Of Good Report - Special Edition!
New novel, favorite lovely things, and more!
Hello and welcome to Of Good Report, the monthly (more or less) place for me to share some of my favorite “virtuous, lovely, of good report, and praiseworthy” things!
ONE
First, here it is - your exclusive access to the first three chapters of the least sparrow, my new novel…and here’s the beautiful cover designed by my talented sister-in-law. At least the cover’s good!
TWO
I discovered this amazing video the other day about a sculptor who is creating a remarkable WW I monument in bronze. His approach is quite spiritual and awe-inspiring.
THREE
Of the many books I read last year, there were several that I would add to my “read again” list. Here are two:
Pony by R.J. Palacio (the author of Wonder) is part mystery, part coming-of-age tale, part ghost story, and all-around amazing piece of writing. If calling it a “children’s book” gives you pause, then consider it a book for everyone that just happens to have a young boy as the main (and very compelling) character.
Where the Soul Hungers by Samuel Brown. I loved every word of this little book. The author shares many beautiful insights on every page. Poignantly, he is also the husband of Kate Holbrook, the remarkable Church history scholar who passed away last year, which makes his story of faith even more touching.
FOUR
I am very much a classical music novice. Flats and fugues and minors and many of the other terms are like a foreign language to me. But when I hear something that touches me, it sticks in my spiritual ears. Here’s one you probably already know about, but it’s quickly become one of my favorites. It’s called The Lark Ascending, composed by Ralph Vaughn Williams and performed by Hilary Hahn and the London Symphony Orchestra.
FIVE
And now for something completely different. Our eighteen year-old daughter lives with two “mature” parents and regularly has to educate us on what’s “in” and “slay.” 🤪 Take for example, K-Pop (K for Korean.) She’s a big fan, and recently introduced us to The Astronaut featuring Jin from BTS. And if most of that last sentence doesn’t mean anything to you, no worries. Just enjoy and sing along.
SEVEN
Four of my all-time favorite BYU speeches, in no particular order.
“The Doer of Our Deeds and the Speaker of Our Words” by M. Catherine Thomas
“The Very Root of Christian Doctrine” by Thomas B. Griffith
“Vast and Intimate: The Atonement in the Heavens and in the Heart” by L. Robert Webb
“Child of Promise” by Henry B. Eyring
EIGHT
A musical reminder of the need to savor the small moments from Nathan Pacheco.
NINE
Chasing big dreams has been much on my mind these last few months. I’ve had more than my share of “too scared to start” moments in my life, and I’ll likely have many more down the road. But I’m still dreaming of big things. Hopefully you are too and if so, friend, don’t you dare stop.
TEN
The last and most important thing…
A sweet reminder that to the Savior, we are all little children. We can all come to Him for comfort and consolation. He stands ready to give aid. This I know.
Thank you for sharing all this. I cannot wait to read and listen to it all. So inspiring🙂🌟