2020 Book and Podcast Review
Wow, it has been a while. This year has been crazy for all of us. 2020 has been tough with the pandemic and social unrest. Though, I still wanted to appreciate the good things amidst challenging circumstances. Besides family and friends, these books and podcasts definitely helped me stay afloat.
BOOK OF THE YEAR
Title: The Silmarillion
Author: JRR Tolkien
I dare say this book is probably my all time favourite. It’s originality of how the world was created and why Middle Earth was the way it is, with a grounded reference to the Truth, was the kind of creativity and imagination I admire the most. It provided a new perspective to explore the myths and magic of our own origin and history. A fun and exciting read, yet thought provoking, this is definitely the book of the year, or really, for as long as I can speak of it.
PODCAST OF THE YEAR
Podcast: Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend
Creator: Team Coco and Earwolf
This was THE podcast that made everything more enjoyable. I liked Conan O’Brien, but I began to sincerely admire him, both as a comedian and person, because of this podcast. I never knew being an artist and being a comedian shared so many similarities, and common joy and struggles. Honest, vulnerable, humble and witty, Conan can really make me laugh like a mad woman in public. I just hope one day I’d be able to spot him on the street and yell “KEDAKAI! As God made her.”
6 More Highlights
Title: Tales from the Perilous Realm
Author: JRR Tolkien
After The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, I’ve been on a marathon of Tolkien’s work. This book compiled several stories that Tolkien had written before LoTR took full shape. I was most interested in the story of Tom Bombadil - I wanted to know why he wasn’t affected by the Ring! Though Tolkien did not explain much in this book, I do get a glimpse of what Tom’s life was.
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Title: Children of Hurin
Author: JRR Tolkien
This is a sad tale. The story was also in a part of The Silmarillion, but here it elaborated in detail. It is about families, pride and self-ruin. The ending was heart-breaking. A very good read.
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Title: The Dam Keeper (Graphic Novel Series)
Creator: Tonko House
Unlike many graphic novels out there, Tonko House created their artworks with one big rule - ‘painting light’. Instead of drawing what it is, they studied how light reflects and interacts with space, objects and characters. With stunning artworks and a story that hugs my heart, I would recommend it to all ages.
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Title: Ghibli Studio Storyboard (Collection)
Creator: Ghibli Studio
Those close to me would know I have been obsessed with Ghibli. I just had to collect them. Enough said.
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Podcast: The Call to Mastery
Creator: Jordan Raynor
Listening to his podcast is like taking a shot of encouragement. I came to this podcast because of his book Called to Create. Hearing from all kinds of artist share about what they do in their work to glorify God, to their day-to-day routine really gave me a lot of morale boost. Definitely would recommend it to whoever is in the creative field.
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Podcast: Shift Talk with Kev the Rev
Creator: Pastor Kevin at Island ECC
A podcast from my home church! I’ve been enjoying this a lot, and the topics they have were always very intriguing - What is prophecy? Can we trust the Bible? And more. Fun and relaxing, a good way to gain biblical knowledge and ask ourselves some bigger questions.
Hope you like the list! It’s farewell to 2020. Let us take the good things to heart, learn from the bad ones, and look on with hope to 2021. Wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.