April 2026 Pop Culture Roundup

Books

This Here Flesh by Cole Arthur Riley – Riley explores the relationship between spirit and body, particularly as it relates to justice and identity.
Writing to Wake the Soul by Karen Hering – Hering reflects on the topic of spiritual writing, with a second section full of prompts on different theological topics.
That’s a Great Question, I’d Love to Tell You by Elyse Myers – I expected this to be more of a straight-up memoir, but instead it’s a series of humorous essays from her life, plus some other things. Think of her TikTok content, except it’s longform writing.
Home by Toni Morrison – A short story about a Black soldier who struggles to re-integrate when he returns from war.

Movies

Ballerina – This John Wick spinoff features a young woman trained as an assassin seeking vengeance for her family. It’s packed with creative fight sequences as this series is known for.
Send Help – Rachel McAdams plays a put-upon office worker with newfound power over her jerk boss on an island after a plane crash. A great dark horror/comedy with some of director Sam Raimi’s signature moves.
The Testament of Ann Lee – Amanda Seyfried (who, criminally, wasn’t even nominated for this) plays the title character in this story about the founding leader of the Shakers. This was intense, powerful, and had some amazing musical sequences.

TV Shows

Scrubs – I was worried that this revival would be like the regretful Season 9, but it does well to evolve the core familiar characters while developing new ones.
Daredevil: Born Again – There are several episodes to go, but this season has been even stronger than the first.

Albums (favorites in bold)

My 2026 playlist so far (new songs added regularly)

Published by Jeff Nelson