Each week (give or take one or two here and there) I share three things I like – It could be a book, a movie, a podcast, an album, a photo, an article, a restaurant, a food item, a beverage, or anything else I simply enjoy and think you might too. You can find a whole pile of things, especially books, I like and recommend HERE.
1. I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger
Leif Enger is one of two or three living novelists who stand head and shoulders above the rest, alongside Fredrik Backman and Amor Towles. Do not make the mistake “what are his novels about,” though, because like all the best novels they are about humanity. There is a plot in each of them–this one involves a musician/handyman seeking solace after tragedy while trying to escape sinister pursuers by sailing a rickety, hand-me-down boat on the waters of Lake Superior in a post apocalyptic world. If all that seems too weird or too much, it’s not. It’s just the palette, the ingredients Enger uses to tell a deeply human, deeply hopeful, beautifully written story of loss and grief and friendship and life. It is a delightfully disorienting book with characters who capture you. And, like his previous wonderful novels, it is riddled with sentences that demand to be read and re-read for their sheer artfulness, beauty, and truth.
2. Costco
My wife and I bought our house in early 2022. Shortly thereafter we learned that a Costco would be going in less than a mile away. At the time we had a Sam’s Club membership out of necessity. It was a lesser of two evils situation–either have no membership anywhere or have a Sam’s club membership. But as we all know from recent presidential elections, choosing the lesser of two evils still feels evil. So when the Costo finally opened up this past November we repented, spurned evil, and turned to the righteous way of Kirkland. And it has been spectacular. The employees are nicer. The selection is better. The Kirkland brand is quality. And I am dressing better too. On top of all that, if you spring for the executive membership you get 2% on your purchases which, if you shop there as much as we do, more than pays for itself and leaves you with store credit left over. I’m not going to say a Costco membership will change your life. But I’m not going to deny it either . . .
3. “Beautiful Stranger” by Marcus King
Marcus King is a brilliant guitar player with the kind of rich, soulful voice that makes you go, “wait, he sings like that??” when you see him. If you like blues or soul music, check him out. This song is especially wonderful.
