As usual, my writing of this book was shaped by a veritable soundtrack — the artists who accompanied my writing in coffee shops in various neighborhoods of Grand Rapids. In the spirit of Taylor, I gravitated toward albums that reflected the malaise and cross-pressures and furtive wonder that characterize our secular age. So readers might set the mood for this book by listening to The Postal Service, Death Cab for Cutie, Fleet Foxes, and especially Arcade Fire’s unique, holistic meditation, The Suburbs.
