Looking to get into the Valentine’s Day mood but not sure where to start? Fear no more. With Jonah and I’s expert selection and phenomenal taste, we’ve got you covered. Whether you are spending the holiday alone or with your partner, here is the perfect compilation of music, books, television and movies to make your Valentine’s memorable!

Books:

“This is How You Lose the Time War” by Amal El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone – Lilly Keller

Coming in at just over 200 pages, this fast-paced science fiction thriller chronicles the relationship between two rival agents as their taunts and battlefield boasts gradually shift into something else. For lovers of time travel and queer narratives, this is the book for you. I guarantee once you start, you won’t be able to put it down until you finish. 

“The Coast of Chicago” – “Pet Milk”  by Stuart Dybek – Jonah Weber

I was studying creative writing, and I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to focus my writing on, but I definitely knew I didn’t wanna write about romance. And then, when I was 15, I read the short story “Pet Milk.” Immediately I realized that romance could be written about, not in a cheesy, annoying way, but in an intense, painful, and beautiful way. Anyone living in Chicago needs to read this!

TV shows:

“The Haunting of Hill House” – Lilly Keller

While not inherently romantic, “The Haunting of Hill House,” inspired by Shirley Jackson’s titular novel, follows the dysfunctional Crain family during and after their time at the infamous Hill House. Even if you shy away from horror, this mini-series goes beyond traditional jump scares, instead solidifying a narrative of familial trauma, foxhole bonding, and most significantly reconciliation and healing. For fans of well-written sibling dynamics and ghost stories, I cannot recommend this show enough. 

“Hannibal” – Jonah Weber

You wouldn’t think it, but this is quite the romantic show. It explores the early relationship between FBI profiler Hugh Graham and psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter. The cooking scenes in this show are disturbing but beautiful. The dialogues between characters are intimate and suspenseful. There is so much tension in this show, specifically between Graham and Lecter, which develops with each season.

Movie:

“Atonement”  – Lilly Keller

Despite not being the biggest fan of period pieces or war retellings, “Atonement,” directed by Joe Wright, is easily one of my top ten favorite movies. Illustrating the illicit love story between Cecelia Tallis (Kiera Knightley) and Robbie Turner (James McAvoy) and the aftermath of Tallis’s jealous younger sister (Saoirse Ronan), all three must cope with the consequences on the brink of WWII. Not to spoil this movie, but I especially recommend it for lovers of unhappy endings because let me tell you, you will need a tissue box on hand. 

“Casino Royale” – Jonah Weber

Maybe not your typical Valentine’s Day flick pick, but boy, is this movie sexy. In my opinion, it’s Daniel Craig’s best 007 performance. All the sleek black tuxedos and little black dresses are enough to make this a Valentine’s movie. And the drink ordering scene? Where he orders the drink. It is just so good. 

Album:

“Loveless” – My Bloody Valentine – Lilly Keller

It wouldn’t be Valentine’s day without a little shoegaze to get you in your feels. If you’re looking for something nostalgic, energetic and noisy this holiday, then I cannot recommend the band’s sophomore album enough. Exploring a narrative of death and change, “Loveless” is perfect for perhaps your gloomy day in while also being an impeccable companion for a night out. 

“Chet Baker Sings” – Chet Baker – Jonah Weber

Chet Baker was so real for releasing this in 1956. Before this album came out, Baker had only played trumpet on his jazz albums. It turns out, he’s a phenomenal vocalist. His voice is quiet and simple, but every lyric is about the many themes of love. By recommending this, I’m really showing off my lovebird side, but I can’t recommend this album enough. Listen to it on or off shuffle, early in the morning or late at night. It’ll always hit.