This is The Stuff That Pings Me: a curated, ongoing series about the stuff that makes me laugh or cry, makes my heart beat a little faster or takes my breath away. It’s the stuff I read, watch, listen to, and think about. Books, podcasts, films, music, quotes, articles, whatever.
What I’m Reading
This book, by Fredrik Backman. There’s a lot of hockey in Beartown, but it’s not a book about hockey. It’s a book about life. About the things we say matter to us and the things we actually value. About the lengths we will go to ignore the truth when it doesn’t suit. About friendships and loyalty. It’s easy to read and excruciatingly painful at the same time, in the best sort of way.
What I’m Watching
Parasite. Already one of my favorite films of the year, and awards season is just starting. I’ve seen it described as both drama and horror, but it defies classification. It’s a film about the haves and the have nots—and it isn’t. There are no heroes and no villains, just people. Go see it.
What I’m Listening To
Letting Go For A Little While, by Ryan McMullan. This guy opened for a show I attended a couple weeks ago and I haven’t been able to get this song out of my head ever since.
What I’m (Not) Crying About
That’s right, Kid President posted a new pep talk, and I’m not crying, you’re crying. But seriously, this is both beautiful and . Here’s the original, too. And whether you’ve seen it a million times or you have no clue what I’m talking about, go watch it. The world’s better because you’re in it.
Find me on Twitter and let me know what pings you.