Where does the time go? Another year is drawing to a close, which means it’s time to reflect on the past 12 months and pick our highlights. Several staff members have chosen their favorite books, movies, TV shows, albums, and more and are sharing them with you here! The only rule was that it had to be something they experienced for the first time in 2025, regardless of when it was first produced or published, so that means there is a wide variety to pick from. We hope you find something here that you like just as much as we did, and feel free to let us know what your favorite things were this past year in the comments!
Kaya Boyle
youth services coordinator
Adult Fiction / Fantasy / Thriller
SPITTING GOLD by CARMELA LOWKIS
A richly atmospheric tale with a classic old London setting, where feminine cunning, loyalty, and whispered magic entwine, and the line between the supernatural and the psychological is deliberately blurred. It was my first taste of this author, and the story was beautifully haunting and intimate. I loved the setting and will definitely look for similarly themed tales.
INTO THE WATER by PAULA HAWKINS
A psychological suspense that saves its sharpest twist for last (seriously I take pride in being good at guessing thriller endings, this shook me). Hawkins threads together shifting perspectives, small-town secrets, and generational trauma with remarkable finesse. The conclusion lands with the kind of impact that invites immediate rereading- I literally closed the book and sat with it in my lap quietly for a few minutes!
THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD MOTHERS by JESSAMINE CHAN
A devastating, unforgettable novel that interrogates motherhood, surveillance, and systemic cruelty with unflinching clarity. Chan’s dystopian vision is both emotionally wrenching and profoundly empathetic. This book resonates long after the final page and will almost make you uncomfortable with the “could be” parallels to our time.
A SEA OF UNSPOKEN THINGS by ADRIENNE YOUNG
Young (as usual) delivers a beautifully crafted, emotionally resonant novel about silence, secrets, and the ties that hold us together. This was absolutely beautiful.
DARLING GIRLS by SALLY HEPWORTH
A propulsive and emotionally layered thriller that keeps readers guessing at every turn. Hepworth excels at weaving suspense with nuanced character work, exploring sisterhood, trauma, and resilience. The end is *chefs kiss* for a classic suspense thriller feel.
A CURSE CARVED IN BONE by DANIELLE L. JENSEN
This is book two in a fantasy series—dark, romantic, and delightfully addictive. Jensen deepens both the lore and the emotional stakes in this second installment. Readers new to the series will absolutely want to start at book one, and returning fans will be rewarded with high tension, sharp banter, and immersive world-building. I am hopelessly hooked on the lore after reading Jensens work!
Picture books / Children’s Literature
DON’T TRUST FISH by NEIL SHARPSON; illustrated by DAN SANTAT
Dan Santat brings his signature humor and visual wit to a wildly entertaining story about fishy behavior in every sense of the word. Fast-paced, goofy, and packed with kid-approved comedic timing, this is an easy win for reluctant readers, and parents alike!
TUCK ME IN by NATHAN W PYLE
An adorable and imaginative science-themed bedtime story that blends curiosity with comfort. Nathan Pyle uses simple text and endearing artwork to introduce young readers to scientific concepts through gentle humor. A wonderful choice for storytime or for families looking to spark early interest in STEM.
Erin Brown
LIBRARY DIRECTOR
To Watch
THE GILDED AGE
The third season premiered in 2025 and is now available on DVD. One of my favorite watches of the year.
LANDMAN
My household is a fan of most Taylor Sheridan productions and Landman is no exception. He write characters that are easy to get invested in, even when their motives might get a bit murky. Also in the Sheridan universe, appreciated a wrap up to 1923 this year, but was so disappointed in the ending!
THE PITT
I watch many medical dramas and so when I heard about The Pitt, I knew I would be tuning in. It’s as good as the reviews say. But definitely only for viewers willing to dive into a realistic setting of an urban trauma center – this is not Grey’s Anatomy! The ensemble cast is wonderful.
DEPT. Q
I zipped through this engrossing drama and immediately started reading the Jussi Adler-Olsen series upon which it is based. Like most viewers, the characters are what kept me coming back, but the story had plenty of twists and turns as well. Was renewed for a second season, so thrilled.
To Read
I started a new series-HEAD CASES-and can’t wait to see where it goes when the next title is released in 2026.
A series I’ve been reading for a while just wrapped up: SARAH ADAMS’ ROME, KENTUCKY. While IN YOUR DREAMS wasn’t my favorite of the four, I was happy/sad to see an end to these characters’ stories. If you enjoy small town romance with quirky casts of characters, start with When in Rome.
Enjoyed multiple titles by ALI HAZELWOOD – grateful she’s prolific. If you’re new to her, and enjoy contemporary romance, check out THE LOVE HYPOTHESIS series. This series is much spicier than When in Rome, so keep that in mind if you prefer clean romance.
THE GOD OF THE WOODS by LIZ MOORE
I didn’t pick this up until 2025 and quickly understood why it had been such a popular title at the library since its release. Great mystery, was hooked!
So many good cookbooks in 2025! A few of my favorites…
- GOOD THINGS by SAMIN NOSRAT
- FAT + FLOUR by NICOLE RUCKER
- LET’S PARTY by DAN PELOSI
- NIGHTS & WEEKENDS by ALEXIS DEBOSCHNEK
To Listen
THIS IS HAPPINESS & TIME OF THE CHILD by NIALL WILLIAMS
Not a series specifically, but both titles are set in fictional Irish Village of Faha, which narrator Dermot Crowley brings alive. These books have spectacular prose with a focus on simple everyday life in Ireland. They are special.
