As this year’s final curtain falls, I’m excited to share the best books, beats, and blockbusters that enriched my days. These have been more than mere entertainment; they’ve been companions and muses for me.
So grab your popcorn (or kale chips, no judgment), and let’s dive into the highlights reel of the year!
The best 2 short videos I watched this year
“A Quantum Reflection” by Adeola Alao. Everyone I’ve shared this short clip with has said, “I needed to see this.” It’s two minutes well spent that might just change your day—or your perspective on life.
“I Want to Write a Poem” by Rudy Francisco. If you enjoy poetry, take a moment to watch this. I was blown away.
The best 5 books I read this year
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin. One of the best books on creativity that I’ve read since Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic. This book isn’t just a read; it’s an experience that dances between philosophy and the real-life magic of making art. It’s like Rick Rubin—the cool uncle of creativity—is right there, nudging you to break free and unleash the artist within.
The Humans by Matt Haig. I enjoyed The Midnight Library by the same author, so I had to pick up this book that had been recommended by several friends. The premise? An alien embodies a human to study our species. The result? A thought-provoking and hilarious exploration of what it means to be human.
Same as Ever: A Guide to What Never Changes by Morgan Housel. In a world obsessed with the new, Housel turns our attention to the timeless. This book isn’t about chasing trends; it’s a celebration of life’s enduring truths, served up in bite-sized chapters brimming with insight.
Ceremony by Brianna Wiest. Not your average self-help book. It’s a beautifully penned collection of essays and poems that tackle everything from the messy heartaches of love to the quiet joys of gratitude. It’s short, it’s sweet, and it’s stunning.
The Ascent of Humanity by Charles Eisenstein. This book made me think, reflect, and see the world differently—what more could you ask for from a nonfiction book? Eisenstein explores how separation—from nature, each other, and even ourselves—has led modern civilization off track and what we might do about it. Yes, the book could have used better editing—it’s too long and repetitive—but it’s still an excellent read. Bonus: If you don’t mind reading online, the author offers the book for free on his website.
The best 5 shows I watched this year
The Fall of the House of Usher. [Netflix] Imagine if Succession had a horror-themed baby with Dopesick, and you’re close to what this show’s about. It’s dark, it’s twisty, and it’s unputdownable (or unturnoffable?).
Nobody Wants This. [Netflix] This one is about a sex podcaster and a newly single rabbi navigating their unlikely love story. The result? A hilarious and witty rom-com.
Dark Matter. [Apple TV+] If you’ve ever wondered about the road not taken, Dark Matter turns that curiosity up to eleven. Based on one of my all-time favorite sci-fi novels, this series takes you on a wild ride through the multiverse. I loved it.
Hacks Season 3. [HBO Max | Amazon Prime] This comedy show just keeps on delivering the goods. The premise? A legendary Las Vegas comedian forms an unlikely mentorship with a young, out-of-work writer. Filled with wit from start to finish, I look forward to every episode.
Shrinking Season 2. [Apple TV+] The latest season of this dramedy is as good as the first. Harrison Ford is the grumpy-but-lovable therapist, Jessica Williams is charming as ever, and Jason Segel is the hot mess with a heart. It’s a mix of tears and laughter, all wrapped up in the beautiful messiness of being human. Who knew therapy could be this fun?
The best 5 films I saw this year
Perfect Days (2023). [Hulu | Amazon Prime] This Japanese film is a very slow burn but a gorgeous one. Who knew it’d be so mesmerizing to watch a man’s simple life of cleaning toilets, reading books, and listening to music? A visual poem that stayed with me long after the credits rolled—and left me contemplating the layers of meaning beneath its seemingly mundane surface.
American Fiction (2023). [Amazon Prime | Apple TV+] One of the most creative—and funny—films I’ve seen in a long time. It’s not just recommended. It’s a must-see.
Poor Things (2023). [Hulu | Amazon Prime] A cinematic feast that made me crave a rewatch right after the movie ended. It’s whimsical and dark and quirky and everything else in between. Emma Stone’s performance is nothing short of legendary.
Dune: Part Two (2024). [HBO Max | Amazon Prime] With its stunning visuals and edge-of-your-seat storytelling, it’s one of the best sci-fi films I’ve seen in recent memory. This film picks up right where the previous one left off, so you’ll want to brush up on Part One or read the book first—otherwise, you will be lost.
The Substance (2024). [Amazon Prime | Apple TV+] Wow, what a wild ride. This deeply disturbing thriller exposes the dark underbelly of society’s fixation on beauty and youth. Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid are beyond brilliant and deserve all the awards.
The best TED Talk I watched this year
The single most important parenting strategy by Becky Kennedy. Sometimes, you press play on a TED Talk expecting light entertainment over lunch and instead find yourself unexpectedly moved to tears. Dr. Kennedy’s insights on repairing relationships extend well beyond parenting, offering profound strategies for mending the fractures in our everyday interactions.
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