Well, here it is November now and most bloggers are trying to get through their reading lists before the end of the year. I’m sure it’ll be a mad scramble for some like me. I’ll be keeping mainly to books I’ve already lined up, which makes it good that there’s not a huge amount of literary fiction that comes out in November or December. Though there are a few notable books out this month to mention.
First off, Denis Johnson’s dark novel “The Laughing Monsters” has caught my eye. I’ve not read him before and I’m thinking I should. His latest is about a rogue intelligence agent who is drawn back to reunite with an old friend in Sierre Leone, where they once made a lot of money during the country’s civil war. Now the two hope to make more on a journey to the Uganda-Congo borderlands. The novel sounds quite harrowing and fast moving, which I’d be game for, though I’m wondering when I’ll make time for it. Have you read this author before?
I’m also a bit curious about reading Canadian author Miriam Toews whose latest novel “All My Puny Sorrows” is coming out in the U.S. later this month. I heard her do a reading of it at our city’s book festival in October and it sounded like a tough, very sad book, drawn from Toews’s own life. It’s about two sisters, raised in a Mennonite household, one who becomes an international concert pianist who has a desire to end her own life and the other who’s an author trying to keep her sister alive. Suicide doesn’t exactly make for a happy subject matter, but apparently Toews puts a lot of life and humor into the book and is a great writer to boot. If I don’t read this one, I’ll definitely read another of hers soon.
Lastly in books this month, I’d like to dive into the nonfiction book “Lives in Ruins: Archaeologists and the Seductive Lure of Human Rubble” by Marilyn Johnson. I took a lot of anthropology and archaeology classes in college so this one I think is right up my alley. Amazon describes the book as an “entertaining look at the lives of contemporary archaeologists as they sweat under the sun for clues to the puzzle of our past.” It delves into what drives archaeologists while the author follows them around to digs in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and Machu Picchu. It sounds interesting, so count me in.
Next up, movie releases are heating up this month. I hope to see Christopher Nolan’s new film “Interstellar” this weekend. It’s about a group of space explorers and that’s about as much as I know because the movie has been shrouded in secrecy till its opening day. But apparently it’s 2 hours and 49 minutes long, so take that into account if you’re going to see it. Nolan is known for three of the Batman films and “Inception,” which I didn’t care for too much. But I’m curious about “Interstellar,” which stars Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, and Jessica Chastain.
Who knows if I’ll go to “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1” movie. I’m sort of tiring of the HG franchise (after the two prior books and movies), even though I’m reading Suzanne Collins’s third book in the trilogy right now. My husband rolls his eyes at the TV ads for the movie, thinking it all very teenage-y and dumb-looking. He might have a point, but can I really miss it at this point after seeing the other two? I’m not sure why they cut “Mockingjay” into two movies other than for money. I’m hoping it won’t cause them to drag as I know I’ll probably wind up there.
What I really want to see is “The Imitation Game” at the end of the month. The story seems fascinating about the British mathematician who helped break the Nazis’ Enigma code during WWII. Everyone has been talking about this film for awhile, and with Benedict Cumberbatch as the lead character I think it’ll be really good. Maybe it’ll be Oscar material. I plan to catch it on its opening weekend.
As for albums coming out this month I plan to check out Wilco’s “What’s Your 20? Essential Tracks 1994-2014,” which marks the band’s 20th anniversary. I also plan to listen to “My Favourite Faded Fantasy” by Irish singer-songwriter Damien Rice.
What about you — which books, movies, or albums are you most looking forward to this month?
All the books you mention sound so interesting! Especially Lives in Ruins! As an Art major, I love this kind of stuff too and it’s not too often you get to read about it this way!
And anything with Benedict C. should be a winner in my book! I just love him!
Thanks for sharing and have a great week!
Thanks Suzanne. Benedict C rules these days and I can’t wait for his movie.
My guys are anxious to see Interstellar!
Oh yeah Kathy, I think it’s a must-see. Your guys will like it!
Oh! You’ve reminded me that I have a copy of Lives in Ruins around here…somewhere! I really do want to get to that one 😀
It should be a good read, enjoy.
These all look good, but I am especially drawn to All My Puny Sorrows.
Thanks for sharing…and for stopping by my blog…
Yeah I hope All My Puny Sorrows won’t be too sad and overwhelming, but I will likely get to it too.
I am starting Lives in Ruins tonight and can’t wait. I had a childhood dream of being an archeologist and remain fascinated by the subject.
Oh good Michelle. I will see what you think of Lives in Ruins before I get to it. Hope it’s good.
I probably will see Interstellar but not in the theater. I think it’s one I’ll have to pay close attention to so better to watch at home. However, I want to see Mockinjay, Part 1, in the theater. My wife and I have off for a few days around Thanksgiving so we’ll probably go then. Books? I’ll be honest that I’m reading older series so nothing is catching my eye this month. Oh, wait, I did read The Burning Room, the 19th Harry Bosch, by Michael Connelly that did come out last week. It was a good continuation of the series. Music? I didn’t know about the Wilco collection and probably will give it a listen. Otherwise, I’ll see what Allmusic and Pitchfork have to offer on their websites.
That’s a good round-up Bryan. I think perhaps you should see Interstellar on the Big Screen. It’s a space movie that’s best at the theater. Go for it! And hope you enjoy Mockingjay too.