THE WOMAN IN SUITE 11 by RUTH WARE
I’ve been championing Ruth Ware and narrator Imogen Church for years. If you like suspense/thrillers, I encourage you to give these a listen. Her 2025 release builds on a character from a previous title, so if you’re someone who wants to start at the beginning, give one of her earlier titles a read/listen. I *think* One by One is my favorite, but enjoyed all of them.
To Do
To Use
GOOGLE TRANSLATE
This app keeps getting more useful and user-friendly – try the camera feature for translating text!
NINJA CREAMI
If you like soft serve, it’s worth the hype. But wait for a sale, they happen often.
BUTTERMILK BY SAM
This is one of my go to spots for new recipes and baking techniques. If you’re a baker, give Sam a follow.
PLAN TO EAT
I’ve been trying to organize my recipes for years and finally found a paid service that I was willing to renew after a year of use (note, it’s too late for 2025, but they do a great sale every November). I don’t use many of the features, but love how this app lets me save recipes from websites in one easy consistent way, and then search them. It also makes your phone stay awake while you’re cooking. I still haven’t figured out an easy way to migrate my saved print receipts, but this is a start!
Kara Buono
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: PROGRAMS & ENGAGEMENT
THE EVERLASTING by ALIX E. HARROW
One of those fantasy books that is so wildly addictive you can’t put it down – beautiful and complex with love and futures and pasts. We think we know the story of Sir Una Everlasting, heroine of olde, who died for her queen. But what if that wasn’t all of the story? What happens if you could go back and write the histories that aren’t remembered? This one had me thinking about the threads of the storyline for weeks afterward.
WILD REVERENCE by REBECCA ROSS
Based in the same world as Ross’ Divine Rivals duology, though it is not necessary to read those for this story. An intricately woven fantasy with vibrant characters and compelling plot. The youngest goddess is destined to be a messenger across the realms, but she holds more power than anyone knows. A mortal sees her in his dreams as a youth, and this simple act will transform both of their fates.
ZOMROMCOM by OLIVIA DADE
Cute romance with witty banter set in the middle of a zombie apocalypse? Yes, please! The zombie storyline in this is very well thought out, with larger political machinations at play and supernatural beings fighting for their lives and homes. I love this author’s romance novels, but I was enraptured by the plot! Dade has a really good story arc here and I can’t wait to read the next one in this series.
CHAOTIC ORBITS novella trilogy by BETH REVIS
Space heists, deception, and the end of the world, with a very light touch of will they/won’t they romance. This could have been published as one book, instead of three novellas. The banter is witty, the stakes are high, and there are more twists than an ice cream cone.
THE SEVEN YEAR SLIP by ASHLEY POSTON
An overworked publicist and a budding chef meet and hit it off in this cute romcom. The only thing that separates them? Seven years. Her departed aunt always said her apartment was special, and he’s seven years in the past when they meet as strangers in the same apartment that seems to blend time like watercolors.
Heather Burns
patron services
SKETCH
This was a really fun family movie. A girl grieving over the loss of her mom vents her feelings through drawing scary monsters. A mysterious pool brings her characters to life when her notebook falls into it. She, her brother, and her dad must save the town while also healing their fractured family.
NOBODY
Violent people mess with the wrong family man in this action/adventure movie.
STRANGER THINGS
I was new to the series this year and pleasantly surprised by its suspenseful content.
LOST IN LONDON: A JOURNEY FROM INSANITY TO ACCEPTANCE by MICHAEL SHOOTY
This memoir is a difficult read, but worth it. The author details his years of addiction, the personal costs, and his eventual release from the pull of alcohol.
HAPPY GILMORE 2
Although I didn’t find it as funny as the first one, it still had some really good moments and made me laugh remembering the original.
THE IGNATIUS CATHOLIC STUDY BIBLE
A timeless read.
WEDNESDAY
Love this spin on the Addams Family. Wednesday is filled with interesting characters and storylines.
FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S & FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S 2
Animatronics with a thirst for blood terrorize people inside an abandoned restaurant.
Mary Ecklund
collection development librarian
Fiction: Fantasy
1. THE EVERLASTING by ALIX E. HARROW
A devastatingly written tale of the creation and altering of a legend. My favorite book of the year!
2. STARLING HOUSE by ALIX E. HARROW
A deliciously dramatic, gorgeously told story perfect for those who love dark fairy tales.
3. BRIGANDS & BREADKNIVES by TRAVIS BALDREE
An adventurous journey that includes romantic friendship and personal discovery.
4. THE ENCHANTED GREENHOUSE by SARAH BETH DURST
A cozy foray into magic, plants, and building Home. From the universe of The Spellshop.
5. THE LOST by SARAH BETH DURST
Cozy / Thoughtful / Found Family
6. THE TELLER OF SMALL FORTUNES by JULIE LEONG
Cozy / Journey / Found Family
Fiction: Romance
1. ATMOSPHERE by TAYLOR JENKINS REID
Follows an astronaut during the years after the moon landing. I sobbed, but I loved it!
2. THE LOVE HATERS by KATHERINE CENTER
I loved the romance, the community, the setting (Key West), the dog, the hurricane. I needed my romance goggles, but I was so sad when the book ended and I couldn’t be in it anymore.
3. GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL LIFE by EMILY HENRY
Highly enjoyable to read (Emily Henry is always highly enjoyable to read), with an island setting to enjoy, a personal history to piece together, and a romance to enjoy as it deepens.
4. LIGHTS OUT by NAVESSA ALLEN
Well known on TikTok, this book lives up to its spice-hype. What should also be hyped is its banter, humor, and drama.
5. HAUNTED EVER AFTER by JEN DELUCA
Set in a seaside town that leans on its haunted reputation, a new resident gets to know the locals (living and dead) and dives into the town’s interesting history. I was very excited to be able to jump right into the next title, Ghost Business.
6. PROBLEMATIC SUMMER ROMANCE by ALI HAZELWOOD
You’ll definitely need your romance goggles, but the drama will be worth it.
7. THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO by TAYLOR JENKINS REID
I was painting my porch while listening to this book and ended up doing a lot of detail work just so I could listen longer each day.
8. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING by JULIA WHELAN
Written by Julia Whelan, one of my favorite audiobook narrators, and includes lots of wonderful behind the scenes information about the audiobook process.
Fiction: Historical
1. HARRIET TUBMAN: LIVE IN CONCERT by BOB THE DRAG QUEEN
Historical figures like Harriet Tubman are back (no explanation given) and she wants to make an album with a disgraced hip hop artist. A journey of self and history, I highly recommend the audiobook so you can hear how it all was intended to sound.
2. THE FROZEN RIVER by ARIEL LAWHON
A body is pulled from the icy river, bringing a mystery and town history to light. Based on the journals of an actual 1700’s midwife in Maine. Entirely worth the hype it received a couple summers ago!
3. JAMES by PERCIVAL EVERETT
Big Jim’s story from Huckleberry Finn, showing he is smart, capable and ready for freedom.
Fiction: Mystery
1. VERA WONG’S UNSOLICITED ADVICE FOR MURDERERS by JESSE Q. SUTANTO
Vera Wong finds a dead man in her tea shop, and the police don’t seem to care. While she tries to find the killer, she pulls together a found family with her fast and pointed energy. I loved the vibe, the people and the story, and had a book hangover when it was done. I’m glad the second one, Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man), is already out!
2. EVERYONE IS LYING TO YOU by JO PIAZZA
Jo Piazza came to Avalon this summer and gave a superb talk! Her high energy and positivity during the talk showed through in Everyone Is Lying to You. It’s a commentary on social media influencers, mental health, and friendship. And a fast moving mystery! I listened to it on a road trip and it made the drive fly by.
3. BEAUTIFUL UGLY by ALICE FEENEY
A man hasn’t been able to write anything since his wife disappeared a year ago. His agent sends him to a remote Scottish island, where he’s completely cut off from the mainland, routinely creeped out, and maybe keeps seeing his wife?
4. THE QUEENS OF CRIME by MARIE BENEDICT
When a mystery writer’s club doesn’t want to accept women, Dorothy Sayer & Agatha Christie pull in a few others to create the Queens of Crime. To show up the men in the club, they decide to solve a real crime that is stumping the police.
Fiction: General, Thriller, Horror, etc.
1. WHAT STALKS THE DEEP by T. KINGFISHER
This is the third novella in the Sworn Soldier series by T. Kingfisher. Alex Easton travels to a West Virginia mine that has mysteriously been shut down twice and is now responsible for a dramatic disappearance. The series is horror through the eyes of a logical person, and while I don’t usually enjoy horror I’ve loved all three novellas!
2. WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE? by SOPHIA KINSELLA
Based on Sophia Kinsella’s actual experiences. Eve wakes up in the hospital being told she had a large piece of brain removed because of a tumor. She has to learn to walk, talk and write again. She looks at what truly brings her joy. Each chapter focuses on trying to answer a different life question, and processing her grief. Very short but very impactful.
Sadly, Sophia Kinsella passed away 12/10/25 from the cancer discussed in this book.
3. THE LIFE IMPOSSIBLE by MATT HAIG
4. SANDWICH by CATHERINE NEWMAN
5. THE THREE LIVES OF CATE KAY by KATE FAGAN
6. JULIE CHAN IS DEAD by LIANN ZAHNG
7. FOREVER, INTERRUPTED by TAYLOR JENKINS REID
8. THREE DAYS IN JUNE by ANNE TYLER
9. THE GRIFFIN SISTERS’ GREATEST HITS by JENNIFER WEINER
10. THE WEDDING PEOPLE by ALISON ESPACH
Nonfiction: Biography & Memoir
1. GENDER QUEER by MAIA KOBABE
Started as an autobiographical comic about reading statistics, this soon became the story of eir journey through understanding eir gender, the road to using e/em/eir pronouns, and the reactions of family and friends.
2. ONE DAY, EVERYONE WILL HAVE ALWAYS BEEN AGAINST THIS by OMAR EL AKKAD
Details his experiences as a political reporter, as an Egyptian immigrant to Canada and the US, and his trying to balance the horrors he’s seen with wanting to raise his daughter. 2025 National Book Award Winner for Nonfiction.
3. 107 DAYS by KAMALA HARRIS
An inside look at the 107 days of Harris’s presidential campaign, with some back story.
4. JOHN CANDY: A LIFE IN COMEDY by PAUL MYERS
John Candy has a special place in my heart, and I am incredibly happy to know him better through this biography!
