Category Archives: Top Picks

October is here now and there’s a crispness in the mornings. It’s pretty outside though with all the leaves bright yellow and orange. It’s a fabulous time for a few last bike rides in the country. See my photo from earlier this week. It’s also a good month for a plethora of new releases.

In fiction, such popular authors as Geraldine Brooks, Jane Smiley, Adriana Trigiani, Kate Morton, and Robert Galbraith (a.k.a. J.K. Rowling) have new books coming out. Any of these I’m sure will be quite good. I like the character of Galbraith’s detective Cormoran Strike and his assistant Robin Ellacott. What happens to them in this third book in the series will be worth finding out.

But for my book picks this month, I’m going to pick Anthony Marra’s collection of nine interconnected stories, all set in Russia, called “The Tsar of Love and Techno.” I’m curious to check it out because Marra’s debut novel “A Constellation of Vital Phenomena” received so many accolades when it came out in 2013 that I figure he’s a writer to flock to whenever he puts out something new. And judging by this book, he seems to continue to draw inspiration from the time he lived and studied in Eastern Europe.

I’m also interested to get a copy of Stacy Schiff’s new nonfiction book “The Witches: Salem, 1692.” Schiff last wrote about Cleopatra, and I still have that book on my shelf awaiting me. But now “The Witches” looks equally enticing. In her books, Schiff brings history vividly to life in accessible prose. And this time her research has delved into the infamous Salem witch trials — a chilling chapter in American history. Schiff’s book “The Witches” has been highly praised by historians David McCullough, Joseph J. Ellis, and Robert K. Massie among others.

Lastly in books, I’ll pick David Mitchell’s spooky new novel “Slade House” because it seems a perfect read for right around Halloween time. Apparently “Slade House” is an offshoot of Mitchell’s novel “The Bone Clocks,” but I think it might also be comprehensible as a stand-alone novel, or at least I hope so. I haven’t read Mitchell’s acclaimed novels “Cloud Atlas” or “The Bone Clocks,” but this upcoming one is his “shortest and lightest to date” says Publishers Weekly, so I’ll use it to check out the author’s much-talked about style and literary magic.

As for movies in October, there looks to be some great offerings. Of course as a reader of Andy Weir’s bestselling 2014 debut novel “The Martian,” I can’t wait to see the film adaptation with Matt Damon as Mark Watney. In fact, the previews look so good, I plan to see it this opening weekend. How could a team of astronauts leave Matt Damon (er, I mean Mark Watney) behind on Mars?! Oh my, No! With Ridley Scott directing, I figure “The Martian” is going to be a sure winner and it’s my pick for the month.

But there are at least two other strong film contenders. Holy smokes, the fact that Michael Fassbender is starring as Steve Jobs in the movie, with Danny Boyle directing, and Aaron Sorkin adapting the screenplay, has me now more interested in Steve Jobs than I ever was before. Fassbender is such a great actor to watch. I’ve seen him in “Prometheus” and “12 Years a Slave” both of which he was scary in but terrific. So it looks like the film “Steve Jobs” will undoubtedly be entertaining, and hopefully a bit more.

Lastly in October movies, I can’t pass up Steven Spielberg’s Cold War thriller “Bridge of Spies” from the adapted screenplay by the Coen brothers and Matt Charman, and starring Tom Hanks. My husband is a Cold War history buff and now has turned me into an enthusiast for such stories. We’ve seen and liked most of the films based on John le Carre’s novels. But alas, “Bridge of Spies” is based on the 1960 U-2 incident and has Tom Hanks playing a lawyer who is recruited by the CIA to help rescue an American pilot detained in the Soviet Union. Whether it’s a strong and balanced film, we will have to see.

Honorable mentions for other films this month go to: “The Walk” (too scary for my acrophobia); “Truth” (a must-see with Cate Blanchett in it); and “Room” (based on Emma Donoghue’s bestselling book but likely too rough for my claustrophobia).

If it’s new music you’re looking for in October, there’s new ones by female powerhouses Janet Jackson, Carrie Underwood, and Vanessa Carlton among others. But wait, Janet Jackson?! I don’t think she’s had a new album out since like 2008. I was going to pick Blue Rodeo’s “Live at Massey Hall,” but for old time sakes, I’ll go with Janet’s new “Unbreakable” album as my pick of the month. For all those ’80s fans, who out there remembers her lyrics: “Nasty boys don’t mean a thing. Oh you nasty boys”?

That’s it for new releases. So how about you — which books, movies, or albums out this month are you most looking forward to?

