BOOKS
Author: Natasha Boyd
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publishing Year: 2017
Description: An incredible story of dangerous and hidden friendships, ambition, betrayal, and sacrifice.
The year is 1739. Eliza Lucas is sixteen years old when her father leaves her in charge of their family's three plantations in rural South Carolina and then proceeds to bleed the estates dry in pursuit of his military ambitions. Tensions with the British, and with the Spanish in Florida, just a short way down the coast, are rising, and Eliza's family is in danger of losing everything.
Upon hearing how much the French pay for indigo dye, Eliza believes it's the key to their salvation. Eliza finds that her only allies are an aging horticulturalist, an older and married gentleman lawyer, and a slave with whom she strikes a dangerous deal: teach her the intricate thousand-year-old secret process of making indigo dye and in return -- against the laws of the day -- she will teach the slaves to read.
Based on historical documents, including Eliza's letters, this is a historical fiction account of how a teenage girl produced indigo dye, which became one of the largest exports out of South Carolina, an export that laid the foundation for the incredible wealth of several Southern families who still live on today. Although largely overlooked by historians, the accomplishments of Eliza Lucas influenced the course of US history.
This book is set between 1739 and 1744, with romance, intrigue, forbidden friendships, and political and financial threats weaving together to form the story of a remarkable young woman whose actions were before their time: the story of the indigo girl.
Author: Patrick Ness
Genre: Dystopian Science Fiction
Publishing Year: 2010
Description: A dystopian thriller follows a boy and girl on the run from a town where all thoughts can be heard – and the passage to manhood embodies a horrible secret.
Todd Hewitt is the only boy in a town of men. Ever since the settlers were infected with the Noise germ, Todd can hear everything the men think, and they hear everything he thinks. Todd is just a month away from becoming a man, but in the midst of the cacophony, he knows that the town is hiding something from him -- something so awful Todd is forced to flee with only his dog, whose simple, loyal voice he hears too. With hostile men from the town in pursuit, the two stumble upon a strange and eerily silent creature: a girl. Who is she? Why wasn't she killed by the germ like all the females on New World? Propelled by Todd's gritty narration, readers are in for a white-knuckle journey in which a boy on the cusp of manhood must unlearn everything he knows in order to figure out who he truly is.
Author: Ashley Poston
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publishing Year: 2017
Description: Part romance, part love letter to nerd culture, and all totally adorbs, Geekerella is a fairy tale for anyone who believes in the magic of fandom. Geek girl Elle Wittimer lives and breathes Starfield, the classic sci-fi series she grew up watching with her late father. So when she sees a cosplay contest for a new Starfield movie, she has to enter. The prize? An invitation to the ExcelsiCon Cosplay Ball, and a meet-and-greet with the actor slated to play Federation Prince Carmindor in the reboot. With savings from her gig at the Magic Pumpkin food truck (and her dad’s old costume), Elle’s determined to win…unless her stepsisters get there first.
Teen actor Darien Freeman used to live for cons—before he was famous. Now they’re nothing but autographs and awkward meet-and-greets. Playing Carmindor is all he’s ever wanted, but the Starfield fandom has written him off as just another dumb heartthrob. As ExcelsiCon draws near, Darien feels more and more like a fake—until he meets a girl who shows him otherwise.
AUDIOBOOKS
Author: Dion Leonard
Audiobook Narrator: Simon Bubb
Genre: Memoir
Publishing Year: 2017
In 2016, Dion Leonard, a seasoned ultramarathon runner, unexpectedly stumbled across a little stray dog while competing in a grueling 155 mile race across the Gobi Desert. The lovable pup, who earned the name ‘Gobi’, proved that what she lacked in size, she more than made up for in heart, as she went step for step with Dion over the treacherous Tian Shan Mountains, managing to keep pace with him for nearly 80 miles.
