Hi all. I hope your July is going well. We are in the thick of summer now and it’s the hottest month of the year here. Are you staying cool? We’ve been out on bike rides early this weekend and seeing some views … also watering the plants and vegetable garden, so they don’t shrivel up and blow away. Surprisingly two early tomatoes and several string beans are ready for picking, which usually aren’t ripe till much later. It must have been all the rain in June and now the hot sun … which has made the garden take off. It appears at some point we’ll have a robust crop of potatoes, onions, radishes, carrots, squash, cucumbers, and tomatoes … with a dash of lettuce, parsley, and string beans. Do you grow these?
Meanwhile I thought I’d check in a bit to see what’s releasing this month. Author Colson Whitehead has his final novel of his Harlem trilogy — Cool Machine — coming out July 21. I haven’t tried this series yet, but it follows Ray Carney a furniture store owner who gets pulled into some heists over the decades in NYC. Also spymaster Daniel Silva has a new Gabriel Alon novel titled Ransom out on July 14. It’s #26 in the spy series and still gets a strong following. Are you a Silva fan? I know Carmen is an expert on the series so I’ll defer to her judgment on Ransom.
Other notable fiction releases include those by Daniel Mason, Sigrid Nunez, Valeria Luiselli, Rene Denfeld, and a new novel by Silvia Moreno-Garcia titled The Intrigue out July 14. I liked her novel The Daughter of Doctor Moreau and she seems to be putting out a new book each year these days. Her latest is about a con man in 1940s Mexico who is looking for his next big score when he meets his match in the niece of his latest victim, according to PW.
I’m in deep now with my Summer List, so I might not be reading any new releases till later. Though I’ll be going to Mexico City in September for my nephew’s wedding, so perhaps I’ll save it till then for the setting. What about you — do you have any that you’ll be adding?
On the TV in July, we’ve been tied up so far with sports watching, namely Wimbledon, the World Cup, the Calgary Stampede rodeo (!) and now the Tour de France is on. Whoa we are going down a rabbit hole.
But there are some other big things to watch – namely Christopher Nolan’s new movie adaptation of The Odyssey (out July 17). With a budget of around $250 million, Nolan has described the film as his biggest and most challenging production of his career due to its scale … which is saying a lot since his last film Oppenheimer was no small slouch … as well as his movie Dunkirk. The new film features a star-studded cast with Matt Damon as Odysseus and Ann Hathaway as his wife … with Charlize Theron, Robert Pattison, and Zendaya having roles among others. It was filmed in six countries and should be quite the spectacle. We plan to watch it at an Imax theater to get the full effect. Are you up for The Odyssey?
Also this month you might be aware there’s a new adapted series of Little House on the Prairie on Netflix. Who can forget Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books that were written back in the 1930s about life on the frontier. I remember receiving a box set of the books as a kid and being transported .. to the Banks of Plum Creek among other places. Do you recall watching the old TV show that ran from 1974 to 1983, starring Melissa Gilbert and Michael Landon? I watched it sometimes but didn’t see every episode. But I remember Laura’s nemesis Nellie Oleson. Not sure I’ll watch the new series but a reread of the books would be fun.
Meanwhile you might also keep an eye out for the documentary film on the life of the late poet Mary Oliver titled Saved by the Beauty of the World (out July 28) and also airing on PBS Aug. 25. Oliver’s poems are quite wonderful about the natural world and apparently her childhood was very hard, so she was drawn to writing she said to help create her own world. It should be an interesting documentary with plenty of lines from her uplifting poetry … and hopefully show her love of dogs.
Also be on the lookout for the film version of Reading Lolita in Tehran, which was made in 2023 in Italy but is coming out in North America on July 17. It’s based on the 2003 memoir by Azar Nafisi, which was a book back then that captured me hook, line and sinker — about a professor who forms a secret book club to discuss books in post-revolutionary Iran that’s under strict censorship. I remember reading it for my book club years ago and being quite moved by it. I think a reread is in order.
Also in music in July there’s new albums by such artists as Madonna, the Rolling Stones, Allison Russell, the Strokes, and Ariana Grande among others. It’s hard to believe the Stones are still putting out music at their age and Mick is doing some interviews. See here.