5. THE OLD GAYS GUIDE TO THE GOOD LIFE: LESSONS LEARNED ABOUT LOVE AND DEATH, SEX AND SIN, AND SAVING THE BEST FOR LAST by MICK PETERSON, BILL LYONS, ROBERT REEVERS, & JESSAY MARTIN
You may know the four men of The Old Gays through their joyous TikTok account! This book is a fun, upbeat, and quick paced introduction to their lives and how they found each other.
6. EDUCATED: A MEMOIR by TARA WESTOVER
Takes you on Tara’s journey from her secluded homeschool life with her abusive family to her entering the world and learning things many of us take for granted.
7. I’M THAT GIRL: LIVING THE POWER OF MY DREAMS by JORDAN CHILES
Her road to becoming an Olympic gymnast, from her classes when she was little through to the aftermath of the 2024 games. Positive, upbeat, fast paced. A window into gymnastics in general as well as her personal experiences.
8. SORRY I KEEP CRYING DURING SEX: A MEMOIR by JESSE JAMES ROSE
Using an experimental format, this autobiography follows two main themes: living with and caring for their grandparents while their grandfather lives with Alzheimers, and coping with their rape.
Nonfiction
1. THE KNOWING: HOW THE OPPRESSION OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES CONTINUES TO ECHO TODAY by TANYA TALAGA
Tanya Talaga tells of the horrors that have been thrust upon First Nations Peoples through the journey to find where her great grandmother is buried. Absolutely horrific, incredibly well written and informative.
Related (and also highly recommended) titles:
2. JANE AUSTEN, THE SECRET RADICAL by HELENA KELLY
Gives the historical context that Jane Austen was writing all her books in, showing how the stories that many think of as docile romances were actually politically charged products of their time. Listening to this book felt like taking a college course, I wish I’d been taking notes!
3. DEVOTIONS: THE SELECTED POEMS OF MARY OLIVER by MARY OLIVER
Mary Oliver’s personal selection of her best work from over five decades. Her love and appreciation for nature and words aligns something in my soul that I didn’t even know was out of alignment.
Related (and also highly recommended) title:
4. CULTS LIKE US: WHY DOOMSDAY THINKING DRIVES AMERICA by JANE BORDEN
Covers the history of America’s cult-thinking, from all the way at the beginning with the Puritans.
5. WHEN WOMEN RAN FIFTH AVENUE: GLAMOUR AND POWER AT THE DAWN OF AMERICAN FASHION by JULIE SATOW
Gave me a much better appreciation of the start-up of the big fashion names. Closely follows a few women, including Dorothy Schafer who started the MET Gala, and how they built the fashion/department store world despite sexism.
6. NATURE AND THE MIND: THE SCIENCE OF HOW NATURE IMPROVES COGNITIVE, PHYSICAL, AND SOCIAL WELL-BEING by MARC BERMAN
An approachable explanation of how trees, plants, and water impact our brains and lives. The author amalgamates information from many studies and discusses various environments – cities, classrooms, workplaces, homes and more. This title fits perfectly into my personal dive into geography/sociology/psychology reads!
Related (and also highly recommended) titles:
- SOUND AFFECTS: HOW SOUND SHAPES OUR LIVES, OUR WELLBEING AND OUR PLANET by JULIAN TREASURE
- BLUE MIND: THE SURPRISING SCIENCE THAT SHOWS HOW BEING NEAR, IN, ON, OR UNDER WATER CAN MAKE YOU HAPPIER, HEALTHIER, MORE CONNECTED, AND BETTER AT WHAT YOU DO by WALLACE J. NICHOLS
- BRAIDING SWEETGRASS by ROBIN WALL KIMMERER
- THE NATURE OF OUR CITIES: HARNESSING THE POWER OF THE NATURAL WORLD TO SURVIVE A CHANGING PLANET by NADINE GALLE & EILEEN STEVENS
- CITY LIMITS: INFRASTRUCTURE, INEQUALITY, AND THE FUTURE OF AMERICA’S HIGHWAYS by MEGAN KIMBLE
- SHRINK THE CITY: THE 15-MINUTE URBAN EXPERIMENT & THE CITIES OF THE FUTURE by NATALIE WHITTLE
7. THE GIFT OF NOT BELONGING: HOW OUTSIDERS THRIVE IN A WORLD OF JOINERS by RAMI KAMINSKY, MD
Psychiatrist Rami Kaminski coined the term otrovert – kind of like a mid-point between introverts and extroverts. In short, otroverts are the type of people who enjoy getting together with small groups of people, but not a large mixer or coffee hour. But there’s so much more to it! This book explores the definition of otroverts and gives examples of their affinities and dislikes. This book will help otroverts understand the ways they think differently from others and will help non-otroverts understand the minds of their otrovert friends and family. The audiobook is only five hours long, making it a perfect, quick listen!
8. WHY BRAINS NEED FRIENDS: THE NEUROSCIENCE OF SOCIAL CONNECTION by BEN REIN, PhD
Scientifically covers the ways socialization and friendship benefit your brain, how we understand each other, and how you can improve your social life to benefit your enjoyment of life.
