I must say January is shaping up to be my favorite month of 2012 so far. That it's the only month we've seen this year is a minor issue.
Read and Reading:
I'm not sure I can properly convey how much I loved Nelson Mandela's autobiography Long Walk to Freedom. Everyone should read it for the history of South Africa, insight's into Mandela's life, and reflections on race relations and the injustices that occur around the world. It is surprisingly well written and even handed. He recognizes his missteps where appropriate and the gift of hindsight is readily apparent as he covers the years leading up to his inauguration as president of South Africa. It made me want to learn more about what happened after he became leader of the country he fought for- beyond what I learned from the movie Invictus. What struck me the most was how ordinary Mandela was but how the choices and decisions he made propelled him to become extraordinary. How inspiring is that?
Thomas Nelson sent me a complimentary copy of the young adult book First Date (McGee). It's kind of The Bachelor goes to high school mixed with Win a Date with Tad Hamilton. It's loosely based on Esther but it wasn't heavy handed with the parallels. Addy seems an introverted character, which we don't find too often. At times, the book went the predictable route but there were a few surprises I never saw coming. I don't want to give it away but I felt the ending could have been more satisfying. I could've done without the murdered missionary parents subplot and wish Addy's beliefs about dating had been more clear. Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable read.
I reviewed Raised Right: How I Untangled My Faith From Politics (Harris) here and Every Body Matters (Thomas) here.
Currently reading: The Language of Flowers (Diffenbaugh), Major Pettigrew's Last Stand (Simonson), When Helping Hurts (Corbett and Fikkert), and The War of Art (Pressfield).
Also reading Introverts in the Church (McHugh). I described it in this post as "mind-blowing." I'm going to have much to say once I'm finished. Because you guys? Myers-Briggs has told me I'm an extrovert instead of acknowledging my many, many introvert tendencies. Have I been masking myself as an extrovert all these years?
On deck: The Resignation of Eve: What If Adam's Rib is No Longer Willing to be the Church's Backbone? (Henderson).
(I read 5 books this month. Still low but Mandela's book was 625 pages. That's got to count for something.)
TV: My must-see TV: Once Upon a Time, Downton Abbey, Revenge, Parenthood, Parks & Rec, The New Girl, The Vampire Diaries
People have all sorts of opinions on the start of Downton Abbey's second season. But personally? I love it. I love the characters, the plot development, and especially the witty dialogue. I can only imagine how I'm going to feel by the end of the season, where I've been assured all manner of good stuff occurs.
If you love Once Upon a Time, definitely weigh in at SortaCrunchy's weekly OUAT Tuesday posts. Great discussion about themes, who characters could be, and filtering through the prevalent theories.
Movies: The Swell Season documentary, a must-see for any fans of the movie Once
Moneyball, which made me so excited for Spring Training to begin. I know it wasn't a competely accurate reflection of the A's season that year. It neglects to mention the team's star players, including my favorite White Sox Jermaine Dye (though I did hear his name on some game footage!) But as far as going into the psyche and persona of Billy Beane, the film more than delivers. Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill especially brought their characters to life in their scenes together. The behind-the-scenes action of trading players and the like was fascinating to this baseball fan.
Music: I saw The Civil Wars play their first show at the Ryman. Hallelujah and glory be (a few reflections here, mixed in with thoughts about The Swell Season doc)
New discoveries: The Head and the Heart (via Natalie Lloyd), Seryn (via Jess Bertram), Sarah Hart, Among Savages, Wye Oak (via @ineffablegod), David Robbins (via Knox McCoy), Walk Off the Earth (via Shawn Smucker)
I am obsessed with Gotye's Somebody That I Used to Know. Obsessed. I heard it a couple of months ago but didn't pursue it any further until the local radio station played it again last month. Now I can't get enough. I've listened to some of his other stuff- and it's great- but really I just want to listen to this song on repeat.
In the Blogosphere:
So I had a birthday and then my dear bloggy BFF-turned real life bestie Mary Kathryn surprised me with this post all about our friendship and what she appreciates about me. I was stunned by her generosity.
Preston Yancey had the idea to celebrate the Church by hosting a huge guest post series: At The Lord's Table. More than 50 people are taking over Preston's blog to reflect on the "the beauty of the Church, warts and all." Look for my contribution there tomorrow afternoon!
This Deeper Story post about the Church by Sara Sophia gave me absolute goosebumps. Absolutely beautiful.
During this in between season of my life, I didn't realize how much I needed this reminder from Emily Freeman over at (in)courage: For When Your Future Keeps Changing.
Surely you've already read this fantastic piece by Momastery blogger Glennon Melton over at Huffington Post: Don't Carpe Diem. Great perspective, even for those of us who aren't parents yet.
Every single piece written this past month at My Tropic of Cancer. Her beautiful writing blows me away each and every time. I find myself wanting to copy and post the same comment: beautiful, lovely, goosebumps, thank you.
I was fascinated by How Doctors Die. For those of us who have worked in end of life care, the sentiments will not be surprising. I can only hope that it will move the conversation forward on a national level. Consider what certain treatments entail and what will give you the best quality of life.
Excellent, inspiring piece illustrating grace. Oh, that I could be this kind of person!
What Single People Wish Married People Knew. "We already struggle with feeling like we lack when we wonder why we haven’t been chosen. Please don’t cut that wound deeper." The Sexy Celebate is spot on.
What have you been into this month?
Disclosure : Amazon Affiliate links included in this post. If you click through to Amazon from HopefulLeigh, any purchase you make supports this site.