Some of my friends over at The Rabbit Room posted their favorite books, music, and movies of 2011, and it has inspired me to do the same here at Guy Named Dave. Though I am constantly droning on about the perils of consumerism, pursuing simplicity is not the only thing on my mind. In fact, I suspect we would not have the problem of American-style consumerism if we spent more time not thinking about consumerism, or even simplicity, and used that time instead to sit down to read a good book every couple weeks. Music and movies are often times good antidotes, too.

Books

David Brion Davis, Inhuman Bondage: The Rise and Fall of Slavery in the New World. (Oxford Univ. Press, 2006). Simply amazing. This is a book I will return to over and over. I cannot recommend it enough. At times a difficult read, not because it is overly academic in tone. Davis is thoroughly academic, that is for sure. The heft of the book is largely a result of abundant notes. Yet, Davis writes clearly and any adult should be able to read this book. The hard parts come when reading about the inhumanity of slavery. As hard as it is to confront, everyone in the West should.

Sherry Turkle, Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other. (Basic Books, 2011). Prepare to freak out a little if you read this book. Unless, of course, you’re one of the people Turkle interviews who are comfortable with the idea of marrying a robot. Alarmism aside, Turkle makes the point that we are in desperate need of a cultural conversation about the future of technology. You should read this book and participate in the discussion.

Frederick Buechner, Godric. Reread it again. It’s turning into a yearly read. So good.

Kate DiCamillo. Please write another book soon.

Movies

Midnight In Paris. We rented it just a few weeks ago. I’d be willing to own it. Who cares if I am not smart enough to recognize every character. Wow, what a fun and well done movie. Makes me want to visit Paris and makes me more content at home.

The Help. No, I didn’t read the book. But I thought the movie was great.

X-Men: First Class. As an adjunct professor of modern world history, I had no idea that morally conflicted mutants averted World War III at the Bay of Pigs. Fascinating historical film that was loads of fun to watch.

Music

I must confess that I do not listen to that much music. I love music, but I don’t listen that much. Even so…

Alison Krauss & Union Station, Paper Airplane is amazing. I’m sure angels blush at the thought that they have angelic voices when they listen to Alison Krauss sing. Ron Block is a pretty cool dude, too.

Josh Garrels, Love & War & The Sea In Between. I played catch up, discovering Josh Garrels this year, long after many of my friends were going on and on about his incredible music and lyrics. I’m glad I caught up. So rich. I could listen over and over and over.

2012

So what books, movies, or music are you looking forward to taking in this year? Please share, and I’ll comment in a few days about my most anticipated 2012 stories and songs.