The Year In Recommendations, 2024
The best places we visited, and things we read, listened to, watched, made and bought in 2024, in no particular order.
This is the free edition of Rich Text, a newsletter about cultural obsessions from your Internet BFFs Emma and Claire. If you like what you see and hear, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Rich Text is a reader-supported project!
“Long Island Compromise,” by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
A sweeping, whip smart satire about family, generational trauma, and class. It’s the Rich People Behaving Badly, but with a dose of really sharp commentary, and familial dynamics that will be especially poignant for New York Jews. “Fleishman,” was a triumph, but Taffy’s second novel might be even better. -Emma / Claire
“Fourth Wing” and “Iron Flame,” by Rebecca Yarros
Propulsive fantasy novels with a side of A+ erotica. What else does one need in a series? Also, the third book is coming in January. -Emma
“Intermezzo,” by Sally Rooney
Rooney’s longest novel yet, it earns every page with a rich and poignant exploration of the relationship between two estranged brothers, a young chess prodigy and a charismatic lawyer, who are both caught up in star-crossed romances. -Claire / Emma
“Doppelganger,” by Naomi Klein
The renowned lefty author set out to write a book about being confused with Naomi Wolf, another progressive writer who had made a hard pivot into the right-wing media ecosystem. The result is a brilliant account of how the concept of the doppelganger – an evil double – explains our fucked-up world. -Claire
“One Star Romance,” by Laura Hankin
Our friend Laura’s latest novel is her first true rom-com, and it’s everything I need in a vacation read: funny, swoony, light, and populated by characters who actually grow. -Claire
“Big Swiss,” by Jen Beagin
A novel about a sex therapy transcriptionist and her all-enveloping crush on a patient, “Big Swiss” is surprisingly propulsive for a quirky story set amid Hudson hipsters. I couldn’t put it down. -Claire
“Splinters,” by Leslie Jamison
I interviewed Jamison when she was a new mom and I was hoping to become one soon – she was bouncing her newborn in a carrier the whole time – so I couldn’t miss her memoir of new motherhood and divorce. It’s a visceral account of two experiences that can fundamentally remake your sense of self. -Claire
“The Invisible Man,” by Patrick Fealey, Esquire
The most moving essay I read all year, Fealey’s longform piece recounts his day-to-day life as an unhoused person – and explains how he went from being a working culture critic to being underemployed and homeless. The writing is riveting, and his perspective sheds light on the daily experiences of a segment of American society that is often ignored and, especially as of late, even demonized. -Claire
“Funny Story,” by Emily Henry
I love all of Henry’s rom-com novels, but “Funny Story” may be my personal favorite. I love the inciting setup: heartbroken Daphne and Miles become roommates after their exes leave them… for each other. -Emma
“Swan Song,” by Elin Hilderbrand
Hilderbrand’s last Nantucket novel is just as highly readable and enjoyable as her prior ones. No one does breezy, well-written, summer fiction like Hilderbrand. -Emma
“How Does My Divorce Make You Feel?,” by Dr. Lilly Jay, The Cut
This essay, written by Ethan Slater’s ex-wife, Dr. Lilly Jay, is absolutely stunning. After being a part of the celebrity gossip machine without her consent for years, she finally injects her voice into the conversation in a way that feels thoughtful, measured and true to what she has been experiencing in the wake of the breakdown of her marriage. -Emma
“The Ministry of Time,” by Kaliane Bradley
This novel, about a near-future in which the British government has harnessed the power of time travel, is a sweeping commentary on the nature of history and the choices we make that shape the future. Plus, it features a sexy naval commander from the mid-1840s. -Emma
Kelsey McKinney’s final season of “Normal Gossip”
Our gal created something perfect, and then landed the plane and handed over the reins. Gossip queens forever! -Emma
Gen-Z pop queens, like Sabrina Carpenter, Gracie Abrams and Chappell Roan.
Gimme all the songs I can scream-sing to in my car on a long road trip, please. -Emma
“Dear Felicity”
Our friend Juliet Litman hosted this fabulous podcast looking back on “Felicity’s” four seasons and its legacy. It was such a treat to revisit a show that meant so much to me when it first aired in the late ‘90s, and to glean insights into how the show came together from all of the cast and crew that Juliet interviewed. (I’ll forever be a Ben girl.) -Emma
Musical soundtracks!
