Welcome to the Wonder Box!

My favorite video game of all time. Eric Barone (ConcernedApe), made something incredible and special with Stardew Valley. The things I love most are works of passion, and Stardew Valley is clearly a work of passion. Barone developed this game all by himself, and the dedication shines through. This game is charming, whimsical, and full of heart. There’s no higher recommendation I can give than for you to play this game.

I love this book so much. It’s got style and real heart. It’s like the novel equivalent of Wes Anderson’s “Grand Budapest Hotel.” It’s moving, and a grand time.

This book, published 1686, is one of my favorites. There’s something really delightful in seeing Fontanelle wonder about life in the stars, and dream up planes and other things, centuries ago. I think science and philosophy should be explored, as much as it can be, in the playful and charming way Fontanelle does in this book.

Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive is my favorite fantasy series, hands down. I am ever-grateful to my lovely girlfriend Bella for making me read it as proof of my love (just kidding… partially). It’s got heart, and style, and a wonderful world to immerse yourself in. Give it a read!

Tolkien’s work has held sway over my mind and heart for a very long time now. To me, this is one of the most important stories that ever existed because it’s the truest. What keeps evil at bay is little acts of kindness. And perhaps books like The Lord of the Rings.

At the suggestion of my good friend Luis Larios, I started reading “Sandman” during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was the best recommendation I’ve ever gotten. Neil Gaiman’s work has always had a place in my heart, but “Sandman” cemented him as one of my favorite authors. “Sandman” changed everything I thought was possible with comics in the best way possible. It’s one of my favorite stories and you absolutely should go read it.

My journey with the Elder Scrolls series actually begins with Oblivion. I first played Oblivion in 2015 on my laptop that couldn’t quite handle Skyrim. I instantly fell in love with the freedom of the open world, with the magic, with the adventure! I never got around to completing the main quest because I was too busy doing all the little side quests! I especially love the character of Sheogorath. What a guy. After that, Skyrim followed and I still play it every now and then to this day

Doctor Who quickly became one of my favorite heroes when I became sixteen. I started watching the series at a friend’s suggestion, and found that I quickly grew to fall in love with the idea of a hero who doesn’t just punch people. But one that is clever, thoughtful, and most of all, kind. Doctor Who is one of the best family shows ever!

I’ve loved the story of King Arthur for a long time, but I especially was fascinated by the character of Merlin. This TV show gave me a brand new way to see the world of Camelot and King Arthur, and its influence in that regard is something I still feel to this day. These are the characters I imagine, these are the heroes I love

In the same universe as Batman: The Animated Series. This animated series does wonderful, wonderful work of creating a world of superheroes that I care about. Relatable characters, friendship, and action! What more is there to love? This series is responsible for my ever-lasting love for DC and its characters

I love Batman, and I have from a very, very young age. If you haven’t seen this tremendous animated series — then you’re missing out. This series wasn’t afraid to get serious about the noir city of Gotham and the hero that protects it, and I loved it for that!

When I finished Harry Potter, I had no clue where to go. What did I do after my time at Hogwarts came to an end? Apparently, I ended up right at home in Camp Half Blood. Percy Jackson was absolutely critical to continuing my journey as a reader. Its humor, its bright and wonderful characters, and the lessons in Greek, Roman, and even Egyptian mythology were tremendously influential

Harry Potter was the beginning of a long and wonderful journey for me as a reader. It’s the first story I ever whole-heartedly dived into, and the first time I ever read about a world that I would truly love to be in. I would be amiss not to have it here, at the heart of my treasure box.