Continue reading →

I want to wish everyone a very enjoyable Labor Day weekend and happy barbecuing. I feel a bit weepy though that summer is ending soon. Ugh, it’s already getting cold here in the mornings. But September is my favorite time of year because, for one thing, it’s my birthday month, and for another, it’s always so gorgeous wherever you are. It’s also one of the biggest months of the year for new releases in books, movies, and music. So I’ve been wading through all the titles and artists, and we have plenty to discuss.

First off, there’s a few big-name authors with books out this month, namely Salman Rushdie, Margaret Atwood, and of course Jonathan Franzen. I admit I haven’t read Franzen’s two other pillars of Lit, which he’s known for, namely “The Corrections” (2001), and “Freedom” (2010), but I have read his tome of essays called “How to Be Alone” (2002). Now his new novel “Purity” is out and I’m wondering if I should experience it. The critics really like it, but what do you say? Is it accessible, and is it good?

Meanwhile there’s a few other authors I’ve liked in the past who have new books out, specifically Ron Rash with “Above the Waterfall,” William Boyd with “Sweet Caress,” and Stephen P. Kiernan with “The Hummingbird.” You might recall Kiernan’s debut novel “The Curiosity” from 2013 about a man frozen in ice for a century who’s brought back to life. I enjoyed it, so I’d like to see where Kiernan goes with “The Hummingbird,” which apparently is about a hospice nurse who tries to help her husband overcome the demons he suffers from his deployments in Iraq. Count me in.

Meanwhile we haven’t even talked about sequels yet and two popular authors have novels out this month that complete their series. First, Italian author Elena Ferrante has Book Four out of her Neapolitan Novels called “The Story of the Lost Child.” It’s the final volume in her series about two lifelong friends, Elena and Lila. I haven’t read any of them yet, but I’ve heard really good things about them so far, so I plan to check them out in the future.

The other big sequel coming this month is Jojo Moyes’s follow-up to her 2012 hit novel “Me Before You,” which paired Louisa Clark with Will Traynor, a quadriplegic from an accident. Many of Moyes’s fans seem ecstatic that the author is returning with a sequel called “After You,” but others think without Will Traynor why return with another. I admit to liking Will’s character the best in the first book and wonder if a sequel was necessary. What do you think?

I’ve also got my eyes on reading Hester Young’s debut novel “The Gates of Evangeline” which has been called a Southern Gothic mystery and is about a journalist who gets involved in a missing child case from long ago. It’s quite popular now and I look to snatch up a copy.

Another highly praised debut novel is Bill Clegg’s “Did You Ever Have a Family,” which, according to Amazon, is “a story about a circle of people who find solace in the least likely of places as they cope with a horrific tragedy.” Judging from all the positive comments about Clegg’s book, I need to obtain a copy pronto and devour it soon.

Lastly in books out this month, I’d probably be remiss not to mention Chrissie Hynde’s memoir “Reckless: My Life as a Pretender,” which I’m sure will be quite a colorful account of her years as a seminal rock star. I was a big fan of her early music with The Pretenders so I need to check out her raw tell-all story as soon as I can.

For movies this month, there’s a couple of comedies that look halfway decent: “The Intern” with Anne Hathaway and Robert DeNiro, and “A Walk in the Woods” with Robert Redford and Nick Nolte. Though I’m not sure the movie of “A Walk in the Woods” will come close to Bill Bryson’s 1998 classic of it. The movie seems like a different version of it, a bit weaker, with older characters. I’m worried it will miss the mark by a large margin.

Meanwhile a couple of true-story dramas look very enticing. First Tobey Maguire plays U.S. chess champion Bobby Fischer in the story about his match-up with Russian Boris Spassky in “Pawn Sacrifice.” And then there’s “Black Mass,” with Johnny Depp starring as notorious crime boss Whitey Bulger and Benedict Cumberbatch as his brother Bill. It looks pretty creepy, but I know I’ll likely have to see it.

But if it’s action-adventure you want, “Everest” will likely be your pick. It’s another movie based on the 1996 Mount Everest disaster in which a number of climbers were caught in a blizzard near the top of the mountain. If you recall Jon Krakauer’s book “Into Thin Air,” then you know what I’m talking about — chaos on the mountain in terrible conditions that turns into a nightmare. You remember it now. This movie has Jake Gyllenhaal as mountain guide leader Scott Fischer and stars a number of other well-known actors. I plan to weather the storm and see it.

Lastly for September, there’s new albums out by veteran artists Keith Richards, Don Henley, Duran Duran, Shawn Colvin, and Jewel among others. But I got to go with Glen Hansard’s new one “Didn’t He Ramble” and Patty Griffin’s “Servant of Love” as my picks for this month.

Check them out if you get a chance.

