Ahh November, what a fickle month. Some days we get fall here, other days we get winter. The snow doesn’t know whether to melt or to stick around. I’d like to send some to California to douse the fires there, which have been so awful and tragic too from what’s been on the news. I can’t believe it. Sympathies to all those affected.
To a happier topic: in book news this week I want to congratulate Sigrid Nunez for just winning the National Book Award for her novel “The Friend,” which I read and reviewed in April. Wow. It’s a pretty different kind of narrative but interesting too. The win surprised me, though probably in a good way.
Also Michelle Obama’s new memoir “Becoming” is making quite the wave this week. Apparently, it sold more preorders than any other adult book since Harper Lee’s “Go Set a Watchman” in 2015. And now officially it’s out and selling more, making it one of the biggest books of the season. I’m a bit curious about it too and currently I’m #159 on the library’s wait list for the 12 copies on hand — and that’s just in Western Canada. Your library is likely to have more of a demand. While I wait for that and various other books, I’ll leave you with some reviews of what I finished lately.
A.J. Pearce’s debut novel “Dear Mrs. Bird” is something I read on a whim after it was a July Book of the Month pick on Amazon. It’s about a 22-year-old girl named Emmy Lake in London during the Blitz of World War II, who dreams of becoming a war correspondent but instead finds herself a junior secretary to a magazine advice columnist named Mrs. Bird. The archaic Mrs. Bird has many rules and won’t respond to letter writers who ask her advice on an array of sticky or unpleasant matters concerning the war or people’s private lives. But Emmy feels for the women writers whose lives are stressed by the bombings and have husbands away and she starts to secretly respond and answer their questions using Mrs. Bird’s name. Uh-oh.
It’s not a big story but gets into the shoes of Emmy and her roommate Bunty as they go about working and trying to do as much as they can for the war effort, while also managing their love lives with their boyfriends and avoiding the bombs. I found the novel at first to be a pretty lightish story of wartime Britain and a bit repetitive too about Emmy’s conflicted feelings at the magazine. Luckily the story picks up near the end — a few darker incidents happen to the girls — and I warmed to the story a bit more.
In the end I liked how it turned out for Emmy and Bunty and how the novel delved into their friendship and what it was like for women on the British home front during WWII and the Blitz. The magazine and its reader feedbacks (where Emmy worked) conjured up an interesting facet of life back then and what women were going through during those dark times. Many were remarkable with all they did, holding families together amid the human tragedies and working for the war effort in various capacities. This story brings that out quite well … as well as the 1940s lingo, fashion, and magazine/news craze back then. On the one hand it’s a bit light-ish fare, but on the other, the storyline underlies the grimness of what was happening back then.
Next up I listened to the audiobook of British author Sarah Winman’s 2018 novel “Tin Man,” which starts out with Ellis, a 45-year-old widower working the night shift at a local car factory — whose career his father made him pursue decades earlier instead of his artistic ambitions. A lonely man, Ellis hasn’t recovered from his wife’s death but in looking back on his life, the story follows how it was shaped by his artsy mother’s early death and the comfort he found in his youth with his best friend Michael, whose relationship with him evolved into something much deeper. Fast-forward years later and Ellis is married to Annie and Michael has moved away and is no longer in touch. What happened in the years in between unfolds little by little in the novel’s second half.
Oh my, this novel though slim, packs a powerful punch and the writing is often beautiful. I didn’t know what it was about going in — but essentially it’s a story about a close friendship between two boys — that grows into something deeper and is set in the early AIDS era. First Ellis narrates his story — and then in the second half Michael narrates his. There’s a lot of grief in the novel: death and heartache and loneliness. But my, how Winman can write circles around the experience. My only caveat with it was that it jumps around in time quite a bit and I got lost a few times and had to revisit parts. Still I liked the swirl of memories it conjures up about the characters’ lives. The author reads it for the audiobook and gives a terrific narration.