As Dion witnessed the incredible determination of this small animal, he felt something change within himself. In the past he had always focused on winning and being the best, but his goal now was simply to make sure that his new friend was safe, nourished and hydrated. Although Dion did not finish first, he felt he had won something far greater and promised to bring Gobi back to the UK for good to become a new addition to his family. This was the start of a journey neither of them would ever forget with a roller coaster ride of drama, grief, heartbreak, joy and love that changed their lives forever.
Finding Gobi is the ultimate story of hope, of resilience and of friendship, proving once again, that dogs really are ‘man’s best friend.’
This audiobook touched my heart deeply. Not only does is cover some of my favorite subjects: stray dogs, running, and being a foreigner in China, but it also has so much warmth, hope, and heart. Dog stories and the humans they commit themselves to will always mean the most to me. 10/10 Recommend.
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Audiobook Narrator: B.J. Harrison
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publishing Year: 1883
"For sheer storytelling delight and pure adventure, Treasure Island has never been surpassed. From the moment young Jim Hawkins first encounters the sinister Blind Pew at the Admiral Benbow Inn until the climactic battle for treasure on a tropic isle, the novel creates scenes and characters that have fired the imaginations of generations of readers. Written by a superb prose stylist, a master of both action and atmosphere, the story centers upon the conflict between good and evil - but in this case a particularly engaging form of evil. It is the villainy of that most ambiguous rogue Long John Silver that sets the tempo of this tale of treachery, greed, and daring.
Designed to forever kindle a dream of high romance and distant horizons, Treasure Island is, in the words of G. K. Chesterton, 'the realization of an ideal, that which is promised in its provocative and beckoning map; a vision not only of white skeletons but also green palm trees and sapphire seas.'
After listening to this adaptation, I can say with confidence that B.J. Harrison is the best audiobook narrator I have ever heard. I went on to listen to more audiobooks with him, including Ayn Rand's Anthem, Felix Salten's Bambi, Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, Agatha Christie's Murder on the Links, and a dramatization of Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest. That being said, his Treasure Island was my absolute favorite. I've been tracking down all B.J. Harrison's content, including his audiobooks and podcasts (see the PODCAST Section) and I'd recommend his work , and particularly this 10/10 adaptation, to everyone!
RADIO/AUDIO DRAMA
Genre: Historical Fiction
Warning: Language, some adult themes/content
Seasons: 2
Distribution: Airship Production/Wondery Podcast
April 15, 1865. President Lincoln is dead and the country in turmoil. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton takes control, determined to bring the assassin to justice—but the hunt for John Wilkes Booth isn’t all that grips Stanton.
Lincoln’s successor, Vice President Andrew Johnson, is likely to bend to southern interests and undo the very progress for which Lincoln died. Edwin Stanton must employ every bit of political wile he can muster to secure the future of the freed slaves, and the nation.
Consumed by his conviction, Stanton will betray his friends, his honor, and the very constitution he is sworn to protect, all to steer the country towards justice.
Genre: Family Adventure, comedy
Distribution: Gen-Z Podcast
Before he was Benjamin Franklin, inventor and statesman, he was just Ben, a boy in Colonial Boston with an adventurous spirit, a curious mind...and a penchant for getting into trouble. Meet our most endearing founding father at fourteen; a charming rebel years away from discovering the ageless sayings and brilliant inventions that made him famous. When Ben and his friends stumble upon a mysterious letter leading to a legendary treasure, he'll have to use his wits and bravery to outsmart the cruel British governor of Massachusetts.
Genre: Mystery, thriller
Content Warning: Language, mature themes
Seasons: 2
Distribution: Radiotopia Podcast
Atlantic Airlines flight 702 has disappeared mid-flight between London and New York with 256 passengers on board. Kaitlin Le, a college student whose twin brother vanished with the flight, is determined to uncover the truth.
