Favorites of 2025

Without much fanfare, my favorite books, music, and film/TV of 2025:

Books

The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman: Arthurian retellings have been done ad nauseum, but I like Grossman’s take of starting after Arthur’s death.

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson: I found the ending of the trilogy somewhat unsatisfying, but the magic system + heisty combo of this first book was great.

Zero Stars Do Not Recommend by MJ Wassmer: A darkly comedic sort of modern Lord of the Flies.

Tonight in Jungleland: The Making of Born to Run by Peter Ames Carlin: An engaging read about the creation process of Springsteen’s classic record.

The Will of the Many by James Islington: I love the world and political intrigue of this story.

Katabasis by R.F. Kuang: PhD students journey to hell, but academia is also kinda hell?

The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow: Wrote about it here.

Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao: Reminds me of Erin Morgenstern’s The Starless Sea in the best way.

Music

Rushmere by Mumford & Sons: Mumford is back and it’s pretty good

The Profound Foolishness of by AMXN Radio: Really enjoyed this new ambient project from Hillsong United’s Joel Houston.

The Richest Man in the World by Ben Rector: I’m always here for a new Ben Rector album.

Sable, fable by Bon Iver: I like the contrasting sides of this work: sad boi Justin meets happy groovy Justin.

Cosmic Supreme by John Mark McMillan: A great sendoff(?) to John Mark McMillan’s songwriting career.

Wild and Clear and Blue by I’m With Her: Been waiting for their sophomore album and it did not disappoint.

Miracle Service by Andy Squyres: Andy is writing the best Christian/spiritual music out there right now hands down.

The Crux by Djo: Steve from Stranger Things is a great babysitter and a great musician.

People Watching by Sam Fender: Accidentally discovered it this year and loved it.

Modern Worries by Tyson Motsenbocker: Really liked Tyson’s previous album, and this one is great continuation.

Fielder by Skye Peterson and Addison Agen: Just some great singer-songwriter folk.

The Light for Days by Jacob Collier: I love the simplicity of this album.

Film/TV

The Chosen: Season 5: I’m here for The Chosen until the end.

Sinners: Ryan Coogler takes vampire horror and gives it a genius historical twist.

Andor: Season 2: Maybe the best Star Wars thing ever. What a show for our times.

Thunderbolts*: Felt like something actually fresh and enjoyable from Marvel.

Superman: Wrote about my love for post-cynical Superman here.

Silo: Season 2: A compelling dystopian show with a lot of mystery.

Shrinking: Seasons 1 and 2: Heard good things about it, finally watched it. So funny and so good. Harrison Ford is incredible.

Frankenstein: The best film adaptation of Mary Shelley’s novel yet.

Wicked: For Good: I have been changed for good.

Hamnet: A beautiful, heartwrenching film on the alchemy of art and grief.

Wake Up, Dead Man: The best Knives Out yet. Intelligent, funny, but also surprisingly nuanced and spiritual.

Stranger Things: Season 5: Perfect ending. No notes.