End of the Year Book Freak Out Tag 2024

I did a mid-year book freak out tag in July and I can’t believe we are at the end of 2024 right now. Time to look at the books I’ve read this year, answering some bookish questions.
 
How many books did you read
I set a goal for 65 books, but eventually ended up reading 86 books. Of these 86 books, I had 1 reread, 1 non-fiction, 52 physical books and 34 audio books.
 
Most read genre
It is no surprise that thriller is, yet again, my most read genre. I have read 45 thrillers this year. Followed by mystery, horror and contemporary.
 

Longest and shortest books you read
My longest book was “It” by Stephen King, with a total of 1116 pages. My shortest book was a Christmas novella by Peter Swanson, namely “The Christmas Guest”. I loved “It”,  did not really like “The Christmas Guest”.
 

Favorite book published in 2024
“Darling Girls” by Sally Hepworth was such a good book. I had read from her before, and that book was just okay. I never expected this book to end up on my end-of-the-year’s favorites list. It was even nominated for the GoodReads Choice Awards, which was unexpected.
 

Favorite debut book
Definitely “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus. I can’t believe this was a debut novel. I fell in love with the main character, the story and the setting. Garmus captured the 1950s/ 1960s so well and the way women were treated, in a world dominated by men.
 

Favorite book not published this year
“We Spread” by Iain Reid was my favorite book that I read this year. It’s such a good, strong horror novel. It’s an unsettling story where you’re not sure whether you can trust the main character, whose POV you’re following. I simply can’t fault “We Spread”.
 

A book that lived up to the hype
I have read so many good things about Abby Jimenez. Since I’m not much of a romance reader, I was hesitant to pick anything up from her. But I eventually read “Part of Your World”. Which is a much hyped book. And I have to say that everyone that loves this book is absolutely right about it. Such a heartfelt book, it made me so happy.
 

A book that did not live up to the hype
I just don’t get the hype about “Listen for the Lie” by Amy Tintera. It was my most anticipated book of 2024, a woman dealing with the death of her best friend when she was younger and the people in her hometown believe she killed her. It has a podcast element, dual timeline and an unreliable narrator. Things I love in my thrillers. But I didn’t like it. And I don’t understand why everyone does. Man, was I disappointed.
 

Book that felt like the biggest accomplishment
I decided to read “A Little Life” by Hanya Yanagihara, a 720 page book that really crushed me. I had several mental breakdowns while reading it, it’s so depressing. Even though I read one book that was much, much longer, “A Little Life” feels like a big accomplishment because of the heavy subject matter.
 

Favorite character
Elizabeth Zott from “Lessons in Chemistry”. I love how hardworking, determined and smart she is. Elizabeth is a woman I look up to, because of her look on life. And I feel we have a lot in common, in how we view the world. And Daniel from “Part of Your World”. I’m a happy single, but I will never settle for anyone less than Daniel. He is the perfect man. And Joyce and Ibrahim from “The Last Devil to Die” by Richard Osman. I like all of them, but these two are my definite favorites. If I’m in my seventies and have friends like them, I would consider myself a lucky woman.
 

Least favorite character
Lucy from “Listen for the Lie” really annoyed me. And everyone in “She Started It”. I disliked all these women and other than the jobs they had, they were all the same people. People I do not want to hang out with, ever. Delilah and Logan from “The Obsession” were also terrible. Both for different reasons, but I just wanted to punch them.
 

Most shocking book/ moment
“It” had some shocking moments and one really disturbing scene, that shocked me to my core. The ending of “Foe”, by Iain Reid really had me dropping my jaw to the floor. The twist in “Kill for Me Kill for You” was really unexpected. “Hidden Pictures” by Jason Rekulak shock, for all the wrong reasons. I hated this book. “She’s Not Sorry” by Mary Kubica had some good surprises, that were unexpected as well.
 

Favorite couple
My absolute favorite has to be Alexis and Daniel in “Part of Your World”. I loved the fact that the woman is the older one in this romance and even though they are so different, they just belong together. Viv and Tandri in “Legends and Lattes” are a close second. Another surprising book I read this year, that I never expected to love as much as I did. A cozy fantasy is probably the kind of fantasty that works for me. And Charlie and Nick in “Heartstopper Volume 2” cannot be left of, they are the cutest.
 

