Recommendations
Periodically, we ask our contributors to give us recommendations for books, music, movies, and podcasts. Here are some of those recommendations! Enjoy!
Josiah Pitts
BOOK: Godric, by Frederick Buechner
Buechner is one of my favorite authors. He has an absolutely remarkable ability to draw the glory and beauty out of the mundane and "normal," and his prose is breathtaking. In Godric, Buechner fictionally retells the life of an old saint who sees himself as anything but saintly. Though it's a tale that occurs in a century long-gone, Buechner miraculously shows us that Godric's story is, in its own mysterious way, our story - full of explosive joy, dry wit, wonderful characters, and a hope that's beyond telling, I'd recommend this relatively quick read to almost everyone.
ALBUM: Mercury & Lightning, by John Mark McMillan
Not only is this album a brilliant musical homage to likes of Bruce Springsteen, it's also a refreshing and much needed shot in the arm. Through his timely lyrics and catchy melodies, McMillan takes his listeners on a journey that begins with doubt and questions, and crescendos with the realization that, in spite of any evidence to the contrary, "[God] always finds me." This album is worth a thousand listens (or more!).
MOVIE: Silence, directed by Martin Scorsese
This film is based directly off the novel by the same name, written by Shusaku Endo, and recounts the persecution of the Catholic Church in Japan during the 17th century. The plot is a work of fiction, but it is set in conditions of historical reality. In Silence, two young Jesuit missionaries (played spectacularly by Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver) set out for Japan to find their mentor (another stunning portrayal by Liam Neeson), who has allegedly abandoned the faith due to the unbearable suffering inflicted upon the Japanese Christians. This is a haunting and moving film that will stick to your ribs and bring you face-to-face with difficult questions that any Christian ought to consider. (In the way of a disclaimer, the content is not profane, but it is emotionally taxing to watch and is not for the faint-hearted.)
Stephanie Kerns
BOOK: Fierce, by Aly Raisman
Raisman is an Olympic gold medalist, a survivor, and now an Arthur Ashe Courage Award winner. In Fierce, Aly Raisman’s leadership is evident as she shares the hard work she put in to achieve her goals. Her mother used to tell her, “It’s not whether you win the competition that’s important. People will always remember you for the kind of person you are, not just what you do on the floor,” and her account of her life up to this point is based on this heeded advice. She shared minimally about what it was like to stand up against the former USA team doctor who was convicted for horrific crimes against male and female athletes, but I think that’s important. She does not live in the shadows of what has happened to her; she chooses to live in the light and lead others into the light.
ALBUM: Crescendo, by Jackie Hill Perry
Jackie Hill Perry’s writing for Fathom Magazine knocks mothers and women with truth in every line, and this album is no different. The album is primarily a rap album (not my favorite genre), but hymns and the old songs of the church of my childhood are weaved into the raps - so in listening to it, I found truth, memories, and lo-fi beats (lo-fit beats are a current favorite). The main vibe of the album is longing. I sang, “I just can’t give up now, I’ve come too far from where I’ve started from; nobody told me that the road would be easy, and I don’t believe he’s brought me this far to leave me,” into the darkest parts of my soul, parts longing for Christ. The recognizable songs remind us how Christ got us through before; thus, our hope is not in vain. We have a living hope in Christ, and in our longing, it’s essential that we meditate on that.
TV: Candy Jar, Netflix
Two high school seniors battle it out to be state debate champion, but their mothers’ interpersonal conflicts could keep both of them from it. I saw myself in the female character, feeling different from everyone in school for the things I was interested in, giving up a “normal” experience in order to do what I really wanted (and I didn’t get to go to Harvard University either). It’s a good midweek break from the work hustle. There’s no real mental investment, but a feel-good movie with some competition to keep it interesting.
Ethan Bolton
ALBUM: Throwing Stones EP, by Nick D’ and the Believers
Not to be confused with religious connotations, I discovered this group through a VNYL album subscription that surprises me with vinyl albums based on my music tastes. They’re a tiny little alternative indie band and frontman Nick D’Andrea has described their work as such: “we want to blend the two worlds of lyrics-driven folk and everyman-pop hooks.” And that’s exactly the vibe they create.
PODCAST: Casefile True Crime
An award-winning podcast from Australia, Casefile walks you through haunting, compelling, and dare I say even thrilling cases from over the years; everything from the infamous Jonestown to lesser known homicides across the pond. I’m an absolute obsessive about true crime and the accounts of Casefile have had me shouting at my car stereo, cheering over a decade-old conviction, and even moved to tears on occasion. I cannot overstate, however, that this podcast is not for the faint of heart; it deals with a very real and very dark side of humanity so listener’s discretion is strongly advised.
MOVIE: Logan Lucky
Set between WV and NC, Logan Lucky is a charming heist movie starring Channing Tatum and, most affectionally, Adam Driver. It’s a bit of a comedy-drama, excelling in both arenas as it tells the story of two brothers doing the wrong thing for the right reasons… sort of.