How about you — which books, movies, or albums out this month are you most looking forward to?
Continue reading →

Taking a cue from Laurel over at the blog Rainy Days and Mondays, my hub and I set out last week to see the small, slice-of-life movie “I’ll See You in My Dreams.” It’s definitely the opposite of the action blockbuster fare that is out nowadays for summer, but in that way we found it to be a refreshing change.

As its distributor, Bleecker Street, puts it: “I’ll See You in My Dreams” is about a widow and former songstress, Carol, played by Blythe Danner, who’s everyday activities lose their luster after her beloved dog passes away. With the support of friends, she decides to branch out socially, starting an unlikely friendship with her pool maintenance man, going on dates with a new love interest, and reconnecting with her faraway daughter.

“I’ll See You in My Dreams” is a heartfelt, touching movie about people who feel their lives are lacking in purpose and feel pushed aside. Though it’s geared toward older audiences, it won’t only appeal to retirees. Blythe Danner, of course, really makes the movie, and does one heck of a job singing “Cry Me a River” at karaoke. I’ve always liked her in movies. I’m sure many know her from “Meet the Fockers,” but I remember her more from “Prince of Tides” in 1991 and “The Great Santini” in 1979. She always seems to play the shafted wife, which she does very well, but this time she’s a bit different in this leading role.

Anyways, I’m sure “I’ll See You in My Dreams” is not for everyone. There’s not a lot of action or drama in it and it’s a bit slower paced. But though it may seem to be simply a glimpse into an older woman’s life, it has some laughs and just the right ingredients that make for an uplifting and delightful movie. So catch it if you’re so inclined.

Besides that, I’ve been caught up in watching the Women’s World Cup soccer, which is going on throughout Canada now. The games are getting pretty close so I’m sure it’ll come down to the wire on who will win the final on July 5. I’ve been pulling for the USA and Canada, but then England had to rain on that parade by beating the host country. Still, go USA!! Then of course there’s Wimbledon, which starts this week and will trap me, too, for a couple of weeks.

But it’s not a bad way to start July. It’s hot here! Hot and dry in the West. We could use some rain. In looking ahead to books out this month, the most hotly anticipated one of course is Harper Lee’s newly discovered novel “Go Set a Watchman,” due out on July 14. Need I say more? Atticus, Scout and Jem. GET thee a COPY. I plan to reread Lee’s classic TKAMB (better known as “To Kill a Mockingbird”) before that date so I’ll be ready.

I also plan to grab Paula McLain’s new historical novel “Circling the Sun,” set in colonial Kenya of the 1920s, about record-setting aviator Beryl Markham. Are you kidding me? Ever since I read Markham’s book “West With the Night,” (one of my all-time favorites), I’ve been a huge fan of anything Beryl Markham. So this new book is very welcomed. Undoubtedly Markham was a complex person, who had a slew of love affairs; she also was a racehorse trainer, and one of the first bush pilots in Africa before becoming the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic from east to west. As Jojo Moyes says of Markham, she was: “a woman who persistently broke the rules, despite the personal cost. She’s a rebel in her own time, and a heroine for ours.” Well said.

Lastly in books out in July, Shannon over at the blog River City Reading sparked my interest to get “The Last Pilot,” a debut by Benjamin Johncock set during the early days of the Space Race about a test pilot who’s family faces a sudden tragedy that haunts them and strains his marriage. Shannon says it’s “wonderful but also incredibly heartbreaking,” which has me thinking since I just read the saddish novel “Everything I Never Told You” maybe I should hold off and pick up something a bit happier and summery —

— such as William Finnegan’s memoir “Barbarian Days: a Surfing Life,” which could be a perfect read during this hot weather month. Finnegan’s a staff writer at The New Yorker, and this memoir is about his addiction to surfing and his lifelong adventures, chasing waves all over the world. It seems like an interesting read, and maybe could shed some light on my youth at the beaches in California.

As for movies in July, there’s another “Terminator” and “Mission Impossible” coming out, as well as another “Magic Mike.” All of which I won’t see. There’s also a new Woody Allen film called “Irrational Man” with Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone, and a movie adaptation of John Green’s book “Paper Towns.” Do you plan to see it? I’m still looking, however, for something I can sink my teeth into, perhaps Jake Gyllenhaal’s upcoming boxing film “Southpaw” will do the trick. It looks rough and down-and-out and Jake is ripped for the role. I might be sorry later but for now it’s my pick of the month.

Lastly in new albums for July, I don’t see much coming out. Singers and songwriters are already busy on the road playing concerts and summer festivals. But I do like Jason Isbell, the former member of the Drive-By-Truckers who has his fifth solo album coming out. So I’ll pick Isbell’s new album “Something More Than Free” as my pick this month.

