I decided to start a monthly favorites series here on the blog to track some of my favorite books, movies, albums, and anything else that I have loved every month. I know these sorts of posts and videos were really popular at one point. Does anyone else still do them?
BOOKS
rebecca by daphne du maurier
I finally got around to reading "Rebecca" in honor of an upcoming podcast and to prepare for the new adaptation with Lily James coming to Netflix later this year. I was absolutely floored by it in all its thrilling Gothic glory. In addition to the main plot and romance (if you can call it that), I think there's some fascinating social commentary by du Maurier in it. This feels like one that I will reread again in years to come and it's definitely made me want to read more du Maurier.
TV SHOWS
fleabag seasons 1 and 2
With Oscar season over, it felt like it was time to catch up on some of the television that I had missed while trying to watch as many 2019 films as possible. For my first series, I chose "Fleabag" largely because each season is only three hours long. I rarely watch shows with half-hour episodes (in truth, I rarely watch TV at all) so it felt like I absolutely flew through this. I enjoyed Season 1, but Season 2 absolutely tore my heart out. Phoebe Waller Bridge is so incredibly talented and clever and Andrew Scott is a babe.
FILMS
what if
This 2013 film is confusingly sometimes called "What If" and sometimes "The F Word." I can't explain that one, but what I can say is that it's one of the most delightful and heartwarming rom-coms I've watched in a while. Similar to "When Harry Met Sally," it is about two friends who end up falling in love. While Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan are charming, I honestly watched it because Adam Driver plays a supporting role in it and he did not disappoint. Yes, I am meant to be watching every Saoirse Ronan movie this year and instead seem to be watching every Adam Driver film. (No regrets.)
to all the boys: ps i still love you
The first "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" movie is one of my favorites and the trilogy of books by Jenny Han are also favorites of mine. So to say that I was excited for the release of "To All the Boys: PS I Still Love You" was an understatement, especially after the casting of Jordan Fisher. I went over to my parents' house to watch it with them and my little sister on the night it came out and we had the best time. I'm totally #TeamJohnAmbrose and Jordan Fisher was perfect in the role. You can check out my full review here.
mr jones
I was lucky enough to get a screener for "Mr. Jones" to review it for In Their Own League, which was great because it's out in the UK now and I didn't want to wait until April to see it when it releases here in the States. (You can read my review here.) The film tells the story of Welsh journalist Gareth Jones who traveled to the Ukraine in the early 1930s and discovered the man-made famine that was the Soviets were inflicting upon them. It stars James Norton and Vanessa Kirby and is well worth a watch even if it's not perfect.
birds of prey
I certainly didn't expect to love "Birds of Prey" as much as I did. (I now own a Harley Quinn t-shirt and sweatshirt.) Margot Robbie delivers an insane and kooky performance and the whole film is just so much fun. It's a great example of girl power that doesn't feel forced or fake and it's also an ode to the perfect breakfast sandwich. You can hear me talk about it on the Next Best Picture podcast review.
ALBUMS
starry: original concept album
I'm hoping to have a full review of this album posted soon, but when my friend Lexi recommended that I listen to a new concept album for a musical about Vincent van Gogh, I was immediately intrigued. The group of very talented vocalists bring to life the story of two brothers, Theo and Vincent van Gogh, and their struggles with art. You can listen to the album on Spotify.
pure barre
I started doing Pure Barre classes about a month ago now and I was shocked to discover that I really like them. I grew up dancing ballet so the way that Pure Barre uses your muscles feels familiar to me and I like that having to sign up for the classes ahead of time forces me to actually go to them. I'm not very good at them yet (I struggle just to hold a plank) and I'm only going once a week, but here's to hoping I start improving soon.
What did you all enjoy during the month of February? Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter. x