The end of the year means it's time to recap the year and look back on what kept me entertained in 2018! It's been a wonderful year personally -- I will be an uncle again next year, my best friend published her first book and got engaged, and I met a wonderful man who I'm lucky enough to call my boyfriend. I can't wait to see what's in store for 2019! But first, here are my favorite things entertainment-wise from 2018.

BOOKS:
I didn't read quite as much as I did in 2017, or quite as much as I wanted to, but these are my Top 5 books from 2018.

• Dear Madam President – Jennifer Palmieri

Written with insight into Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign (Palmieri was the campaign's Director of Communications) this book is a wonderful manual for any woman who wants to throw her hat in the ring or anyone who wants to better understand the complicated navigation it takes to be a woman in politics.

• Leah On The Offbeat – Becky Albertalli

The conclusion of the Simon trilogy -- a wonderful LGBTQ+ series for young adults.

• My Life With(Out) Ranch – Heather Wyatt (buy it by clicking here)

My favorite book of 2018. This book is hilarious and poignant, and it is a must read for anyone who has ever struggled with weight or living their life authentically.

• The Dangerous Art of Blending In - Angelo Surmelis

A heartbreaking and heartwarming YA novel that left a lasting impression on me.

• What If It’s Us – Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera

I knew that when these two powerhouse authors teamed up they would create something amazing, and they certainly didn't disappoint. I fell in love with Arthur and Ben.

Here are some honorable mentions:
I just got autobiographies from Michelle Obama (Becoming) and Sally Field (In Pieces), so they didn't make the cut -- but I'm certain I'll love them!
Crazy Rich Asians - Kevin Kwan
A few years old, but I read it in anticipation of the film release and loved it!
The Mother of Black Hollywood - Jenifer Lewis
This book came out at the end of 2017, but I read it early this year. It is laugh out loud funny, and offers a unique perspective on mental illness.

MOVIES:
I tend to binge watch movies during award show season, so I won't have my full take on 2018 movies until February just before the Academy Awards. But, so far this year, Love, Simon has been my favorite movie! I also really loved Crazy Rich Asians, Deadpool 2, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, and the documentary RBG.

MUSIC:
By far my favorite musical event of 2018 was the Shania Now Tour, which I was lucky enough to see twice! Now was also by far the album I listened to the most this year, even though it came out in the fall of 2017.
As for this year, Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves tops my list of best albums released. It is a magnificent work of art. I also really enjoyed Cher's ABBA covers album, Dancing Queen, and The Greatest Showman: Reimagined.
These are my Top 20 singles of the year:

• “Ashes” – Celine Dion
• “Babe” – Sugarland featuring Taylor Swift
• “Bloom” – Troye Sivan
• “Butterflies” – Kacey Musgraves
• “Delicate” – Taylor Swift
• “Don't Go Breaking My Heart” – Backstreet Boys
• “Girls Like You” – Maroon 5 featuring Cardi B
• “Heaven” – Kane Brown
• "How Long" - Charlie Puth
• “IDGAF” – Dua Lipa
• “The Middle” – Zedd, Maren Morris, and Grey
• “My My My!” – Troye Sivan
• “Never Be The Same” – Camila Cabello
• ‘no tears left to cry” – Ariana Grande
• “Party For One” – Carly Rae Jepsen
• “Rich” – Maren Morris
  
• “Sit Next To Me” – Foster the People
• “Space Cowboy” – Kacey Musgraves - My favorite song of 2018!
  
• “Thunder” – Imagine Dragons
• “Whatever It Takes” – Imagine Dragons

 
Honorable Mentions: "Beg" by Jack & Jack, "Havana" by Camila Cabello, and "Tequila" by Dan + Shay

TELEVISION:
My Top 10 shows of 2018:
Altered Carbon
Brooklyn Nine Nine
Fresh Off The Boat
Grace and Frankie
Insecure
Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Queer Eye
Real Country
Schitt's Creek
Superstore

2018 MIDTERM ELECTIONS:
And finally, here is a list of my favorite 18 winners from the 2018 elections!

• Angie Craig
  

Elected to the U.S. House in Minnesota's second congressional district, she'll be the first lesbian mother in Congress.

