And so 2019 ends, and a new decade begins. What to say about 2019… was interesting to say the least. A long awaited move from London to Bogota and the challenges it brought – a year where we thought we would finally settle and realised… not just yet. But a year of many positives as well, being able to share our kids birthdays with their family, seeing them playing with their cousins, definitely worth it. Let’s call 2019 a mixed year, and leave it at that.

Now, this blog is about books (mostly) and maybe some movies and video games to also discuss. So here are my highlights when it comes to what I read, watched and played.

My reading highlights of 2019

My Goodreads tracker signals I read 20 books in 2019… I say read, but actually, since discovering that audiobooks was the only way I could make my new driving commute bearable, it’s been mostly listening rather than reading. And despite being knee-deep into audiobooks over the last 5 months, I’m still unsure how much I like it. Too much of your enjoyment of the novel relies on the narrator, his or her voice, tone, pauses, performance. For instance, I heard Stephen Fry narrate his work, both Mythos and Heroes, and they were wonderful. But I can’t tell if I would’ve enjoyed it that much listening to someone else… You lose a bit of your imagination in the sense of how a character sounds, talks, becomes. I think if I could go back to my Kindle I would, but you can’t deny the benefits from audiobooks, be it in a long drive (unfortunately I keep getting told off for reading while driving, so audiobooks are a neat compromise), the gym (if only I actually went to the gym, could see this working), or other activities that could use with killing of dead space. So, until my commute changes, audiobooks it is.

And my top reads / listens from 2019 are:

The Ninth House and Middlegame were without doubt my top reads. The Ninth House, a mystery thriller in a magical world within Yale, and Middlegame, a tale of Alchemy and the search for power, where both incredible books, and can’t speak more highly of them or recommend them more. Also, A Little Hatred, a welcome return to epic, gritty fantasy, I loved every word, and can’t wait for more. Finally, the Mythos and Heroes books by Stephen Fry, a wonderful retelling of Greek myths and stories.

Honourable mentions towards Samantha Shannon’s The Priory of the Orange Tree, a true epic fantasy novel, and The Kingdom by Jess Rothenberg, a book I really enjoyed.

And now on to 2020 – wondering if this is finally the year a new Game of Thrones book is published, but finding that I care less and less… or perhaps the Doors of Stone, looong awaited conclusion to the Kingkiller Chronicles (which has been amazing, but can barely remember what happened prior). There’s a new Hunger Games prequel book coming out soon which could be interesting. But to be honest, don’t have any “can’t wait” books for 2020. Here’s hoping for that novel that comes out of the blue and takes me by storm.

My viewing highlights of 2019

Having a bit more help at home has allowed us to go back to the cinema more, which has been a welcome development. However, for whatever reason have been spending less time watching movies this year than the norm – think I just get home very tired and can’t manage a 2 hour film in one sitting.

My top movies of the year:

Joker was incredible – it was always going to be a tough ask to build an origin story for this iconic villain, but Phoenix’s performance and the gritty Gotham City buildup struck the right note and made it my favorite movie of the year. I’ve always been a Batman enthusiast, so this comes as no surprise – but the movie blew away the hype and expectations. Consider me a fan.

Ford V Ferrari was exhilarating, bringing to light a true story I didn’t know and feel better for now knowing. Great performances, filming, story telling. Avengers End Game was a fitting end to the original MCU, I came away from the cinema quite satisfied.

While I did enjoy Star Wars Rise of Skywalker, wasn’t enough to put it on the list – too many disjointed parts and plots – wish they had a chance to do it again and get it right. But still, consider me fan serviced.

Looking ahead to 2020, two movies that really have me hooked – the new Ghostbusters and Top Gun.

My top TV of the year:

Chernobyl was an incredible piece of storytelling – the must follow blueprint for every future history retelling TV show.

The Boys was phenomenal. I had read and enjoyed the comics, and thought the adaptation was quite awesome. It’s not for everyone, but it was for me. Can’t wait for the new season.

I also loved the 3rd season of Stranger Things, the 80’s vibe and lighter tone adapted this time around improved the show considerably compared to the second season.

While I didn’t hate the last season of Game of Thrones as many did, it did feel way too rushed and ultimately left a bit of unsatisfying taste. It had amazing moments (the battle at Winterfell was hands down one of the best TV highlights in years), but overall, wished they had had just two more episodes to make it work.

Really wanted to like The Witcher more, considering how much I love the books, but while it had its moments, it just didn’t feel like it worked for me. Nonetheless, they did a good job of setting up the world and characters, and here’s hoping next season manages to make it work.

There are a few TV shows I really wanted to watch that didn’t get around to – His Dark Materials and Watchmen. Hoping to see them soon!

My playing highlights of 2019

None… it was a dismal year when it comes to video games in my opinion, no new game that really caught my attention – in fact, I’ve been replaying the Arkham games instead on the PS4, and enjoying the Witcher on Switch (which doesn’t really count as new as I played before). Having said that, only recently started playing the new Star Wars game and its been okay so far – maybe will try to finish before coming to the conclusion of a crap year for gaming for me.

But 2020 looks interesting… with a couple of solid games like the new Final Fantasy VII, the Avengers video game, Cyberpunk 2077… and a new PS5 in the horizon! Exciting.

So that’s it… a longer entry than usual on this blog, but then again, I’m not here that often anymore. Hoping 2020 becomes a fantastic year for all.