Music: What It Is: Funky Soul and Rare Grooves (1967-1977), from the Vaults of Atlantic, Atco and Warner Bros. Records. Various artists.

Comedy:  No Can Defend — Gary Gulman

Memoir: Year of Yes — Shonda Rhimes

Writing: The Forest for the Trees: an Editor’s Advice to Writers — Betsy Lerner

Essays: 100 Essays I Don’t Have Time To Write: on Umbrellas and Sword Fights, Parades and Dogs, Fire Alarms, Children and Theater — Sarah Ruhl

Movie: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny — Yuen Woo-Ping. Netflix.

Not-So-Ancient Inspiration: “Nothing is so fatiguing as the eternal hanging on of an uncompleted task.” — William James