Books, essays, podcast episodes, and more that I think are worth your time, plus recent cultural news that I’m paying attention to in the month of September…
BOOKS
NOVEL: Orbital by Samantha Harvey
I read Orbital, by Samantha Harvey, alongside two of our kids for their school’s summer reading. It’s a short, beautiful novel about six astronauts aboard the International Space Station over the course of one day as they spin around our globe. I loved learning the science and technology bits even as it also prompted so much reflection on what it means to be human in relationship with each other and the earth.
MOVIES/SHOWS
SHOW: Stick
It is exceedingly rare that we find anything that every member of our family enjoys, so I have to recommend the new Apple TV show Stick. It’s funny and has some depth to it in telling the story of a young golf prodigy trying to compete at the highest level. My favorite episode was the final one. Without spoiling anything, if you get that far, pay attention to the two different voices/stories coming at Santi in his last round on the course. I told our kids as they go into this school year my prayer is that the voice inside their heads is the one that tells them they are beautiful and beloved and this show gave a glimpse of what that could sound like and what a difference it could make.
ESSAYS
ESSAY: “Here’s what science considers a path to a good life”
I loved this essay (with a shoutout to Heather Trammell for sharing this with me) in the Washington Post about the different ways social scientists are defining “the good life.” The first is happy. The second is meaningful. And the third is psychologically rich. I guess I’m a glutton, because I’m going for all three, and probably with a priority on meaningful. How about you?
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