Related (and highly recommended!) titles:
- THE CONNECTION CURE: THE PRESCRIPTIVE POWER OF MOVEMENT, NATURE, ART, SERVICE, AND BELONGING by JULIA HOTZ
- THE ART & SCIENCE OF CONNECTION: WHY SOCIAL HEALTH IS THE MISSING KEY TO LIVING LONG, HEALTHIER, & HAPPIER by KASLEY KILLAM, MPH
- LANGUISHING: HOW TO FEEL ALIVE AGAIN IN A WORLD THAT WEAR US DOWN by COREY KEYES
- FRIENDSHIP FIRST: HOW TO MAKE YOUR FRIENDS MATTER THE MOST by GYAN YANKOVICH
- THE ART OF SHOWING UP: HOW TO BE THERE FOR YOURSELF & YOUR PEOPLE by RACHEL WILKERSON MILLER
9. GHOSTLAND: AN AMERICAN HISTORY IN HAUNTED PLACES by COLIN DICKEY
Rather than being a gathering of ghost stories, this book talks about the history of various stories and how they have evolved, specifically in regard to American History.
10. INFLUENCING DEATH: REFRAMING DYING FOR BETTER LIVING by PENNY HAWKINS SMITH
Smith started talking about her work as a hospice nurse on TikTok to help spread understanding and ended up writing this book because of people’s reactions to her videos talking about end-of-life care.
Related (and highly recommended!) titles:
- THE GOOD DEATH: A GUIDE FOR SUPPORTING YOUR LOVED ONE THROUGH THE END OF LIFE by SUZANNE B. O’BRIEN, RN
- A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO DYING by SIMON BOAS
- AT HEAVEN’S DOOR: WHAT SHARED JOURNEYS TO THE AFTERLIFE TEACH ABOUT DYING WELL AND LIVING BETTER by WILLIAM J. PETERS & MICHAEL KINSELLA, PhD
- THE IN-BETWEEN: UNFORGETTABLE ENCOUNTERS DURING LIFE’S FINAL MOMENTS by HADLEY VLAHOS, RN
- WHAT MATTERS MOST: LESSONS THE DYING TEACH US ABOUT LIVING by DIANE BUTTON
- THE GENTLE ART OF SWEDISH DEATH CLEANING: HOW TO FREE YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY FROM A LIFETIME OF CLUTTER by MARGARETA MAGNUSSON
11. FOUR DAYS A WEEK: THE LIFE-CHANGING SOLUTION FOR REDUCING EMPLOYEE STRESS, IMPROVING WELL-BEING, AND WORKING SMARTER by JULIET B. SCHOR
Brings together studies done on workplaces that changed to 4-day work weeks, discussing ways it worked and didn’t work, and adjustments they made.
Teens & Kids (but great for everyone!)
1. NUMBER THE STARS by LOIS LOWRY
A Danish girl’s experience during Nazi occupation, showing how the Danes protected their Jewish population. An essential title for all.
2. ESCAPING MR. ROCHESTER by L.L. MCKINNEY
A twist on Jane Eyre, which (thankfully) acknowledges that Rochester isn’t a great dude.
3. SONG OF THE LIONESS series by TAMORE PIERCE
A classic adventure series, following a girl as she works to become the kingdom’s first female knight.
4. SUNRISE ON THE REAPING by SUZANNE COLLINS
The most recent prequel to The Hunger Games series, following the games of Haymitch (Katniss and Peeta’s mentor). Entirely enjoyable as a stand alone, too!
5. COACH by JASON REYNOLDS
A prequel to the wonderful Track series, following their coach as a kid who loves Back to the Future, Air Jordans, & track star Carl Lewis.
Sean Farrell
digital outreach associate
MOVIES:
20. THE LONG WALK
One of the best Stephen King adaptations ever made, The Long Walk is the reason the Academy’s new Best Casting category was made (which makes it a shame it didn’t earn a spot on the shortlist). It may be too bleak to inspire many repeat viewings, but it’s hard to deny the power of even one.
19. HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON
I could not have felt like this movie was less necessary if I tried, but it quickly won me over. This is the story the way it should have always been; fantastic, thrilling, and full of life.
18. YOUNG HEARTS
A charming tale of first love, told from the perspective of a young man who is afraid to admit to himself or anyone else what he is feeling. Deeply relatable for those who have had similar experiences, but sweetly romantic enough to win over just about anyone.
17. WARFARE
Based on the memories of the soldiers who lived through it, this Iraq war movie makes you feel like you were there with them. Riveting and PTSD-inducing, if this doesn’t turn you into a pacifist, I don’t know what will.
16. SUPERMAN
James Gunn delivers the Superman movie we needed right now. Funny, inventive, thrilling, and cast to perfection; it’s a near perfect piece of popcorn cinema.
15. IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT
Darkly farcical, this little Iranian thriller packs a huge punch. That final scene…
14. BRING HER BACK
Equal parts sad, chilling, and viscerally disturbing, Australia’s Philippou brothers follow up their debut feature Talk to Me with a darker but more memorable tale. Light on fun, but well worth the trauma.
13. NO OTHER CHOICE
Park Chan-wook’s darkly comic look at the high cost of capitalism is an almost perfect movie for our times. Smart, sharp, and silly. If given the choice, make sure to see it.
12. LITTLE AMÉLIE OR THE CHARACTER OF RAIN
This small French animated film proves to be a melancholy masterpiece that some of us, myself included, will treasure forever.
11. WAKE UP DEAD MAN
The Knives Out franchise is the gift that keeps on giving. Clever plotting and well-drawn characters keep us glued to the screen for another supremely enjoyable mystery.
10. WEAPONS
Zach Cregger follows up the excitingly twisty Barbarian with this even wilder tale that uses the trappings of horror to hold a mirror up to society while still crafting one of the year’s most unpredictable and fun experiences.