Specifically the title track from Nicole Scherzinger’s “Sunset Boulevard” and “What Is This Feeling” from the “Wicked” movie soundtrack. -Emma
“The Tortured Poets Department”
We listened to this double album so much we recorded a whole podcast about it. - Emma / Claire
“Search Engine” and “Hyperfixed”
The new podcasts from former “Reply All” cohosts P.J. Vogt and Alex Goldman, respectively are grouped together here because they’re very similar in concept and tone. In each, the host takes a question, either their own or a listener’s, and goes on a journalistic quest to find the answer. I find myself citing both of them a lot, the way I used to constantly cite “This American Life.” -Claire
Camera Obscura, “Look to the East, Look to the West”
A new album from one of my girlhood favorites, “Look to the East, Look to the West” is the kind of lo-fi shimmery indie pop that soothes my soul. The title track, “Big Love,” and “Denon” are some of the standouts. -Claire
“Time Capsule: The Silver Chain”
A rare non-crime investigative podcast in my listening portfolio, “Time Capsule” tracks down some of the real people behind a secret swingers club in 1970s Minnesota. The facts of the case are not always as lurid as they might appear, but the emotional arc of the show is full of unexpected twists. -Claire
“Vibe Check”
This weekly podcast with Sam Sanders, Zach Stafford and Saeed Jones fills a gap I didn’t realize I had in my rotation: a topical chat show covering politics, pop culture and everything in between. It’s entertaining but thoughtful, which is my favorite blend. -Claire
Jacqueline Novak’s “Get On Your Knees”
The Netflix special of this show introduced me to it, though Emma was already a fan. Like the greatest standup shows, it’s side-splittingly funny but also original and thought-provoking; we even did a whole podcast episode on her linguistic riffs and observations on the performance of gender, which we’ve never done for a standup special before. -Claire
“Girls5Eva”
The aging, reunited girl group Girls5Eva goes on an ill-fated live tour in the third and, sadly, final season of a streaming sitcom that was much funnier than it had any right to be. We’ll always have Fort Worth. -Claire
“The Valley”
Despite my low expectations, this show about former “Vanderpump Rules” stars turned staid parents quickly eclipsed “VPR” as a must-watch in my trashy TV rotation. Perhaps two couples careening toward much-needed divorces had something to do with it, so we’ll see if they can keep the magic in season 2. -Claire
“Dinosaur”
A charming, if brief, sitcom about a Glaswegian paleontologist whose orderly life is upended by her sister’s whirlwind engagement, “Dinosaur” was one of the rare little gems I stumbled across on streaming this year, and I’m eager for the second season. -Claire
“My Lady Jane”
A bizarre, even unhinged show, it nevertheless found an immediate and passionate audience when it dropped on Prime this summer – and I was among that audience. The unbearably smoldering Emily Bader and Edward Bleumel as Lady Jane Grey and her half-horse husband Lord Guildford Dudley? Bloodthirsty court machinations? A weird political allegory involving people who can shapeshift? Yes, yes, and yes please. Begging someone to pick up this unjustly canceled alternative-history soap. - Claire / Emma
“Baby Reindeer”
A screen adaptation of a hit Edinburgh Fringe hit show, “Baby Reindeer” dramatizes its star and creator’s real experience of being stalked by a woman who met him at his bartending job. From the details of the story to the drama-plagued rollout, the show is raw, messy, and absolutely riveting. - Claire / Emma
“America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders”
We never thought a docuseries could make us so invested in professional sports cheerleaders, but this series had us by the throat from episode one. Our admiration for these women grew immensely, but it also provided plenty of grist for feminist analysis. - Claire / Emma
“Rivals”
I didn’t expect to love this adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s 1988 novel of the same name as much I did, but watching “Rivals,” which follows the conflict between retired show jumper Rupert Campbell-Black and media mogul Tony Baddingham, gave me the feeling of a really great gossip sesh. Plus, it’s sexy as hell. -Emma
“Somebody Somewhere”
The third and final season was full of sweetness, friendship, and genuine depictions of grief. I love this quiet show, which frankly deserved more than three seasons. -Emma
“Mr. & Mrs. Smith”
Donald Glover’s remake of the Brad Pitt-Angelina Jolie movie from the early aughts took a cultural product that was fun, and turned it into something more. Glover and Maya Erskine have fabulous chemistry, and the cameos are unmatched. (Sarah Paulson! Parker Posey! Michaela Coel! Alexander Skarsgard! John Turturro! Paul Dano! Sharon Horgan!) -Emma
“Wicked” and the “Wicked” press tour
As a former musical theater kid, this movie was pure delight. And Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s press tour was grippingly chaotic. Also, an allegory about the ways that propaganda and demonization can whip up a society into a frenzy and allow the rise to power of an incompetent, thin-skinned man felt… timely! I think we should all hold space for this one. -Emma
“Bad Sisters” S2
I will watch anything Sharon Horgan makes, but I was impressed by how well season two of “Bad Sisters” stuck the landing, considering that season one felt like a complete show. Horgan makes a bold and devastating choice early in the season, but manages to carry the darkly comic tone throughout the rest of it. Garvey sisters forever! -Emma
Sweaters!
