my 5-star books + films in 2024
all 7 books and 24 films explained
Across my various report cards, you’ve probably noticed that I watch a fair share of movies/shows, and only read romance books. I was considering doing a full-length post on everything I read and watched, but the time it would take to do all of that would drive me to the brink of insanity. I’d like to keep Substack as a hobby, not a chore.
There were a total of seven books (out of 45, so 15%) that I rated 5 stars. Full, in-depth reviews can be found on my Goodreads account. Note that two books in this list were written by Sarah Hogle and another two by Ashley Poston — both of whom are on my “automatic must-read” author list.
Summary: An overworked book publicist with a perfectly planned future hits a snag when she falls in love with her temporary roommate…only to discover he lives seven years in the past.
Short Review: I was blessed in the month of January when I finished this book. I remember adamantly refusing to read any type of fantasy, which was why after learning that this book contained elements of magical realism, I was actually dreading reading it. The main character’s name is Clementine, and how could you not be obsessed with that? I might be biased because my favorite scent (that got discontinued) was Clementine California by Atelier Cologne.
“That was love, wasn’t it? It wasn’t just a quick drop—it was falling, over and over again, for your person. It was falling as they became new people. It was learning how to exist with every new breath. It was uncertain and it was undeniably hard, and it wasn’t something you could plan for.”
You’ll like this book if you love: past and present perspectives, navigating people pleasing, rediscovering oneself, introspective characters, philosophical conversations
(Goodreads review here)
Summary: Florence Day, a disillusioned millennial ghostwriter, finds her way back home for her father’s funeral, where she sees a ghost standing at the funeral parlor’s front door.
Short Review: My second five-starred AP!! This was actually such a wild ride. The fact that I’ve enjoyed a book about a main character who can talk to ghosts says a lot about how good this book is. I personally liked Seven Year Slip a tiny bit more, but this book is still magical and complex in its own way.
“We were an author of love stories and an editor of romances, weaving a story about a boy who was once a little ghostly and a girl who lived with ghosts. and maybe, if we were lucky, we’d find a happily ever after, too.”
You’ll like this book if you love: complex family dynamic incl. abandonment, plot twists, avoidant attachment main character, deep character exploration of female main character
(Goodreads review here)
Summary: When your nemesis also happens to be your fiancé, happily ever after becomes a lot more complicated. But there’s a catch — whoever ends the engagement will have to foot the nonrefundable wedding bill. But with the countdown looming to the wedding that may or may not come to pass, Naomi finds her resolve slipping. Because now that they have nothing to lose, they're finally being themselves--and having fun with the last person they expect: each other.
Short Review: This was such a delight to read, and my first SH book. I wouldn’t necessarily classify this as a romance, but I’m confident in saying this might be more effective than any self-help book out there, for those in a relationship where anxious and avoidant attachments are at play.
“It’s a gesture I’ve completely misinterpreted, since it’s loving but not necessarily romantic. You look at a love letter and it’s clear as day - you think, this is a love letter. But when your significant other says, you don’t need to work. you don’t need a job, you might hear, I don’t think you’ll find meaningful employment without a college education. I don’t believe in you.
In my head, I’ve been assuming that when Nicholas says I don’t need to work, what he means is that any job I’d qualify for is so beneath his notice that I might as well not work at all. In nicholas’s head, all he’s done is say, here I am, here I am. Be anything! It doesn’t matter if you don’t make much money, because I’ll take care of you. I’ll let you need me. I’ll be your rock, whatever happens. spread your wings, you can always fall back on me.”
You’ll like this book if you love: miscommunication, realistic portrayal of anxious attachment female main character, second chance
(Goodreads review here)
Summary: Archer's Voice is the story of a woman chained to the memory of one horrifying night and the man whose love is the key to her freedom. It is the story of a silent man who lives with an excruciating wound and the woman who helps him find his voice.
Short Review: In my review, I said that this book was the book for me this year. I’ll stand by this confidently. I saw this book all over Goodreads/Instagram, and cannot believe it has taken me this long to pick it up. I’m obsessed with the two main characters, Bree and Archer. There is no universe where they wouldn’t belong together. Both characters have had deeply traumatic pasts, and I personally thought that the author brought their stories alive appropriately and sensibly. I was highly impressed at the character development, setting description (where it felt like I could smell the ocean, you know?), plot cohesion, and resolution.
Another thing about Bree is that she is very patient, and one of the most securely attached characters I’ve read about this year. Even though I gravitate towards anxiously attached FMCs, I felt myself drawn to Bree, perhaps because it felt like she was teaching me how to be through her patience.
