Favorites from September 2024:
Cultures of Growth by Mary C. Murphy.
For anyone interested in how the idea of “fixed” and “growth” mindsets affect communities (and not just individuals), this book is a fascinating read with implications for personal and institutional life.
The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin.
I couldn’t sleep the other night, so I downloaded this book on Kindle and raced through half of it. The good news was, I really love the characters and the story. It’s charming and winsome and sad and sweet, and most of it takes place in a bookstore. The bad news is that it was far too interesting to put me to sleep!
Genesis by Walter Brueggemann.
Okay, I don’t usually recommend books that only Bible nerds like me might like, but I have to mention this one. I love the way Brueggemann takes the Hebrew text seriously and integrates his Christian faith into his reading of it. For anyone who wants a deep dive into Genesis, start here!
Wildcat.
I also finally had a chance to watch Wildcat, Ethan Hawke’s film about Flannery O’Connor. It was weird and arresting and challenging and contained everything I love (and also kind of hate) about O’Connor’s writing. If you want to challenge your assumptions about the good life, this film is a great place to start!
Daughters documentary.
This film follows a group of girls and their dads—the dads are all imprisoned—and their reunion at a father/daughter dance within the prison walls. This story underlines the terrible injustices of our prison system, even as it offers a beautiful story of love and hope.
What a Blind Photographer Saw at the Paralympics.
I loved reading about how a blind photographer is not a contradiction in terms.
Simple Steps to Combat Smartphone Addiction
“Small habits begat other small habits.”
I loved this essay from Tara Isabella Burton about breaking her smartphone addiction and all the freedoms it opened up for her.
Malcolm Gladwell: How I Rediscovered Faith.
I loved Malcolm Gladwell’s story about his return to Christian faith and how it hinged on ordinary people who believed that God is actually powerful and therefore were able to do the extraordinary work of forgiveness and compassion, come what may.
The Esau McCaulley Podcast.
I’m always eager to read whatever Esau McCaulley writes, so I’m equally excited to hear his thoughts on his new podcast!
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