JRLS 2023 picks (not in order of preference)
books - nonfiction
Poverty, By America, Matthew Desmond What currently is and what is possible.
Path Lit By Lightning, David Maraniss Jim Thorpe, an American story for the ages.
The Creative Act, Rick Rubin Insightful gems for anyone seeking to live out their creative spirit.
Advise for Future Corpses*, Sallie Tisdale Tisdale nurtures the reader toward living a fuller life while intentionally moving toward the reality of death.
Cosmic Scholar, the Life and Times of Harry Smith, John Szwed A complicated and artistic life with far reaching impact.
The Baseball 100, by Joe Posnanski So many well told stories.
Indigenous Continent, Pekka Hamalanen Insightful, fresh, look at the indigenous story of the Americas.
The Talk, Darrin Bell A teaching tool on race relations for youth, and a wakeup call for adults.
books - memoir
Saved By a Song, Mary Gauthier An honest life story from an honest, caring, relentless artist.
Pageboy, Elliot Page ““brutally honest” memoir (that) recounts the fears and obstacles to gender transition, and the hard-won happiness ...” (NYT)
books - fiction
Demon Copperhead, Barbara Kingsolver A mirror reflecting how we have a long way to go to become a compassionate country.
All the Sinner's Bleed, S A Crosby A wild ride that hits on many levels.
Harold, Steven Wright Quirky and hilarious.
Everyone Here is Lying, Shari Lapena Deep dive into how often and in how many ways we lie or avoid speaking the truth.
Happiness Falls, Angie Kim Reveals deep family secrets and the painful process of the truth becoming known and accepted.
music
Allison Russell, The Returner “5-star triumph” (America Songwriter)
Jaimee Harris, Boomerang Town “Humanity shines through” (No Depression)
Iris DeMent, Workin’ on a World “like a parade on a stormy day” (Pitchfork)
Rhiannon Giddens, You're the One “expands her sound without abandoning her roots.” (Rolling Stone)
Rodney Crowell, The Chicago Sessions “Limber, breezy, and full of joy.” (Slant)
Sunny War, Anarchist Gospel “Roots Rebel” (Uncut)
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Weathervanes “find beauty and rage in the everyday” (Paste)
Nickel Creek, Celebrants “unfolds cinematically, revealing the shadows of loss but reveling in the brilliance of love” (Folk Alley)
Buddy and Julie Miller, In the Throes “quality, originality & creativity never cease” (Americana Highways)
Bruce Cockburn, O Sun O Moon “brings the brilliance once again” (Rock & Blues Muse)
and a playlist: Jimmy S best of 2023 playlist
screen
Reservation Dogs A television show for the ages.
Luckiest Guy in the World (30 for 30, Bill Walton) In depth look at the life of Bill Walton. Conclusion, he is an amazing treasure.
Women Talking As the movie finished I took a deep breath and said, That is a perfect movie. The book was great too.
Ted Lasso Glad we finally watched it.
Barbie Summer fun, anytime fun.
The Bear Intense drama, deeply insightful.
Our Flag Means Death Pirates, twisted comedy and true love.
Abbott Elementary Great characters tell great stories.
Only Murders in the Building Every season is a joy.
The Last of Us Couldn’t wait for each new episode.
The Morning Show & Succession This is where 80’s prime time soaps have brought us and it is a kick.
CBS Sunday Morning Essential watching, a bright spot every week.
pods
Stolen: Surviving St. Michael's Heartbreaking.
The Run-up Needed reporting about the “unprecedented” elections we are facing in the coming year.
Cigar Thoughts (Bellingham’s own) Jacson Bevins and an array of insightful guests feed my Seahawk curiosity and passion.
Mobituaries Mo Rocca is all you need to know.
Have You Heard Insiders look at crucial issues in education.
No Small Endeavor Quality guest driven interviews.
Offbeat Oregon Short history stories of my beloved home state.
American History Tellers Deep dives into interesting and crucial stories in understanding why we are who we are.
Matter of Opinion diverse voices from news, politics and culture talk weekly issues with depth and nuance.
Onward to 2024.
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Great lists!