• Chris Murphy
  

Murphy won re-election to the U.S. Senate in Connecticut -- his fierce advocacy for gun safety and his smart views on foreign policy have made him a favorite of mine.

• Chris Pappas
  

At just 38, Pappas already has an incredible resume as a public servant, and now he will be one of 10 openly gay members of Congress in 2019.

• Dianne Feinstein
  

Despite an intra-party challenge, Feinstein was elected to a fifth full term in the U.S. Senate in California. She's been a top progressive asset on the Senate Intelligence Committee.

• Gavin Newsom
  

A moment I've been waiting for over a decade -- Newsom was elected governor of California! He's been one of the most loyal LGBTQ+ allies since his time in local government in San Fransisco.

• Gretchen Whitmer
  

Whitmer will be Michigan's second female governor and ran on a common sense, progressive solutions platform.

• Jacky Rosen
  

Nevada will now be represented by two Democratic women in the U.S. Senate!

• Jahana Hayes
  

A former National Teacher of the Year award winner, Hayes will be the first black woman to represent Connecticut in Congress.

• Jared Polis
  

Polis became the first openly gay man elected governor in the United States when he prevailed in the Colorado gubernatorial race in 2018.

• Kirsten Gillibrand
  

One of my very favorite U.S. Senators -- Gillibrand was elected to her second full term in November.

• Kyrsten Sinema
  

In one of the closest U.S. Senate races of the year, Sinema, who is bisexual, beat Congresswoman Martha McSally, who is well known for her work in trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

• Lauren Underwood
  

Underwood was one of my favorite candidates this year and I'm thrilled to see what she will accomplish in the U.S. House.

• Lucy McBath
  

McBath became a gun safety advocate after the tragic murder of her son Jordan Davis, and in 2018 she beat one of the most conservative members of Congress.

• Mazie Hirono
  

Sen. Hirono, another of my favorites, was re-elected to represent Hawaii for a second term.

• Michelle Lujan Grisham
  

I was thrilled when Congresswoman Lujan Grisham announced her candidacy for governor of New Mexico, and even more thrilled when she won!

• Sharice Davids
  

Davids will become one of the first two Native Americans to serve in Congress and she's also the first openly gay person to represent Kansas in Congress.

• Tammy Baldwin
  

The first out senator was re-elected for a second term in Wisconsin! She's continued to fight for progressive values and I'm eager to see what lies ahead for her.

• Tony Evers
  

Evers finally toppled Wisconsin governor Scott Walker! That's enough reason to celebrate!

​Let’s be honest – 2017 was a depressing year, especially after Inauguration Day. It’s been a frightening and sad year with a lot of highs and lows, but luckily I did have things to entertain and inspire me throughout 2017. Here’s a list of what I enjoyed and what kept me going during the year entertainment-wise.
 
BOOKS
 
I made a goal to read at least 30 books in 2017, which I did! About half of the books I read were new releases, and the other half were older books that had been on my To-Be-Read list for a while. Here are my favorite ten books of 2017.

• The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue – Mackenzi Lee

Historical fiction with LGBT characters?! Yes, please.

• History is All You Left Me – Adam Silvera

Well written, but heartbreaking YA novel.

• Honestly Ben – Bill Konigsberg

Are you noticing a pattern yet? I read a lot of YA this year. This is the sequel to Konigsberg’s Openly Straight which was fantastic as well.

• Hunger – Roxane Gay

I really like Roxane Gay’s non-fiction work and this is an incredibly thought provoking book on obesity and all that goes along with being obese in an unaccommodating and superficial world.

• The Inexplicable Logic of My Life – Benjamin Alire Saenz

Bejamin Alire Saenz has become one of my favorite authors since I read Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe last year. This book is fantastic as well.

• Moonglow – Michael Chabon

This book came out at the end of 2016, but I’m including it because I read it this year. It’s one of those books that I read at exactly the right time. The book is about a man interviewing his grandfather on his deathbed, and I read the book in the final weeks of my grandfather’s life. It’s a poignant novel, and Chabon is always a great writer.

