Fun and Interesting Stuff
A list of reading and listening recommendations
Here is a collection of some of my favorite things I have read or listened to over the course of 2023. If you’re looking for your next read or listen this in a non-exhaustive list of what I would recommend. I have broken the list down into a few categories: what I enjoy “On Substack,” “Fiction Books” that I have enjoyed this year, my “Favorites with a Young Child,” of course “Poetry,” “Nonfiction Books” I have appreciated reading this year, “Podcasts” that I have listened to most this year, and my “All Time Favorite Books” as of right now. There’s a little in here for pretty much everyone so peruse at your leisure.
On Substack
He writes dark speculative fiction. I particularly enjoy his poems and short fairytales.
If you have young kids this one is for you. It is a humor news letter about daily life with one’s family amongst other things.
“One newsletter to rule them all.” Just like it sounds, this is a humor newsletter about all things Lord of the Rings and Tolkien related.
Poem-a-Day by
This is just what it sounds like as well. You get a poem every day. It may be long. It may be short. They are usually in free verse, and from an interesting perspective on a wide variety of subject matter.
Fiction Books
The Children of Hurin by J.R.R. Tolkien edited by Christopher Tolkien
The story of The Lord of the Rings takes place within a vast and old storied world. This is one story of many from times past in Middle Earth. Before there was one ring to rule them all there was Morgoth, an evil god who desired to enslave the entire world. This story is a tragedy about a man who goes by many names which he earns from his struggle through life in Middle Earth under the oppression of Morgoth. He begins as a young noble among men, journeys to live among the elves, becomes an outlaw, ruler and legend. It is a fantastic story especially for any lovers of The Lord of the Rings.
Dune and Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert
You have almost certainly heard of Dune if not because it redefined (or maybe initially defined) the science fiction genre then you at least saw the previews for the movie (and the second one coming in 2024). The story follows Paul Atreides in a distant future where the universe is ruled by a corrupt emperor and many high status families. If you like Star Wars you will probably like Dune which is basically the father of Star Wars. I mention Dune Messiah because I feel that the original book does not really end and to get a satisfying ending I needed to read the second book as well. With the two put together it is a very good story.
Murtagh by Christopher Paolini
This is the fifth book in the Inheritance Cycle (Eragon series) released in November of this year. Even though it has been such a long time since Paolini has written anything in this series this book does not disappoint. It is marketed as a “stand alone” book within the world or Alagaësia so the idea is that you don’t have to read the other four books in order to jump into this one. I am not sure if that is the case, but I would recommend the entire series anyway. In this book Murtagh is a dragon rider who discovers a dark plot brewing in the shadows of Alagaësia just as the people are trying to heal from the war which resulted in the death of the evil emperor Galbatorix.
Favorites with a Young Child
The Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly graphic novel series by Jordan Quinn
Reading a graphic novel with a preschooler is as good as watching a cartoon except better because it avoids additional screen time and provides quality bonding time. Just be sure to use funny voices for each character. This series is action packed but still appropriate for young children. There is very little violence, lots of adventure, and good examples of friendship while learning about heroic kindness along the way.
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
This is definitely my preschool-aged child’s favorite book right now. We read it (or listen to it on the Yoto app) at least twice a day and often more than that. It is a silly story about a mouse who makes up a creature so it doesn’t get eaten. Then, there’s a fun little twist at the end.
Mother Bruce by Ryan Higgins
When I first read Mother Bruce I was laughing out loud in the middle of the store. Even though I have probably read this book a million times since then I still enjoy it with my child, as well as most of the other Bruce books. The characters are lovable and I personally find Bruce the bear very relatable.
Steam Train Dream Train by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld
This is an excellent bedtime story. It starts out at a good exciting pace and slows down to a sleepy chug at the end. It is perfect for setting the bedtime mood. The illustrations are wonderfully colorful even though the book is set at night (which also helps set the bedtime mood). It is a good book for any kid but a must have for those who enjoy trains.
Poetry
Husbandry by Matthew Dickman
This is a small collection of poems from the perspective of a man living life as a single father with all its hardship and beauty.
Survival is a Style by Christian Wiman
Christian Wiman is a prominent American poet as the former editor or Poetry magazine and having taught at Stanford University, Northwestern University, Lynchburg College, and Yale Divinity School. Unfortunately I have had a hard time getting a hold of his work. This happens to be the one book of his held by my public library. It is filled with deep, insightful and emotional poems.
Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman
You have probably heard of Amanda Gorman who performed “The Hill We Climb” at the most recent Inaugural Address. This collection delves into the collective American experience during the hight of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nonfiction Books
No Shortcuts by Jane McAlevey
What do you know about organized labor in the USA? Maybe some, but if you want to know a little more about the history as well as how it is done this is the perfect book. Jane McAlevey is a teacher and long time organizer who shares stories from history and her own experience in this book.
The Cross and the Lynching Tree by James H. Cone
This is required reading for anyone seriously interested in theology. James Cone is one of the premiere theologians of the 21st century. The book brings black liberation theology to life unlike any other exploring how the life of Christ and insights to biblical texts create meaning for and inspire action in the lives of black American Christians.
Jesus and John Wayne by Kristin Kobes du Mez
Read this if you are at all interested in the cultural narrative we find ourselves living within in America. Even if you disagree with Kobes du Mez about whether the events she narrates come to good or ill for our culture as a whole you need to know this perspective to gain a deeper understanding of the divide in American society and within American churches. It is the story of history many, if not most, of us have lived.
Podcasts
This is a podcast about philosophy and how different strains of thought are affecting the world we live in every day. There are a wide variety of ideas and questions to grapple with in this podcast. Listen with an open mind willing to try out different ideas and play with them.
Adam Conover from the show Adam Ruins Everything hosts all kinds of guests to explore all kinds of interesting topics. There are bound to be some episodes that interest you if you are curious about anything at all.
Ezra Klein is a journalist formerly from Vox now with the New York Times. He hosts guest to explore timely issues. He does not only host guests with whom he agrees, yet the show is not argumentative. Klein is very intentional about maintaining discussion around the topic at hand and pushing the conversation forward rather than churning up pointless unproductive bickering.
Hosted by Peter Enns and Jared Bias this podcast brings academic excellence in the realm of biblical studies into the language of normal curious people of faith who want an intellectually honest approach to belief, faith, and biblical study. The topics they broach are not always comfortable but that is because biblical texts, church life, and life in general are often uncomfortable. However, they have a healthy sense of humor and lighthearted approach which makes the podcast both interesting and enjoyable.
All Time Favorite Books
The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
The Mythos Trilogy by Stephen Fry
Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Thank you so much for the shout out, Caleb!
Thanks for recommending Jokien with Tolkien! So glad that you've enjoyed it. I also found lots in the rest of your list that I either already enjoy too or that looks interesting: great list!