I love a good mid-year/end of year list. I read every post recommending books for the summer like some people read the Bible, or at least how I assume they do. I love going through the fun names and covers and browsing Wikipedia and Goodreads like a full-time job making sure I dig as deep as I can.
To be completely honest, I have barely finished a book this year. Between starting a new job, my Substack and doing a million different things, it becomes hard to keep focus. See, I like to treat my days like the 24 hour limit is a suggestion. I like to stretch them and see how long they can last and how many things I can fit in them. I'm trying to be more disciplined about it, I swear.
On the other hand, I have watched movies. Like, a lot of them. After realising I could barely sit through anything on my laptop without reaching for my phone, I got a Cineville card and forced myself to commit. Phone on airplane mode, eyes locked on the screen, brain finally quiet. It’s been bliss.
So, here’s my modest contribution to this sacred genre. I think you should all follow my recommendations, because they're mine and I care a lot about them. I talk about these things ad nauseum I think. All in all, if you do end up picking any of these up make sure to let me know, we can discuss them and be annoying together!
Movies I think you should watch
Shortbus (2006): This was clunky and a little awkward, which is exactly why I loved it. There's something deeply sincere about it that made it feel believable. I still think about from time to time.
I Saw the TV Glow (2024): Took my breath away (literally, I kind of stopped breathing for a bit). Phoebe Bridgers is in it, therefore you should watch it. I laughed, I cried, and I closed my eyes at least once.
Terms of Endearment (1983): My current Jack Nicholson phase can be blamed entirely on the Cinematek retrospective. I went in for him and left with a Debra Winger obsession. Felt like being punched in the face a little bit.
A Self-Induced Hallucination (2018): I was very online during the Slenderman era, but not nearly as much as Jane Schoenbrun. Unnerving in the best way. And it’s available for free on Vimeo!
Materialists (2025): I, like many others, went for Pedro Pascal (obviously). I disagreed with a lot of what the film portrays but I do think it’s a good look, albeit somewhat embelished, at modern dating.
Shame (2011): Michael Fassbender walks around naked and sad for two hours. Also: it’s a really good exploration of control, addiction, and the impossibility of being okay.
Books I think you should read
Glitch Feminism: A Manifesto by Legacy Russell (2020): Haven’t started it yet, but I carry it around in every tote bag. I will read it soon. I swear.
Perfection by Vincenzo Latronico (2022): I have a hard time believing anyone hates digital nomads more than people from Southern European capitals do. This book is the perfect satire of those that see this as the ideal lifestyle choice.
Flesh by David Salznay (2025): Jia Tolentino recommended it, so you know the drill. Haven’t cracked it open yet, but it’s waiting patiently. Feels like one of those reads I’ll need a quiet afternoon for.
Everyone I Know is Dying by Emily Slatter (2024): Halfway through. Weirdly relatable - I find myself nodding and wincing in equal measure.
Man Hating Psycho by Iphgenia Baal (2021): Yes, I did get this book because I related to the title. However, ended up finding out The Job Centre in Deptford closed because of this. Also, bonus points for the Goldsmiths reference. Super British, and it made me want to take the 453 to Deptford Bridge again.
Stuff I think you should listen to
Peter Cat Recording Co.: Just writing this makes me want to listen to Memory Box again. Super dreamy cool vibes and the lead singer has such a beautiful voice. Also, they came to Belgium and I didn’t know (thumbs down).
Virgin by Lorde: Do I really need to elaborate? As the oldest daughter/overthinker combo this album hits in every situation, but especially when I take the 81 after drinks with friends.
Home Video by Lucy Dacus: Yes, it didn’t come out this year, like many others things on this post. But I did see her live this year, and although she did not play Triple Dog Dare, this has been on a loop ever since. Peak sad girl vibes.
Human Conditions by Richard Ashcroft: Shout out to roadtrips when I was a child and didn’t have an MP3 player yet. My dad is the biggest The Verve stan, therefore, so am I. And yes, that includes supporting Richard Ashcroft and this gem of an album. Currently obsessed with Science of Silence specifically.
Mannequin Pussy: Got Romantic recommended to me and I haven’t really stopped since. I need them in Brussels ASAP.
What I think you should follow
If you’ve made it this far, you should definitely follow my 2025 Spotify playlist. I update it whenever I listen to something I like (as one does), and yes, I do listen to it all the time.
Teresa :)