• Mrs. Fletcher – Tom Perrotta

Tom Perrotta has written some of my favorite books (The Abstinence Teacher, The Leftovers). He never disappoints.

• She Persisted – Chelsea Clinton (Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger)

Best children’s book of the year. Important and timely message. I can’t wait to buy it for my niece when she’s a little bit older.

• The Upside of Unrequired – Becky Albertalli

I’m still obsessed with Becky Albertalli’s debut novel Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda (which is being made into a film--Love, Simon—to be released in March 2018!). This is her second book, and it was just as fantastic.

• What Happened – Hillary Clinton

This was my favorite book of 2017. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me angry, and it inspired me to keep going. I deeply admire Hillary Clinton’s perseverance and tenacity, and those traits come through this raw and compelling story of the 2016 election.

• Call My By Your Name – André Aciman

Honorable mention, since it came out in 2007. But, I read it in 2017. The thing I’ve said most consistently about this novel is that it wrecked me. It’s beautifully written and it’s such an incredible, yet heartbreaking love story.
 
 
MUSIC
 
For me, the biggest music event of 2017 was Shania Twain releasing Now, her first studio album in 15 years! I’m still loving all 16 tracks on the epic album and I encourage you to listen to it if you haven’t yet. I also loved albums from Kelsea Ballerini, Thomas Rhett, and Taylor Swift this year. Here’s a rundown of my 17 favorite songs of 2017.

• “…Ready For It?” – Taylor Swift

“He can me my jailor, Burton to this Taylor” – I may never be over that line. Catchy and clever as all get out.

• “Body Like A Back Road” – Sam Hunt

This song is fun and sexy, and so is Sam Hunt.

• “Craving You” – Thomas Rhett featuring Maren Morris

I love Maren Morris’s voice, and Thomas Rhett’s Life Changes is one of my favorite albums of 2017. This song is superbly written and has amazing harmonies.

• “Cut To the Feeling” – Carly Rae Jepsen

If queer people ruled the world, this would’ve been the biggest hit of the year. It’s still a bop!

• “Despacito” (Remix) – Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber

Don’t judge me. This song is catchy and sexy.

• “God, Your Mama, and Me” – Florida Georgia Line featuring Backstreet Boys

Another song with great harmonies.

• “Legends” – Kelsea Ballerini

I’ve become a big Kelsea Ballerini fan this year, and her sophomore album Unapologetically is fantastic. This lead track is a slight divergence from what we’ve heard from her so far, but I’m loving it.

• “Life’s About To Get Good” – Shania Twain

My top song of 2017! From the moment she debuted the song in late April at the Stagecoach festival in California, I’ve been listening to this song on repeat. For six weeks, I had to rely on a live bootleg version, then we finally got the official single on iTunes. It was the perfect choice for Shania’s “comeback” single!

• “Look What You Made Me Do” – Taylor Swift

The old Jordan can’t come to the phone right now. Why? Because he died jamming out to this song that somehow manages to reinvent pop while sampling a 1990s pop staple.

• “Poor Me” – Shania Twain

I was completely floored the first time I heard this song. Technically, it wasn’t a single, but it was a promotional track released in 2017 in the lead up to Shania’s new album Now. This song takes us through the emotions of her highly publicized divorce, and leaves it all out on the table. It’s one of the most raw songs lyrically we’ve ever heard from Shania, and I love it.

• “Say All You Want For Christmas” – Nick Jonas featuring Shania Twain

Three of my favorite things – Shania, Nick Jonas, and Christmas!

• “Shape of You” – Ed Sheeran

There seems to be a lot of hate for Ed Sheeran on the internet—so much so that he quit social media for a while. I for one don’t understand the meanness. Plus, he’s got some catchy tunes, including this one.

• Swingin’ With My Eyes Closed – Shania Twain

Once again, Shania blew me away! When she debuted this song on Today in June, my jaw just dropped. I relied on another live bootleg version until the official release of the single in August. This may be my favorite song on Now, although it fluctuates from day to day.

