Ahhh September. My favorite month of the year despite having to say goodbye to summer. It’s true it’s my birthday month, but I just like it because it’s usually a beautiful time of year (see photo at left). On Friday, the hub and I are headed on an overseas trip, which actually has been in the works since spring. We are going to the Basque Country — in the western Pyrenees that borders France and Spain, where we will meet up with relatives for an organized bike excursion. It should be interesting no doubt. I have not been to the region before, so I’m sure to take in an eye full. I will let you know how it goes once I get back in a couple weeks. On the plane, I plan to take Chris Cleave’s WWII novel “Everyone Brave Is Forgiven,” which I’m currently reading, as well as the audiobook of Ben Winter’s recent novel “Underground Airlines,” which is a work of alternative history that is quite a humdinger so far. Have you read either?
Before these, I finished the audiobook of Roald Dahl’s 1982 children’s book “The BFG,” which was fun. I needed something a bit charming after the heavy books in my last post. And indeed it was. I had missed the story when I was younger but wanted to find out what all the fuss was about over The Big Friendly Giant. Though apparently the recent movie of “The BFG” has been called one of Steven Spielberg’s rare flops because it took in 160 million globally but cost 140 million to make. Hmm. Not sure what made it a “flop,” but the book — about an orphan named Sophie who becomes friends with a Giant skilled in catching dreams and blowing them into the heads of others — is pretty endearing. I particularly enjoyed their trip to Buckingham Palace to win the Queen over to their plans to put an end to the deeds of the nine evil giants. While it may not be my favorite Dahl book of all time — that still goes to “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “Danny, the Champion of the World” — I’m still glad to finally have met The BFG. It was long overdue.
Meanwhile a lot of appealing September releases are coming out to fawn over and discuss. There’s new novels by two of my favorites Ann Patchett and Ian McEwan, which I’m psyched to get to, as well as new novels by Emma Donoghue, Jonathan Safran Foer, Ron Rash, and Herman Koch among others. But wait, I must narrow down my picks. For this month, I’ll go with four — two memoirs and two novels. It’s unusual that I include nonfiction in my monthly previews, but heck when you have John le Carre and Bruce Springsteen with rare books coming out, you have no choice!
Le Carre’s book “The Pigeon Tunnel: Stories From My Life” is one that has me curious. He seems so enigmatic; the British spy master was in the British Secret Service once upon a time, which later fueled his illustrious literary career. It’s my husband, not me, who has read almost all of his books and championed the master of the espionage thriller. But alas, some of that has rubbed off on me, and now I’m interested to read and find out what this secretive man has chronicled in his life story.
I also need to check out Bruce Springsteen’s upcoming 528-page autobiography “Born to Run.” Are you kidding me?! I’ve been a long-time fan of the Boss and saw my first Bruce concert in 1981 at the L.A. forum (I began following him in 1975 with the release of his third album “Born to Run.”) That night he came out on stage by himself and started into “Thunder Road” and I was forever transfixed. And I have remained so, seeing him with the E Street Band many times over the years. As you may know, the excitement of a live Bruce show is like nothing else. And while there’s been various biographies of him in the past, which I’ve read, this is the first book by Bruce himself. So I will not miss it. No way, no how. It’s like with Bob Dylan’s book “Chronicles,” you must get your hands on a copy as if you were in need of it yesterday.
As for novels this month, I’ll pick Amor Towles novel “A Gentleman in Moscow” since it’s received a lot of high praise and because I snapped up a copy at BookExpo America, and met the author there, who pleasantly signed the book for me. I’m a newbie to Towles and still plan to read his popular 2011 debut novel “Rules of Civility,” which many loved. His new novel is about a Russian count who is sentenced in 1922 to house arrest in the Metropol, a grand hotel across the street from the Kremlin. Apparently this count is a colorful character and the book includes quite a glittering cast. That’s about what I know of it so far, but Catherine over at The Gilmore Guide to Books has already devoured the novel and says it’s one of her favorites of the year. Hmm. So a Russian count it is!
