T.M. Hanson

I always love talking about my favourite pieces of literature, music, and film, which is why I’m excited to share what have been particular favourites for me this year. I enjoy viewing certain periods of my life through the lens of fiction and art in general. This has been a time of reconnecting to old favourites, as well as trying pieces of fiction that are entirely new to me (in every form of media).

A lot of my reading at the moment is dictated by the mountain of books currently sitting at home- I have a combination of fiction and non-fiction that’s accumulated over the past twenty years. Because of it, I’ve been dedicating my time to reading the collection I have, although I’ve treated myself to some new books recently. This is a little context as to why children’s literature is so prominent, as well as there being a heavy emphasis on fantasy (which you’ll see in my follow-up post). Altogether, I’m excited to share what has resonated with me the most.

All of these are in no particular order; they’re not ranked by which is my top favourite. Books and films are capped at ten, as I’ve watched and read enough to confidently give ten recommendations. As for the rest- albums, video games, and television shows- I don’t engage in these enough throughout the year to give ten, so I’ve capped them at five, the albums at three (I’m very picky with whole albums!). However, I’ve still enjoyed them so I wanted to include them in the list.

Books

Winnie the Pooh, A.A Milne.

As one of the first books I read, this whimsical novel was a strong introduction to the year. It’s easy to understand how this has become a fundamental piece of children’s literature. Winnie the Pooh was delightful, imaginative, and gentle in its pace, as well as in the stories covered. The way Milne wrote it from his perspective, as if it were story time between father and son, added to the charm of the book, especially knowing that this was how the stories originated. Undoubtedly, Winnie the Pooh was a strong favourite this year.

North and South, Elizabeth Gaskell.

I’ve been a long-time fan of romance novels published within the Georgian to Victorian era. In fact, you could say it’s one of my all-time favourite genres/historical periods. I’m fairly new to Gaskell- having read only Wives and Daughters previously- but it’s easy to understand how this is considered her defining novel. Her political commentaries and her exploration of the union between classes, particularly in how they must adapt and learn from one another, places her as one of my favourite authors of this literary period. Her romance may be a little subtle for some, though I love a pairing where the man is down bad (as he should be). I will certainly be revisiting this novel in the future.

Inkspell, Cornelia Funke.

I finally read the Inkheart trilogy, a journey that was a particular highlight for me this year. The second instalment, Inkspell, was by far my favourite. The familiarity of the characters but in a new fantastical setting was an absolute treat. I loved the opportunity to explore Inkworld, the familiar and deepening dynamics between characters, and the higher stakes that they had to face. Personally, I loved Funke’s writing style- the way she describes detail in both the interiority of the characters and the setting. I’m so glad I took the time to read it.

The Romanovs: 1613-1918, Simon Sebag Montefiore.

It would make sense that the only non-fiction to make it to my list would be about Russian history. As a child, I was obsessed with the Russian Revolution and the fall of the Romanov dynasty. This year, I returned to this interest and learnt about the Romanovs as a whole. Neatly sectioned into eras of rulers with a clear understanding of the barbarity, comedy, brilliance, and stupidity of both the Russian monarchy and its government/state, Sebag Montefiore provides a succinct (and yet still vast) exploration of the Romanovs in a way that is entertaining, informative, and insightful.

Jurassic Park, Michael Crichton.

This was a highly anticipated read, due to the reviews I’d heard from others. It certainly lived up to expectation! This was an excellent science fiction. Crichton knows how to build suspense. Yet, the scariest part of this novel wasn’t the dinosaurs; it was the mundanity of people’s apathy, greed, ignorance, and short-sightedness. The commentary on how capitalist greed can disrupt organic systems, how science tries to and sometimes succeeds in defying natural laws, and how the real danger lies in the authorities who have a monopoly on this science is an acute observation of the system we live within. This is a must read in my opinion. I absolutely loved this book.

Eragon, Christopher Paolini.

I was expecting to dislike this series or find it quite dry, as I’d tried to read it a few times as a child, but I ended up loving the entire collection. This was another highlight of the year for me. The Inheritance Cycle is within the high fantasy genre, focusing on Eragon, a farm boy turned dragon rider. There’s a lot about these books that are standard for the genre. However, the friendships between characters, detailed lore, and sense of humour was what kept me hooked. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment.

The Crucible, Arthur Miller.

Reading The Crucible was a chilling and provocative experience. Following from one act to the next, you feel yourself slowly enveloped by the unravelling of events, as well as the sense of dread that emerges as the accusations begin to escalate. Despite this being a script, meaning that there was no visual accompaniment, this was still an unsettling experience. I was hooked from the second act onward and there was an ominous feeling that you couldn’t quite shake as you continued through the story. An excellent piece of theatre and just as strong in its written format, The Crucible is exceptional.  

