February 2024 Top Ten

1.

I got an advanced copy of my friend Lance Schaubert’s forthcoming book titled Overmorrow and enjoyed it. He sets up some really interesting metaphors in it. Pre-save it on Goodreads here.

2.

I’ve been following Shia LaBeouf’s spiritual journey since 2014 when he played a chaplain in Fury. It’s been a wild ride, which has led to him being confirmed in the Catholic Church. And, from an outsider’s perspective (just from watching interviews the past ten years), he seems to be refreshed.

3.

I read The Genius of Birds by Jennifer Ackerman and enjoyed it. Read it for research on a book I want to write, but also for general interest. It gets pretty science-y at some points, but it’s good.

4.

I read The Rule of St. Benedict and didn’t really enjoy it. It would be good to read if you’re interested in the history of monastic life, or if you’re going to visit a monastery.

5.

Here’s the newest Ryan Trahan video, but this one is equal parts funny and touching.

6.

I read Why We Love Baseball: A History in 50 Moments by Joe Posnanski and loved it. He’s such a great writer and gives a ton of context to some of the greatest moments in baseball history.

7.

My wife and I watched Adam Sandler’s movie Leo and enjoyed it quite a bit.

8.

Like most of America, I was reminded how good Tracy Chapman is after the Grammy performance. Here’s a live version I appreciated.

9.

We read 101 Great American Poems for book club. It was good. It’s the classics. I wouldn’t recommend someone start with it, if they’re new to poetry, but it’s a good, affordable collection.

10.

In an effort to reduce my screen time, ironically, I watched this video about making a wisdom commonplace book and made my own that I’ve been carrying around. It’s been super helpful and enjoyable.