That’s all for now. What about you — which releases are you looking forward to this month? Have a great week.
I am not 100% sure about The Odyssey movie. It could be great, or it could not be. I am interested in seeing the Reading Lolita in Tehran adaptation! Going to look out for that one!
Have a great week!
Hi Marg, thx for stopping by. Yes I’m also a little up in the air about the Odyssey but I figure I’ll check it out. And I’m hoping the Tehran one will be good as well. Cheers. Hope all is well there.
Yes, my book group also enjoyed Reading Lolita in Tehran, and I think the Mary Oliver documentary will be interesting. I am less sure about the Odyssey. The only time I ever fell asleep at the theatre was seeing the Odyssey at the American Repertory Theater a year or two ago. His journey is endless and his attitude is annoying! Team Penelope!
I didn’t see that much Wimbledon but I was glad a Brit did well. And it was great to see Martina enjoying the Czech women’s match and laughing with the Princess of Wales!
Hi Constance, Ha, I had to laugh … about your falling asleep watching the Odyssey. I can relate … sometimes this happens to me too. His journey might be endless … so I will try to get a good sleep before going to see it, lol.
And yes I noticed Martina and many of the other former Wimbledon winners were in the crowd … It was a pretty good women’s final … and I wondered when both women finalists had been from the same country … apparently not since the Williams sisters in 2009. And on the men’s side not since Becker played Stich in 1991. The Czechs really have various great players this days. Have a great week.
Thanks for the shout out! I’ll be reading Ransom, Country People—I already have the book from the library—, and The Intrigue. This is going to be my fourth Moreno-Garcia’s novel read. I just love her; she’s so creative. I’ll let you know how all these turn out. I have 11 books (counting these three) that I have to finish before more come along in the Fall. I can’t possibly finish all those before then, but I can hope. What are you reading this week? I start Country People today. Was supposed to start two days ago but I have been distracted.
BTW, early reviews are great for The Odyssey. I would like to see it in the theater but I don’t think that will be possible. Cinemas are probably going to break records with this one.
Hi Carmen, I’m glad you’ll be reading these July books – so I’ll get to hear what you think. And it’s cool you like Moreno-Garcia. I agree she must have a vast imagination … with the various plots she comes up with. She’s a gem (perhaps I’ll read her in Mexico!). Also pleased if The Odyssey is getting good reviews … I think we plan to see it at a theater … though the nearly 3 hour time is a bit daunting. I hope it keeps my interest. Should be big.
This week : I’m reading a nonfiction book titled Family of Spies by Christine Kuehn (it’s not even on my Summer List) and I have the audio of the novel Dominion going. Two other nonfiction are in the wings: True Crime by Pat Cornwell and Thirty Below about the women climbers. Hmm. I need to get cracking. Keep reading there … I feel summer is getting by me. lol.
Country People is really good, goes down smoothly as a gin tonic. 😮 Hilarious too. I hope it continues that way. I’m interested in Patricia Cornwell’s memoir but my library didn’t have it available, and I’m juggling too many books at this moment anyway. Let me know how it goes and I’ll read it if you like it.
Okay will let you know if or when I get to Cornwell’s book. I’m glad you are enjoying Country People. I have not tried Mason’s writing yet … so that’s good to know. I will look to see how many stars you give it on GR. I hope it continues like gin & tonic … lol.
Thanks for the previews! We’re having a warm summer, and I love it! More rain at time, but lately that’s done and so on with the heat!
Hi Jeanie, Yes the rest of the summer could be hot, hot, hot. So I’ll look to see what you’re up to there. Wondering if you’ve gone to the lake yet. I’ll be stopping by your site soon. Cheers.
You’ve listed several writers that I have enjoyed in the past so I’ll definitely be on the lookout for their new books.
Hi Dorothy, good to hear you like some of these authors. I seem to be flooded in books at the moment … so who knows when I’ll get to them. Keep your eyes peeled. And Happy summer. Hope your garden is surviving the heat.
