2020: The Year in Reviews

 

The things that made 2020 long and difficult need no repetition, but even amid grim circumstances, there were a few bright spots. Here are the few “bests” of a down year.

 

Best New Book (Fiction)

Missionaries: Phil Klay’s ambitious, multifaceted debut novel explores a political powder keg in Colombia and the lives affected by it.

 

Honorable mention: If It Bleeds: Stephen King’s latest novella collection is a mostly winning blend of new and old.

 

Best New Book (Nonfiction)

Memorial Drive: Natasha Trethewey’s heartbreaking ode to her murdered mother makes for a captivating memoir.

 

Honorable mention: Dragon Hoops: Gene Luen Yang’s graphic novel memoir takes on identity and ambition amid a high school basketball season.

 

Best New Movie

No selection. COVID resulted in multiple release dates being pushed back, and I haven’t seen enough 2020 films to make an honest selection.

 

Noteworthy mentions: The Trial of the Chicago Seven is a well-crafted prestige court drama/biopic that is right in Aaron Sorkin’s wheelhouse, but it’s also painfully predictable. Spike Lee shows more ambition with the Vietnam War reunion caper Da 5 Bloods, but it’s frustratingly uneven. Sound of Metal features a powerhouse lead performance and innovative sound design to mimic hearing loss, but it’s underdeveloped and slow.

 

Best New Restaurant

The Nomad: Tasty small plates with creative fusion flair come to Hillsborough.

 

Honorable mention: Tipsy’z Tacos. This taco-centric spinoff of a beloved High Point burger spot packs a varied menu.

 

Best New Series

Returning favorite The Mandalorian outclasses any new offerings, but for the sake of branching out, Upload gets a nod. An Amazon original from Parks and Recreation co-creator Greg Daniels, it offers virtual afterlife hijinks with a satirical bite. 

 

Best New Video Game

I have not finished playing through Ghost of Tsushima, which is a graphical marvel and thus far engrossing. Top honors among games completed go to Yakuza: Like a Dragon, a fun change-of-pace entry in a long-running action series.