TELEVISION SHOWS
Seasons: 2 (2020 - )
Genre: Historical Fiction, Comedy, Drama
Starring: Nicholas Ralph, Samuel West, Anna Madeley, Callum Woodhouse & more
Watch on PBS Masterpiece
The numerous adventures of a friendly staff at a country veterinarian practice in 1930s to 1940s Yorkshire, England. (IMDb)
This show is very special to me for a number of reasons. First, my mom used to read James Herriot's novels and short stories sharing his life to me as a child. Second, Mom and I were able to start watching season 1 together this year and it was a special time that I looked forward to every week. Mom and my shared love of animals (and her veterinary background) brought this story and its heart-warming message to life.
Seasons: 3 (2004 - 2005)
Genre: Reality TV
Watch on A&E's YouTube Channel
A reality series focusing on the daily pitfalls of a crew of airline workers trying to keep a major airport running smoothly. From lost baggage to delayed flights to unruly passengers these tireless workers face each problem with cool heads and common sense even as the pressure keeps mounting. — Jerry Roberts (IMDb)
This show is pure escapism for me. I miss travel and the chaos of airports and this show was an excellent and entertaining distraction. This show also highlights some of the best and worst moments of humanity. A good reminder on both ends.
Seasons: (2005 - 2010)
Genre: Crime, Mystery, Drama
Starring: Rob Morrow, David Krumholtz
Watch on PlutoTV
Working for the F.B.I., a mathematician uses equations to help solve various crimes.
Revisiting the first three seasons this high school favorite from was a fun surprise for the year. I always tell people that this is the only show that ever made me interested in and enjoy math!
APPS
Listen anytime, anywhere to an unmatched selection of audiobooks, original premium podcasts, and more at Audible.
I have wanted to join Audible since I was in high school, but I kept putting it off (the subscription price always seemed like a big commitment). This year, it just made sense to finally join (as you probably guessed from my discussion of audiobooks and podcasts above). I am so happy and satisfied. I've listened to some incredible audiobooks and have new ones on the waiting list that I can't wait to get to in 2022.
Find and read more books you'll love, and keep track of the books you want to read. Be part of the world's largest community of book lovers on Goodreads.
I love tracking my reading and setting book goals every year. I keep up with my Goodreads account more than any of social media, it's that satisfying and fun. I love seeing what my friends are reading and reviewing too!
Follow me on Goodreads HERE.
Letterboxd is a social platform for sharing your taste in film. Use it as a diary to rate and record your opinion about films as you watch them, or just to keep a record films you’ve seen or want to see in the future.
I went looking for a Goodreads for movies and recently found Letterboxd. I love movies and films and I'm looking forward to tracking my watch history and favorites on this app.
Follow me on Letterboxd HERE.
PODCASTS
Genre: Audiobook, classic short stories and novels read aloud
Host: B.J. Harrison
Every week, join award-winning narrator B.J. Harrison as he narrates the greatest stories the world has ever known. From the jungles of South America to the Mississippi Delta, from Victorian England to the sands of the Arabian desert, join us on a fantastic journey through the words of the world's greatest authors. Critically-acclaimed and highly recommended for anyone who loves a good story with plenty of substance.
Mentioned in 2020, and still awesome: The Bema Podcast, Before They Were Live
MUSIC
Artist: Mia Kami
Released: August 2021
Mia Kami is of Tongan descent and lives in Fiji, where most of the music video was shot. ‘Rooted’ celebrates these connections as well as other places and cultures in the Pacific. “No matter where we are, we are here to stay because we are rooted in our place, our cultures, our traditions and our people… I hope you feel the mana we felt bringing this vision to life.” (Source)
Artist: Steven Curtis Chapman Album: Worship & Believe Released: 2016 |
YOUTUBE
RACHEL MAKSY
CARRIE HOPE FLETCHER
TRENT & ALLIE
| BIG LIVING IN A TINY HOUSE
CINEMASINS
|
MY FAVORITE THINGS: 2021 Edition
Final Thoughts
In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Paul writes, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
Today I am thankful to God for all these little things He gave me in 2021. From shows to apps to radio drama and audiobooks that met my thoughts and emotions where they were, I again recognize His faithfulness and love.