What we’re reading, listening to and thinking about this month.

Todd R.: The new John Sandford book, Neon Prey, is out — that will be part of my weekend reading in the coming weeks. Now that the last season of Game of Thrones has started, I am watching it with my family and am quite confused (although I think Jon Snow is supposed to be a good guy, right?).  And there is word that a new Springsteen album is on the way, but without a concert tour, it is like a bacon cheeseburger without the bacon.

Alyssa: Although I’m only halfway through it, I’m loving Arthur Brooks new book, Love Your Enemies: How Decent People Can Save America from the Culture of Contempt – full of good perspectives as we get into the tense last weeks of legislative negotiations.  I’ve also been on a Deepak Chopra kick lately – re-reading some of his old books and listening to his new podcast, Infinite Potential – the one with Dr. Michio Kaku talking about the theory of everything is really good.

Todd S.: With all the debating over what the Mueller Report says or doesn’t say, I am investing the time to read it, so I can decide for myself.

Rich: I continue to read several newspapers to keep up with politics and government, including the Star Tribune and New York Times. I’ve also been watching golf (and playing too). Lately I’ve been impressed with golfer Justin Rose (except in the Masters).

Sarah: I, like seemingly everyone else on the internet, am heavily emotionally invested in the final season of Game of Thrones. I was able to breathe a huge sigh of relief that (SPOILER) Ghost survived the Battle of Winterfell. Earlier in April I was cheering on Minnesota Hero/Rockstar Maggie Nichols as she claimed a back-to-back all-around win after not competing AA since early January.

Anna: Imagine if your cells were taken without your knowledge and became one of the most important tools in medicine, used for historic breakthroughs like cloning and the polio vaccine – and then your children found out, decades later. It’s a fascinating and true story, which is why I’m reading Rebecca Skloot's book about it: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. I’ve also been in a poetry mood, so I’ve been circulating between Emily Dickinson and John Keats.

Andrea: Donald Glover, aka Childish Gambino, aka mcDJ, aka a creative prodigy, is known for his success in…well, practically everything he touches, including acting, music, comedy, rapping, and production. This month, I watched Guava Island, a great, short musical film featuring both Donald Glover and Rihanna. The film touches on the topics of systematic oppression, the idea of “America,” bravery and hope. To top it off, the visuals were truly remarkable. If you’re looking for a short, visually stunning film, check it out.