Percical Everett’s James is wholly worth the hype. It is a modern classic, retaining both the power of its initial influence and relevance in contemporary settings. I think Everett aptly maintains the fine line between poignant and entertaining, making makes James a fast-paced and lasting read.

Another potentially basic pick, but WOW this movie. It was my first five-star review of the year and, in my opinion, has absolutely everything you could want in a movie: music, action, guns, garlic, vampires, Michael B. Jordan (twice?!)…amazing.

I have been a lifelong Waxahatchee fan and her latest album,Tiger’s Blood, has not changed my mind. I especially enjoy “Ice Cold” which is so melodically and lyrically ear-wormy that it plays in the background (and sometimes foreground) of my brain all day.