Lastly in books, Affinity Konar’s novel “Mischling” is likely one I plan to check out soon. The author is coming to our city’s book festival in October and I want to read it in time for that. It’s a book that definitely involves a tough subject matter and one I’m admittedly in trepidation about. The story involves twin sisters struggling to survive in WWII and forced to take part in Nazi Josef Mengele’s horrific human experiments. Need I say more? It sounds truly nightmarish, though apparently it’s also a tale of great beauty and courage that has been highly praised by various authors including Anthony Doerr, Karen Russell, and David Wroblewski among others. I’m not sure if it’s my kind of story, but I will see what I think.
As for movies in September, I think there are two that I’m most interested to see. Of course, I can’t pass up Michael Fassbender in “The Light Between the Oceans.” Sure it’s a movie that’s likely a cry-fest — I read the book by M.L. Stedman, I remember it well — but with the lighthouse and landscape cinematography along with Fassbender, there’s no way I plan to miss it. This film includes an epic post-WWI tale of love, loss and sadness off the coast of Western Australia, so what are you waiting for?! Get thee to a theater and witness those dreamy eyes. (Not to disappoint anyone but Mr. Fassbender is off the table so to speak, as apparently he is in deep in real life with co-star Alicia Vikander. I guess it helps being a talented, not-shabby looking Swedish actress.)
The second movie I’m curious to see is “Sully,” starring Tom Hanks and directed by Clint Eastwood. Most remember the true story about the pilot who landed the disabled commercial plane on the Hudson River in 2009, saving all 155 aboard. It was the “Miracle on the Hudson.” The feat is sure to be riveting on the screen. But what many might not remember is that the pilots were grilled by investigators for months afterwards. The following hearings apparently play out in the movie. I’m thinking “Sully,” with Tom Hanks in the lead role, will likely be a winner, but don’t ask me about seeing it before my flights this month. Good grief I don’t need any new airplane nightmares.
Lastly for September there’s a lot of great artists with albums coming out, including Kristin Chenoweth, Dwight Yoakam, Van Morrison, and Bob Weir among others. I also plan to check out new albums by The Head and the Heart, as well as Passenger. But I have to go with Springsteen’s upcoming album “Chapter and Verse” as my top pick this month. It’s said to be the companion piece to his autobiography. Most of the 18 songs have been previously released on other albums, which I have, but there’s five tracks that have not been released before. To get my full fix of Bruce, I need to experience the book and audio together, right? Right.
What about you — which books, movies, or albums are you looking forward to this month?
Happy Birthday.
The books that you mention all sound interesting. The Springsteen Biography really sounds good. I have read a few Rock biographies. They can be enlightening. There is also something special about still following artist that we love from the time we are young.
Have a great trip!
Thanks Brian, it should be a great trip. I agree that following an artist since one’s youth is a special deal. A lot of history there. Live shows, songs, albums, eras! Oh my, Springsteen’s book should be really interesting.
I’m drooling over all the September releases, too! A Gentleman in Moscow is at the top of the list (LOVED Rules of Civility!), followed closely by Commonwealth and the new McEwan. Herman Koch’s new novel sounds promising, too.
My FIL shocked me a few years ago when he borrowed my copy of The Light Between Oceans, then added to my surprise by seeing the movie last week. He assures me I’ll love it. Can’t miss Sully either!
Enjoy your trip and I hope you have a very happy birthday.
Thanks JoAnn. Wow your FIL is really on the ball and ahead of the game on The Light Between Oceans. I had wanted to see the movie over Labor Day wknd but never made it there. I can’t wait to see it though! Let’s compare notes when we do see these 2 movies, ha!
Hello Susan! Wow, this is really good news, as you know I love Spain more particularly the Basque Country where I have family and spent all my summer holidays when I was young – that’s the answer why I speak Spanish. I look forward to reading your travel diary on this trip to Bilbao.
You know, This one of my favourite months – it’s the beginning of Autumn, the leaves change colour and one can do fabulous programs. Oh, by the way, I love the photo.
Regarding books, I hear wonders about “A Gentleman in Moscow” so it’s on my list.
Dear, what a coincidence, these two films are om my “top films list”. I can not wait to see ” The Light Between the Oceans” with Michael Fassbender, love this sexy and brilliant actor. I think I saw all his movies…. This weekend, we are planning to see Sully. Oh, I advise you to see “Florence Foster Jenkins” with Meryl Streep, funny and touching at the same time, a pure delight. Et voilà, I finished … hahaha… My goodness, that’s a long comment!!!
