☆ Opp Now team mints the finale of 2023's “favorite things” recommendations (bonus)
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You didn't think we'd resist putting in our two cents, did you? (It's true: we can't help ourselves.) Below, Opportunity Now's editor Lauren Oliver, inaugural editor Simon Gilbert, and co-founders Christopher Escher and Jeffrey Cristina share the articles, podcasts, movies, and books that really resonated in 2023. An Opp Now exclusive.
Lauren Oliver, Opportunity Now managing editor (2022–present):
Horace said that good stories should both “instruct” and “delight.” Can't good journalism have our cake and eat it, too? On that note, I've been moved by many of the Free Press' articles* this year, which I've observed to report the truth and draw thoughtful conclusions (whether or not I'm in agreement) while captivating me with lively, passionate, clever, even joyful storytelling. I don't know how else to say it: their articles just sparkle. Some of my favorites have delved into cultural issues such as mental health crises, elusive powerful figures, and preserving open-mindedness.
*The Free Press (originally named Common Sense) was founded in 2021 by Bari Weiss and Nellie Bowles, after Weiss left the New York Times and wanted to create a media company free from ideological discrimination and truth-averse narratives.
Lauren graduated from California Baptist University with a degree in English (2020) and Baylor University with a degree in Communication (2022). In addition to serving as Opp Now's editor, she currently teaches high school English.
Simon Gilbert, inaugural Opportunity Now managing editor (2019–2022):
I rather enjoyed the output from the folks at the Fifth Column Podcast this year, especially in the wake of the October 7th attacks in Israel. Come for measured yet opinionated discussions of the current media landscape, stay for the Cold War history marginalia.
Simon graduated from Claremont McKenna, class of 2022, with a degree in History, Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. He currently works as a strategy analyst.
Christopher Escher, Opportunity Now co-founder:
Confession: I'm a sucker for pulpy detective and spy novels & movies. But not just for the fast action and stripped down writing. These stories often back into important social and political issues in ways serious literature can't—or won't. Case in point is the novel I most thoroughly enjoyed this year: “The Fools in Town Are On Our Side,” by Ross Thomas. Written in 1970, it's a smart, funny, satirical examination of a criminal takeover of a small American city. But in telling the tale, Thomas unpacks and examines the same type of land use and municipal policy issues that we struggle with in Silicon Valley today: zoning, planning bureaucracy, segregation, income inequalities, and of course (and quite hilariously) the role of special interest money in city policy. A fast, funny, enlightening read.
Jeffrey Cristina, Opportunity Now co-founder:
This year, the most influence I received from pop culture came out of the film industry. Film has always been my personal escape to just relax and live as someone else. This year I found very clearly that I do not agree with much of the change in this world. Maybe I’m just becoming a cranky old man, but simple truths are, to some, incorrect now. Unlike in most major films, not everyone is a victim because of the theory of intersectionality. We are being taught to think in new ways and always have been led by film. I tend to believe what was taught before this new nonsense that family, working hard, being colorblind, and staying out of others' sex lives is the proper way for society to grow. We had agreed-upon morals and ethics that built our country and community. I love what we had 15+ years ago.
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