• “That Don’t Impress Me Much” – HAIM

Also, technically not a single from 2017, but it was released on iTunes. Typically, I’ll listen to Shania covers and enjoy them, but why listen to a knockoff when you can hear the original. That isn’t the case with this transformative version from HAIM. I’m in love with the bass line. This is almost as good as the original, and knowing what a massive fan of Shania I am, that should tell you all you need to know.

• “The Cure” – Lady Gaga

This song is a bit of a departure from Lady Gaga’s most recent albums, but I and other fans were living for it. We need more of this from Gaga in 2018!

• “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back” – Shawn Mendes

Shawn Mendes is adorable, but also incredibly talented. I love his songwriting and his voice, and I couldn’t get enough of this song in 2017.

• “We Got Something They Don’t” – Shania Twain

The third single from Shania’s Now album is another banger. It’s slowly climbing up the country charts, and I’m hoping it’ll be a massive hit in 2018.
 
Honorable Mentions

• “24K Magic” – Bruno Mars

This is just a fun song. It’s infectious! It was released in late 2016, but I got a lot of enjoyment out of it this year.

• “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” – Zayn & Taylor Swift

Also a late 2016 release, but it peaked this year. Musically this is such a brilliant track. Loved the blending of their voices, too.

• “Something Just Like This” – The Chainsmokers & Coldplay

Two more groups that get a lot of hate, but I still love Coldplay and enjoyed this collaboration.
 
 
PEOPLE
 
With the current disaster in the White House, it was important to have other sources of inspiration to look to. Women really lead the charge and the resistance in 2017, and here are 17 women who deeply inspired me this year.

• Barbara Boxer

She may be retired from the Senate now, but that hasn’t stopped her from still fighting for progressive issues and causes with her PAC for a Change.

• Becky Albertalli

She’s become one of my favorite writers, and I also really admire her activism, especially on behalf of the LGBTQ community.

• Chelsea Clinton

In spite of a torrent of vitriol thrown at her consistently (even from so-called respected members of the press), she still manages to care about the world and try to put out kindness each day. I strive to be more like her.

• Connie Schultz

Another one of my favorite writers. Her column, and her social media posts give me hope on a medium that is so often filled with hopelessness.

• Danica Roem

In 2017 she became the first trans person elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, beating a notoriously homophobic and transphobic Republican. Awe-inspiring to say the least!

• Hillary Clinton

I will always admire her tenacity. The fact that after everything she’s been through, she’s still fighting for the voiceless says so much about her character. Check out her Onward Together organization if you haven’t yet.

• Joy Reid

In a world filled with alternative facts and fake news, Joy Reid is a truth teller. Let’s start a petition to get her named as host of Meet the Press.

• Kelsea Ballerini

I love that her new album is titled Unapologetically—what a mantra for 2018. Being happy and living your best life is such a goal, and she seems to be doing that. It’s infectious.

• Kesha

I deeply admire her strength and how she’s bounced back after the horrific things she’s experienced. Plus, her new music is fantastic.

• Kirsten Gillibrand

Now that Barbara Boxer is no longer in the U.S. Senate, Kirsten Gillibrand is my favorite senator. She’s consistent on all the issues that matter, and I’m expecting even bigger things from her in the next few years.

• Laverne Cox

In an all-around horrific year nationally for trans people, I love how Laverne Cox continues to grow in her career and how she continues to speak out and be an advocate for trans folks everywhere.

• Maxine Waters

She has helped lead the resistance as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. I love that she takes no bullshit. She’s always been a hero of mine, and in 2017 she became an even bigger inspiration.

• Mazie Hirono

She continued to lead the fight against the repeal of the Affordable Healthcare Act while she was undergoing treatment for kidney cancer. She’s a much underappreciated voice in the U.S. Senate.

• Meryl Streep

From the beginning of the year with her epic speech at the Golden Globes against the incoming administration, she has also helped shape the narrative of the resistance. She’s a brilliant actress, but also a wonderful human being who continues to find new ways of lifting up other women.

• Rachel Maddow

No one is reporting on the collusion between the Tr*mp campaign and administration with Russian officials the way Rachel Maddow is. More people need to be paying attention.

• Roxane Gay

I read two of her nonfiction works this year and they both had a profound impact on me. I really admire her ability to be so confident in her writing. That’s something I strive for.