"Archer had lived with his own pain for a long, long time, and asking him to revisit it on my time schedule would never be fair. I would wait. I would wait as long as he needed me to."
You’ll like this book if you love: trauma bonding, green flag main characters (literally no flaws)
(Goodreads review here — I implore you to read this because the quotes will actually have your heart constricting)
Summary: Estranged exes must stick close together to save their best friend’s wedding after a string of disasters in this swoony and steamy second-chance romance.
Short Review: Georgia and Eli had my heart the moment I opened this book. I read Jessica’s first book, You With A View, and adored it. The Ex Vows was so much better. Perhaps I’m just a sucker for second chance romance (I’m slowly learning this…). Also, I’m biased because Eli reminds me of my boyfriend, and I’m obsessed with them both.
I loved this book so much I ended up buying a physical copy and was able to get it signed by the
herself. A true honor.You’ll like this book if you love: second chance romance, non-cringey banter, Paper Rings by Taylor Swift
(Goodreads review here)
Summary: Two childhood friends with history go on a road trip to get away from their personal lives, to only find themselves questioning what would happen if they could be more than friends.
Short Review: I hated Flawless (the first book in this series), and somehow found the motivation to read other books in this series. Don’t know why, but I am so glad I did this. Powerless was the only 5-starred book in Elsie’s Chestnut Springs series for all the good reasons. I’m not sure what happened, but there was so much introspective character exploration in this book! I felt so much for Jasper (just wanted to give him a hug and tell him that everything is okay but I know he has Sloane for that) — if you have a soft spot for broken (but not toxic) men, then Jasper is your guy!! Sloane’s struggles are slightly different — a people pleaser at heart, she’s always put her dad on a pedestal, but what happens when she realizes he’s incredibly manipulative? The best part about this book is how Elsie earnestly writes about Jasper and Sloane’s wrongdoings, but because their characters are so nuanced, it’s difficult to hate them. Authors who can effectively write complex anti-heroes are the literary heroes.
You’ll like this book if you love: friends to lovers, toxic parent, people pleaser female main character, broken male main character
(Goodreads review here)
Summary: Maybell Parish inherits a charming house from her Great-Aunt Violet for a fresh start. Upon arrival, she realizes that not only the house is falling apart, but she isn’t the only inheritor. She is forced to share everything with Wesley, the grouchy groundkeeper who has a very different vision for the property’s future.
Short Review: Read in early December and knew that this would be my last 5 star book of 2024. Can I just say how blessed we as women are to be able to read such incredible writing? This is the second SH book I’ve read this year, and both were so good. I adore both Maybell and Wesley so much, and the story that aligns with theirs is magic. Their banter is hilariously relatable (never cringey), and these two are just meant for each other. Most importantly, there is very little smut scenes in Hogle’s books, which I find very refreshing as an avid romance reader. I don’t particulary consider those scenes as any indicator of a good book, as they will usually do more harm than good to my overall rating of it. The character development was just that good. Oh, and you absolutely will pine for Wesley as much as Maybell does for him. It’s inevitable.
“Maybell Parrishes don’t cycle through the five stages of grief. We burrow into the denial leg of the journey like tourists overstaying our welcome and live there forever and ever. We also chug peppermint hot cocoa whenever we’re drowning in dramatic passions (I’m on my third pint of the day) and mythologize ourselves in the plural.”
You’ll like this book if you love: grumpy x sunshine, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, golden retriever x black cat
(Goodreads review here)
I rated 24 films (out of 109 watched) with 5 stars this year. That’s 22% — not bad. After writing brief summaries of each, I noticed that three of the films feature Anne Hathway — the Queen of cinema. And as it should. If you’d like to keep up with my film ratings and mini reviews, follow me on Letterboxd.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) - You can erase someone from your mind. Getting them out of your heart is another story. Not to detract from how heartbreaking this movie is, but Ariana Grande led me here from her 2024 album, eternal sunshine. While I’ve begun leaning away from supporting Ariana (in light of her behavior with Ethan Slater and what happened with his ex-wife, Lilly Jay), I will have to thank her for inspiring me finally watch this movie. Lovers of invisible string by Taylor Swift, you will adore this one. And of course the most obvious one, we can’t be friends by Ariana Grande.
Love, Rosie (2014) - Right love. Wrong time. I’m convinced that this is the movie that started my love for the “second chance romance” trope. I remember watching this in high school and bawling my eyes out, having the biggest crush on Sam Claflin (who plays Alex), and desiring a love so trascendent, it survives a pregnancy and failed marriage.
