Five things I’m digging on recently – unofficially brought to you by the milk chocolate malt balls from The Peanut Store in downtown Holland.
1. The Beatryce Prophecy - Kate DiCamillo
It's impossible to pick a favorite author, but Kate DiCamillo is on my short list. The Beatryce Prophecy is a worthy addition to her incredible collection of work. It made me laugh. It made me cry. It made me want a pet goat. I can't wait to read it again.
In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Band of Brothers, Roger Bennett (of Men in Blazers) fame released a podcast chronicling the groundbreaking miniseries. The latter is great, funny and informative and provides lots of great behind-the-scenes stories. The former is still one of the best things to ever appear on screen. Watch the show. LIsten to the podcast. Read the book.
3. 60 Songs That Explain the 90s
Speaking of podcasts, my college roommate turned me on to this podcast from Rob Harvilla. It's a bit of a nostalgia trip, but Harvilla's genuine enjoyment of the music - both the songs themselves and the stories - is infectious. They're all good, but I've been surprised by how some of the episodes I've really loved are about songs/artists I never particularly liked.
4. The Outlaws Scarlett & Browne - Jonathan Stroud
A recommendation from my 13 year old who has read the book multiple times, started dressing like one of the titular characters, and openly lamented that we don't live in a world that's a weird mix of dystopian England and the Wild West.
5. The Lincoln Highway - Amor Towles
There's a reason it's making all of the "Best Of 2021" lists.