We were just discussing seeing The Odyssey last night. I’ve never read it, but probably should. It’s one of those books that’s always intimidate me! I’d be up for Reading Lolita in Tehran though, we read that years ago in book club.
No July releases on my list right now and I’ve already made a couple of detours from my summer reading list, but summer reading seems to be going well.
Glad you’re already enjoying garden bounty! I miss having a garden, especially the tomatoes. Wish I’d gotten my act together and planted a couple of containers…
Hi JoAnn, it’s a little daunting that the Odyssey film is nearly three hours long … so I hope it holds my interest at the theater. I might like to reread Lolita in Tehran once again. It was good with book club years ago.
And I can understand putting off new July releases … as there seems a lot already. Good luck with your summer list.
I fear we might have planted too many tomatoes … ha ha is that possible? The produce could be plentiful later this season. Never too late for a couple containers. hmm. Have a great week.
Glad your garden is doing well. I’m not a gardener at all, but I always like to hear about what others can do in that area. Well, it’s pouring down rain outside right now. That’s good, but we don’t want too, too much to fall. People here and in others spots in Central Texas (like Kerrville) are still a little traumatized by the floods last year. I will say that the much more moist times have made the bugs lots of fun – not really – ha! Hope your weeks goes well! Oh, as to books, I’m looking forward to a new Linda Castillo mystery in a series that I follow Comes out today, I think.
Hi Kay, thanks. I think our garden is doing fairly well so far. Knock on wood. And yes I remember those floods there. So sad. Gosh I can only imagine the trauma. Those poor parents.
The mosquitos have been out here argh. Luckily the wind helps a bit. Hope you enjoy the Castillo mystery. Have fun.
We hit a record high temp of 109 on Sunday here in Salt Lake. Ugh. I’m not enjoying the hot weather and lack of rain. And I am a big Daniel Silva fan; I love Gabriel Allon, though I have to admit I have not been keeping up with his most recent books. I need to get back to that series. And I’m excited to see the movie Reading Lolita in Tehran. It’s one of my favorite books. 😀
Holy smokes Lark, 109 is so hot. I hope you can stay in the A/C. Have you had any rain? Seems to be burning up there.
But I’m glad to hear you’re a Silva fan and that you liked Reading Lolita in Tehran … that book is so good. I didn’t realize a movie was made of it until just this past week. I think I’d like to reread the book since it’s been a while. Have a great week.
My son read The Odyssey in school and wants to see it. He wants to watch Young Washington as well. It has been record breaking hot here.. we can barely go out.
Hi Hena, Good to hear your son is reading The Odyssey — Wow! I’m impressed — it will be fun for him to see the movie. We might go this weekend to see it, but I haven’t read the particulars like he has. Stay near the A/C — sounds too hot to be out. Cheers.
Not a whole lot of snow on those mountains, are there? I do remember how hot we were when we were in Canada a few years ago. Still, I’d go back in a heartbeat! I’ve taken to watering our shrubs (hydrangeas, azaleas, rhoddies, etc. since we haven’t had much in the way of rain since May. Things are getting pretty dry, but with all the pine needle “duff,” the ground stays relatively damp, especially in the shade.
Good for you to have all those veggies. I’ve avoided the produce aisle this past week, waiting to hear what the exact cause of the cyclospora outbreak is. Ugh. Definitely don’t want to get that!
Like you, I’m in deep with my Summer Reading challenge. I love that it keeps me focused on the books that have been on my TBR shelf for a long time. I’m saving all the new releases from that challenge until I’ve wiped out the backlist titles. Should make for a fun August!
I’m curious about The Odyssey, especially after reading Song of Achilles, which has me thinking about reading The Odyssey. So, read it first or watch it first?? Definitely a star-studded cast.
Hope you’re having a great week and getting some nice bike rides in!
Hi Lesley, thanks, we did bike both days over the weekend and I played golf twice this week … yay! Good weather for it. It sounds like it’s a hotter year than normal where you are on the coast. I hope the wildfires don’t get bad.
Luckily we’re not too worried about the parasite here … but we’ll wash veggies for sure. And I agree the Summer List is fun to have … it keeps me on course for the summer … though I think it’s okay to deviate a little. I have a nonfiction going now not on my list. Hmm.