Jamaica Inn, Daphne Du Maurier.

I’ve wanted to read Du Maurier for years and I was not disappointed. Gothic, suspenseful, and entirely a treat, I enjoyed reading this from back to front. I liked Du Maurier’s writing style and the use of landscape in order to evoke desolation and danger. The antagonists could almost be cartoonish in their villainy, though I appreciate the depth that was added to Joss Merlyn, even if slightly. Du Maurier’s ability to view the main characters through the lens of compassion, rather than judgement or mockery, was an element of the narrative that I appreciated. Overall, this was a pleasurable and dark read.

The Yellow Wallpaper, Charlotte Perkins Gilman.

I read this so fast that I had to go back and read it again, merely to digest what had happened. Although I know this story through cultural osmosis, it was still an extraordinary experience to read it for the first time. This book was on my mind for days afterward. The Yellow Wallpaper is understandably a classic; it’s exploration of the treatment of women- societally, in marriage, and in medicine- still has a lot of relevance to the modern day and continues to deliver a gut punch through the gradual derangement of its narrative voice. A short but concise read, I would not only read this again but encourage anyone to.

Rosemary’s Baby, Ira Levin.

This was my main Halloween read and the only thing that stopped me from devouring it was how unsettling it was. I had to put the book down in the nighttime, as the story was so horrifying in its implication that it made me deeply uneasy. Levin is a master of his craft. Rosemary’s Baby, for the time, was unique. It’s exploration of the Satanic Panic within an urban, modernised setting, especially though the lens of social limitations for women, is just as relevant and terrifying today as it was then. Some parts of it may seem cliché or predictable to the modern reader, but these techniques were entirely new or barely used at the time of its publication. For that, you have to appreciate its contribution to horror, as well as the fact that it’s simply a fantastic novel.

Films

In all honesty, I didn’t watch a lot of films this year. The selection above covers about two-thirds of this year’s list. Even so, these were my favourites out of the ones watched. Next year, I’m hoping to watch a little more so I can provide a more comprehensive list.  

The Boy and the Heron

Another imaginative but heartfelt instalment from Ghibli and Miyazaki. The story of legacies lost and reimagined, the disappointment of unfulfilled hopes and dreams, and the promise of a new but uncertain future was a warming experience. I say warming because of the vulnerability in which Miyazaki explores his own emotions, particularly the acceptance he has reached around the potential end of Studio Ghibli, as well as his son’s wish to work elsewhere. For many, this isn’t considered the most dynamic film but it is deeply personal, and for that, I rated it.

But I’m A Cheerleader

This film was quirky, funny, and a little too relatable at times. I loved watching a story about a character who becomes comfortable in their sexuality, alongside the insinuation of a happy ending. Despite the rise in queer media, But I’m A Cheerleader maintains its own unique tone, topic of discussion, and cinematography. This showcases the film’s ability to remain noteworthy. Even now, this is one of the most memorable queer films in existence. I understand the humour may not be to everyone’s taste; I wouldn’t say it had me laughing continually but the heart of the film was so strong that I loved it, all the same.

The Lost World: Jurassic Park

I read Jurassic Park for the first time this year, as evidenced by the list above, so I decided to watch The Lost World. I’ve only ever seen the first Jurassic Park; this was a whole new venture for me, as I’ve never felt called to watch the series any further than that. I enjoyed following Malcolm and learning more about his character, the people around him, and his re-introduction to the Park. I also enjoyed the additional narrative that works complimentary but also as an extension to the discussion started in the first film. As someone who had just read the first book, I appreciated some of the missing scenes added to the second film instead. It felt like a nod to any parts missed the first time around.

Wicked Little Letters

This was a charming comedy and I’m glad I took the time to watch it in cinemas. The cast is fantastic, the humour distinctly British, and the whole film was a bout of fun. I loved how Edith was inspired by Rose, empowering her to eventually come out of her shell and express herself, even if it did have the wildest implications. It felt satisfying to see her progression and eventual liberation, despite the ending. The premise was made all the more bizarre by the fact that it was based on a true story. I would most definitely enjoy watching this again.

Kinds of Kindness

I felt Kinds of Kindness was too long a film. However, the first two stories were a highlight for me. The second was my favourite and I felt Lanthimos’ ability to challenge your sense of reality, especially in the realm of domestic abuse, was an excellent example of cosmic horror. The mental back and forth you go through in order to comprehend what is happening, the way each scene unravels and makes you question yourself all over again, was excellent filmmaking in my opinion. Would I rush to watch the film again? Not really, but parts of this film have stayed with me months after watching it.