My favorite cozy pieces from 2024 are the Jenni Kayne Fisherman Crewneck sweater in cashmere, the Reformation Lawson Oversized Cashmere Turtleneck, and the Reformation Jadey Cashmere Oversized V-Neck sweater. -Emma
This stuff will truly save your hair from becoming a frizzy mess when you’re just too lazy to blowdry it. (Which I am, about 85% of the time.) -Emma
A very useful toiletry travel bag, and a matching cord case
My packing style can be very chaotic, so having cute organizers to help me keep things in their place has been pretty life-changing. -Emma
Adam keeps making fun of me, because every time I lose this eye mask during travel, I immediately purchase a new one. -Emma
Nelle Atelier jeans
You all already know I’m obsessed with this for-petites denim brand. The Maddy, Kate and Claire are my go-to styles, but I have almost all of them and wear them constantly. Use code EMMA10 for 10% off. -Emma
Quince bags
The neoprene duffle Dagne Dover dupe is my go-to travel bag these days. I know Claire prefers the OG one, but since I usually use this bag (equivalent to the Dagne Dover L size) as a personal item attached to my small roller rather than a standalone weekender, the value can’t be beat. It still has designated compartments for your keys/wallet, water bottle, laptop, and more. And the material has worn really well considering that it spends a lot of time under seats on planes.
I also have been loving my Italian Suede Slouchy Shoulder Bag. It fits everything, including a laptop, and is way cheaper than similar bags from Reformation and Coach. -Emma
Paige Adelyn Boot in chocolate suede
Saying that I am obsessed with these Western-style booties is an understatement. The kitten heel is so comfortable for running around, the color is very on-trend, and the extended square toe looks incredible peeking out from slouchy jeans. -Emma
French drugstore skincare
I’m obsessed with my La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50 sunscreen – the European formulation, which is far superior to the American one. Also adore my Caudalie oil cleanser and salicylic acid toner. -Emma
Dr. Diamond’s Metacine Instafacial Collection
I regret to inform you that this splurge-y stuff truly works, and I will be repurchasing it. (At least the Plasma, if not both.) Nothing has had more of an impact on my skin than the Plasma and Emulsion, other than my prescription tretinoin. You can test out the products with a mini version if you’re interested. -Emma
An investment belt
2024 was the year of accessories for me. Belts were not something I had ever put much thought into, but this year I decided to buy a couple beautiful ones that I could use to cinch oversized tops and zhuzh up t-shirt and jeans outfits. My favorites were from Aureum Collective, and I now own the No. 10 and the No. 2. They kindly gave me a discount code for our readers, EMMAG20. -Emma
Fancy hand soap & body wash
I love an everyday luxury! My personal faves are Apotheke’s Charcoal, Salt + Stone’s Black Rose & Oud, Necessaire’s Eucalyptus, and Aesop’s Resurrection. -Emma
Lounge sets
These are super useful for my work-from-home lifestyle, and also work as chic travel outfits. Obsessed with my Spanx Air Essentials wide-leg pants and half-zip, and Left On Friday Field Day sweatshirt and sweatpant. Not quite a lounge set, but serves a similar purpose is the Left On Friday playsuit. I like to pair it with the Yellow Label Co. Cozy Crew in chocolate. -Emma
Levi’s ribcage jeans
I rarely wear any other jeans now that I have these in wide leg and straight leg crop. They cinch me right at the belly button, skim snugly over the hips, and look almost vintage with a cropped sweater or tucked-in blouse. -Claire
Though I wasn’t pregnant by the beginning of this year, one of my favorite brands continued to be a maternity brand: this English purveyor of perfect barrel-leg linen pants and big tees. Their contrast-quilted Rue jacket is enormous, with room for a bump or baby-wearing, but also looks effortlessly chic without either. -Claire
My staple cool-weather mom shoes, they can be stepped right into on the way out the door and look good with dresses, sweats, leggings and jeans. I like that the creme brulée shade is a neutral, but with a pop of color. -Claire
Quince solid gold mini huggie hoops
A beautiful, affordable staple; I wear them every day. -Claire
An Amazon dish drying rack and OXO Good Grips paper towel holder
These changed my kitchen, and maybe even my life, forever. -Claire
Simple Modern iced drink tumbler
Sleek, functional, lightweight and slim, this tumbler is by far the best reusable cup I’ve ever used for carrying iced coffee on the go. -Claire
Dagne Dover Landon Carryall XL
It’s a splurge – and the Quince dupe is definitely a better value – but I couldn’t beat the XL version of Dagne Dover’s neoprene carryall for sheer capacity. Packing for a week away with my kids thrills me now! -Claire
The best travel high chair – sturdy, stable, easy to pack up and tote around. -Claire