The best written book you read
“Foe” and “We Spread”, both by Iain Reid. I loved the writing in these books. It’s so well done. “Any Man” by Amber Tamblyn also really stayed with me. Her writing was poetic and raw and I think about it still, even though I read it back in May. 
 

Book that you pushed the most people to read
“Kill for Me Kill For You” is such a good thriller, that is very accessible for any reader. I loved it and I really wanted my reader friends/ family members to read it too.
 

Favorite book cover
It has to be “Death on the Nile” by Agatha Christie. It’s a special edition hardcover, with beautiful gold foiling on it. And I love the minimalist design.
 

Favorite book to movie adaptation
That has to be “It” by Stephen King. I love the book and I also love the movie. I already enjoyed the 1990 miniseries that came out, with Tim Curry as Pennywise. But the 2017 version is my favorite. This movie focuses on the children, which is also my favorite part of the book. The sequel is also great, but the story of them as adults is not as compelling for me.
 

What book made you cry

“A Little Life” by Hanya Yanagihara, for sure. It’s one the saddest books I have ever read in my life. I don’t cry easily when it comes to books (movies are a total different story), but this one made me ball my eyes out.
 

What book made you laugh
“I Don’t Need Therapy” by Toni Lodge was such a heartfelt and funny non-fiction book. It also made me tear up a bit, when she was talking about her mom. But for the most part, this book made me laugh out loud.
 

A new favorite author
That is Iain Reid, he has such a way with words. I want to read everything he has ever written. And Blake Crouch is an author I want to read more of. I do want to continue on in the “Wayward Pines” series. I’m also very curious about Paul Tremblay and Josh Mallerman, I enjoyed what I read from them this year and want to explore their back list. And the same goes for Abby Jimenez, even though romance is really not my preferred genre.
 

The best audiobook
“Horror Movie” by Paul Tremblay was such a good audiobook. It was crafted well, had a full cast of narrators, had sound effect and felt really creepy. It was a great experience listening to this audiobook.
 

Book you’re most looking forward to reading in 2025
There are some books I just didn’t get to in 2024. I’m really looking forward to reading from Coco Mellors, I have “Cleopatra & Frankenstein” and “Blue Sisters” on my shelf. I also want to get to “We Solve Murders” by Richard Osman as soon as I can. When it comes to new releases in 2025, I really want to read the newest Alice Feeney, “Beautiful Ugly”, that comes out at the start of 2025. And even though I did not like Riley Sager’s “Middle of the Night” that came our this year, I am excited for his newest book that will be released in the summer of 2025.

Top 10: Favorite Books of 2024

My goal for 2024 was to read 65 books, I managed to read 86 books. Of those books, 52 were physical, 34 were audio books. My most read genre was thriller and I read most books by Janice Hallett and Peter Swanson. Of all the books, my average rating was 3,6 which is pretty good. I’ve read some really good book this year, I had 16 five star books. Of those 16, there was one reread. I will not add any rereads to my top 10. Here is my top 10 favorite books, that I read in 2024.

10. Any Man by Amber Tamblyn
In “Any Man”, a female rapist is at work. She’s hunting men like prey. The book focuses on male victims, instead of women, and it will impact each reader differently. It’s very thought-provoking and extremely difficult to read because of the heavy subject matter. It’s brutal, poetic and raw. A book that I will most likely never forget, it really got under my skin. READ MY FULL REVIEWHERE
 

9. Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
A romance in my top 10? Who is she? We meet Alexis, a successful doctor carrying on a legacy from a long line of talented doctors. She meets small-town carpenter Daniel when her car breaks down and eventually ends up at his house, spending the night together. He is ten years younger and their lives couldn’t be more different. But they can’t deny the chemistry that they have between them. It does not sound like anything new in the rom-com universe. But Jimenez somehow made it so heartfelt. "Part of Your World” deals with light themes, but also manages to touch upon some heavier themes like abuse. It’s interwoven in the story and never gets too heavy, but it was beautifully done.This book was everything and I really do want to read all of Abby Jimenez’ books now. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE
 

