer Larian Studios has forever changed what players will expect from a role-playing game. From the stellar voice acting to the beautiful environments, the well-executed turn-based combat to the fully fleshed-out lore, this relatively small studio crafted an experience that gamers will want to revisit over and over again. And that is in no small part because they have also given us a far greater level of control and free agency than any of their big named competitors. Actions and decisions have true consequences here, even beyond the ending. Making a wrong turn or angering another character can completely lock you out of entire sections of the story or reveal previously unknown secrets. The inclusion of a narrator and the decision to animate each roll of the dice on screen make the game feel like you’re actually playing a game of Dungeons & Dragons with an experienced dungeon master at the helm, further enhancing the sense that nearly anything can happen. The ending was perhaps a little too abrupt, but getting there was more than enough fun to make up for it.
3. The Bear
While the original season of this FX dramedy focused primarily on chef Carmen (a fantastic Jeremy Allen White) as he returned home to Chicago to take over his dead brother’s struggling restaurant, season 2 branches out to spend more time with the rest of the characters and is all the better for it. Nearly every member of the superb cast is given a moment to shine, and watching this diverse group as they begin to come out of their shells and reach their full potential creates some of the most joyously engaging moments on TV since the first season of Ted Lasso. Unlike that show though, this one is not afraid to truly wallow around in the muck, sometimes using the style of horror films to convey tense emotional moments. Episode 6 in particular, titled “Fishes”, is a master class in controlled chaos that flashes back to a traumatic family Christmas dinner which goes a long way towards explaining the dynamic of some of the cast and features an incredible guest turn by Jamie Lee Curtis that feels like it could trigger PTSD in anyone who grew up with a mentally ill parent. There isn’t much else that stress-inducing this season though, just an excellent show that only seems to get better week after week.
2. EO
Following a circus donkey on his adventures through the European countryside, Jerzy Skolimowski’s Academy Award nominated film is alternately beautiful, delightful, harrowing, and devastating. The various donkeys used to portray EO on his journey convey endless depths of emotion through their eyes as they are witness to the best and worst of humanity. Nature cinematography and avant-garde camera work highlight our relationship with and mistreatment of the natural world, leading to a finale that should leave most viewers reaching for the nearest box of tissues.
1. Oppenheimer
That Christopher Nolan is able to keep audiences on the edge of their seats for a 3-hour biopic leading to a foregone conclusion is a true testament to his skills as a writer and director. The clever script, jumping back and forth through time, is handled with aplomb by the supremely talented cast, with Cillian Murphy in the title role and Robert Downey, Jr. as his foil Lewis Strauss giving particularly noteworthy performances. The shots portraying atoms crashing and exploding scattered throughout at apt moments make creative use of special effects to give us a sense of the scientist’s state of mind, while the recreation of the atom bomb test may be one of the most strikingly epic moments ever captured on film. But it’s watching the effects that the use of the bomb had on Oppenheimer and those who worked with him that leads to much of the script’s most memorable moments. After long believing that he was creating a deterrent that could be used to end war, he instead sees it first used to kill thousands and then begin to be viewed by the government as a weapon to be stockpiled, leading him to advocate against its further development and deployment, ultimately being penalized for his antiwar views. Oppenheimer is a genuinely impressive achievement that makes viewers think while keeping them thoroughly entertained.
Shannon Nagle
assistant director: collections & technology
Baking Yesteryear: The Best Recipes from the 1900s to the 1980s by B. Dylan Hollis
Fun to read and fun to make! I enjoyed reading some of the history behind desserts that I both remember and have never heard of. Making the corn starch cookies was my favorite… just be warned, you need 2 cups of corn starch so be prepared!
Do Let’s Have Another Drink!: The Dry Wit and Fizzy Life of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother by Gareth Russell; audiobook narrated by Fiona Hampton
This audiobook was a treat, like listening to the voice of the Queen Mother, who we really only ever saw wave.
Pat Wilk
PATRON SERVICES
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
A captivating story of life on Chicken Hill, home to the predominantly Jewish and Black residents of Pottstown, PA. If you are from suburban Philadelphia, you will recognize many of the locations mentioned in this well-written story of the efforts to save a disabled young man from the horrors of the system and the infamous Pennhurst.
All opinions expressed here are solely those of the authors and do not reflect the opinions of the Avalon Free Public Library organization. The Library does not receive any compensation for links to outside sources.
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