November 2023 Favorites

We have one month left for the year. I'm happy to say that my pre-Winter errands and Christmas shopping are complete. My only goal for the near future is to give myself space. Space to breathe. Space to daydream. And space for more favorites, like these to find me!

Along for the Ride (Movie): Sarah Dessen is a favorite author of mine, and I was excited for a new adaptation of her work. I was nervous after revisiting this book and not feeling it the way I did before, but I really enjoyed the movie. I relate to Auden, as someone who didn't experience many "norms" of growing up. The actors also have such good chemistry that I was giggling over their interactions. I don't have any desire to have a food fight or sneak into a lighthouse, but I kind of wish I could have a bucket list summer in Colby. Whatever that would mean for me.

Warcross: While I enjoyed Warcross from the start, it took some time for me to completely fall in love with the world and characters. But oh, did I fall. I hate to simplify Warcross to Ready Player One with a female lead and more romance, but that at least gives you a starting point for my interest in this book. Emika is a great lead, Hideo is fascinating, and the romance slowly burns. The tech is clever and enhances their connection. Imagine being able to feel what someone else is feeling in a vulnerable moment.

Super Mario RPG: The remake of my favorite game from childhood has arrived, and I am loving it. I've spoken a lot about my love for this game, so I won't spend much time on it. But this game is full of charm and whimsy!

YouTube Favs: NationSquid's nostalgic video on cable TV. Gibi's sweet fairy post office ASMR. Lots more of Daryl Talks Games's videos, especially the ones on Pode (which made me wish I had someone to play it with 🥲) and the most powerful moment of Twilight Princess. Eeowna's cozy gaming videos, which have been helpful in picking which platform I want to play certain games on.

Music Favs: Worn Me Down (Rachael Yamagata), I'll Be Yours (Amy Shark), Chimera (HANA), Make Up (Empress of), BDY (Stalgia), This Could Kill Me (Amy Stroup), Lost Without You (Freya Ridings).