Further reading: 2023 review, 2022 review, 2021 review, 2020 review, 2019 review
Today’s the day when we, the post calvin‘s editorial board, say thank you. It is both obvious and a cliché to say that we couldn’t have done it without you, but that is literally what tpc is: you, a collection of twenty-somethings brought together only by the institution of higher education that you happened to pick and the inability to put down the pen (or keyboard) once you left it. That’s pretty neat, and we the editors take no credit for it. This place is all you. Thanks for that. And thanks, as we head into the back half of the 2020s, for continuing to be here. We can’t wait to read what you write next.
Below are our editors’ (and our ever-lovely advisor, Deb Rienstra’s) favorites of the year. Pieces are presented by editor and organized by publication day.
Alex Johnson
American Dreams | Sam Tuit
While also being a shining example of the exemplary cover images Sam crafted throughout this year, this post gives a grounded yet compelling peek into the complexity wrapped up in being an American. Through the lens of Washington DC, Sam asks: what does it mean for me to claim this country? And if I do, how do I claim it and still name the violence in the past?
The Chatbox | Kate Wilmot
I can appreciate a good linguistics post, even if it is on a subject that makes me feel increasingly out of touch with the youth. At least if you read this dive by Kate, you won’t look at your nephew like he has five heads when he says, “Chat, can you believe this?”
Ten Glimpses of Gaza | Gwyneth Findlay
So often Palenstine is a news story, a death toll statistic, a political talking point, a donation post. This curation by Gwyneth, in a year where they continued to remind us of the ongoing genocide, centered the people of Gaza first.
Ten Stephen King Books and What I Thought of Them | Noah Keene
The highest compliment I can give to this post (and its follow-up) is that it made me, person who was reluctant to watch Get Out because of how much of a horror-phobe I am, want to read a Stephen King novel.
Over the Garden Wall | Isaac DeBoer
While I did not listen to the imperative of this post (forgive me Isaac! I’m too cheap to pay for Hulu), I’m charmed by the passion and fervor Isaac holds for this show. While we’ve gotten to see a range of his loves this year, from long-ranging YouTube series to music to lighthouses, I always have a special place in my heart for an animated feature that leaves you wanting more. And one that makes you want to hug your sibling.
Song of myself featuring charli xcx | Rylan Shewmaker
Rylan meanders, in keeping with the spirit of Walt Whitman, from motherhood musings to societal pressures to childhood beliefs to the greyness of politics. I’m drawn to her vulnerability here, and the piece feels somewhat akin to seeing a knitting project in process: there’s something taking form, but you can still pick out the individual strands.
The New York Times Killed My Favorite Game | Mitchell Barbee
In a post-Wordle world, the NYT Games section has become a safe topic to broach with strangers, acquaintances, and friends alike. Though clearly it is not the Wordle juggernaut, Mitchell makes a case for Vertex, why he enjoyed it, and why it shouldn’t have been so unceremoniously cut.
All Creatures Great and Small | Anna Jeffries VanZytveld
While I resonated highly with her musings on the thin lines between emotions and the Holy Spirit earlier in the year, I am arrested by both the images, the poetry, and the stark facts about the cruelty we can show to animals in this piece.
Annaka Koster
Plenty of Hay | Ansley Kelly
The cliché posits that we ought to end with a bang, but Ansley has chosen to end this year with gratefulness and vulnerability. It’s a graceful reminder that joy, indeed, is meant to be more than a crumb.
Down the Aperture | Kipp De Man
You can always rely on Kipp for an insightful movie review, but this piece passes mere review and into exploration on the ongoing relationship between the medium, ourselves, and reality itself. Worthy stuff.
Pride and Preju-dress | Tiffany Kajiwara
Tiffany gave us plenty of emotional and heartfelt pieces this year, but I can’t help but be drawn to her persistence and willingness to laugh at herself in this one. She’s a diamond of the first water in our books.