9. SINNERS
A visionary, daring blast of pure entertainment, encircling what may be the year’s most audaciously mesmerizing sequence. With pitch perfect performances and a killer soundtrack, Ryan Coogler’s blend of arthouse ambitions and pulpy fun is an instant classic.
8. BUGONIA
Anchored by a pair of powerhouse performances, this is one of the most excitingly strange movies of a year that is not afraid to get weird. Thrilling and thought-provoking, lingering long after the credits roll, Bugonia stings—and refuses to let go.
7. FRANKENSTEIN
Netflix reminds us that they can produce good movies when they want to (which only makes much of the rest of their output so hard to forgive). Guillermo del Toro remains one of my favorite filmmakers and his retelling of Mary Shelley’s story may be the definitive version.
6. IF I HAD LEGS I’D KICK YOU
Rose Byrne gives the performance of the year in this nerve-shredding story about a mother on the brink of losing her sanity. Beautifully strange, relentlessly tense, and utterly unforgettable.
5. SENTIMENTAL VALUE
This lovely, moving examination of the ways that familial legacies can ripple through the generations is beautifully performed and assembled with such wisdom and grace as to feel universal. A thematically rich but always entertaining work of art.
4. ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER
Paul Thomas Anderson’s absurdist summation of what ails America is top-tier filmmaking through and through. Funny, maddening, and suspenseful in equal measure, with a cleverly staged car chase for the ages.
3. MISERICORDIA
Darkly comic and thought provoking, this small-scale suspense tale questions who is allowed to decide who is worthy of forgiveness. An elegantly odd masterpiece.
2. HAMNET
A beautifully devastating masterpiece, anchored by several strong performances. Relatably tragic and ultimately cathartic, it’s a memorable and deeply moving film.
1. TRAIN DREAMS
This emotionally and visually stunning story of the life of a logger in the American Northwest during the early 20th century is unlike anything else I’ve seen this year. Impeccably acted and staged, it will burn itself into your consciousness. A remarkable achievement.
BOOKS:
10. THE STAIRCASE IN THE WOODS by CHUCK WENDIG
An involving, deeply interesting examination of the weaponization of fear (a very timely topic) that is also a touching tribute to the power of friendship. The latest from horror master Wendig will linger with readers.
9. SUPERBLOOM: HOW TECHNOLOGIES OF CONNECTION TEAR US APART by NICHOLAS GARR
Social media seemed like a good idea at one time. Now, maybe not so much. Nicholas Garr takes a look at how we got where we are and explains how we are not physiologically wired to handle this much connection. Well-reasoned and truly convincing, this will change your perspective on the current state of society.
8. PIRANESI by SUSANNA CLARKE
Long a favorite of BookTok, I only finally got around to reading Piranesi this year. Beautifully written and eerily engaging, what begins as pure fantasy turns into one of the most well-constructed and surprising mysteries I read in 2025.
7. VICTORIAN PSYCHO by VIRGINIA FEITO
Blends sardonic wit with horrific violence, Feito has crafted one the year’s most riotously disturbed novels, with a genuinely memorable lead in Winifred.
6. THE IMPOSSIBLE THING by BELINDA BAUER
Wistfully atmospheric and with endearingly memorable characters, this enchanting novel is more about the journey than the mystery, though both satisfy. I’ve never read Bauer before, but on the strength of this novel I might have to start.
5. ATMOSHPERE by TAYLOR JENKINS REID
In her tense, addictive latest, Jenkins Reid takes readers through all of the feels. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry (in both joy and sadness), and you’ll suspensefully race through the pages heading towards the breathtaking finale.
4. ENSHITTIFICATION: WHY EVERYTHING SUDDENLY GOT WORSE AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT by CORY DOCTOROW
No one has better explained exactly why everything feels like it’s getting worse than Cory Doctorow does here. Articulate and funny, it’s the perfect summation of all that is wrong with late-stage capitalism.
3. DUNGEON CRAWLER CARL by MATT DINNIMAN
Pure entertainment with a messed-up edge and a streak of impending darkness coursing through its veins. Self-published years ago, this series inspired by RPG games exploded in popularity in 2025. Based on the books I’ve read so far it’s easy to see why. This is truly addictive stuff right from Book One.
2. THE TAINTED CUP by ROBERT JACKSON BENNETT
Introducing the detective duo of Ana Dolabra and Dinios Kol in the fantasy empire of Khanum, this twisty mystery is well-thought out, with excellent character and world development, and above all is one of the most fun books I’ve read this year.
1. CULPABILITY by BRUCE HOLSINGER
With a family of unreliable narrators at its core, this clever suspense tale perfectly captures the essence of our concerns around big tech and A.I. within a highly compelling story. Holsinger keeps the pages flying deep into the night and leaves us with much to think about when it’s over.
TV SHOWS:
10. THE STUDIO
Hollywood loves nothing more than stories about itself, but when they’re this cleverly funny, who can blame them? Created by Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Frida Perez, Alex Gregory, and Peter Huyck, this is a showbiz satire of the highest order, that skewers tinsel town while clearly holding a strong affection for it.
9. POKER FACE
Let’s be happy we got as much of this show as we did. Recently given the axe by Peacock, Rian Johnson’s mystery-of-the-week series mixed clever plotting and sardonic humor to great effect. Natasha Lyonne was perfectly cast as Charlie, who could always tell when someone was lying, and it was a great pleasure to spend 22 episodes with this character.