• Shania Twain

One of my personal heroes, again due to tenacity. In the face of adversity and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Shania always finds a way to move on and come back stronger than ever.
 
 
TELEVISION
 
I didn’t watch as much TV as I have in the last few years, but here are my 17 favorite shows of 2017.

• Big Mouth
• The Crown
• Difficult People
• The Good Place
• Grace and Frankie
• The Handmaid’s Tale
• House of Cards
• Insecure
• Mom
• Orange is the New Black
• Riverdale
• Schitt’s Creek
• Superstore
• This Is Us
• Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
• Veep
• Will & Grace

Each fall I eagerly await my Fall TV Preview issue of Entertainment Weekly. I peruse the pages of the magazine reading up on the new shows of the season, then meticulously map out a schedule and set my DVR accordingly. After a few months of watching the new offerings available this fall, there are five that stand out to me. These shows have made an impression on me in some way, and they’ve officially become a part of my TV watching routine.
Good Girls Revolt
Amazon Video (all episodes available for streaming via Amazon Prime)
Good Girls Revolt is loosely based on the experience of female employees at Newsweek magazine in the 1960s and 1970s, including Nora Ephron (played by Grace Gummer). Upon meeting ACLU attorney Eleanor Holmes Norton (played by Joy Bryant of Parenthood fame)—who now serves as a delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives from Washington, D.C., they begin to organize because the fictional News of the Week magazine refuses to allow women to write for their publication. The show features a bevy of great actors including Genevieve Angelson (House of Lies), Anna Camp (Pitch Perfect), Erin Drake (Love & Mercy), and Hunter Parrish (Weeds). It is a must watch for fans of Mad Men.
The Good Place
NBC, Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
The premise of The Good Place is one of the most unique plots on television recently. The adorably hilarious and talented Kristen Bell (House of Lies, Veronica Mars) plays Eleanor Shellstrop. Eleanor dies and the afterlife takes her to The Good Place. The catch? She’s not supposed to be there. We quickly learn there has been a major mix-up and Eleanor is not an attorney who did international humanitarian work. The series also stars Ted Danson (Cheers) as Michael—a sort of angelic figure who runs the sector of The Good Place Eleanor to which Eleanor is assigned, and D’Arcy Carden (Broad City) as a Siri brought to life type assistant. The show provides many laughs following Eleanor’s journey through studying ethics and trying to keep her not so good identity hidden.
Insecure
HBO, Sundays at 9:30 p.m.
Created by Issa Rae and Larry Wilmore (The Daily Show, The Nightly Show with Larry Witmore), Insecure is loosely based on Rae’s web series Awkward Black Girl. The show stars Rae and newcomer Yvonne Orji as best friends Issa and Molly grappling with their careers, friendship, and relationships in their twenties. The show feels like an updated, funnier and fresher version of Girls—perfect timing as that show prepares to end its six season run early next year. Music is also a major part of the series and features Solange Knowles as a music consultant.
Pitch
Fox, Thursdays at 8:00 p.m.
Kylie Bunbury (Twisted, Under the Dome) plays Ginny Baker, who becomes the first woman to play in Major League Baseball when she is drafted by the San Diego Padres. Ginny faces major hurdles from the press and her teammates as she is thrust into the limelight overnight. She must deal with the pressure of being a role model and spokesperson, while also tackling the complexity of her relationships with her family and friends. The show co-stars Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Saved by the Bell, Franklin & Bash), Mark Consuelos (All My Children, Alpha House), and Ali Larter (Heroes).
This is Us
NBC, Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m.
This is Us is one of the most watched and talked about new shows of the season. If you are a fan of family dramas that will most certainly make you cry—think Brothers & Sisters or Parenthood—then you will love This is Us. Without giving away spoilers, the show stars Milo Ventimiglia (Gilmore Girls, Heroes) Mandy Moore (Tangled), Sterling K. Brown (The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story) , Chrissy Metz (American Horror Story: Freak Show), and Justin Hartley (Young and the Restless, Mistresses) as characters all connected in a unique way. Many of the episodes feature exciting and surprising twists, and each episode packs an emotional punch.

This article first appeared in The Leaf.