Favorite Book: Frederick Buechner, “Godric”
Books have been one of my main ways of thinking and feeling my way through the world, and there are so many that have helped me do both. But if you ask me, “What is one book you might want to have with you on your deathbed?” I’m going to say “Godric.” It’s a modern retelling of the life of Godric of Finchale, a medieval hermit and popular saint.

Favorite Movie: “Wings of Desire”
I call this film my “insomnia movie” because I put it on when I can’t sleep at night. It is a lyrical film, by Wim Wenders, telling the story of an angel in Berlin who wants to know what it means to be human. Even dozing in and out, every scene is worth having caught even pieces of, no matter the order.

Favorite Piece of Music: The Dixie Hummingbirds’ “City of Gold”
That’s what I’m going with today, anyway. This version is featured at the end of the film “Masked and Anonymous” with a voiceover by Bob Dylan’s character, Jack Fate. Runners up: Dylan’s 8-minute Civil War ballad, “Cross the Green Mountain,” and “Tempest,” his 14-minute waltz about the sinking of the Titanic.