I had a very unusual relationship to sci-fi and fantasy when I was a kid. I never read The Hobbit or Lord of the Rings, I didn’t read Chronicles of Narnia until I was in my teens, and I don’t remember ever watching Star Trek. What I did watch were shows that I either enjoyed with my dad or what I felt I had a personal connection to, but here is a short list of those, sometimes lesser known, titles that made my childhood a bit more interesting.
Posts filed under Weekly Top 10
WEEKLY TOP TEN -- DOCUMENTARIES
The documentary is a most important cinematic genre as it uses true stories and real people to elicit the same powerful emotions fiction does. Yet, it is the following ten films that cover a wide variety of subjects and areas that have touched me.
WEEKLY TOP 10 — NON-FICTION: A GENRE OF ALL GENRES
Non-Fiction is the most inclusive of the literary genres; it encompasses comedy and drama, mystery and mastery, history and heresy. Non-Fiction allows for all ideas and expands the minds of those who read. The following ten books are a wide range of topics and concepts, yet they all do one thing: detail a part of the human condition. Find out how the origins of the Oxford English Dictionary tie into mental illness and how segregation—both financial and racial—leads to misconceptions and exploitation of the subjugated groups. These ten books have touched my mind and soul, as I hope they will for you.
WEEKLY TOP 10 — A WORLD OF MY OWN
The wonder of young adult and children’s book series is that they are so fantastic and inclusive. Most center on the basic trope of good vs. evil; yet, it is the organization of disparate characters to form the will of the good that truly gives the reader a basis for connection. The following ten series all provided me with a connection to an incredible world that allowed me to experience emotions and adventures within myself.
WEEKLY TOP 10: A LICENSE TO THRILL
This is the first of four posts where I will highlight my favorite book series within specific genres. This week I target the thriller/mystery genre and bring some great characters and writers from the shadows to the spotlight. Be sure to check back next week when you find out which young adult/children series make the cut!
WEEKLY TOP 10—IMPORTANT SAGAS AND UNIVERSES
Choosing the Star Wars universe was a no-brainer considering it is the primary basis for The Usual Podcast, but I should list why. It changed the landscape of film and popular culture. It changed the way films and products are marketed, resulting in cross-promotional ties. Not to mention it is available in practically every medium: film, television, book, music, video game, comic book, comic strip, variety show, and yes even religion.
Weekly Top 10 - Great Movies You Probably Haven't Seen
Arguably Chevy Chase’s greatest movie, Fletch follows Chase as an intrepid reporter—and die-hard Laker fan—as he investigates low-level drug dealing until it leads to international smuggling and corruption. While a lot of the references and outfits are dated, this remains Chevy Chase’s most quotable film.