How about you — which books, movies, or albums out this month are you most looking forward to? Continue reading →

Ahhh summer, my favorite time of year. Being so far north here, the days stay light till quite late and are warm. June usually brings a fair amount of rain to these parts, but it’s been much drier than normal this spring so we will see. Already there’s been a problem with wildfires, which is worrisome. At left is a photo from our recent bike ride through the local mountains.

For those who attended Book Expo 2015 in New York City this past week, I hope you had a great time and will dish on what happened there. I’m thinking of going next year when Book Expo hits Chicago, May 11-13. Mark your calendars. It should be great.

In books coming out in June, I haven’t been exactly sure what I want to sink my teeth into. There’s new ones by horror authors Stephen King ( “Finders and Keepers” ), Paul Tremblay (“A Head Full of Ghosts”), and Sarah Lotz ( “Day Four” ), if that’s your cup of tea. There’s also a notable spy thriller from Jason Matthews (“Palace of Treason”), his second with CIA agent Nate Nash. But what about “Tiny Little Thing” the latest from popular author Beatriz Williams? People loved her novel “A Hundred Summers” and this one could be a perfect beach read. Right?

I also have my eye on Jami Attenberg’s “Saint Mazie” which is set during the Jazz Age at The Venice, New York’s famed movie theater. Attenberg last wrote “The Middlesteins,” which drew quite a bit of attention, and this one is getting high praise too. Then there’s Fredrik Backman’s new novel that comes after his big success with “A Man Called Ove,” which is apparently terrific. His second novel “My Grandmother Sent Me to Tell You She’s Sorry” is about a precocious seven year old whose grandmother leaves her some letters upon her death that sends the girl on a journey into a world of the grandmother’s fairy tales. It sounds like a touching and warm tale, though I’m still hoping to read Backman’s novel “Ove” first.

But perhaps the two June books I’m most curious about are Mia Alvar’s short-story collection “In the Country” and British author Sarah Hall’s novel “The Wolf Border.” I don’t often read short story collections, but the high praise about Alvar’s book has caught my attention. Its stories apparently are about people who’ve been displaced by the Filipino diaspora as seen through the eyes of expats living in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. According to Knopf: Alvar’s debut: “explores the universal experiences of loss, displacement, and the longing to connect across borders both real and imagined.” I’d like to see if this one is as good as critics say.

As for Sarah Hall’s “The Wolf Border,” it’s about a zoologist Rachel Caine who is called to spearhead a controversial scheme to reintroduce the Grey Wolf to the English countryside. As she contends with the modern-day realities of the return of the wolf, her own regeneration is unexpectedly sparked. Booklist calls “The Wolf Border” : “An absorbing portrait of a woman and her conflicted relationships with family, homeland, and identity,” and the Economist says it’s a “compelling, psychological drama.” I’ve heard much about Sarah Hall’s writing so count me in for this one.

As for movies out in June, there’s the usual splatter of summer fare with the action-adventure “Jurassic World,” the animated “Inside Out” and the comedies “Spy” and “Ted 2.” And fans of the TV series “Entourage” can look forward to a film version with super agent-turned-studio head Ari Gold. But my pick this month is “Love & Mercy,” the biographical film about Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys fame. I’ve heard it’s innovative and interesting, and for anyone who likes the music of the 1960s, it should be an entertaining look back at the man who created “Good Vibrations” among other songs.

Lastly in albums for June, there’s new ones coming out by Of Monsters and Men and the Indigo Girls that should be worth checking out. My pick is the new one by British band Florence and the Machine, which is called “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful.” The band played two singles from it on Saturday Night Live on May 9, which sounded pretty cool.

How about you — which books, movies, or albums out this month are you most looking forward to? Continue reading →

Today in honor of Independent Bookstore Day in the U.S., or what is called Authors for Indies Day in Canada, my hub and I visited our closest independent bookstore (Owl’s Nest Books) and ended up buying three books a piece (what a splurge). None of which are the ones I was looking for when I went in there. I didn’t see those instead I saw these: I got Lily King’s novel “Euphoria,” David McCullough’s new biography on “The Wright Brothers” and a novel called “Wolf Winter” by Cecilia Ekback, who was at the store for Indies Day and signed a copy for me. “Wolf Winter” seems to be a murder mystery set in Swedish Lapland in the 1700s. It looks good and has been compared to Hannah Kent’s bestselling novel “Burial Rites” so we’ll see.

I try to support the local indie bookstores when I can and also my local library. In my twenties, I worked at a couple of good indie bookstores — namely Explore Booksellers in Colorado and the University Book Store in Seattle, Washington, which shaped my existence. I still recall being gripped by Pat Conroy’s “The Prince of Tides” in the employee lunch lounge there, LOL. I’m so glad both bookstores are still alive. It’s not easy I’m sure with everything online or on e-readers. Do you have a favorite independent bookstore you visit where you live?

