Here are five things worth paying attention to this month. I recommend selecting one or two and jumping in over the next week.

1. I recently finished reading (actually, listening to) The Alchemist, and it reads like a pre-modern version of my own life and longing. If you’ve never read it, stop what you’re doing and find it at your local library.

2. One more plug for a good book. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if you mix a zombie apocalypse with the U.S. Civil War, wonder no more. Dread Nation paints a bleak, yet fascinating, picture.

3. I’m starting a class called the Joy Revolution and I’m excited. If you’ve ever wanted to unpack the power of joy along with societal transformation with like-minded people, consider joining the next cohort.

4. Living as an interracial, multiracial or mixed-race person comes with both privileges and consequences. The latest royal baby offers an opportunity to highlight both.

5. If you’re as obsessed with true crime podcasts as my wife and I are, check out this Indiana-based show called Crime Junkie. It will have you on the edge of your seat, and triple-checking your surroundings.