Friends, I am ready for 2020 to be over. I am more than ready.
But only with the understanding that I'm praying and hoping 2021 is a better year. Because...I have had enough of disruption and loss and hurting.
Maybe you have too. (May I suggest some Comfort Reading?)
If so, know that I am praying for you. For those struggling through the holiday season. And for those struggling to make sense of the strangest year in modern memory.
Excelsior! (Even if we have to crawl.)
Some of these links may be outdated at this point but I know you'll forgive me.
Christianity:
- After Jesus and John Wayne: a Booklist by Kristin Du Mez. Jesus and John Wayne was one of the most disturbing books I read in 2020. This is a booklist by its author on what to read next.
- A Liturgy for Embracing Both Joy and Sorrow from The Rabbit Room. I have needed this every day in December.
- I shared this on FB and Twitter a long time ago but it's still such a good read, I wanted to share it again: Things Fall Apart by Helena Sorensen at The Rabbit Room.
Literary
- C.S. Lewis and his Stepsons: A Conversation with Douglas Gresham at First Things.
- Thought provoking (although the thoughts it provoked for me are not coherent enough to compose a blog post about): 'The Decline of the Novel' by Joseph Bottum, a review by Karen Swallow Prior.
- Cozy and Clever Books for Teens and Adults from Redeemed Reader. Some of my favorites made the list and there were a few new to me titles I need to watch for.
- That I May Dwell in the House of the Lord: A Review of Piranesi by Susanna Clarke. Review by Joy Clarkson. I do not agree with all of Clarkson's conclusions about the story, or how she understands some of the imagery, but I do know that Piranesi was one of those titles I immediately gave to my husband and oldest daughter to read so I would have someone to talk with about it. Definitely recommend it!
- Five Novels Every Christian Should Read from Culture Review. This caught my eye because I've read exactly none of them, so I obviously have some homework to do.
Political:
- How We Got Here by Andrew Kern. Andrew Kern is someone I will always read or listen to. His mind amazes and occasionally befuddles me, honestly. But he's always great at making me think.
- The Case for Retracting Matthew Desmond's 1619 Project Essay by Phillip Magness. The 1619 Project is a hot mess (technical term) for many reasons, and this post deals with one of the major reasons.
- This is a little out of date now, because most people are done talking about The Social Dilemma on Netflix (disclosure: I have not seen it, we do not have Netflix and have no plans to get it for many reasons). But anyway, I thought this was interesting: The Flattering Alarmism of The Social Dilemma by John Sailer.
- Markets and Strangulation of the American Family by Gracy Olmstead at Mere Orthodoxy. Lots to wrestle with here!
- Hannah Anderson had a Twitter thread related to the above: How the Marketplace is at Odds with the Family.
- Ready to be infuriated? The List of Politicians Defying Their Own Lockdown Orders.
- Nicholas Kristof's investigation of P*rnhub - this is the twitter thread with a link to the article. I cannot recommend everyone read the article because it is graphic and disturbing but we cannot look away. This is evil. We must fight for these children.
Everything Else:
- Geek out: Celebrate Grand Admiral Thrawn's 30th Birthday with New Book and New Merch. OK, so they've brought back Thrawn. But what about Mara Jade?! Timothy Zahn wrote the best female character in Star Wars since Princess Leia and they do nothing for her?! [she said, indignantly]
- This is pretty cool: You're Tired of Your Malm? IKEA will Buy it Back.
- As someone who has to go to the dermatologist on a regular basis due to my risk factors, I appreciate news like this: A Blood Test Could Help Identify Best Treatment for Melanoma.
- Show this one to your kids: Colored Droplets in Corn Syrup Seem to Blend and then Return to Their Original State. Science!
- Ever fall down an internet rabbit hole? I somehow found myself researching songs that sound alike. This list is extensive. Personally, I think the world has room enough for "Under Pressure" AND "Ice, Ice Baby."
- Chestnuts Roasting While the World's On Fire by Sarah Taber. I truly hope Chestnuts come back, even if I never get to roast any on an open fire.
- Divers Accidentally Stumble Upon Nazi Enigma Machine in Baltic Sea. As one does.
- A Christmas Miracle: A Long Lost Muppet Christmas Carol Song Has Been Found at Last. First of all, it wasn't lost. It's on our DVD, just not in the fully restored widescreen version, which is what can be fixed now. Second of all, what was Jeffrey Katzenberg thinking?!
From Living Unabridged
- Recent: Book Lovers' Gift Guide 2020
- Christmas Expectation
- Free or Inexpensive Christmas Traditions
- 10 Games to Give as Gifts. And don't forget Square Meal is still available!
- Little House Christmases
- Christmas Playlist Substitutions. I should do another post like this. I love Christmas music and there is so much great music that is somehow neglected by the Christmas stations who play Let it Snow every third song.
- Finally, the most popular thing I've ever written: Four Things Children Don't Need
Wishing you the very best of the season, friends. May we reflect the light of the world despite the darkness that surrounds us.
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