Meanwhile, it’s the beginning of May and I’ve been checking over new releases this month. As I mentioned above, I picked up a copy of David McCullough’s just-released biography on “The Wright Brothers,” which I plan to tear into. Although I know snippets about the Wright family and that they were the first to fly a motor-powered airplane in 1903, I’m curious to read the brothers’ whole story. With a last name like Wright — no relation unfortunately — I need to get to the bottom of these flyers at Kitty Hawk once and for all.

I’m also looking at Kate Atkinson’s novel “A God in Ruins,” which is the follow-up companion to her bestselling 2013 novel “Life After Life.” Granted, I’m one of the few who didn’t read “Life After Life” yet, but I think her second one might perhaps interest me more. In the first one, I wasn’t totally sold on reading about Ursula’s continual lives and bleak deaths as a storyline but reading about how her brother Teddy comes to grips with his post-War life and with a modern world and family — does capture my imagination a bit. So I’ve put my name on a list for it at the library. I’m #50 out of 45 copies! How about you, are you into this?

In movies out this month, I can’t say I’m a big fan of fantasy-action blockbusters. So I will have to bypass “Avengers: Age of Ultron” and “Mad Max: Fury Road” (sorry action fans), though I have watched the old Mad Max films with Mel Gibson on TV. Those contain some classic moments. If an old Mad Max is on when I’m flicking around stations, I’ll always stop and watch Mel battle the motorcycle gangs. Don’t you?

And usually I like Cameron Crowe’s films — such as “Jerry Maguire” and “Almost Famous” — but the trailer for his upcoming movie “Aloha” didn’t capture my interest too much (despite Bradley Cooper being in it), sigh. So I’ll go with the period drama “Far From the Madding Crowd” this month as my movie pick; it’s adapted from the 1874 Thomas Hardy novel and is a story about a headstrong woman who attracts three very different suitors. Nothing wrong with that! Her name is Bathsheba Everdene, which as a name for this role seems almost too good to be true, LOL. As for a sleeper gem this month, I’ll pick the Blythe Danner movie “I’ll See You in My Dreams,” which looks a bit fun as a movie about a widow and former songstress who gets a new lease on life.

Lastly for albums out this month, I’m curious about the Mumford & Sons third studio album coming out called “Wilder Mind.” Though I’m not too keen on the British band’s harder rock songs, I do like their more folksy slower stuff. I’m also interested to listen to “Loyalty” the new album from The Weather Station, which is the name Canadian songwriter Tamara Lindeman sings under. She is a singer-songwriter who plays some beautiful songs and folk music. Check out her tunes if you get a chance.

That’s it for now. In books this week, I reviewed Mary Morony’s moving debut novel “Apron Strings,” a story about growing up in a dysfunctional family in the South in the late 1950s. For more on it, see the review below.

How about you — which books, movies, or albums out this month are you most looking forward to? Continue reading →

It’s hard to believe: March is over and done with. Now on to April and the transition to spring. As I will be away this weekend in Victoria, B.C., I am posting this early and wishing everybody a very Happy Easter! Perhaps some of you will be watching the Final Four college basketball finale, or maybe even the Miami Open if you follow tennis. Others will be at church and then maybe hiding or eating Easter eggs. Whatever it is, enjoy this lovely time of year!

March was a fairly good reading month for me so I hope to continue that into April. Next up is a novel I’m reading for my book club called “The Girl Who Was Saturday Night” by Heather O’Neill. So far, all I know about it is that the story is set in Montreal about a sister and brother who are twins who are trying to outrun the notoriety of their folk singer father. Booklist calls it “a marvelously intriguing novel of a family in dissolution.” Hmm. I better get going on it quickly as we are meeting to discuss it soon.

As for April, there’s a few big-name authors with books coming out this month, notably Toni Morrison will be releasing her 11th novel called “God Help the Child,” which apparently is “about the way childhood trauma shapes and misshapes the life of the adult.” Also there’s books coming out by Jon Krakauer, Larry Kramer, Matthew Pearl, Per Petterson, and Lisa Genova among others.

After weeding through the April list, I’ve narrowed my sights on three novels that I probably can’t resist. First off, I must check out Ann Packer’s new novel “The Children’s Crusade,” which examines the bonds of a Northern California family over many years. I’ve heard so many good things about Packer’s 2002 novel “The Dive From Clausen’s Pier” that I need to find out firsthand if Ann Packer is the real deal, which I’m sure she is.