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Cosmos: The Movie

This is on here due to my love for the Sailor Moon franchise. There were parts of it that were certainly rushed and I often find their transformation sequences and constant calling of names repetitive. Apart from that, it made me emotional to see the two parts start with the iconic opening themes (Moonlight Densetsu and Sailor Stars) and to see all of the sailor senshi together. Any part of the arcs where I get to see the outer senshi more, especially in regards to their personality, is a plus for me. However, I do wish I had seen more of Galaxia- that was a little disappointing. Generally, it was a suitable enough entry into the franchise and it certainly added some great moments.  

The Martian

I thought The Martian would be a much heavier, drier movie than it was. It was an emotional watch but a heartening one; I found myself immersed in every moment. So many sci-fi movies are serious, frightening, pessimistic, or catastrophic. To have an entry like this into the genre was refreshing because it showcases the humanity of our world, the better aspects of who we are as people. This didn’t dampen the experience for me but enhanced it. I appreciated the optimistic outlook for what our future could be, despite corporate interference. It certainly made me feel more uplifted for having seen it.

Macbeth (1971)

This is not a recommendation, per se, as this is a Polanski film but I will share my thoughts on it, as it was a highlight for me. Sinister, brooding, and macabre, this was the best adaptation of Macbeth that I’ve seen so far. The trauma and commentary that Polanski weaves into his adaptation by reflecting the Satanic panic of the US, particularly around that of cults, is both revealing of the time but also the personal experience of the director. With a Macbeth that looks similar to Manson, it follows the chilling journey of how a man can become a killer.  This film doesn’t hide the brutality that both Macbeth and Manson created in the world around them, leaving grief, trauma, and death in their wake. This film was deeply personal and for terrible reasons, but it also shows Polanski’s ability to handle this topic.  

The Color Purple (2023)

I didn’t realise this was a musical until minutes before the movie started, so I had to mentally re-adjust my expectations. Once I’d settled into the numbers, however, I enjoyed the film. I felt like the heart of the book was maintained and honoured. I cried multiple times as I followed Celie’s journey, from the traumatic beginning to the empowered end. The film was simultaneously chilling, joyful, poignant, and warm. I have a lot of respect and love for the book, so to see this particular adaptation, I was pleased with what they came up with overall.

Interview with the Vampire

This film was campy in a way that only vampire films or films from the nineties can be. The cast was surprisingly excellent in their roles, considering a few of them were not actors that I’d rate highly. However, they were all well-cast and some, I would even say, were magnetic in their on-screen presence. Interview with the Vampire was as sensual, brooding, and riveting as the book. It’s not a film I’ve ever been drawn to until I read the book this year. Safe to say, I was proven wrong. The combination of both the book and the film has definitely encouraged me to try the tv series next.

Television

I don’t have any streaming services aside from Netflix, so that’s why so many of my recommendations are based around that and the BBC/Sky. There is only one show from Disney +. I no longer have a Disney account for a variety of reasons. I started watching the show recommended on there before I stopped using it altogether, meaning I watched the second half elsewhere. If you are not subscribed to any of the platforms, you can always source them alternatively.

Oni: Thunder God’s Tale (Netflix)

This was a cute story about belonging that made me cry (twice). I love the animation style, the succinct story, and the voice acting. If anyone is looking to expand their animated repertoire, loves stop-motion, or is looking for anything with Japanese inspired lore, this is definitely the perfect show to watch. This is a limited series so it’s a very quick watch; I must have finished in less than twenty-four hours. I would highly recommend for anyone with a Netflix account!

The Cleaner (BBC)

I needed a good laugh and this certainly delivered. Heartwarming, imaginative, and downright silly, this was a fun catch-up for me. I’d already seen the first season when it came out initially but I watched the rest this year. Its various commentaries, moments of genuine human connection, and its ability to have a serious conversation in the midst of a joke is what draws me to this show, as well as its homage, at times, to the horror genre whilst not being a horror show at all. It’s downright stupid and I couldn’t recommend it more.

American Born Chinese (Disney +)

This is a wonderful story with a wonderful cast. If you want to watch anything to do with social commentaries on Asian American experiences, Chinese mythology, or just some cool wuxia scenes, this is the show for you. American Born Chinese interweaves three narratives- that of the Wang family; Wei-Chen, the son of Sun Wukong, who is searching for the Fourth Scroll, and Jamie Yao, a former actor who is famous for being a racial caricature in an American sitcom. I have written a whole essay about this show that I will be posting soon; that’s how much I cared about it.

A Discovery of Witches (Sky)

This was a recommendation by my partner. It’s one of her favourite tv series of all time. Once you get past the tropes around ‘cravings’ and what people taste like, this show is steeped in deep lore, both fantastical and historical, beautiful sets and costumes, and an engaging storyline. The books are a helpful and interesting accompaniment to the series, in the same way you would want to pair the right wine with your meal.   