A Fool’s Guide to Secret Santa | Hannah McNulty
What is is about the word “fool” that’s just so charming? Read this piece and find out, then follow Hannah’s step-by-step guide to not taking yourself (or your creations) so seriously.
A Call Center Christmas | Sam Koster
No relation. What I, and everyone else in a customer service job can relate to though, is Sam’s completely accurate depiction of the way that this kind of work allows gives you flashes of humanity’s best as well as glimpses of its worst. Come for Sam’s grace and understanding, and leave hoping that they’re the one to pick up the phone when you call.
The Triumphant Joy of Being Thrown to the Ground by a Linebacker | Izzy Nunez
This one is so much fun, even if Izzy maybe almost died to bring it to us. Its got heart, humor, and contact sports—a triumph.
Josh Parks
Being Left in the Church | Alex Johnson
Not just a lament for the CRC, but a tribute to the fragile loves and sorrows of a small church amid tectonic changes.
I Was Wrong About My Family | Loran Vanden Bosch
A wise, heartfelt reflection on how loving ourselves and loving our families can sometimes be the same thing.
Little Lights Everywhere | Olivia Harre
In addition to two beautiful tributes to grandparents, Olivia offered a kaleidoscopic take on our “light” theme month: sunsets, fireflies, campfire embers. Lights that blink out only to reappear without warning.
My Old Haunts | Carlisle Patete
Carlisle wins the Dislcaimer of the Year award for her clarification that she is not, in fact, “actively pursuing a relationship with any Muppet.” More seriously, though, her account of Hurricane Helene’s devastating effects on her hometown of Asheville, North Carolina, helped me understand the tragedy in more personal terms—and offered readers concrete ways to help out.
Outpourings and Opposable Digits | Savannah Shustack
We are creatures of habit, and Savannah’s tale of a chronic thumbs-upper reminds us just how hilarious many of those habits are. Featuring one of my favorite images in all of tpc history: the double thumbs-up after lighting the Advent candles.
The Top 5 Best (and Worst) Things About Working at a Comedy Club | Sophia Medawar
Few posts have it all: originality, insight, verve, killer one-liners. This one does.
Deb Rienstra
A Tedious Haunting. In Prose. Being a Ghost Story of Bad Organization Skills | Christina Ribbens
My life, too, is haunted by unmanaged clutter both real and virtual. Great use of sentence variation to depict this reality.
Takes | Josh Parks
A persuasive take on takes that captured my exhaustion, too, after the… events of Nov. 6. Someone had to do this insightful analysis. I’m glad it was Josh.
Coffee Creepies: Ghost Stories from Your Local Starbucks | Philip Rienstra
Call it a nepotism nomination if you must, but I really do love this clever, wry approach to the haunting theme.
Callused | Gabrielle Eisma
Packs a lot into a concise little essay about self-doubt but also about earning what you love through working at it.
Unwanted Guests | Liana Hirner
A very real haunting, a terrifying truth that we should all understand that some people endure.
Haunted by a Question | Noah Schumerth
A post which could be described as the class post calvin post about post-graduation struggles. This piece has it all, and it’s nicely put together, too.
Dante in a Joshua Tree | Emily Joy Stroble
Lots of vivid detail, and a philosophical ending.
A Little Further Along: A Letter to Future tpc Writers | Emily Joy Stroble
Writing about writing is often tedious and cliché. Emily manages to find a whole passel of great metaphors about vulnerability and change.
Every Day is a Grift | Annaka Koster
Combines research with pointed social commentary. Good grief we live in a world full of grift! I appreciate Annaka’s attention to her own fascination and her inquiry into that fascination.
Disaffiliate Me | Annaka Koster
This one crescendos, moving from observation to crisis to heartbreaking conclusion. So many young people sent packing by the CRC’s actions this year. I’m not over the anger and sorrow either.
What to Cook When Someone is Dying | Jack Kamps
A distinctive perspective on a family’s most difficult and beautiful moments. The second person approach actually works here. The food motif, something we all understand, allows us a generous and inspiring angle on these intimate scenes.
