"Any collection of John Cheever’s short stories. I’m not a big fan of much of what passes itself off as literary fiction, finding it to be insipid, self-indulgent, plotless, and pointless. However, Cheever could write about everyday life and make it fascinating. His psychological insights are deft, never heavy-handed, and sometimes, as in his story “The Enormous Radio,” he veers into some really strange territory."

"Stephen Sondheim is responsible for many of the greatest musicals of the past half century; this odd, ultimately haunting collection of set pieces is my favorite. Take your pick between the original recording, with the great Victor Garber and Jonathan Hadary, or the 2006 revival with Michael Cerveris and Denis O’Hare. (Honorable mention: the original cast recording of “Les Misérables,” with the remarkable Colm Wilkinson.)"

"One of my all-time Favorite Things! Mark Nepo’s collection of reflections is a year’s supply of gentle daily wake-up calls. Like most of us, he has thought a lot about the meaning of life, but because he is a poet, a philosopher, and a cancer survivor, his insights are special—and beautifully expressed. A book to be kept on the nightstand at all times."

"Perfect road movie, history lesson, and rock-and-roll emancipation. (First feature film with a complete rock-and-roll soundtrack. I believe Fonda’s personal record collection was used to set the tone.) Everything about this film, including Jack Nicholson’s monologue about freedom, sent a message much needed and yet to be told. And remember to always watch out because “the man is in the window.”"

"Probably the most beautiful overall film/package combo in the Criterion Collection. Mizoguchi’s eerie, haunting, and elegant film is one of the most devastating morality plays I’ve ever seen, and it just might scare you into being a better person. It will most likely haunt you for quite a while. The design of the packaging is also really gorgeous. Most likely my favorite Criterion disc set."

"Thank you, Scorsese and Criterion, for this world cinema collection. On the headstock of my guitar is the name of the band Nass El Ghiwane. I have heard about Trances for years, and finally now I have been able to see it . . . and snuck into the experience was The Housekeeper, which helped me grasp the manipulations of individuals in my tangible life, creeping me the fuck out."

"I am obsessed with the subject matter. The Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804 remains the quintessential adventure. Ambrose perfectly distills the journals, and his skillful retelling of the journey becomes a perfect introduction to this important event. I own the 12-volume set of the journals published by the University of Nebraska and have spent a lot of time delving into that collection."