This week, we are joined by Bill Doerr, the Assistant Dean of Advancement and Alumni Engagement at the Candler School of Theology, where he and the AAE team lead Candler’s development efforts and keep alumni connected and involved with the school long past graduation. This kind of work involves a lot of travel, so let’s see how Bill is staying entertained on his journeys.

“I’m gonna start with The Creative Act: A Way of Being, by Rick Rubin.  Like most folks, I learned of Rick through his music production that started in the early days of hip hop (LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, Run-DMC).  The book is authentic to his way of producing that is really about creating a space for an artist to find their voice.  It is the opposite of an instruction manual – more about providing prompts for personal reflection.  As Rick says, ‘Some ideas may resonate, others may not. A few may awaken an inner knowing you forgot you had. Use what’s helpful. Let go of the rest.'”

The Creative Act is available at the Science Commons at Emory and the Dekalb County Public Library.

“For Father’s Day, I got The Nineties: A Book, by Chuck Klosterman and haven’t put it down since.  I am a proud member of Gen X who wore lots of flannel and black t-shirts with my Doc Marten’s.  The way my high school and college days are represented here is truly remarkable.  It is fun and cleverly written but also provides context to that period of history that somehow seems like yesterday and a million years ago at the same time.”

The Nineties is available at the Science Commons at Emory and the Dekalb County Public Library.

“I also have to throw in a recommendation for the podcast Plain English with Derek Thompson.  With so much noise in the system these days it is easy to lose track of what is really going on and why it matters.  These episodes usually tackle something in the news with an expert that provides a clear narrative and distinct takeaways.”

Plain English is streaming on Spotify and your other favorite podcast streaming platforms.

“Finally, I spent the summer traveling over 2,000 miles meeting with Candler alumni and friends across the southeast.  My traveling companion was Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit’s new album, Weathervanes.  It’s an amazing album that goes great with driving across long stretches of southern Georgia and Alabama.”

Weathervanes is streaming, in stores, and on YouTube.

We hope you are enjoying these recommendations. Stay tuned for more summer reading recommendations from the staff and faculty of Pitts and Candler!