Media Log: 2026
Last Updated: April 29th, 2026
2026's media log! I try to keep things spoiler free, but if I do, then they'll be behind spoiler marks. If you want to read reviews from years past, then here's a link to the archive!Books
Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York by Andrew Lownie 
Fascinating and informative, especially for those who like to have their finger on the pulse of current events and want extra context. That being said, I peetered out at parts of this, finding it dry.
Half His Age by Jenette McCurdy
Can you hear me cracking my knuckles from here? Let's get into it. This is a big one. Long story short: Jennette McCurdy's memoir was like lighting in a bottle, but this left a lot to be desired. Not because of the material, necessarily; I understand completely why someone would be put off from this due to that though; it's quite graphic at times and that won't be for everyone. And that's okay. What's frustrating, however, when reviews are negative because they think the depiction of this material means an automatic endorsement for it. I shouldn't have to say thiss but that's simply not true. There's legitimate things to critique in this but we'll come back to that. Anyway, the good stuff. Half His Age shines the most when goes hard with its themes of overconsumption and excess and how that's so intertwined with desire and how are desires are manipulated so we're continually sold these fantasies, whether that's a product or a person. Waldo's whole chase after Mr. Korgy is an extension of this--he's essentially the crown jewel of everything she wants but can't have, which makes her more obsessed. This is all fascinating. And when digging into the relationship, McCurdy's prose serves her well, due to how visceral and blunt it is. She forces the read to look. HOWEVER. There's much left underdeveloped in this book, to the point where it feels like it's relying on shock to keep the reader going, rather than developing all its characters and actual consequences. The pacing doesn't help with this either, imo. While I think the vignettes she did in I'm Glad My Mom Died. worked for a memoir, that's much less apparent here, especially with creating actual tension.
My biggest gripe though, admittedly, is that the sense of cynicism that is threaded throughout the entire thing, including the tone. To quote a review I watched from Siobhan Brier Aguilar, the book seems to say there is "no transcending reality, but rather running away from reality. You are only free if you're alone," to the point that it almost seeps into the perspective on the audience. And like Aguilar, I crave writing that elevates reality and offers at least some hopeful spots of transcendence and connection. I also agree with her take that at times, it felt like there was a need to continually explain and justify choices. Here's a link to the review if you're interesting in hearing more.
ANYWAY I don't how to end this, but I do think that Jennette McCurdy's renown hinders discussion and critique around this book, which sucks. All this said, I am curious about where she will take her writing next and the ways in which she'll grow.
The Gospel of Mary Magdalene
Reread. While I don't agree with everything in this, it's still remarkably affirming for me to read. There's always something new to glean from it, and I walk away with spiritual insight and guidance.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Came recommended by a friend who had glowing reviews, and it went up and beyond!
Pitch perfect prose. I can't get over how precise each sentence is. Unreal levels of craft on display.
Each of the characters were so endearing. It was easy to get invested in their lives.
Very touching meditations on grief.
Love me some magical realism
The Cycle: Confronting the Pain of Periods and PMDD by Shalene Gupta
Pretty harrowing to read at times
Some information was new to me, and despite everything, it's still shocking to see how healthcare systems don't take these issues seriously
I appreciate the author's transparency
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
There's no better title out there
Awesome sense of characterization within the voice
Deeply claustrophobic
Merricat's various rituals to "protect" her family is such a tangible way of depicting anxiety without outright saying that Merricat is struggling with anxiety
Where this book sings is in its subtext, especially with regarding sexual abuse
I wish I took more notes after I first read this because I had so much more to say then lol, but this is a great read
Movies
Gaslight (1944) directed by George Cukor
Wild to consider that Cukor later went on to direct My Fair Lady in That Fashion, given That Material. But this is about Gaslight, and it's easy to see why that term was originally coined from that movie. It's striking how they were able to convey that behavioral/relationship pattern so brutually. Because of this, I totally disagree with reviewers saying that it was misogynistic for Paula, the female lead, to be in denial/confused about what was happening only for someone else to have to show her what's happening. That's missing the point of what gaslighting is.
Ingrid Bergman gives a visceral performance that's hard to watch at times, because of how real her anguish is potrayed. It was by no means torture porn, though. Other highlights: the lighting! Felt very noir, which suits the tone.
Honestly a few scenes felt repetitive, but I can see why they were chosen to be included, to really drive home with what's happening to Paula.
Brief Encounter directed by David Lean
Devasting from start to finish. This might be one of the most authentic depictions of a couple falling in love I've ever seen on screen; the immediate chemistry was totally believable, allowing you to get swept up with them. A crazy amount gets communicated through the subtext, making each piece of dialogue and shot count. I spent most of this movie having a lump in my throat, and in tears at the end.
My favorite types of tragedies are ones that still allow for catharsis--catharsis is vital in a good tragedy, imo, and this had that in spades. And the tragedy is on so many levels!! God!! I could ramble more and I might but this is an immediate fave
The Devil Wears Prada directed by David Frankel
Titanic directed by James Cameron
Probably the best blockbuster film ever made.
WALL-E directed by Andrew Stanton
Love will set you free, always!
The Incredibles directed by Brad Bird
The part with the crosscuts between Mr. Incredible seeing all his colleagues have been murdered and Mrs. Incredible realizing that her husband has been lying to her is perhaps the most intense scene Pixar has ever done in a film.
Nosferatu (2024) directed by Robert Eggers
I really appreciated how more than anything else, Nosferatu was just painfully socially awkward lmao
Television
Ted Lasso
To be fair I'm still on the second season so I should withhold all my judgement but it's sweet! I love feel-goods!!
Animanga
Witch Hat Atelier
Currently ongoing so my full review won't be up until later, but so far the anime is everything that I dreamed of! Beautiful animation and artwork, with love in every frame. I continue to enjoy updates of the manga, though I need to catch up!
Video Games
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream
Actual review coming later, but what did they put in this game to make it so addictive? Lately nothing has delighted me more than my fabulous little ant farm.
Story of Seasons: Grand Baazar
STORY OF SEASONS IS BACK ON THE MENU!!! Despite Harvest Moon/Story of Seasons being like. One of my first ever fandoms/loves, I had fallen out of love with the franchise, missing the old games. While I still miss the tone of the early games and their willingness to explore more adult topics, the Grand Baazar remake is such a return to form. I was impressed by POLISHED it was, especially compared to some of their more recent titles. It looks and plays so well. They struck gold with the baazar system as well; it's such a dopamine rush to play out the market after preparing for it all week. That, and the trend system requires more planning than simply tossing goods in the bin which entices you to keep playing. The characters, atmosphere and village of Zephyr Town just ooze charm, making you want to inhabit them. Harvest Moon/Story of Seasons are the OG farming simulators and it's nice to see a game that reminds players of that. Grand Baazar definitely makes me wanna go back and try out some titles I missed, specifically Rune Factory 4 and Trio of Towns. I'm really excited to see what Marvelous releases next--I'm certainly setaed for it!!
Music
WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA by Slayyyter
A testament to making something solely for yourself.