Favorite Books
To say I am an avid reader is an understatement. I live literature. I am, in a fact, a literature professor--I profess, I affirm my faith and allegiance to literature, on an almost daily basis. Although I am clearly dedicated to story, the question I get asked the most, "what is your favorite book?," baffles me. A seemingly simple question requires, for me, an incredibly complex answer. In truth, it is a question I usually cannot answer because it depends on answers to a myriad of different questions, mostly about the person who is asking.
However, I am perfectly comfortable reporting on my favorite reads of 2016:
1) Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick. It is no secret that we have recently been obsessed with all things Korea, and this book is a read obviously connected to that obsession. It tells the story of life in North Korea from the perspective of defectors who risked their lives to take refuge in South Korea. It actually took me more than a full year to read because I can only handle the disturbing depictions in very small doses, but it tops my list because it tells a story I truly knew nothing about prior to a surprising mission call in 2015.
2) The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe. I was drawn to this in large part because it tells the story of a mother/son relationship as the mother undergoes chemo. I have my own related story, a father/daughter relationship as the father undergoes chemo and a bone marrow transplant. The only problem with this book is that my "list of books I need to read" grew exponentially as I devoured the pages.
3) Daring Greatly and Rising Strong by Brene Brown. I have been slow to the table of self-help literature (I'm a skeptic at heart), but Brene Brown's intellectual approach pulled me in and in truth gave me new insight to issues of vulnerability, shame, courage, and empathy. I'm working on empathy.
4) The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. I actually listened to this one. Twice.
5) God Help the Child by Toni Morrison. I am in love with all things Toni Morrison. While not my favorite Morrison book, it tackles the important issue of childhood suffering impacting adulthood in poignant and moving ways as it examines the relationship between a mother and daughter complicated by race.
6) Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert. I argued in the margins with Gilbert throughout the book (I have an essay on why I don't like her earlier message in Eat, Pray, Love), but it turned out to be a productive conversation, at least for me.
7) Orphan Train by Christine Baker Cline. A light, easy, and actually very informative and inspiring read.
8) All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. The story of a blind girl and German boy whose paths collide in the midst of the WWII.
9) Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler. I have come to love these biographical novels, especially those that tell the story of significant others--the stories we don't typically hear.
10) A Spool of Blue Thread by Ann Tyler. I like her. I have had a relationship with this author since the 1980s.
Favorite 2016 Podcasts
Revisionist History with Malcolm Gladwell. Absolutely obsessed by this one because it challenges me to challenge him and learn more. I may have shed a tear in the final episode, "Generous Orthodoxy"--yes me, the person whose tear ducts get use only when hit directly by an arctic blast.
Modern Love by the New York Times. In awe over the myriad shapes love takes in our culture.
The Hilarious World of Depression by American Pubic Media. Just started this (the podcast itself is relatively new--only three episodes), but I have watched depression and mental illness from an armchair (maybe even from the next room) for most of my life and this has pulled me into the discussion--you know, that empathy thing.
Favorite 2016 Movies
Lala Land. This probably tops the list because it is the most recent movie I have seen (last night) and I cannot wait to see it again.
I can't claim much expertise here since my tiny town theater doesn't show the majority of films even made. I liked Florence Foster Jenkins, Hell or High Water, Hail Caesar, and Sully.
Favorite 2016 Binge TV watches
Hands down, The Crown.
Favorite 2016 Recipe (at least, my go-to recipe this year)
Thanks to my brother-in-law Jason for introduction to this recipe.
No-Knead Crusty Artisan Bread:
http://www.thecomfortofcooking.com/2013/04/no-knead-crusty-artisan-bread.html
(I thought this would link, but it looks like you will have to cut and paste)
