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Better Stories July 15 Edition

Better Stories July 15 Edition
Photo by Jason Leung / Unsplash

I’m arguing that we need to stop settling for junk and demand better stories. I’m going to make it my goal not to just to try write better stories but to highlight them wherever I find them.

Here's my criteria:

  • The stories need to have some glimmer of true Truth
  • The stories need to have a respect for the craft
  • The stories need to move you toward the good, true, and beautiful
  • The stories might be dark, might be scary, might be sad, but those things are in service of something good
  • The stories might not all be all-ages appropriate but I'll note that

Here we go then.

Movies

  • Superman // This is my favorite superhero movie in...I don't know how long. It wears its heart on its chest and unapologetically argues for kindness as the real punk rock of the world today. Plus it's got one of the most moving arguments for the goodness of adoption I've ever seen.
  • Drop // What if you went on a blind date only to be ordered by a mysterious stranger to kill your date? This tight, frenetic, and anxiety-inducing thriller is so well done. Not only is it tense throughout, it has comic relief, and not only that but real heart when it comes to overcoming trauma. Note: Depictions of abuse and trauma.
  • JAWS // At 50 years young this film still chomps. It's a thrill ride but it's also a warning – the real villain isn't the shark. The real villain is greed, arrogance, and obsession. That'll swallow you whole. Note: Some bloody dismemberment

Television

  • NCIS // I'm starting back from the beginning of this legendary series and I couldn't be happier. There's something amazing about a procedural where bad guys get caught, good guys fight to be good, and people become a little family. If you haven't watched this series, give it a try.
  • NCIS: Origins // This series shocked me. I expected more procedural of the week fun. And it is fun. But it's dark. Really dark at times. Shot better. Directed better. It's one of my shows of the year. If you love NCIS this is a different flavor, the dark chocolate to the milk chocolate of the regular series. If you don't love NCIS give it a try and you'll be surprised.

Books

  • Weird Space // This book is like throwing your best memories of E.T., The Last Starfighter, and Stranger Things into a blender and coming out with something fun, adventurous and nostalgic. It also carries a helpful message about grief. Great for the family.
  • The Green Ember // I hate hate hate little animal stories. Hate them. But this series about rabbits is winning me over because the rabbits have swords and villains and there's magic. So I guess it's okay. Laced with strong themes and messages that are good for the family.

Audio

  • Missed Fortune (Podcast) // A millionaire hides a million dollar treasure in the Rocky Mountain range and gives a series of clues. A treasure hunt ensues. This podcast starts out as a fun adventure but ends up as a moving meditation on why we get obsessed with things we shouldn't. Note: Language warning.
  • F1 Soundtrack // Rarely have I run across a soundtrack where both the score itself and the soundtrack of songs hit and this one absolutely does. This soundtrack has been powering my work and study sessions lately. Gorgeous driving textures. Note: Language warning on some songs – clean version available.

That's it for this week. Run across something good? Let me know!