The best snot-sucker I’ve tried, with a design that almost flawlessly prevents snot from getting into the sucking machinery. -Claire
One-pot chicken and rice with caramelized lemon
A hearty, one pot dinner, perfect for two people with leftovers, or four without. -Emma
Thai-inspired chicken meatball soup
I’m a huge soup gal, especially when the soup can truly be a full meal. -Emma
Creamy, spicy tomato beans and greens
This is probably my most-repeated recipe. It’s just delicious! A little spicy, a little rich (I swap cream for coconut milk, and it works just as well), with that caramelized tomato flavor I adore. Also – don’t skip the toasted panko breadcrumbs and lemony arugula! The textures all mesh together so well. -Emma
Creamy cauliflower soup with rosemary oil
I could drink a vat of this soup – especially with the salty, homemade, rosemary-oiled croutons. -Emma
Salmon and air fryer crispy rice
Learning that I could make crispy rice in my Our Place Wonder Oven was a revelation. I’ve since done it a handful of times, both with tofu on top and sushi-grade salmon from my local Japanese market. -Emma
Sheet pan gnocchi with mushrooms and spinach
An easy but elevated dinner. A commenter recommended turning this into a more filling meal by tearing up some sausages to cook with the rest of the meal, and it’s even more delicious. -Claire
One-pot pasta with sausage, spinach and tomatoes
I make this probably once a week. Sometimes I use fusilli, sometimes cavatappi. Sometimes I use two sausages, sometimes three. Occasionally I mix up the spices, using Italian seasoning instead of cumin, but the original recipe is supreme. My whole family loves this, and I love that it takes barely any time to throw together. -Claire
Miso-honey chicken and asparagus
Easy, sweet and savory, perfect over rice. -Claire
Miso sweet potato and broccoli bowls
This isn’t a big hit with my preschooler, but Greg and I love it – especially the miso-tahini dressing that transforms it from a bowl of rice and vegetables to a Dinner. -Claire
Rotisserie chicken and greens pasta
We love using rotisserie chicken as a dinner shortcut, and this is my favorite recipe. So cozy and delicious. -Claire
I never feel more on my game as a mom than when I’m gathering up brown bananas and making homemade snack bars with just fruit, nut butter and oats. Mix-ins are advised – we love strawberry, nuts, and chocolate chips. -Claire
Another snack that I make for the kids and inevitably devour myself, they remind me of extra-chewy cookie dough but without the salmonella anxiety and general shame. -Claire
This is the cake that my brother made for my baby’s first birthday, which was such a hit that I used the same recipe (with a peanut butter glaze swapped in) for Greg’s 40th. It’s unbelievably moist, chocolatey, crumby, and irresistible. -Claire
When you want banana bread that’s more of a treat than a healthy snack, Smitten Kitchen has the goods. I baked this in an 8x8 cake pan to make room for more sugary, crunchy topping; it also bakes faster that way and can easily pass for a snacking cake. -Claire
My older son did not appreciate the very healthy pumpkin muffins I made, so I just upped the health quotient on these regular pumpkin muffins by reducing the sugar and swapping in whole wheat for about half of the flour. Still delicious, but somewhat more nutritious. -Claire
Melides, Portugal
Christian Louboutin’s Hotel Vermelho is pure magic. This place is luxurious, artsy, and somehow makes you feel like you’re in an endless oasis while being in the center of town. Plus, it’s a quick drive to the Melides beach, and close enough to Comporta to spend a day at a beach club. And the breakfast service, which is included in your stay, is truly unmatched. -Emma
The Duoro Valley
Everyone who goes to the Duoro region of Portugal seems to talk about Six Senses as the go-to luxury hotel to stay at, but I suggest going further towards Spain and staying at the Casa do Rio wine hotel. It was a fraction of the price, and had the most gorgeous infinity pool I’ve ever seen overlooking the Duoro River. -Emma
The Catskills
I’ve long been a fan of Foster Supply’s properties in Sullivan County, and this summer I went to Kenoza Hall, which I had not visited previously. It’s such a great place to stay, especially when the weather is good, and you can bop around to the surrounding cute towns. -Emma
Bacalar, Mexico
This region, about 2.5 hours south of Tulum, is defined by the gorgeous Bacalar lagoon. We couldn’t decide which hotel to visit, so we stayed at two: the more-established Our Habitas, and the newcomer, Boca de Agua. The latter is still getting its sea legs so the service can be a bit uneven, but it’s well worth it for the absolutely stunning jungle property, and the lagoon deck. -Emma
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I wish you both a very Happy and Healthy New Year! Thank you internet BFF’s for substantially enriching my year! And my closet. And hopefully in 2025 I will get it together and tryout your recipes. Love, Gayle (who has been a fan since HP)