Barbie (2023) - She’s everything. He’s just Ken. Watched this for the second time this year, and upped my rating from 4 to 5 stars. If you’re curious, here’s my original review and analysis. The production, casting, and music were exceptional in this film. It is a must watch for not only women, but everyone. This film features inspiring life lessons, including embracing the peaks and depths that humanity has to offer and combating low self-worth and esteem.
Elemental (2023) - Opposites react. This was another movie that deeply resonated with me. Here is a very long review on my thoughts and how closely I related to the themes. If you are the child of immigrant parents, especially Asian ones, this movie will touch your heart in more ways than one. Chemistry-wise however, it doesn’t really make sense as fire and water can’t ever exist in harmony when it contact, but it’s the message that counts, okay?
One Day (2024) - Twenty Years. Two People. This is a limited series that captures the heartbreaking story of Emma and Dexter. This is yet another second chance romance, and one that will have you rooting for both characters’ happiness. Ambika Mod, who plays Emma, is absolutely stunning. If you liked Normal People, you’ll enjoy this series.
Normal People (2020) - Drawn together. Driven apart. If you’re not a fan of Sally Rooney’s writing but want to know what the hype is all about with her books, watch this and you’ll get it. You’ll understand why Rooney has a cult-like following. The characters in her stories are deeply flawed, but with so much potential for growth. The chemistry between Marianna and Connell is undeniable, yet the way their story is intertwined within each other proves that this type of magnetic love is unstoppable.
Past Lives (2023) - I am so glad the plane from Taipei to the US offered this movie in-flight. I’ve wanted to watch it for months, but was also too cheap to subscribe to Hulu. A24’s romances aren’t ever true idyllic romances, but rather raw depictions of what it means to get your heartbroken, and realistic portrayals that you might not always get the girl/guy in the end. If you hate romcoms, you will love this. And if you love romcoms, get your tissues ready.
“What if this is a past life, and we are already something to each other in our next life?”
Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022) - The universe is so much bigger than you realize. Can’t believe I watched this twice this year (January and May), but I really did that. And it was so enjoyable each time. The first time, I remember feeling so utterly confused at what was going on. If you had that similar experience, just know that it is normal and universal. You need to watch it a second time to truly understand the underlying themes of mental health, complex family dynamics, and sacrifice. Michelle Yeoh is also the real mother of all mothers (step aside Taylor).
Klaus (2019) - Welcome to the jingle. I watched this during Christmastime in 2023, and again in 2024. Perhaps I might make this a tradition, because this movie is so darn precious. I don’t often watch animated movies (as you can see by the movies I’ve listed here in this newsletter). Therefore, if one makes it on the list, you know it’s made some type of impact on me. Best believe I cried every time the little girl, Margu, popped up on screen.
Plus One (2019) - 10 Weddings. 1 Summer. No One Can Survive Alone. I would’ve easily eaten this up if it were in book form. The movie was exceptionally done. I adored both actors who played the male and female main characters.
Little Women (2019) - Own your story. Directed by Greta Gerwig, starring Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Laura Dern, and Meryl Streep. I don’t think a cast like this could do any wrong. This movie captures the essence of girlhood too perfectly. I don’t remember if I read Little Women in my adolescence, but it’s inspiring me to do so and rewatch this movie again in 2025.
The Intern (2015) - Experience never gets old. This was absolutely hilarious, from start to finish. It also made me sob my heart out, because I have a soft spot for old people who are treated unfairly. Anne Hathaway kills every single role she plays, and I would do anything to have her as my boss.
She’s the Man (2006) - If you wanna chase your dream, sometimes you gotta break the rules. This is one of those movies you watch purely for nostalgia, and laugh at the same jokes every single time.
“When I close my eyes, I see you for what you truly are... which is UGGLAAAY.”
White Chicks (2004) - They’re going deep undercover. This movie is just as hilarious as She’s The Man, but perhaps some of the jokes didn’t age too well… (the car karaoke scene but not the Thousand Miles one). Truthfully, I don’t understand how everyone believed Marcus and Kevin’s transformations. Like clearly, something was happening with their faces.