I also finished the audiobook of Anne Lamott’s 1994 nonfiction book “Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life,” which I found informative, funny, and entertaining too. In addition to being a fiction and nonfiction author, Anne Lamott taught writing classes for years (and may be still at it), which is where this book originates from. I didn’t realize it was written long ago — perhaps my library just got a hold of the audio — though the book didn’t seem dated. I hadn’t read this author before but I found her quite engaging. I’m not a writer per se, but even if you’re not a fiction writer but just like writing or are considering doing some in the future — this book offers various helpful hints and advice. It might even help you become a better reader.
What I liked too is her saying that writing doesn’t have to be for publication purposes only but is also rewarding for the journey of the process … the joy and therapy of it. Publication likely won’t make you wealthy or a star she says so it’s better not do it solely for that reason. She peppers the book with many anecdotes from her life, which are interesting and also funny. I laughed at various times listening to the book. I also appreciated Lamott’s positive life-affirming attitude. She seems to be a hopeful and humorous person, which I found endearing. I plan to check out more of her nonfiction books and might even buy a copy of this one after it’s returned to the library.
As for movies recently, my husband talked me into seeing the submarine action movie “Hunter Killer,” starring Gary Oldman and Gerard Butler, which turned out to be an enjoyable suspense flick. Apparently it’s been made clear that we have to see all sub movies whenever they come out — as my husband was caught up as a kid with subs during the Cold War when his uncle worked on them. And this movie is about an American submarine crew that teams with Navy Seals on a mission to rescue the Russian president, who’s been kidnapped by a rogue general. What more do you want?
Much of it is under the sea and is intriguingly shot in the sub — as well as there’s a land invasion component to it too. It’s definitely Hollywood hype, but I don’t know how members of the military do it. I would be freaked to be in such a confined underwater tube, but they manage it quite well. Don’t expect the movie to be as good as “The Hunt for Red October,” but it was entertaining if not completely plausible.
Lastly we also saw Season 1 of the TV series “Jack Ryan,” which is available on Amazon Video, starring John Krasinski as a CIA analyst who is thrust into a dangerous field mission after he uncovers communication of a terrorist threat. It’s a pretty entertaining spy series based on Tom Clancy’s fiction and character, and is not too unlike the TV series “Homeland,” which we also follow. Krasinski is an interesting choice to play Jack Ryan and we’ve wondered at times if he’s miscast in this action role (after all he did play goofy Jim on “The Office”). He makes a smart, clean-cut Jack Ryan, but he’s also a bit awkward at times amid the action scenes. Granted, the TV series is much different than the “Jack Ryan” movies, which are totally action packed. The TV series builds more, with more character and plot development and has less action. So I guess John Krasinski it is. Apparently the series has been renewed for a second season, which I’ll probably continue to watch once it comes out.
That’s all for now. What about you — have you read any of these authors or seen any of these on the screen — and if so, what did you think?
I’m listening to Becoming right now and am really enjoying it so far. Obama narrates it and speaks slowly so it’s a long audio book but, if it continues to be this good, that won’t be a problem.
I’d like to read Mrs. Bird and Tin Man both.
Our weather is fickle, too – no snow but it’s been cold and wet and we’re over it.
Hi Kathy, great to hear you are enjoying Mrs. Obama’s memoir. Everyone seems to be liking it, so I’m looking forward to reading it. We could be in the long haul now for the winter season. sigh.
I absolutely loved Tin Man. It was just so beautifully written and such a tender story.
It’s still windy here in the morning but not as bad by the afternoon but somehow what I thought was allergies from all this dust being blown around has turned into a cold. I am still not fully admitting that that is what it is but I am fighting it with all I have because no one, and I mean no one, wants to be sick on Thanksgiving. I can’t cook when I am sick so nope… gotta kick it.
Oh no Ti. You can’t be sick for Thanksgiving. I hope it goes away in time — as well as the wind out there. I’m glad you liked Tin Man. I didn’t realize you had already read that one. It was well written and done. Cheers.