Next off, I’m curious about the novel “The Sympathizer” by Viet Thanh Nguyen, which deals with the fall of Saigon and its aftermath in 1975. So many seem to have high regards for this debut. Author Maxine Hong Kingston calls it “a novel of literary, historical, and political importance” and T.C. Boyle says it’s “destined to become a classic and redefine the way we think about the Vietnam War and what it means to win and to lose.” Judging from the stream of other praise-worthy comments, I’m going need to find a copy.

Also I don’t think I can pass up the upcoming novel by Jane Smiley called “Early Warning,” which is the second novel in a trilogy that will span a century about the Langdon family from Iowa. I received the first book “Some Luck” for Christmas and I haven’t delved into it just yet, but plan to soon. The trilogy has been getting generally favorable reviews, but I won’t know for sure until I crack the spine, so to speak. Admittedly, I haven’t read Smiley since her award-winning 1991 novel “A Thousand Acres,” but goodness was that a killer.

As for movies in April, I’d like to see Noah Baumbach’s latest comedy-drama “While We’re Young,” which stars Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts as a middle-age married couple whose lives are disrupted when they start hanging out with a young couple who enters their lives. It looks quite funny though officially it came out last weekend in March so it’s not really an April film, but I still need to see it. I liked Baumbach’s quirky other indie films “The Squid and the Whale” from 2005 and “Greenberg” from 2010. Have you seen these offbeat ones?

Other than that, I know they’ve advertised the heck out of the movie “Woman in Gold” as the trailer has been everywhere for months. It does look like an interesting story about a Jewish refugee who comes to sue the Austrian government to recover Gustav Klimt’s masterpiece painting that she believes belongs to her family. It stars Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds, too. Though I’m surprised to see the movie’s rotten-tomato ratio isn’t too good, so I might wait to see it on pay-per-view.

In the meantime, I’m thinking the teeny-bopper romance movie “The Longest Ride” will probably win the box office in April. It’s another Nicholas Sparks’ novel adapted for the big screen, none of them I’ve seen or been really interested in — too much melodrama and drippiness. Instead, I’ll pick the film “Clouds of Sils Maria,” with Juliette Binoche and Kristen Stewart, about an older actress who apparently is going through a crisis. I don’t know too much about it, but it seems to be getting some positive buzz. And judging by the trailer and the actresses in it, it could be an entertaining drama.

As for albums, there’s a lot of good ones coming out in May, but for April not as many notable ones. Still I’m looking to check out the new album from the Canadian indie band the Great Lake Swimmers called “A Forest of Arms,” and I’ll select the Alabama Shakes album “Sound & Color” for my pick this month. It includes the single “Don’t Wanna Fight,” which the Shakes performed quite coolly on Saturday Night Live recently.

So that’s what I see for April releases. How about you — which books, movies, or albums out this month are you most looking forward to?

Continue reading →

The Hub and I have been in Palm Springs this week enjoying a little spring break before heading back to the real world and winter. Ahh it’s nice to feel the sun and wear short selves again. Hooray for the desert. We’ve been doing some hiking, biking, and reading by the pool (of course), and taking time off from the TV and computer, which feels nice. Though my reading hasn’t been great of late as I put two books down after the first twenty-five pages or so. Argh I hate when that happens. First I set aside Asali Solomon’s 2015 novel “Disgruntled” and then Marilynne Robinson’s 2004 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “Gilead,” which I know many people love. For whatever reason I couldn’t focus on either of these books or they just didn’t capture me. Now I’m mid-way through Sean Michael’s 2014 Giller prize-winning novel “Us Conductors” and liking it but not loving it so far. What I could use right about now is a book that’s killer enticing.

For books coming out in March, I really thought that would mean racing through Kazuo Ishiguro’s latest novel “The Buried Giant” and Erik Larson’s nonfiction book “Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania.” Both authors’ books I have loved in the past and both have been perhaps the most highly anticipated books of the year.

Set in 6th century Britain, “The Buried Giant” follows the story of an elderly couple who undergo an illuminating journey to find the son they have not seen in years. It’s said to include themes about lost memories, love, revenge, and war. While “Dead Wake” explores the devastating sinking of the luxury ocean liner, the Lusitania, by a German U-boat in 1915.

Both seem fascinating and I was so ready to pounce, but apparently these latest works out this month have been receiving some tepid reviews. How surprising. Both authors are masters, are they not? I still plan to read both books, but so far the feedback has made me put them a bit lower on my reading pile — on the back burner for now. If you already jumped to read these, what did you think?

