Top 3 Books
Two nonfiction and a classic that I never read until just this year…
Poe: A Life Cut Short by Peter Ackroyd – I embarked on reading the complete works of Poe this year. I’m still working on it. But I also wanted a good agnostic biography—one that wasn’t too caught up in diagnosing or explaining Poe. Peter Ackroyd’s slim volume fit the bill! My Review
The Spectacle of Illusion by Matthew Tompkins – Quite easily the nicest looking book I’ve purchased in a long while. It’s a really accessible history of the scientific investigation of the paranormal, chock-full of photos and exhibits. My Review
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, Robin Buss (Translator) – Of the four readalongs that Nick hosted, I only completed one of the books, but wow, it really did deliver. I read an unabridged edition and I’m glad I did. My Review
Top 3 Short Stories
“Sweet Dreams Are Made of You” by Merc Fenn Wolfmoor – I listened to this during the fall readathon. If you don’t like horror, maybe don’t read this story.
“The Reapers” by Batterman Lindsay – One of the best written stories of the Black Cat Project. I look forward to reading Annie Batterman Lindsay’s novel one of these days.
“There’s a Hole in the City” by Richard Bowes – I randomly picked this story to read while relaxing at the library. I was pleased to see that it’s online as well.
Top 3 Movies
(that I watched for the first time this year)
Knives Out (2019) – Rian Johnson is one of my favorite movie-makers. Plus, non-franchise!
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) – A lot of superhero movies haven’t been very fun lately. This film reminds me of the 2002 Spider-man. It’s joyous, visually exciting, and includes something that I really appreciate about comics: alternative characters and story lines.
Ocean’s Eight (2018) – It’s not as good at Ocean’s Eleven, but really, what is? But this cast! If I had to list my favorite actresses, I’d just link you to Ocean’s Eight‘s IMBD.
Simple Tricks & Nonsense 