Stormlight Archive [books 1-4] by Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson is a solid writer. He knows how to create an entire world, complete with ecosystem and history, extremely well. Not only that, but he creates characters that most of us can identify with, even if they are princes or warriors with supernatural powers. And the man can produce content like no one's business. One wonders how he is producing so many novels and novellas while still doing events and engaging with the public. Once I returned to Boulder and got my own place, I wanted something that could absorb my attention after work hours to help me escape from my own problems and these really delivered. They are quite hefty though, so it was a bit of hard work to get through them before they were due back at the library.

Dawnshard [novella] by Brandon Sanderson

I swear, I was only at the library to drop off a couple of books but as I perused the new books section (as one does), there was the most recent Stormlight novella simply waiting for me to find. Sure I had two other books in progress, but one does not ignore fate. So, I picked it up. Totally worth it. In fact, by the end, I wanted a typical 1000+ page Sanderson novel in order to give me even more time with this character and her story.

The Slow Regard of Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss [novella]

Auri is this mysterious waif of a woman that you never know what to make of in The Kingkiller Chronicle novels. You know there is more to her. There are strong hints she has real power and a tragic backstory. Does this novella provide any answers? Nope, not a one. In fact, it adds a few more questions. However, you understand her a bit more. You explore her way of seeing the world a bit more. It's good. It's really good. But, if you have not read Name of the Wind and Wise Man's Fear AND enjoyed them, this is probably not for you.

The Narrow Road Between Desires by Patrick Rothfuss [novella]

I had read "The Lightning Tree" before, but this is a rewritten and expanded version of that story. I rather enjoy how Rothfuss writes Bast and the two other major Fae creatures in his books. Bast is dark, maniupulative, playful, and intriquing in how he sees people (and children). Similar to "The Slow Regard of Silent Things", if you do not enjoy Rothfuss' other works, this is probably not for you. If you do though, this is not to be missed.

Maria: a novel of Maria von Trapp by Michelle Moran

In what feels like a fluke of ignorance, I never realized The Sound of Music was based on a real Austrian family. As someone who is quite fond of the muscial, I enjoyed this dramatic telling of her life. The first half is a bit slow, but it pays off in the second half.

Wednesday, Season 2 [TV show]

This series has no business being this enjoyable. The first season was so much better than my expectations, and this season adds more of what I loved while slowly expanding the boundaries of its story telling. I hope they keep up the magic, as I really have high expectations for season 3, given what I have read online.

Witcher, Season 4 [TV show]

There was a great deal of gnashing of teeth about Henry Cavill being replaced by Liam Hemsworth, especially since Cavill left because of “creative differences” (which seems to be Hollywood speak for “this was shit and I did not want to be there anymore”). That is a fair criticism. Before this show, I had only read one Witcher book, and it did not really seize my imagination until I saw the first season, which I quite enjoyed. By season 3, you really felt the wheels coming off the storyline and the writing, and season 4, sadly, is no different. Every single episode left you wondering why you were supposed to care about half of what was going on, or genuinely confused about character motivations.

I will say this, Liam was an excellent Geralt. If we had never seen Cavill in the role, I bet most everyone would have felt he did the character justice. In some ways, he was a superior Geralt too. While Cavill definitely showed a growling, loner outcast who killed monsters for coin, he was a version of Geralt you never fully accepted as someone who would have friends or relationships. Liam gives us a warrior who you genuinely believe cares about people, and who wants to save those he cares about.

Slow Horses, Season 5 [TV show]

I purchased AppleTV, solely so I could binge this show, as I loved the first four seasons. Another solid season. And season 6 is already scheduled for next year. Love it.

Pluribus [TV show]

I saw the trailer for this series and immediately thought to myself, "Oh, it's Unity from Rick & Morty!" Kind of. The idea is not an uncommon trope in science fiction, but this is a solid spin on the idea. I would advise waiting until episode 3 to pass judgment, as there is a great deal that is being setup in the first two episodes and the main character is initially quite annoying. The season is still ongoing, but if you have AppleTV, I would give it a watch.

Howl's Moving Castle [movie]

Studio Ghibli Fest 2025 brought this movie back to theaters so I caught it on a Tuesday night after work. My best friend and I disagree on the best way to see this film, either with the dubbing or the subtitles. However, I love the voice actiing of Billy Crystal, Christian Bale, and Emily Mortimer in the dubbed version, and it was also the first version I ever saw of the film. This time the theater was only showing the subtitled version, which is equally as good. The music, the art, the story; it is my favorite Miyazaki movie and that is saying something. I was grinning before, during, and after watching this on the big screen.

Back to the Future [movie]

Another movie that was brought back to the big screen this fall. And fuck yeah, it was amazing. I have never saw this on the big screen, as I was too young when it first came out, but this was an absolute treat. And since nearly all the special effects are practical, it holds up exceptionally well. Truly one of the best popcorn films of all time.

Clue [movie]

On a long bike ride, I randomly started thinking about this film and thought October was a perfect time to rewatch it. It was not as good as I remembered it, which saddens me a bit. I remember finding this hilarious when I was younger, but ultimately I was a bit lukewarm on this rewatch. Is it age? No idea.

Jeremiah Johnson [movie]

Robert Redford died and I rewatched my favorite movie of his. This is the film that made me want to be a mountain man. It could almost be a silent picture, as there is so little dialog. Worth watching for anyone who has felt the urge to leave civilization behind and head up into the mountains.

Spy Game [movie]

Another Robert Redford film. Excellent. Solid. Well acted. A spy thriller with humor, charm, and an almost no-nonsense take on the world. Brad Pitt also shines in this.

Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves [movie]

Oh, Costner, you silly man. And is that Morgan Freeman? Look at that devilshly young Christian Slater! This is an early 90s popcorn film with a good amount of heart, a charming cast, and a fun story. Alan Rickman practically kills with every single line. I adore this film. I could rewatch it every year with delight.

AppleTV's Fountain of Youth [movie]

Upon watching the trailer there was some hesistancy about watching this, but I had an AppleTV subscription and nothing really to lose while vegetating one night. Honestly, I enjoyed it way more than I expected. John Krasinski carries the entire film with wit and charm, which is pretty much the reason to watch it. If you do not care about sensical logic in your adventure films (see: National Treasure and The Mummy films), I would recommend it.