Here's today's dispatch from the crossroads of faith, media and culture.

This summer’s crop of Hollywood extravaganzas just not doing it for you? Summer’s so-called “reality shows” not ringing all that real? Had your fill of YouTube videos? I’m personally pleased to find that books are still around for those of us seeking pleasant diversions and an insight or two. Here are a few I’ve read and highly recommend that you consider sinking your mind into.

John W. Kennedy is the founder of Creative Universe/JWKMEDIA, a script development and consulting company focusing on positive entertainment. He is an author of children’s books and has worked as a producer/writer for CNN and Fox. John also blogs for Beliefnet at Faith, Media and Culture.