The ‘Best’ of 2011

In my humble opinion…

Best album: ADELE’s 21 is almost too easy to name, yet I can’t help myself. If you’re looking for something other than the phenomenal force that is Adele? Barton Hollow by The Civil Wars.
Best song: Again, if you’re not up for ADELE singing “Someone Like You,” then it’s a tie between “Lonely Boy” by The Black Keys and “I’ve Got This Friend” by The Civil Wars.

Best book: The Art of Fielding. I never knew I could love a shortstop so much.
Best ‘celebrity’: Cory Booker
Best documentary: With no disrespect to Steve James and The Interrupters, I was most moved by Life in a Day.

Best episode of television: “Always” from Friday Night Lights. Don’t take my word for it. Time thought the same thing.
Best film: The Tree of Life was a stunning achievement. Both epic and experimental, Terrence Malick is a master.

Best personal moment: Praying for Strangers.
Best photograph: I’ll let you choose.
Best popular culture indulgence: “Hey girl….”
Best television show: Are you kidding me? Clear eyes, full hearts….

Here we go 2012. Remember, it’s about love. It’s about compassion and grace. It’s about kindness and faith. It’s not about luck. You get what you give. This year give good.