Ludwig (BBC)

Ludwig is a cosy crime drama backdropped by Beethoven’s masterpieces. With each episode based off of various riddles and puzzles, accompanied by what is clearly an attempt at autistic representation, this was a top watch for me. I particularly enjoyed the montage of murders accompanied by classical music. The stakes weren’t super high but it is cosy crime, so I didn’t mind. This was a lovely show with a cast that excels in comedy and drama alike. What engaged me wasn’t necessarily the whodunnit but the interpersonal focus of the show.

Video Games

Most of these games are ongoing so I can’t speak for them as a whole, but I will speak on my experience of them so far. All of these, I played on the Nintendo Switch apart from the last one, which I’m playing on the Playstation.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

I just adore ACNH. This has been an on-going favourite since it came out and I’ve come back to it throughout the year. As this is my first list of recommendations, I’ve decided to add it. If, like me, you are a big fan of doing too much, you like collecting cute little items, and you like games with adorable animals, this is highly recommended. The grind never stops. This is a perfect game if you are looking for something simple and relaxing, whilst still having enough tasks to keep you invested.  

Sea of Stars

Sea of Stars is an engaging RPG. I’ve enjoyed exploring the world, the lore, and the backstories in this indie game. My partner and I purchased the exclusive edition based off of the demo and we’re so glad we did. I’m not quite finished yet- I’m two thirds of the way through. The plot has been intriguing, the character dynamics fun, and the visuals themselves are stunning. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of pixelated games but this has been an exception for me.

Ori and The Blind Forest/Will of the Wisps

This duology has to be the gaming experience of the year. These are the two that got me back into playing the switch; I’ve completed both whilst managing to get my hands on the collector’s edition. This was certainly one of my favourites, hands down! An insanely beautiful game with emotional scenes, interesting concepts, and sequences that will test your abilities, this was a high point of the year for me in gaming. I loved the journey I went on with the characters and I loved exploring the world. A lovely little platformer that is a fun way to pass the time.

Dredge

This is currently unfinished but I’ve loved playing this horror game. I guess you could say it hooked me in! The mystery element was what initially engaged me, as well as the mythology that seems to be behind it. I’ve loved exploring the different islands, the dangers you encounter in each place, and the strange cast of characters that you find along the way. What’s more, this game is visually stunning. If you’re looking for new horror games (especially on the lighter side), or anything to do with mystery, this would certainly be a good call for you.

God of War

This is also unfinished as I only started it recently but it has already been bumped into one of my favourite games of the year. I’m hugely into plot-driven games, as I love the unwinding narratives, the worldbuilding, lore, and deeper exploration of the characters involved. As you may tell by my other games, this is what keeps me invested. I’m also interested in mythology, so this has been a big draw for me. I was so excited to see the Valkyries! Overall, the visuals are fantastic and the exploration of Norse mythology has been fascinating.  

Albums

As mentioned, I’m terribly picky with albums, primarily because I have to like at least 70-80% of it to think it’s worth recommending. Because of this preference, I moved it from a top five to a top three. There are many other albums that I’ve enjoyed so far but I’m still making my way through them, so I couldn’t bring myself to mention them until I felt certain. I hope you like my list, nonetheless!

Cowboy Carter, Beyonce.

Cowboy Carter is a cohesive album that showcases decades of Beyonce’s life in the music industry. This isn’t the most transcendent exploration of music out there, yet, in comparison to what’s in the mainstream right now, this does set Beyonce apart in her ability to alter her sound, encompass new techniques and genres, whilst maintaining a distinctive quality that can only be Beyonce herself. For this, I do have to give her credit. Plus, when it comes down to it, I just like the songs.

Stampede, Orville Peck.

Stampede is an album that I’ve listened to on repeat for months now. This is composed of a number of collaborations and features, all of them excellent in their own way. I like to visualise the songs on this album as a collection of lovers or friends who are present at the same rodeo, including queer cowboys, unrequited lovers, and a couple arguing their way into divorce. This album is reflective, sombre, celebratory, and sensual in equal measure. As a long-time listener of Orville, this is more mainstream than his other work but I still enjoyed it and he clearly enjoyed making it. There are many songs from this album that I’ll be listening to for years to come.

What Happened to the Heart?, AURORA.

A beautiful experience that transmits AURORA’s concerns for the climate crisis, her wishes for the future, and the way she navigates the difficulties of living in our current society. Predominantly pop, it incorporates elements of house, rock, and indigenous music to bring a sound that is uniquely AURORA. I also got to see her perform on this album tour and she was phenomenal live! I couldn’t recommend this album or AURORA more (she crafted one of my favourite albums of all time).