I too was pretty surprised by the Sigrid Nunez win. (I watched the entire event as it streamed last night.) But the part she read, featured in the thing they showed during dinner, did make me realize what a subtle wit she has. I am more of a cat person, but I am for sure a subtle wit person, so I guess I will read the book eventually.
I actually bought Michelle Obama’s book because I find her such an intriguing woman and I didn’t feel like getting on the waiting list at the library. It should be in my mailbox any day now. Plus, I love memoirs.
You cracked me up when you said, “Apparently it’s been made clear that we have to see all sub movies whenever they come out — as my husband was caught up as a kid with subs during the Cold War when his uncle worked on them.” Ain’t marriage grand?
Ha Judy. Yes marriage takes us to movies we’d never see otherwise. I get claustrophobia just thinking of being on a submarine and now I’m at every movie of them. 🙂 I better stay above water. The Nunez win really surprised me; it’s not that involved a book but it has some interesting parts and has some dark humor in it. My dog thinks she’s a cat – in my lap sleeping away. I’m glad you got Mrs. Obama’s book — I’m quite stoked to read it too. But it might take a while to get it.
It is snowing here on Long Island right now. They are predicting only about two inches for us but this is very early snow for our area.
Tin Man sounds like it is a very worthwhile book. Sad tales about loneliness and tragedy strongly attract us.
Michelle Obama’s book looks very good. I might give it a read in the next few months or so.
Yeah Brian: I hope Michelle Obama gives the Trumps hell in her book. but I think we’ve already heard those parts on the news. Still I want to read it too. Can’t believe you’re already getting snow there. We have snowflakes today as well. Could be a long winter. Tin Man was very well written; the tale & power of it surprised me.
Another blogger I follow posted about Dear Mrs. Bird earlier in the year. Both of you liked it a lot. I would love to read it as I need something on the light side nowadays, but I’m way behind my reading schedule and reading less and less often, favoring movie watching instead. Becoming sounds frank. I heard a snippet on TV last night with Michelle O. describing how White House residents must pay for what they consume–be it toiletries or food. She sounded genuinely concerned with overspending in some stuff when they had to pay for it. She also spoke about how she tried to make their lives in the spotlight as “normal” as possible for the kids. It was a different take on the grand life that everyone thinks comes with being the First Family. Not that anyone can complain of that. 🙂
I am a major sucker for submarine dramas. I have seen my fair share too. The Hunt for Red October is, of course, a classic. I can highly recommend Hostile Waters, which is based on a true event and is edge-of-your-seat drama. I’ll put Hunter Killer on my watch list. Did you see 13 Hours: The Soldiers of Benghazi? John Krasinski was brilliant in it. It was probably the role that won him the Jack Ryan one. I think of him more like an action kind of character now. He was outstanding in A Quiet Place too, thus I cannot picture it that well in The Office, even if that was where he started. He was very good in Promise Land too as an agitator (I think). He co-wrote the script with Matt Damon. I have become a fan of his. I can’t wait to see what he does next.
I think I went overboard this time with my comment. 😮
Always like your comments Carmen! Always informative & fun & noteworthy. You’re right Krasinski has really expanded his roles: I like how he’s become versatile. We will continue to follow him as Jack Ryan. I will look for Hostile Waters — as I don’t think we’ve seen that sub movie – My husband will be delighted, ha. Michelle O’s book seems to be getting a lot of attention now. She does seem a genuine person for the most part. I don’t know — but I will read it once I get it from the library.
So glad you enjoyed the audio version of Tin Man, too. The author’s narration was amazing! I’d like to reread it in print at some point. My mother was so neutral and non-committal about Dear Mrs. Bird that I decided to skip it.
We’re flying back to post-storm upstate NY this evening… nearly a foot of the white stuff on the ground. Ugh. I miss the beach already!
Awesome JoAnn. Glad you liked Tin Man. I did think Sarah Winman’s reading of it for the audio was pretty incredible. I was convinced these characters were real. She blew me away with parts of it. And I agree a bit with your mother about Dear Mrs. Bird. It was a bit so-so — all the way to the end — when the story finally moved a bit more interesting. But it’s probably not enough for you to pick up. It sounds like you’ll have a very White Thanksgiving! Stay bundled.
