A summary of the November posts from the MORE TO COME newsletter.
“November always seemed to me the Norway of the year.” Neither, apparently, was the favorite of the poet Emily Dickinson, who wrote these words in an 1865 letter to a friend.
Thankfully we’ve avoided Norwegian-like temperatures for the most part while experiencing — and giving thanks for — arresting displays of autumn beauty. Because there is both a wonder and fragility to life, my recent Moments of resonance essay included Maria Popova’s reminder that “to live wonder-smitten with reality is the gladdest way to live.” When things are going sweetly and peacefully Kurt Vonnegut suggests we recognize those moments by following the practice of his Uncle Alex, who would pause and say out loud, “If this isn’t nice, what is?”
Let’s jump in and see what was nice during November in the MORE TO COME newsletter.
FAMILY PHOTOS TOP READER VIEWS
For the past 16 years I have included an annual posting of family pictures from throughout the year.
Each November that collection is far-and-away the most-viewed post. Once again both things are true, as you can see in Our year in photos — 2023. Just a reminder: I think my family is terrific. I am not an unbiased observer, but if this isn’t nice, what is?
OTHER TOP READER VIEWS IN NOVEMBER
Three other essays — on very different topics — were also at the top of the list of reader views this month.
- Regulars know that I am a devoted follower of Heather Cox Richardson’s Letters from an American. When Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America was released, I quickly picked up a copy at Richardson’s Politics & Prose book event and then read her most recent gift. Adding clarity and perspective to our tumultuous news feeds is my review, and it includes three bonus features: HCR’s interview from Berkeley with Rebecca Solnit, her eleven-minute PBS News Hour interview with Judy Woodruff, and a podcast with historian Claire Potter. This excellent book helps add historical context to today’s chaotic news reports.
- I often get two questions about this newsletter. The top query is around how I read five books a month, and I answered that one last year. The second most frequent asks why I write. Letter to the world answers the “why” question, along with a few others such as do you have an editor (nope), how do you choose your topics (it’s a mystery), and what other writers inspire you at the moment (it is a diverse list).
- And for some reason unbeknownst to me, a lot of readers decided to take in the most recent update from my year of reading dangerously.™ The girl with the troubled eyes returns to the writer ― Agatha Christie ― who started me down this pathway of reading one crime story a month. In this book, Christie brings together a shallow grave on a golf course, characters who are not what they seem, and memories of some similar, but long-forgotten crime.
MORE FROM THE BOOKSHELF
In addition to the two books at the top of the reader views, I also discovered several other works worthy of notice.
- I love the movie Bull Durham, so I was delighted to see the writer and director Ron Shelton’s book Church of Baseball on the making of the film. The title of my (somewhat biased) review — The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom — borrows a line from the movie.
- Claire Keegan’s little gem of a book — Small Things Like These — brings us face-to-face with how we confront our past and with the evils of a community’s complicit, self-interested silence. It is also a simple yet deeply moving story of “hope, quiet heroism, and empathy.” I review it in the post Confronting complicit silence.
- In my Thanksgiving essay Most things that are important lack a certain neatness, I call upon Blue Iris: Poems and Essays and the wisdom of Mary Oliver.
- The Book of Charlie, which I discuss in A gospel of grit, is full of lessons about how to live a happy and useful life.
- And check out the always popular From the bookshelf: October 2023.
MUSIC AND MORE
In the “everything else that tickled my fancy” category this month . . .
- “The most exciting vocal group in a generation” — Windborne — is returning to the Washington area this December. I preview this upcoming concert in Bringing old songs into the present.
- Simple but not easy takes a song by Carrie Newcomer that is about asking questions to grow into your next becoming, which I then pair with two writers I admire: poet Mary Oliver and my friend Frank Wade.
- Watchhouse Duo goes back to the basics captures current music from these North Carolina-based musicians.
- Sittin’ on Top of the World is a look at a simple song about the paradox of life as interpreted by musicians from different genres.
- November 11th is my post in honor of Veterans Day/Armistice Day. It is an especially good time to remember the fight for peace.
- And, of course, as baseball wraps up for the year, End of the season is almost inevitable for readers of MORE TO COME.
CONCLUSION
Thanks, as always, for reading. Your support and feedback mean more than I can ever express.
As you travel life’s highways be open to love, thirst for wonder, undertake some mindful walking every day, recognize the incredible privilege that most of us have, and think about how to put that privilege to use for good. Women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and others can feel especially vulnerable . . . because they are. Work hard for justice and democracy as the fight never ends.
Bash into some joy along the way.
And finally, try to be nice. Always be kind.
More to come . . .
DJB
For the October 2023 summary, click here.
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