8. THE GILDED AGE
Julian Fellowes’ lavish historical soap opera has truly found its footing in season 3. The cast continues to be on point and the production design remains as gorgeous as ever, but the storylines and character development have all finally begun to pay off. If only all escapist fluff was this well made.
7. LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER
Oliver and his very clever writing team continue to deliver some of the most enlightening programming on TV. That it is couched in a blend of silly and witty humor helps to make the often-depressing subject matter easier to take without robbing it of its impact.
6. THE PITT
Covering a single (very long) shift in a Pittsburgh emergency room in real time ala 24, this medical drama faces the various situations and dilemmas affecting America’s health care system in microcosm. If you didn’t appreciate the work that these professionals put in on the daily before, you surely will by the end of this intense first season.
5. MUSSOLINI: SON OF THE CENTURY
Luca Marinelli gives a powerhouse performance as the power-hungry, egomaniacal, fascist dictator in this bold and visually stunning telling of his rise to power. Mixing a play-like structure with grand, cinematic style, it’s timely, thrilling must-see-TV and art of the highest order.
4. PLURIBUS
Vince Gilligan’s sci-fi series uses an out-there plot to examine the very nature of what makes us us. Brilliantly executed and instantly addictive, anchored by a spectacular Rhea Seehorn, this may be the cleverest TV show currently airing.
3. THE CHAIR COMPANY
Mixing absurd observational comedy with a Lynchian conspiracy tale, show runners Tim Robinson and Zach Kanin have created the funniest show of the year that also manages to keep viewers guessing the entire season.
2. PEACEMAKER
The second season of this DCU show brought the themes of friendship further to the forefront and is all the better for it. Funny, exciting, and thought-provoking with a very raunchy edge, it may be the best comic book TV show yet made. While it is purportedly the final season, the ending suggests we will be seeing more of these characters soon, a prospect I am very enthusiastic about.
1. ADOLESCENCE
Flawlessly staged and acted, this searing look at the ways modern internet culture can ruin a seemingly normal family is perhaps the most necessary watch of 2025. We all need to take a much closer look at what we are allowing to happen right in front of us, and hopefully this tragic but engaging miniseries will inspire a great deal of reflection on both the micro and macro scale.
MUSIC:
10. DON’T TRUST MIRRORS by KELLY MORAN
Is it ambient techno? New age? Classical crossover? It doesn’t really matter when it’s this gorgeous. Moran takes her prepared piano and electronic sound to transportive heights. Lie back, shut your eyes, and let the music envelop you.
9. ADDISON by ADDISON RAE
I don’t think anyone expected social media influencer Rae to debut with such a polished pop record, but here we are. Taking ample influence from modern classics like Madonna’s Ray of Light, she has crafted something both lovely and infectious.
8. HERE FOR IT ALL by MARIAH CAREY
Ms. Carey reminds us she’s about more than Christmas on her latest album. It’s the closest she’s come to the classic sound that made her famous in years and a genuine treat to listen to.
7. I BARELY KNOW HER by SOMBR
Retro-tinged alt-pop so infectious you would never guess it was by such a young artist. With such a stellar debut, one can’t wait to see where he goes next.
6. DON’T TAP THE GLASS by TYLER, THE CREATOR
Tyler proves he knows how to party on this inventive and addictive LP. The songs aren’t completely devoid of depth, but the primary goal here is to deliver a good time, and he fully succeeds.
5. APPALOOSA by ORVILLE PECK
Peck layers his distinctive voice into a superb blend of classic rock, country, and pop. His rendition of “Maybe This Time” is a particular highlight.
4. GETTING KILLED by GEESE
Blending classic rock stylings with an experimental streak, Geese have produced the best, most interesting rock album of the year.
3. SOUND BATH by COATSHEK
Inspired by the background tracks of queer bathhouses, Coatshek has crafted a seamless set of sultry grooves that would work brilliantly as the soundtrack to myriad situations ranging from the casual to the romantic.
2. MAYHEM by LADY GAGA
Gaga continues to do new wrong, here refining her electropop sound even further and delivering a set of darkly shimmering earworms that are as enjoyable to listen to as they are to dance to.
1. LUX by ROSALÍA
A bold swing for the Columbian pop star, LUX proved to be one of the most unexpectedly gorgeous and moving pieces of art released in 2025, in any medium. Surprising throughout, lush, and full of emotion, it’s hard not to be moved to tears by several moments in this album.
Shannon Nagle
assistant director: Collections & technology
THE LIST OF SUSPICIOUS THINGS by JENNIE GODFREY
The List of Suspicious Things is one of those books that sneaks up on you. On the surface, it’s a mystery—two best friends and classmates making a list of weird neighbors and odd happenings in their Yorkshire town—but the real pull is how much heart sits underneath the sleuthing. Miv is trying to hold her whole world together, with a sick mom who’s suddenly gone quiet, a dad who wants to uproot everything, and a town rattled by disappearances.
The “investigation” she and Sharon launch is charming and a little chaotic, the way only kid‑logic detective work can be, but it slowly turns into something deeper. The clues they uncover aren’t just about missing women—they’re about the cracks in their own families, the things adults don’t say out loud, and the way friendship stretches and strains when life gets heavy.
It’s tender, tense, and surprisingly moving. If you like mysteries that are really about people, this one hits the spot.