I always enjoy your monthly book updates. Bird by Bird is a classic, and I live by her motto of writing sh*tty first drafts. I haven’t updated my blog this month as I’m focusing my limited time into revising a better draft of my WIP for my beta-readers.
Hi Sarah: I hope your draft goes well. I thought Lamott had quite a few good tips about how to go about writing a book. I agree “sh*tty first drafts” are essential to just getting it down on paper. Good luck.
Hi Susan, as always you are giving me titles to add to my “to read” list. Thank you for that! I went back and reread your review of The Friend and in so doing saw that you were intending to read Less. Did you ever get to it, and if so, did you review it? I’m curious but haven’t read it—as you mentioned, comic novels don’t work in the same way with everyone. So I guess I’m waiting for you to tell me if I should read it, ha!
Hi Molly: I’m glad you asked. I actually tried “Less” on audiobook a couple months ago but didn’t succeed with it … maybe I didn’t get far enough or I didn’t relate to the character(s) or the tangents it goes on. So many people seemed to Love it — so likely it was just me. I’m not sure I’ll try the print version — too much else right now. Less is a slim book — you probably could dash thru it in 2 days. Then I’d be curious what you thought. I should give it another try sometime.
Wow, Dear Mrs. Bird and Tin Man both sound like must-reads.
As you know, I have Becoming…and can’t wait to read it. I am also still working my way through HRC’s What Happened.
Enjoy your week, and thanks for visiting my blog.
I think I liked Tin Man more than Mrs. Bird. I guess it had more depth or complexity to it. I look forward to your reviews of HRC’s book and Becoming. I wonder if HRC will run again? I dont think so but some place else said she might.
It’s taken me forever to get around to perusing blogs this month. Lots going on in my life! I’m so glad you liked Tinman so much. It has been one of my favorites this year. Currently, I’m reading Winman’s debut, When God Was a Rabbit. I’m at about 20% and am really enjoying it. The themes are serious, but it’s funny, too. I’ve been laughing out loud at several parts.
That’s a long list for Becoming! I decided to bite the bullet and buy the audio version. It’s long – 19+ hours. I’m getting close to the halfway point and can’t believe all I didn’t know about her and about just how “normal” their lives were as a young professional couple. Makes me admire the Obamas even more.
Have a great Thanksgiving. Are you heading to CA?
Hi Susie: thanks. I’ll be heading to Calif. for Christmas week so we plan to stay in Canada for Thanksgiving. Glad you are liking the book Becoming. I didn’t realize it was that long. Good to know. As for Winman’s Tin Man: her writing & narration pretty much dazzled me. Glad you liked it too. I have read her first one: parts of which I really liked but perhaps I liked this one more? Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
I love Bird by Bird—I’ve read a few other books by Anne Lamott, but nothing comes close to this in terms of wisdom for me. I think the best thing I learned from it was that having a book published will not change your life (with a handful of exceptions, of course)—completing a project may, or reaching a goal, but the external validation of being a published author is not all it’s cracked up to be. Embracing that thought really set me free to write for me and no one else.
Oh thanks for letting me know Jane! Great comment. I’m glad you love Bird by Bird. I enjoyed it very much and found it helpful too. Maybe it’ll set me free to do some as well.
I’m glad you liked Tin Man so much! I thought it was beautifully written. I’m pretty sure it will end up being one of my favorites for 2018.
Isn’t Lamott wonderful?! I finished her newest, Almost Everything: Notes on Hope and it was marvelous. Such a great blend of humor and wisdom without being preachy.
I’m 338 in line for Becoming. I’m hoping to get it at the beginning of 2019!
Glad you’ll be reading Becoming. I too hope to read it, but who knows when my number will come. Lamott was a delight! Funny. I want to read more from her. Good to hear about her new one. I’ll put it on hold. Tin Man was very strong and sad. I’ll be curious what Winman writes next. Hmm. She really hit upon the AIDS years.