Meanwhile I’m curious to check out Christian Kiefer’s second novel “The Animals” about a man who manages a wildlife sanctuary in rural Idaho, caring for injured animals that are unable to survive in the wild. All is well apparently until his past comes back to haunt him; a friend is released from prison and returns to avenge the aftermath of a crime that involved the two of them. Publishers Weekly calls it a “mesmerizing literary thriller” and author Edan Lepucki says it’s a “startling and beautiful novel about friendship, grief, and the urge to start over.” Hmm, count me in.

As for movies out this month, I probably won’t dash out to the theater for any of them (I’m still coming off my Oscar splurge). The second installment of Veronica Roth’s young adult dystopian series “Insurgent” is likely to be the biggest blockbuster of the month, though Disney’s latest “Cinderella,” by director Kenneth Branagh, hopes to rain on that parade. I like Shailene Woodley but I can’t exactly see me watching “Insurgent.” I did read Roth’s first book “Divergent” but haven’t followed through with the two remaining books. Are you a big fan of the series and do you plan to see the movie? Meanwhile, I’m surprised by how much advertising has been thrown at “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.” Holy smokes they’ve really tried to ramp up this follow-up, but seeing the first Marigold Hotel movie was likely enough for me.

Lastly in albums out this month, there’s some big new releases from Noel Gallagher, Death Cab for Cutie, and Modest Mouse, which I’m geared up to check out. So far I’ve heard songs from them here and there but still need to hear more of them. I’m also game for new albums by Mark Knopfler and Brandi Carlile. Carlile’s latest “The Firewatcher’s Daughter” will be my pick for the month. Enjoy.

What about you — which books, movies, or albums are you most looking forward to this month? And do you plan to take a spring getaway trip? Continue reading →

Surely it’s amazing news this week to learn that Harper Lee, the author of the 1960 classic “To Kill a Mockingbird,” had a long-lost second novel stashed away, which was re-discovered and now will be published on July 14. Lee apparently wrote the novel “Go Set a Watchman” in the mid-1950s before she wrote “Mockingbird.” In it, the character Scout, now an adult, returns to Maycomb, Alabama from New York, 20 years after the events in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and reminisces with her father Atticus Finch.

Of course, some critics are worried that this new novel won’t live up to her classic or will somehow debase it, but I for one welcome it. If Harper Lee is indeed okay with releasing it, which some have questioned because of her health after a 2007 stroke, then I see no harm in it. I’m sure it will be valuable in learning more about Lee’s creative process and how “Mockingbird” came to be. And I’m excited that Scout and Atticus have more to say. I plan to reread “To Kill a Mockingbird” before July so when the new book comes out, I’ll be ready to dive in. As of right now, there’s no book cover for the new book just yet, drats.

Meanwhile I’ve been checking out which February releases I want to delve into. For books, there’s quite a few heavyweight authors with new novels out this month, notably: Anne Tyler, Nick Hornby, Daniel Handler aka Lemony Snicket, and John Boyne. Despite these talented veterans, my book picks for February releases are all from debut novelists. Hard to believe but true.

First off, Tom Cooper’s novel “The Marauders” looks to be a winner. It’s set on the Louisiana bayous after the BP oil spill and chronicles the misadventures of some wacky denizens of a dying fishing village. Stephen King says it’s “rollicking, angry, eye-popping, and fall-on-the-floor funny” and “so damned good you won’t believe it’s a first novel.” O Magazine calls it a “finger-lickin’-good Louisiana swamp noir.” So I might have to wade into its muck … so to speak.

Another new release gaining attention is “My Sunshine Away” by M.O. Walsh. It’s a coming-of-age story set in a quiet Louisiana neighborhood touched by violence. According to Amazon, the narrator was fourteen the year that a crime against the girl he loved changed him irrevocably. Southern authors Kathryn Stockett and Anne Rice are strongly touting this book, with Rice saying “it’s about love, obsession, and pain. Such a beautiful book. … I can’t praise it enough.”

I’m also curious about another coming-of-age novel “Disgruntled” by Asali Solomon. It’s about an African American girl growing up in Philadelphia in the eighties and nineties who’s a perpetual outsider and battles the “shame of being alive.” Stephen Cha of the L.A. Times calls it “entertaining and thought-provoking” and Publisher’s Weekly says the narrator’s “incisive commentary is both arresting and painful.” Perhaps “Disgruntled” is just the book I need to more diversify my reading experiences.

Switching gears, “Green on Blue” by Elliot Ackerman looks to be another unflinching war novel that likely shouldn’t be missed. It’s about two Afghan brothers, Pashtuns, who become orphans and get caught up in the deadly conflict. Author Khaled Hosseini says Ackerman has “spun a morally complex tale of revenge, loyalty, and brotherly love,” while others are touting the author’s enormous empathy. So just when I thought I was done with war novels, I’m being drawn back in.