THAT CHRISTMAS
That Christmas, an animated holiday comedy set in the seaside town of Wellington‑on‑Sea, where a major snowstorm throws everyone’s Christmas plans into chaos, ended up being one of those holiday movies that feels like the hug you didn’t realize you needed. The animation is charming, the tone is cozy, and it has a humor that resonates with kids and adults alike.
The film weaves together several interconnected stories based on Richard Curtis’s That Christmas and Other Stories, following kids and parents as they navigate a holiday that refuses to go according to plan. Even Santa, voiced by Brian Cox, is dealing with his own crisis of confidence about who’s naughty or nice. Bill Nighy appears as part of the ensemble cast, adding his signature warmth and humor to the mix.
The movie is funny in that classic British way — a little dry, a little chaotic — but it also sneaks in moments about family, expectations, and the messiness of the holidays. Kids will enjoy the slapstick and sweetness, while adults will catch the little winks (my favorite was the use of a classic 80s Madonna song during the student-written and produced holiday play). Overall, it’s a feel‑good, family‑friendly watch that earns its place in the holiday rotation. If you want something that’s genuinely heartwarming without being syrupy, That Christmas hits the spot.
Lisa Papineau
program assistant
Books
CULPABILITY by BRUCE HOLSINGER
This is a thought-provoking drama about moral responsibility in the age of AI.
DARLING BEASTS by MICHELLE GABLE
Darling Beasts is a family drama unlike anything else I have ever read, featuring a host of highly unusual happenings that make it unique.
JULIE CHAN IS DEAD by LIANN ZHANG
In this thriller, a young woman steps into her deceased twin’s influencer life, only to discover dark secrets hidden behind her social media façade.
Movies
NUREMBERG
Nuremberg is based on the historical Nurenberg trials, which took place from November 1945 to October 1946. The story centers on the psychological evaluation of Nazi officials, with the focus of Herman Göring played by Russel Crow. Superb acting!
THE SIX TRIPLE EIGHT
A powerful, fact-based war drama that tells the inspiring true story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female unit of the U.S. Army Women’s Army Corps to serve overseas during World War II. Very well done!
A COMPLETE UNKNOWN
A Complete Unknown focuses on Dylan’s journey from his arrival in New York in 1961 to his controversial embrace of electric music in 1965. As someone who isn’t a huge Bob Dylan fan, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the film and the exceptional performances of the cast.
LAST BREATH
Last Breath is a survival thriller starring Woody Harrelson. It is based on the true story of a British deep-sea diver trapped on the ocean floor. It will keep you on the edge of your seat!
And My Favorite “Dog Movie” of the Year goes to:
CARAMELO
This heartfelt Brazilian film explores the incredible bond between a man and his dog. On the surface, it tells the story of Pedro, a chef whose dreams are suddenly derailed by a devastating diagnosis. The stray he names Caramelo transforms the story into a tale of resilience, love, and support. Caramelo brings humor, hope, and friendship through joyful and heartbreaking moments.
Bonita Risley
history center curator
books
TWO GARDENERS: A FRIENDSHIP IN LETTERS by KATHERINE S. WHITE & ELIZABETH LAWRENCE; edited by EMILY HERRING WILSON
“A legendary editor at The New Yorker during its first thirty-four years, Katharine S. White was also a great garden enthusiast. In March 1958 she began publishing her popular column, ‘Onward and Upward in the Garden.’ Her first column elicited loads of fan mail, but one letter in particular caught her attention. From Elizabeth Lawrence, a noted southern garden writer, it was filled with suggestions and encouragement. When Katharine wrote back her appreciation, she reported on her Maine garden and discussed the plants and books that interested her. Thus began a correspondence that would last for almost twenty years, until Katharine’s death in 1977.”
Loved this for its information on plants & gardening, a peek into more gentle times, and the fact that they only met once, and I believe did not get along at all well on that occasion! Should have stuck to pen & paper – that’s now my motto.
TRAVELS WITH MYSELF & ANOTHER by MARTHA GELLHORN
Anything by Martha Gellhorn is as fabulous as she was, in my humble opinion. Plus she put up with the ever irascible Ernest Hemingway.
THE STORY OF MONTICELLO by THOMAS L. RHODES
I admit to not having read this yet, mainly because I am reluctant to take it from its plastic sleeve. However, it is very precious to me as being my first ever 1st edition book (printed in 1928), plus I bought it in a secondhand bookshop in Charlottesville, VA, while on the most fantastic week of gardening at and learning the history of Jefferson’s Monticello estate. I shall read it soon, but for now I am happy just to hold it, sniff it (I love that old book smell!) and treasure it.
audiobook
SLOUGH HOUSE series by MICK HERRON
tv
SLOW HORSES
Adapted from Mick Herron’s aforementioned Slough House series, they are one and the same yet not. I find no problem in listening to the audiobooks, spectacularly narrated by Gerard Doyle and then watching AppleTV’s Slow Horses starring the amazing Gary Oldman. Both have different things to offer. The audiobook is so well narrated with subtle twists & turns and humor, that my drive to & from work are some of the best moments in every day. Then at the weekend I’ll binge watch some episodes on the TV, enjoying the more sensational and exciting aspects of the story of MI5s most incompetent, useless, compromised British spies watched over by the truly disgusting but hilarious character perfectly portrayed by Gary Oldman.
stand-up comedy
JOSH JOHNSON, currently on tour and airing his shows on YouTube. He is hilarious.
music
Have recently re-discovered ERIK SATIE, instantly soothing, calming & delightful.
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