And I think it’s okay not to read The Odyssey before seeing it … actually we might go this weekend. But it depends how soon you plan to watch it. If it’s not till it’s streaming then you likely have time if you want to read it. Hmm. Up to you.
Cheers. Enjoy these days!
You have helped me figure out what we want to do for our anniversary—The Odyssey in IMAX, I think. I cannot imagine a budget of $250 million dollars. But The Odyssey is definitely worth investing that kind of money in it. I started reading the Little House series, book one, with my granddaughter, and I decided to read all nine books. I’m looking forward to some of the books that are coming out soon, especially the new Daniel Mason.
Hi Deb, that would be fun to see The Odyssey around your anniversary … treat yourself to an IMax experience. It’s epic … and will be quite a spectacle. We might see the movie this weekend. And I saw that you were reading the Little House on the Prairie series … which got me thinking about reading them too…. so I credit you for that idea. I might try them in the fall. I will see what you think of the new Daniel Mason novel. Happy reading, Cheers!
Your garden bounty sounds so amazing. If I ever move north I would try another garden and learn my new zone. It’s been ages since we have had a productive veggie garden. Please take photos, if you think of it.
I added Reading Lolita in Tehran to my Goodreads and will place a library hold after I finish my original holds list. That was my summer reading goal, the orginal holds as of June 1. Just finished Saoirse by Charleen Hurtubise and it really built up to a great ending. Also read a very short Tolstoy. Need to get one some notes for those as well as Under Water.
Have not been to the theater in years but we will watch the Odyssey when it streams. I love Matt Damon.
Hi Tina, Matt Damon is everywhere, ha. In space and at war in Troy. We might see The Odyssey this weekend … if we get our act together.
And I will try to get a few photos of the vegetable garden. It seems to be taking off now … due to the heat. Perhaps too many tomato plants.
I will look for your reviews of Saoirse and the Tolstoy. I should review the Tara Menon novel this coming Sunday. I’d be interested to read Reading Lolita in Tehran (from 2003) with you …. I read it with my book club years ago … but I don’t see a review of it on my site. Strange. I would like to refresh my memory of the book. I have a print copy on my shelves. Chat with you later!
Really looking forward to seeing The Odyssey–I haven’t been paying attention to who’s in it, so thanks for that info.
My daughter texted me last night that she watched the first episode of the new LHOP series and was totally invested in it. She didn’t live the books the way I did when I was young, but she still really liked it. So I think I will watch it. A lot of the glow is gone from LIW in my eyes–the whole libertarian angle turns my stomach as does the racism. But I am still gonna watch the new series.
A documentary about Mary Oliver would be good–I love her poetry.
And I think a movie based on Reading Lolita in Tehran is promising. I can see that working.
Enjoy all your sports watching and biking. My garden is really struggling in this heat, but we do what we can. Gotta run–England vs Argentina is on shortly!
Hi Jane, I hope you enjoyed the World Cup semis. The England game was so close!
And good to know about the Little House series. I guess I don’t know too much about Laura Ingalls Wilder … which I should. So perhaps I should read more about her life and the books. I was thinking of rereading those from my long ago childhood. I’m sure the books & her views are wildly out of favor now … with the racism of the day etc. See what you think of the new series.
I hope I can find the Reading Lolita in Tehran movie (and the Oliver doc) … they’re likely streaming somewhere. I have a copy of the Nafisi book … which would be good to read again. Keep me posted if you get to these. Cheers. Have a great week.
I’ve blogged a lot about LIW and her books. Personally, I think this is the best book about her writing, politics, impact, and the role her daughter played in all of the above.
https://janegs.blogspot.com/2010/10/little-house-long-shadow-laura-ingalls.html
Thanks Jane. I’m making a note of the book title … and I read your review of it … It seems very interesting. I appreciate you steering me to the right book to read on LIW. I think I need to read LIW’s prairie books first as it’s been way too long since I read them in elementary school. Then it’d be good to read this book after …. I checked my library but they don’t have it … though Fellman co-wrote another book titled: Rethinking Canada: the Promise of Women’s History 1997, which they have. She seems a scholar. Thx for checking back.