For brighter fare, I’ve been eyeing Carrie Snyder’s novel “Girl Runner,” which came out in Canada in August but is just coming out now in the States. It’s about a former Olympic female athlete from the 1920’s who at age 104 reflects on her childhood and life from a nursing home. It “weaves together the past and present narratives of an uncompromising woman’s life,” says Dani Couture in the Globe and Mail. With a memorable heroine, the novel might just be the perfect escape especially if you’re a runner.

As for February movies, I’ll be skipping over “Fifty Shades of Grey” though I’m sure it’ll make a dent at the box office from fans of E.L. James’s 2011 erotic romance novel. The movie’s being released next weekend in time for Valentine’s Day, weird eh? I didn’t read it so I’m not curious to see how “Christian” and “Anastasia” translate to the big screen. Instead I might catch the *slightly* more (LOL) wholesome Disney production about a true story — “McFarland, USA,” which stars Kevin Costner as a cross-country coach in a small town in California who transforms a team of Hispanic athletes into championship contenders.

“McFarland” should be half-way decent, but my real pick this month is the action thriller “’71,” which is about a British soldier who is accidentally abandoned by his unit following a riot on the deadly streets of Belfast in 1971. Jack O’Connell, who also starred in “Unbroken,” plays the soldier who’s being pursued by killers of the IRA among others. He’s an actor to watch and this film seems highly suspenseful.

As for albums out this month, I plan to check out “Tomorrow Is My Turn,” the debut solo album by North Carolina singer Rhiannon Giddens. It’s an album full of covers, consisting of songs made famous by Patsy Cline, Odetta, Dolly Parton, and Nina Simone. Giddens has an enticing voice and delivery and is definitely up and coming.

What about you — which books, movies, or albums are you most looking forward to this month?
Continue reading →

It’s been a sad, sobering week after the news coming out of France. I stand in solidarity with the people and cartoonists of Paris after the horrific attacks. Vive la liberté and freedom of speech and the press.

Meanwhile I’ve been looking over what new releases are coming out this month and have picked three novels that are in my crosshairs so to speak and that I hope will be good.

The first is Canadian Michael Crummey’s novel “Sweetland,” which came out in Canada in August and is coming out now in the States. I’ve heard it characterized as a quiet, mournful novel about a dying island community in Newfoundland and one man’s determination to try to save it. I want to read it especially since it’s apparently from one of Canada’s strongest novelists writing these days, and I live here now. So bring on more CanLit for me in 2015.

Also John Vaillant, a U.S.-born-but-living-in-Vancouver, B.C. author, has his highly anticipated debut novel coming out this month called “The Jaguar’s Children.” It’s a survival story about a young man trapped in a truck packed with other illegal migrants and abandoned during a border crossing. I’m interested to read it after Valliant wrote the popular nonfiction book “The Tiger” in 2010. He’s also doing a book reading and signing of “The Jaguar’s Children” in my town on Jan. 19 so I plan to go. The book’s supposed to be gripping and the narrative tension-filled. So we will see.

Lastly in books for January, I’m curious about Stewart O’Nan’s latest novel “West of Sunset” about F. Scott Fitzgerald’s troubled last years in Hollywood. I’m usually very leery of novels about real literary or famous figures from history, but Fitzgerald is one author whose books I’ve admired and someone I’d like to hear more about. Though readers on Amazon seem to be all over the map on whether “West of Sunset” is any good. Some say the novel’s “lifeless” and others say it’s “heartbreaking and beautiful.” Hmm, so which is it? And does O’Nan really mistakenly refer to the San Gabriel mountains as the Sierras within the book? One Amazon reader noted this in her critique. I remain interested in it and will just have to find out for myself.

Meanwhile in film releases this month, plenty of notable ones are coming out. Of course, there’s “Selma,” “American Sniper,” and “Still Alice” — all of which I hope to see. I know considerable controversy is swirling around the movie “Selma” as various sources are saying its portrayal of President Lyndon Johnson’s actions and relations toward Martin Luther King are erroneous. Also MLK’s estate did not give permission to use King’s exact speeches (apparently Spielberg is using those for another project) so the speeches were re-written for the film. Despite these discrepancies, I’m still interested in seeing the film “Selma,” which is a place I visited once many years ago.

For albums out in January, I’m interested to check out those by Justin Townes Earle, Ryan Bingham, and the indie folk group The Decemberists. I’ll choose The Decemberists’ “What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World” for my pick this month — as the Portland, Oregon group had much success with its 2011 album “The King Is Dead” so I’ll be curious about the follow-up.

What about you — which books, movies, or albums are you most looking forward to this month?
Continue reading →