Thanks RT, I enjoy your comments! You are a world-class traveler and European. So glad you know the Basque Country. I am a newbie to the area but I will consider writing a travel post like you do about my trip. I’m so excited; I’m almost crazy now. We board our long, long flight tomorrow night!
Glad you want to see these movies too. Fassbender is indeed sexy. Oh my. Vikander is a lucky girl. Thx for the tip about the Meryl Streep movie — others have told me it’s good too. I must see it. Let you know. thanks.
And Happy Happy Birthday dear Susan 🙂
Oh yeah! Thanks. I almost forgot. Sept. 20 will come perhaps way too soon. 🙂
Today is your special day 😉 Happy Happy Birthday dear Susan….see you later
Enjoy your trip to the Basque region–sounds like an ideal time for a bike trip there!
I like artist memoirs as a subgenre and the Bruce Springsteen one looks good, especially with a new album to accompany!
My husband read Everyone Brave is Forgiven and kept on telling me while he was reading it how much I would like it as my parents own story is quite similar to this one. It’s on my reading table and I hope to get to it soon. Hope you enjoy it!
Mischling sounds interesting but will be a tough read, I’m sure. I’m eager to read A Gentleman in Moscow too.
Safe travels, happy birthday, happy reading.
Thanks Jane. If your husband liked the Chris Cleave book, I think I will too. I’ve barely started it but I’ve liked his other books and I’m saving it for the flight. I need to make way for the long-ish Springsteen book. I’ll keep you posted. Enjoy your September in beautiful Colorado.
Happy Birthday and happy trip, Susan!
The Le Carre book sounds good, though I’m not a fan of him; I find his writing rather boring.
I have both of these movies on my radar for this month; there have been several four or five stars rated movies for me this year already, which is rare so “early” in the year.
Thanks Carmen, it’s birthday time once again, sigh. We’ll have to compare notes on these movies once we see them. I especially like fall and winter films. Maybe I’ll see something in Europe?
I loved The BFG, both as book and as movie. But I didn’t think the movie would be a big hit; not “commercial” enough, if that makes any sense. Wouldn’t it be fun if the Queen read this book to her grandchildren? 🙂 My book club is planning to see The Light Between Oceans, and yes, I agree, it will be a cry fest! Have fun on your vacation; I’m sure it will be a great trip.
Thanks TJ, great hearing from you. Yes I especially liked the Queen part of The BFG and it would please me if she knew or read the book. How funny if she read it to her grandkids! Glad your book club is seeing TLBO movie. Maybe I will see it in Europe. We can compare notes on it. Cheers.
1) Thanks for taking the time to comment on my posts the night before you left!
2) Happy Birthday!! What a wonderful way to celebrate.
3) September releases have me quivering with anticipation. I have all the ones I want requested at the library already.
4) I am seeing The Light Between Oceans with one of my reading groups tomorrow morning.
5) Life is good, isn’t it?
Thanks Judy! Life is indeed good. I’ll be interested to hear if the movie is good. Enjoy your week! I made it to Spain in one piece; we’ll go from here.
I remember reading The BFG with our sons when they were little. It was, to be honest, a tricky book to read, with all that quirky dialogue.
I’m trying to read like crazy before the Texas Book Festival authors arrive in early November. I wonder if many of the same authors will attend your festival and mine.
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Yeah the dialogue is definitely quirky in The BFG, making the audio pretty amusing. I’d be interested to see who is coming to your festival. I need to read like mad too. Thanks Deb for stopping by.
The BFG was my favorite of the Dahl books!
Wow that’s cool Rachel. The BFG does have some neat elements: I especially liked the dream-catching and the arrival at Buckingham Palace. Funny!
Thank you for the sharing! I’m a little bit evangelical about A Gentleman in Moscow! Towles is going to be in Seattle next week and I’m completely starstruck- cannot wait to hear what he says about writing this novel.
I had NO idea about the Springsteen autobiography! I’ve been a huge fan since college and have seen him in concert twice. You’re right there is nothing like him. I need to get my hands on this book!
Great Catherine. I hope you write about Towles talk on your site. He seems a really cool person and was totally friendly at BEA. As for Springsteen, it sounds like his book will be a must for all his fans. I need it pronto. I liked Dwight Garner’s review of it in the NYT. We can compare notes on it, eh?