The French 'Heat,' a beautiful book of new folktales, and Malian praise songs

Roundup 06/18/2023

Greetings from Read Max HQ, and welcome to our weekly roundup column, in which I pick out some worthwhile and often overlooked books, articles, movies, and music to recommend to paying subscribers.

But first! I’m quoted in Joe Bernstein’s New York Times father’s day story “The Dad Canon (Circa Now).” If you’re reading this because of that article: Today’s movie recommendation is precisely for you.

Additionally, if you haven’t yet, please also check out my Times Magazine story about MrBeast and my appearance with Kevin Roose and Casey Newton on the Hard Fork podcast.

While I have you: I’m still seeking stories and anecdotes about horrible A.I.-related interaction at work, and Read Max caps are still available from the store.

Anyway. For this week’s round-up I’ve got:

• A beautifully illustrated book of modern-day fables;

• the French Heat (what more do you need to know?); and

• an album of beautiful acoustic Malian praise songs.

If any of that sounds interesting -- and if you want to support Read Max in its continuing mission of explaining the future to relatively normal people -- please subscribe below. Subscribers get access to these weekly emails and to the comprehensive Read Max Master Lists of Good Movies to Watch and Good Books to Read--as well as preferred pricing on merchandise like the Read Max “EMAIL SUPPLY” caps. If you’re already a subscriber, thank you.

I love to hear from readers who want to recommend a cool book or movie (or whatever!) to me, or from readers who are looking for specific kinds of recommendations. Just leave a comment or drop me a line at maxread@gmail.com.

Finally, please note that I may receive a small commission if you purchase books via links in this email.

Now, the roundup. First, as always, a dispatch from the future: