Media Notes: October 2026

In which I briefly comment on the books I read each month, so a few years from now when I’m trying to remember one of them, I’ll be able to find it here. Since I’m a media omnivore, it also includes games, movies, and any other media of note that I engaged with.

Do we have similar tastes, or will you be questioning how we ever got connected? Let’s find out!

Books

The Railroad: What It Is, What It Does – 5th Edition by John H. Armstrong, et al

Impressively broad and surprisingly accessible overview that delivers on its subtitle — at least as of 20 years ago when this edition was published. The foundation is solid, but even a neophyte like me can see what’s changed since 2008 and needs an update. An excellent primer, though.

DISCLOSURE: This book was published by my new employer back in 2006, so technically it’s “mine” now, and it’s high on my priority list for an updated edition. My recent and ongoing reading about trains is related to the new gig, and moving forward, I’ll note when it’s one of our books.

{STAR} The Rise of the Railroad: How Trains Changed the World by Christian Wolmar

A comprehensive international history of the railroad made extremely accessible by its coffee table-friendly presentation and Wolmar’s deft blending of facts into an engaging narrative about the rise and fall and rise of trains. This would be a great gift for adult railfans, too.

C Is for Caboose: Riding the Rails from A to Z by Sara Gillingham

A delightfully random A-to-Z of railroads with a mix of vintage photos and illustrations that feels way older than its 2007 pub date. Sadly, Cabooses have been mostly retired, and this book — which I found randomly at a local vintage store — is apparently out of print.

Choo Choo: The Story of a Little Engine Who Ran Away by Virginia Lee Burton

Through modern eyes, it’s kind of a blunt morality tale about staying in your lane, but it also works as the fun adventure of an immature engine who experienced freedom for a day… and didn’t like it. I loved the pencil / charcoal artwork, though, and am glad they resisted the urge to color a black-and-white classic.

Two Little Trains by Margaret Wise Brown and Greg Pizzoli

A perfect read aloud for young kids, Brown’s rhythmic verse rolls off the tongue like an engaging performance poem, and Pizzoli’s vibrant rubber stamp artwork subtly communicates the trains’ cross country journey to the West.

{STAR} Freight Train by Donald Crews

It starts out simple enough, but Crews’ subtly beautiful artwork captures the dynamic energy of a freight train passing by, and I can see why kids love this one!

{STAR} Steam Train, Dream Train by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenhel

A delightful primer on freight cars that’s disguised as a catchy storytime read, this one’s perfect for young railfans, and a fun read for the adults.

All About Railroading: Second Edition by William C. Vantuono

A bookazine-esque Railroading 101 that’s earnest propaganda for people who cherish, and work in, the industry, but also an accessible entry point for neophytes like me. It’s overdue for an update, though, which is also my responsibility to help make happen as it’s another one from the new gig!

Movies & TV

Lanterns (HBO)

They did it, Joe! It ultimately didn’t quite match The Penguin because the finale had a lot of heavy lifting to do, but overall, it was a satisfying arc, well executed by all involved. I’d be just fine if it was a one-and-done, too, with Stewart’s next appearances in a different context rather than awkwardly dealing with the inevitable tonal whiplash of a second season.

Mortal Kombat II (Streaming)

This was dumb fun that got better as it went along, primarily for some well choreographed fight scenes and a commitment to the franchise’s ridiculous fatalities. Karl Urban anchors an earnest cast, and the goofy take on Baraka was an unexpected delight.

Obsession (Streaming)

Finally watched this on Halloween after avoiding all of the commentary about it, and despite 80% of the plot being shown in the trailer, it delivered on the Gen Z horror hype. Tight, tense, and traumatic, the two leads elevate it above its B-movie budget and I’m curious to see what they all do next.

NOTE: The summer was such a mess, I forgot to include Spider-Man: Brand New Day (loved it!) and The Long Walk (disappointing) in my previous Media Notes.

Games

Cyber Knights: Flashpoint (Steam)

Still really enjoying this one despite having no idea if I’m leveling my characters effectively, but I’m actively working towards building the room that lets me respec characters, because at least two of mine need to be reworked, including my main. With the new gig, though, game time was extremely limited this month.

Sports

Gotham FC (Who knows?)

Gotham is playing their final game of the season as I write this, winning 1-0, with a chance to win their first Shield, but between the extreme roster turnover of the past two seasons and their impending move to Queens, I’ve felt really disconnected from them this season. (It doesn’t help that Howell, one of my few faves still there, left with an injury in the first half.) Maybe I’m projecting, but if they win the Shield, no matter what happens in the playoffs, I wonder if Amorós decides he’s done enough in the NWSL and finds a new gig back in Europe for next season? Or, is the move to Queens appealing enough to deal with another season of roster shenanigans and risking the house of cards finally collapsing on him? Sadly, I’m not sure it is for me.

Your Notes?

If you’ve engaged with any of these, let me know what you thought. And if you have any related recommendations, drop ’em in the comments or on the socials! Some of you prefer email, which is cool, too. You do you!