8. The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James
Simone St. James has become a favorite author of mine since last year and with “The Sun Down Motel” she yet ends up on my end of the year’s favorites list. It follows two timelines, set in a small town called Fall, set in the state of New York. A town where it seems time stood still. The young Carly Kirk travels to this town, trying to figure out the truth about her aunt Viv Delaney, who went missing in 1982, while working the night shift at the Sun Down Motel. When Carly manages to get that same job at the now rundown motel, she soon figures out something is not right in this place. It has a spooky, eerie atmosphere, you know something’s up and it’s genuinely creepy at times. Both female characters are compelling and complex women, interesting to you about. And the story is well-crafted and has some masterful plotting, even though they aren’t many shocking twist or reveals. This was a book I just couldn’t put down. I want to read everything the Simone St. James has ever written. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE
 

7. The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett
Like Simone St. James, Janice Hallett has become a favorite of mine. She is a modern-day Agatha Christie, where she tells her mysteries through mixed media. In “The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels” there is a safe that has research material of true crime events. You have to read the documents and make a decision: destroy them or deliver them to the police. The documents are about the Alperton Angels, a well-known cult that made a teenage girl believe her baby was the anti-Christ. Almost twenty years after the fact, crime author Amanda Bailey wants to write a book about the Angels. Because the Alperton baby has turned eighteen, they can finally be interviewed. If Amanda can find her. She believes she could have the scoop of the year if she manages to track down the baby. But her rival Oliver Menzies is just as smart and also after the story. The story and mystery are so well-crafted. Hallett’s writing is so clever. And I loved the ending, even though it gives you a bitter after taste. This is her best novel yet. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE
 

6. Pines by Blake Crouch
I saw the TV-series that was based on this book, when it was just released. That’s been a while, but I never read the book. It’s the first book in a three-part series. Secret service agent Ethan Burke arrives in Wayward Pines, Idaho, with one clear mission: to search and find two federal agents that were sent here month ago and went missing. But Ethan gets into an accident and ends up in the hospital. When he wakes up, his ID and cell phone are missing. He quickly realizes that something is very wrong in Wayward Pines. While investigating, Ethan gets more questions than answers. I absolutely loved “Pines” and I will most definitely continue this series and want to read more by Blake Crouch. A goal of mine in 2025. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE
 

5. It by Stephen King
Well, this was a chunker. I read this book in January and it took me forever. But I’m so glad I read it. And of all the Stephen King books I have already read over the years, so far, this is my favorite. Seven teenagers, living in Derry, Maine, all face their biggest fears and it still haunts them as adults, when all but one has left Derry. When, after 27 years, that thing they feared the most is back, they all return to Derry to face it once again. The story is disturbing and scary, but a very necessary read for Stephen King fans. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE
 

4. Foe by Iain Reid
Have you ever read a book, where not a lot happens, but somehow it captivates you? “Foe” is that kind of book. And you better read this going in blind. In “Foe” the married couple Junior and Hen live a quiet life on a farm. They live far away from the city. Junior works at the factory and likes things as they are. Even though they have no friends and almost every day is pretty much the same. Hen, on the other hand, feels a bit trapped and the everyday rut. When one day a man named Terrance tells them they have been placed in a lottery in which people can be chosen to participate in a special space mission. From that day forward, Junior and hen’s peaceful life is taking a turn. The book has a great twist, that had my jaw dropping to the floor. The ending is open, sort of. Or at least open for interpretation. The story isn’t very eventful, but I just wanted to keep reading. It was such an intriguing book, loved every minute of it. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE
 

3. Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth
We meet three women, that grew up in a foster home together. Now all grown up, they learn of a body being found under the home they lived in for years, Wild Meadows. The story is being told through alternating timelines, twenty five years apart. And we follow the story from different perspectives as well. This really works for this story. We get to know the girls and meet them again as damaged, traumatized women. The story is compelling and so are the characters. The book has some really strong reveals and twists, but just when you think the story is about to wrap up, Sally Hepworth gives us one final twist. And I loved it! I really can’t fault this book, it’s such a good story. I had read from Hepworth before, and I found that book to be just okay. But this book really blew my mind. It’s definitely a new favorite for me. And now I do want to read more of Hepworth’s books. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE
 

2. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
A feminist in the 1960s? There were plenty of them. But none like Elizabeth Zott. This feminist debut novel by Bonnie Garmus paints a stunning portrait of a woman in the male-dominated world of science and chemistry. “Lessons in Chemistry” is a novel that gives you an insight into the life of a woman in the 1950s/ 1960s. It beautifully highlights the hardship women have to endure when they want something different from what society dictates. It grabbed me from the start, Elizabeth Zott is an inspiring character and I loved every minute of this book. “Lessons in Chemistry” is definitely a new all-time favorite. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE
 

1. We Spread by Iain Reid

I already couldn’t fault Iain Reid’s “Foe”, which I believe to be a masterful piece of literature. I kept reading that “We Spread” was his best book or at least it was the favorite of Reid’s book for many readers. And I now know why. What an amazing book! Penny lives alone after her long-term partner has passed. She is content with her life as is, but after a fall she is being placed in a care facility her partner had arranged for, right before his passing. Soon after settling in, Penny starts to lose her grip on time and reality.Iain Reid keeps ups guessing until the end. I could not put this book down. I loved everything about this and, like “Foe”, I can’t fault this book. It’s perfection. I have new author I can add to my favorites list. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE

 

Honoroable mentions:
Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll
The Last Devil to Die by Rochard Osman
I Don’t Need Therapy by Toni Lodge
Heartstopper Volume. 2 by Alice Oseman
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
The Measure by Nikki Erlick
Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson
The Lies You Told by Harriet Tyce

Book Review - The Lies You Told by Harriet Tyce

Title: The Lies You Told
Author: Harriet Tyce
Genre: Thriller
Published: 2020
 
Description: Sadie loves her daughter and will do anything to keep her safe. She can’t tell her why they had to leave home so quickly, or why Robin’s father won’t be coming with them to London. She can’t tell her why she hates being back in her dead mother’s house, with its ivy-covered walls and its poisonous memories. As she can’t tell her the truth about the school Robin’s set to start at, a school that doesn’t welcome newcomers. Sadie just wants to get their lives back on track. But even lies with the best intentions can have deadly consequences…
 
Review: I went in expecting not much, just a standard thriller. And the synopsis makes you feel like it is. But there is so much more to this thriller and it really pleasantly surprised me. I could not put this book down.
 
Sadie left the U.S. with her daughter Robin, leaving her husband. She is moving into her dead mother’s house. She can’t tell Robin why they left and what really happened at the house she grew up in. Robin goes to a new school, which is also Sadie’s old school. She hated it there, and so does Robin. What is Sadie not telling? And what is going on with her ex-husband? Or at Robin’s school?
 
This is a thriller, dealing with rich people, competition, new beginnings, old memories, but most of all, lots of lies being told. Hence the title. The story is told pretty straightforward, but there are some chapters that are a bit different. The seem like diary entries, but it’s not really clear who they were written by.
 
Besides the main plot, of Sadie trying to make a life for her and Robin. And Robin trying to fit in with the kids in school, with Sadie trying her best to fit it with the moms. There is a side plot of Sadie getting back to work as a barrister. Her friend Zora gets her working on a case of a man who is being accused of having inappropriate relations with a student. This side pot deviates from the main storyline and even though this was also interesting. I feels like they are supposed to be two separate books. I wouldn’t mind to have read this as a separate story. You lose the focus when the story switches to this subplot.
 
The eventual conclusion is something I did predict, but only when I was already very close to the end. Because it’s not on-you-nose obvious. It’s a clever twist.
 
With that subplot being my only negative, I had a really good time with “The Lies You Told”. It’s a very solid thriller, with a good pace and it was a real page turned.
 
Rating: 4,5/ 5

Top 20: Favorite Movies of 2024

Like every year, I created a list of my favorite films. It’s based on Dutch release dates, so you might see some movies on this list that are originally from 2023, but came out in 2023 in The Netherlands. And you will miss movies, because they will be released in 2024 or I just simply haven’t seen it yet. Since I don’t get to see EVERY film. I thought it was a pretty solid movie year. Here is my list, my 20 favorite films of 2024.
 

