As 2024 comes to a close, I cannot help but look back on everything from this year. From books, to TV, to music, to movies, I’m going to share my favorites from everything released in the past 341 days.

Best Book: Shamefully, I have not read any new books actually from this year. But I am currently reading Babel, by R.F. Kuang, which came out in 2022, and it’s great. It is about a Chinese student in the nineteenth century attending Oxford University’s language school. It’s very dark academia, very interesting (I have never thought about language this way before, but it talks about it in such an eye-opening way), and very, very good. I have no doubt that Kuang is  a talented writer, but if I had one critique, it would be that it feels a bit too full of itself. Still, so far, a fantastic read. 

Best Movie: I have not been very impressed with most things I’ve seen in theaters this year. However, on my friend’s recommendation, I watched Wicked, and I really enjoyed it! I am not the biggest fan of movie musicals, but this one was a fun watch. The costumes and sets are beautiful, I have no notes on the vocals, and despite going into Wicked with no prior attachment to the story (besides my love of the “Defying Gravity” covers in Glee), I found myself moved by the stories. I have no clue what happened behind the scenes that makes the main two actresses act the way they do, but the movie is great. 

Best TV Series: Can a series count as the best of its year if it comes out annually? I say yes. Every year, my older sister and I watch the Great British Bake Off, and this year was no exception. Once again, the British accents, beautiful desserts, and charming contestants have won me over. Even though my favorite contestant didn’t win, he got to finals, and I was overall fairly satisfied with the outcome of this year’s competition. 

Best Song: Like always, Hozier has my heart this year. I am sure that a million more notable, better songs have been released, but I have to give the best song of the year to his “Nobody’s Soldier”. I might be biased because I saw it live, but this song makes me ascend.