2020 Wrap Up - Best Books and TV of the Year

I know that I'm ready to close the mind-numbing, dumpster-fire of a year that is 2020. How about you? I wanted to sum up the year by listing my fav reads and watches to, hopefully, inspire and lift your spirits as we head into the new year. Many of my favs are not from this year—which is totally fine! I love discovering new things and being able to binge-watch/read stories I didn't know existed. Let's get right into it.

Teen Wolf (Prime)

This show sank it's teeth in me—literally as well as figuratively. You may have watched it when it was live on MTV in 2011-2017; if you haven't it's about a teen who gets bitten by and turns into, you guessed it, a werewolf. It's a coming-of-age, monster-of-the-week show that I thoroughly enjoyed. What I loved about it was the heartfelt storylines that focused on Scott and his friends as they battle monsters and try to save as many people as they can. The mythology is SUPER interesting. If you like Supernatural or The Vampire Diaries, then you'll enjoy this show.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

GUT ME WHERE I STAND. This book killed then revived me. Like a time machine, the story takes you along three centuries with Addie who makes a deal after the sun sets to an unknown entity in order to be free. But everyone knows, "never pray to the gods that answer after dark." The story is heart-wrenching and achingly beautiful. Also, Schwab can work her lovely ass around some prose. Her words and descriptions are breathtaking. Do yourself a favor and let this be the first book you read in 2021.

Hannibal (streaming on Netflix)

This was one of the first shows I binged during quarantine. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it because, truth be told, I'm a wuss when it comes to anything remotely scary, but... I got pulled in by the whole Hannigram thing (the slash ship between Will and Hannibal) because duh. That's not all. The storyline is super interesting, reminiscent of Showtime's Dexter—which I loved. If you liked that show or Bates Motel, then you'll enjoy this psychological thriller/murder mystery.

Julie and the Phantoms (Netflix)

Flip the Switch—this show was my guilty-freaking pleasure this year. When all seemed lost, I turned on this show and sang along with Julie, Finn, and my ghost boys, Luke, Alex and Reggie. Produced by Kenny Ortega (i.e. High School Musical!!!), this show follows Julie one-year after the death of her mom whom she shared a musical life with. She's struggling to find her inner-song... until the ghost boys literally fall into her life. Then they discover they can only be seen if they're performing with Julie! The songs are catchy as hell (they made it on my top 2020 songs of the year) and the storyline is super-duper fun. Yes, it's for children but if you need a pick-me-up, this is the show for you.

House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City series) by Sarah J. Maas

It's been years, YEARS, and finally Maas delivers an epic fantasy story with an urban twist. If you read her other books, she says that it's like those books but in the very far future. There's cool magical technology, a plethora of supernatural creatures as well as an interesting hierarchy of power. I found in Bryce a relatable half-fae heroine who's just trying to survive her regular-ass life until her grief-filled past clashes with her future as a string of familiar murders threatens to dig up a dark power that could destroy all life on her world. The character development and world-building is *chef's kiss* magnificent. If you like Sarah J. Maas or falling deep into a fantasy world, then this book is for you. Be warned: it's 800 pages but I flew through it.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Seasons 1-4) (Prime)

No—I had never, ever, seen an episode of Buffy before this year. Thanks to my friend and Culturess writer, Shaun Stacy, I finally gave in. I mean, was I truly a supernatural, monster-of-the-week fan if I had never seen BtVS? Admittedly, it's wonderfully cheesy that takes you back in time to high school in the late 90s, where Clueless and Cruel Intentions' influence struts down the halls. I freaking love it! Buffy Summers is a total badass. The fight scenes are Mortal Kombat ready and when Buffy has her epic 'slayer' scenes—you know those moments that make it to the last cut of the intro—I get chills! I think the only and most important thing that 90s TV, even Buffy, missed is diversity. Otherwise, the storyline is captivating and deliciously otherworldly.

Supernatural (finale season) (Netflix)

It's over and I cried like a freaking baby!! That's all I'm saying because if you haven't watched 15 seasons of this show, then what the heck are you doing? If you've finished the series and want to know my top favorite moments, let me know. I also want to know yours!

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

Magical and exhilarating... I'm so glad I got this book in before the end of the year. Deonn did such a magnificent job connecting Arthurian myth and African American history—I was enthralled. I loved the concept of root and aether. And the twist at the end... I didn't see it coming! I can't wait until book 2 of this series. If you enjoy Arthurian fantasies and strong female leads, you will love Legendborn.

That's it for me, lovelies. Connect with me on Twitter or Instagram so we can geek out about our 2020 guilty pleasures and the stories that got us through the worst year ever.

Until next time 👋