Hi Susan,
Glad to hear your garden is going well. Salads are important year round but even more so in the summer.
A few years back I read Little House In The Big Woods and was stunned at the wonderful writing. I read Farmer’s Boy which I didn’t like as much but now I must get back to book 3 Little House on the Prairie. Hope this new TV series honors these classic novels.
Hi Kathy, thanks. We are hopeful that we’ll start getting produce in the next 2 – 3 weeks from the garden, yay. Things are growing well now as it’s been hot.
And it’s great to get your feedback on the Little House books. It’s been so long I’ve forgotten them but I’m curious to pick them up maybe later this fall. I’m glad you’ve gotten into them. I’ll look for your reviews. Cheers.
I do not think that we will end up watching The Odyssey, because we already own too many three hour movies (on disc) that we never get around to watching. But I might have been interested had it been a shorter film. We have watched and enjoyed several of Christopher Nolan’s films.
The photo at the top is lovely. And I admire you for growing your own vegetables. We used to (15 – 20 years ago) grow a few vegetables in pots and I always loved watching them grow.
Hi Tracy, I’m too curious to miss the new Nolan film … though I’m not a big fan of three & four hour movies. Usually 3 hours is too long for me so I can relate to what you’re saying.
And thanks we really got into the vegetable garden when we moved farther away from the city three years ago. It is fun to see them take off. I’m hoping we get some vegetables soon … the next 2 or 3 weeks. We’ll see. Tomatoes do pretty well in pots, so those seem doable. But we have them mostly in the ground here. I’ll let you know how it goes. Wishing you a great week & happy reading.
My mom read the Little House books to me, my 3rd grade teacher read the first book to our class…I remember us all sitting on the floor in a circle and she would show us the pictures from the book. I loved the 1970s series and watched it every week. My best friend & I pretended she was Mary and I was Laura with our hair in braids and my mom’s aprons on our heads for bonnets. We would go all by ourselves to the dry wash behind the dikes where ANYTHING COULD’VE HAPPENED TO US and pretend we were on the prairie looking for that little brat, Carrie. lol
I’m loving the new series on Netflix so far. It’s trying to stay more true to the books than the 70s version did.
I love the new Charles and Laura the same as I did the originals.
The new Carolyn is TERRIBLE!!! No!!! Her hair is loose and she’s passive-aggressive.
I love the new Mary. A million times better than the old Mary.
What about Carrie? She wasn’t born yet!!!! There is no Carrie yet!!! Yayyyy!!! No Carrie!!!
Did they use a brindle bulldog this time for Jack? No. But this Jack is better than the original Jack.
They are also putting in stuff from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s book…I forget the name…Prairie something? A memoir? It’s got stuff that she wasn’t allowed to put in the Little House Books. Like a family of mass murderers that lived near the Ingalls in real life! They put those people in.
Definitely worth giving it a shot.
Hi Jinjer, Wow this is all great feedback on the new Little House series! And you seem to recall the LIW books well …. I need to reread them. Perhaps the new series is better … than the ’70s version. Hmm perhaps I’ll check it out. Apparently Laura did write an autobiography titled Pioneer Girl in the 1930s … which they say is bleak. I havent read it yet … But the new show describes her living near mass murderers?! Whoa. I need to get on it. Thx for the good info.
As a young kid I loved reading the Little House series and still have my box set. 🙂 I also watched the TV show (probably every episode). I do not, however, intend to watch the new version.
Enjoy the warm weather and all the sporting events. I have really enjoyed the Word Cup tremendously, and will choose Spain in the final.
I hope your garden survives the heat and you get to enjoy it.
I don’t have any particular urgency to see the Odyssey but will probably watch it when it comes to streaming. I’ve heard that the Netflix remake is truer to the books and time period so a little more gritty than the TV shows.
Happy reading!
A couple of years ago I re-read all the Little House on the Prairie books. They were wonderful. Particularly The Long Hard Winter. Yes Melissa Gilbert will always be my Laura!