“Your mother’s so old, her breast milk is powder. You breastfeed like this: ✊🏼💨”
The Devil Wears Prada (2006) - Meet Andy Sachs. A million girls would kill to have her job. She’s not one of them. I had to rewatch this movie after seeing Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Anne Hathaway recreate scenes from this movie at the 2024 SAG Awards. Queen behavior. This movie was not only hilarious, but also quite emotional for me — yes, I cried.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) - More than one wears the mask. At times, I get embarassed by my stubbornness. This is an example of one. From 2018-2023, I remember adamantly telling my friends that I wouldn’t like this movie because it was animated. I was so confident that I’d hated it. Look at me now — a fool. The animation in this movie was shockingly incredible. It throws every other animated movie (e.g., Disney, Pixar) out of the ballpark. I love when soundtracks perfectly match the movie (e.g., Black Panther), and this was another excellent example of it. My favorite tracks on the soundtrack are Sunflower, Invincible, Start a Riot, and Scared of the Dark.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) - It’s how you wear the mask that matters. It’s the fact that this movie was even better than the first one. The plot was ridiculous. I also found the different Spider-Mans from all the Multiverses hilarious. My favorites are Pavitr “Pav” Prabhakar and Spider-Punk. I also don’t understand why baby Mayday was brought everywhere, but she made me giggle every time she tried sneaking away from her dad. I love her. The ending was insane, and had me in yelling, screaming, and crying in shock. I actually can’t wait for the third movie to come out.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022) - Feel the need… The need for speed. I probably shouldn’t have watched this before the first Top Gun movie, but it is what it is. This movie had me on the edge of my seat during the flying scenes. Also, does Tom Cruise ever age? Yes, I did scream when I saw Glen Powell (I didn’t realize he was in this movie and I’m my Glen Powell fangirl era right now). However, I am still extremely disappointed about Manny Jacinto having his lines cut from this movie — he spoke about this experience very respectfully and professionally, and I now have more respect for him than ever.
Interstellar (2014) - Mankind was born on Earth. It was never meant to die here. This was my first Christopher Nolan movie as an adult, and I’m now understanding how much of a genius he is in creating a work of art like this one. Also, I remember going into the movie thinking it would be very technical, all about space, very “male” oriented. The emotional part of this movie will hit you in more ways than one, and you will watch the end credits a complete mess along with enduring an existential crisis. Worth it. Plus, Cornfield Chase is one of my favorite instrumental pieces ever.
The Dark Knight Rises (2012) - A fire will rise. This entire trilogy was excellent, but this specific movie was the one I rated 5 stars. It’s action packed, it’s emotional, it’s polarizing, it’s messy. Can we also just appreciate Anne Hathway, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Cillian Murphy being in this movie? I’d like to also add that Christian Bale is the best version of Batman out there. I also thought that Batman became Batman because he was bit by bats…I was very wrong.
Baby Reindeer (2024) - I remember being on a psychological thriller binge, and watching this thinking it was that. It will psychological mess you up in every way possible. Like you will not leave watching this unscathed. However, you will leave with a more profound sense of how people with unresolved trauma from their past carry themselves in their day to day life and how they seek validation from sources that take away their power and strength. My analysis of this limited series can be found here.
May December (2023) - Some roles are transformative. Even though the beautiful Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman don the cover of this film, Charles Melton brought this movie to the highest level of disturbing and freakish. This film interrogates what happens after a disturbing scandal, and the consequences, or lack thereof, that molds itself into a new “normal”. It similarly parallels terrible news articles that receive attention at the height of tabloids circulating these stories, but later become forgettable as the public moves on and forgets about it. This movie is a good reminder to keep bad people accountable for their actions.
Get Out (2017) - Just because you’re invited, doesn’t mean you’re welcome. I’m shocked at how long it took for me to finally watch this movie. This was as good as everyone says it was. Also, even though this was bordering on comedy/horror, the racial commentary behind this is so boldly done. Stories of injustice are usually told in real-time, but are rarely shoved in white people’s faces on screen as means of entertainment. Most importantly, this piece expertly represents how regardless of how one could argue that people are free to be who they want to be, the power dominance between a White and Black person is so evidently and historically rooted.
The Queen’s Gambit (2020) - I first learned about Anya Taylor-Joy through this series and she is now one of my favorite actresses. This is so much more dark than I thought it would be (like I really expected it to be all about chess competitions). This story is supposed to make you feel uncomfortable — from seeing young Beth Harmon first discover what it’s like to overdose on drugs, to developing a social life and date boys, but then later on unhealthily cope with childhood trauma through binge drinking and constant lying. The point where you think the story is going to end positively is where it does a complete 360, and you will most definitely leave this series emotionally broken.
I read Normal People back when it was all the hype and I didn't get the hype. At all. I hated it. LOL I haven't read another Sally Rooney book. I don't know that I ever will. I have been curious to try the show though. Just to see if their relationship translates better that way.
Archers Voice was probably my favourite book I read in 2024, I still think about Archer and Bree!