20. Juror # 2
A 12-member jury must decide whether a suspect is guilty of murder. Eleven jurors immediately think so, but one members doubts it. This is the classic premise of “12 Angry men”, but it gets a nice twist in “Juror # 2”. This will questions your morals and ethics, which makes it for a very exciting viewing experience. Clint Eastwood stated this will be his last directed film and he ends on a high note. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

19. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Tim Burton is the king of gothic horror comedies and “Beetlejuice” from 1988 was a breakthrough film. “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is the long-awaited sequel. Where you first think it will give us much of the same, you are very wrong. It was a joy to see old and new characters in this entertaining film. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

18. The Zone of Interest
Chilling film about Nazi leader Rudolf Höss, who lives with his family right next to Auschwitz. An “average” German family, desperately pretending that the tragedy taking place behind the walls of the camp does not exist and has nothing to do with them. Rock-solid, impressive film. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

17. Longlegs
My WTF-film of the year. Rookie FBI-agent Lee is assigned to the search for a serial killer who has struck sporadically for decades. The hunt for a serial killer will appeal to a large audience and horror fans will not be disappointed, but “Longlegs” is not for everyone. It’s an unusual film with a slow pace and much focus on atmoshere. In the end, you’re left speechless and thinking “what did I just watch”. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

16. A Quiet Place: Day One
A prequel to the successful “A Quiet Place” (2018). Here we see what happened on day one. Because we are switching from the countryside (fairly quiet) to New York (very loud), it makes for a original new viewing experience. It could be easily viewed without having to see the other two movies, but I would recommend watching them first. Although not as great as the previous films, I was on the edge of my seat almost the entire time. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

15. Young Woman and the Sea
Set in the roaring 20s, we meet Trudy Ederle, who became the first woman to ever swim across the English Channel. Based on a true story, that really amazed me. Daisy Ridley does a fantastic job as Trudy and also a small yet memorable role for Stephen Graham, who is a personal favorite of mine. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

14. Speak No Evil
An American remake of the 2022 Danish film of the same name. An American couple meets a British couple on holiday. The Americans are invited by the other couple to visit them at their country home in England. There is a constant feeling of unease and that makes this film very good. “Speak No Evil” is an exciting, dark, psychological thriller. With a noteworthy performance by James McAvoy. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

13. The Iron Claw
If you want to see a story about a heartbreaking family tragedy, “The Iron Claw” is your movie. We follow the unfortunate Von Erich family, a family of wrestlers. Brothers Kevin, Kerry, David and Mike all gain fame in the ring, following in the footsteps of their father and now coach, Fritz. For dad, wrestling is all there is and he makes no secret of who his favorite is of his sons. Zac Efron plays an amazing, unexpected role. This film will break your heart, especially when you learn it’s based on a true story. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

12. Rebel Ridge
From the first minute, in which the African-American Terry is run off his bicycle by a bunch of white cops, this action thriller puts you on the edge of your seat. Terry is on his way to court to post bail for his incarcerated cousin, but the police distrust him and confiscate his money. But Terry does not back down. Pulp, suspense and social drama is blended perfectly and makes “Rebel Ridge” for a rare intense and compelling whole. I loved lead Aaron Pierre, but also Don Johnson, as the corrupt police chief. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

11. Deadpool & Wolverine
Did you really think I wouldn’t put this movie on my list? This film was everything I hoped for and more. Lots of meta-jokes and rampant action. If you’re not familiar with the Marvel Universe, especially the more old school Marvel, you will not enjoy it as much. Because pop culture references will be flying all over. I loved it because of it. READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
 

10. Women of the Hour
Reality is often stranger than fiction. In 1978, a man who would later be convicted of murdering and raping six women (though the actual number is probably much higher) entered an American dating show, and won. “Woman of the Hour”, directed by Anna Kendrick, revolves around this bizarre fact. Although the story focusses on his victims and the woman who narrowly escaped him. And that last part is why this film is so strong. The film makes painfully clear how much women know that danger is never really far away in this world, while men feel so free that a serial killer dares to participate in a dating show. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

