On my former blog, I used to write one of these summaries of my pop culture consumption every month. Then when I started my newsletter I migrated it there. But I decided that the newsletter needed some freshening up, so now it’s back to the blog!
(Also, please subscribe to my newsletter.)
Books
- The Heroine’s Journey by Maureen Murdock – An alternative to the commonly known hero’s journey. She provided a lot of great examples from popular books and movies, and I easily saw how I tend to use this in my own novels.
- Wintering by Katherine May – May reflects on challenges in her own life to illustrate the idea that we sometimes go through personal “winter” seasons. These are times when it is advisable to slow down, shed what is unnecessary, and conserve ourselves while resting and recovering. It’s an excellent meditation.
- Fortunate Son by Melinda Mitchell – Mitchell reimagines the Biblical story of David and Jonathan as a sci-fi space adventure. Very imaginative and original.
- Semi-Well Adjusted Despite Literally Everything by Alyson Stoner – This is a fairly typical memoir of a former child star: early success alongside a screwed up family life leading to a distorted view of self, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and eventual breaking free from all of it. I was glad to read her redemption arc.
- How We Learn to Be Brave by Mariann Edgar Budde – Bishop Budde reflects on being courageous, including working up the fortitude to do so. She shares anecdotes from her own life and ministry as well (this was written before her newsworthy sermon last year).
Movies
- One Battle After Another – I didn’t think much of this as I watched it. I didn’t see why so many people were making it into such a big deal. But I’ve been thinking about it a lot since, reflecting on the little choices and nuances, and what each character is meant to convey. I have to say that I appreciate it more now than in the moment, which I didn’t expect.
- Wake Up Dead Man – This was easily my favorite Knives Out mystery. It’s not just because the story and the case were compelling, but also because the whole thing takes place in a church. This was one of the most accurate depictions of ministry and congregational life that I’ve ever seen.
- My Dead Friend Zoe – An Army veteran deals with the trauma and grief of losing her fellow soldier and friend. This includes continuing to talk to a mental personification, as well as confiding in the leader of a veteran support group. It’s heartfelt, funny, and a good exploration of trust, relationships and healing via connection with others.
- Regretting You – A mom and daughter lose the two most important people in their lives, and have to figure out themselves, their relationship, and life in general. It’s funny, and touching, and the two leads are both fantastic.
- Roofman – Based on a true story about a man who robs a bunch of McDonald’s restaurants and eventually escapes from prison to hide in a Toys R Us. It’s a lot of fun.
TV Shows
- Pluribus – Something strange has happened to most of humanity, and it’s up to one extremely cranky cynical woman to figure it all out. This was a fun series with a puzzle at the center to figure out.
- Landman – There were some interesting and surprising developments in season 2, but there were some strange and unnecessary choices as well. It did have a strong ending, so I’ll look forward to where it heads next.
Albums
- Imminence, The Return of the Black – I came across the video for their song “God Fearing Man” and I was hooked immediately. The best way to describe them is “Swedish symphonic metal.” They’re now a regular listening companion during my workouts.
- tiLLie, i miss when monsters were only shadows – I’ve been a fan of this alt pop artist for a year or two now, particularly for her biting lyrics about social and religious topics. This new EP is excellent.
- Poppy, Empty Hands – One of my favorite scream queens is a little more aggressive this time around, which I welcome. This has quickly become another workout companion.
My 2026 playlist so far (new songs added regularly)
Jeffrey A. Nelson 