9. Caddo Lake
The misty wetlands of Caddo Lake, with its winding waterways and ancient cypress trees, provide the setting for this thriller. One evening, a young girl disappears without a trace on the lake. Her sister discovers this has something to do with previous disappearances in the area. “Caddo Lake” is best to watch without knowing too much about the plot. It has some mind-blowing plot twists and remains intriguing until the very end. Really strong mystery. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

8. Twisters
This film would win the “most surprising film of the year” award. The film “Twister” came out in 1996 and was a success, but it’s not that people were asking for a sequel. And it certainly didn’t need one. Am I glad they did eventually make one? YES! I was surprised at how much I actually loved this film and I can see myself rewatching this film multiple times. It’s a disaster movie, with excellent actions sequences, but it has so much more layers to it. And you actually care about the characters. READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
 

7. Poor Things
The movie that gave Emma Stone her well-deserved second Academy Award. Bella is the adopted daughter of surgeon Godwin Baxter, whom Bella calls God for short. Bella is God’s most successful experiment. Bella’s brain is far behind on her body. It’s an overwhelming film from director Yorgos Lathimos. Often hilarious, but also poignant and intriguing. Weird, but the good kind. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

6. Blink Twice
Like the previous mentioned “Caddo Lake”, “Blink Twice” is also best experiences without knowing too much about it. And with this film, there is no way you can ever predict where it’s heading. In this wonderful directorial debut by Zoë Kravitz, we meet waitress Freida, who is invited to the private island of a tech entrepreneur. What seems like a luxurious free trip, turns out into something complete unexpected. You have no idea what’s going on, but there are subtle hints and a constant ominous feeling that make you sure something is very wrong. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

5. Inside Out 2
Almost 10 years after the first “Inside Out” movie came out, we meet young Riley as she is now a 13-year-old girl ready for new, more complex emotions such as anxiety, jealousy and shame. When the new emotions show up in Riley’s head, a power struggle between the old and new soon ensues. The concept remains strong, and the humor and morals as well. Pixar did it again! READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

4. The Holdovers
Comedic drama set on the nearly empty campus of an upscale boarding school. It’s winter 1970, almost Christmas, and everyone is going home. Except for a handful of poor kids and staff. Among them the grumpy and strict professor Paul Hunham, cook Mary Lamb and student Angus. A lost trio who eventually learn wise lessons during their forced stay on campus. This film warmed my heart. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

3. Dune”: Part Two
Probably the favorite of many people this year. And I understand why. Frank Herbert’s novels have been previously adapted by David Lynch. For many it hit a cult status, but trying to put such a complex, long story into one film just didn’t capture it all. That’s why Denis Villeneuve decided to create three films, with the second one picking up where the first part ends: Paul Atreides and his mother Jessica manage to escape the barbaric attack of the Harkonnens just in time, which spells the downfall of Atreides family. They join the Fremen, the clever deser dwellers on planet Arrakid, with whom Paul plots to avenge his family, welcoming him as thei long-awaited messiah. Like its predecessor, “Dune: Part Two” is a beautifully crafted, grand and sensuous cinematic spectacle. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

2. American Fiction
Intelligent satire about literature teacher and author Thelonius “Monk” Ellison, who writes a fake book to hold a mirror up to the white literary world and their obsession with stereotypical black books. The film is a kind of satirical Trojan Horse. The overt criticism of the book community of the early 2000s masks a sly meta-commentary on Hollywood’s current obsession with “Oscary-baity middle films” about the personal struggles of the elite. Jeffrey Wright was amazing as Monk and I absolutely loved everything about this film. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

1. The Wild Robot
After a crash, an advanced robot washes up on a desert island. Lacking humans to serve, the machine gradually learns to coexist with a motley crew of wild animals. Based on a book by Peter Brown, the film is original. But also adorable, beautifully designed, with successful humor and a warm, wise moral. I don’t think I ever picked an animated film as my favorite of the year and it’s not even by Disney. “The Wild Robot” made me feel every emotion and I urge everyone to see it, young and old! READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
 

Honorable mentions: Good Grief, La Sociedad de la Nieve, Mothers’ Instinct, Monkey Man,
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire. Challengers, Lonely Planet