We are half way into the year now — so how is your reading going? Mine has slowed a bit but I’m looking to rectify that with the plethora of new novels coming out this month (see list at right).
But first, I’m taking in Australian Kate Morton’s 2009 novel “The Forgotten Garden,” which I’m reading for my book club this month. It’s about an abandoned child on a ship going to Australia in 1913 whose identity is pieced together as the book goes on. I’m not sure this is my typical genre to read, but Morton seems an engaging and natural storyteller, making it worth while for summer reading on the back deck. (Apply sunscreen as needed.)
In new novels out this month, I’d have to say I’m most interested in Tim Winton’s novel “Eyrie” because I’m a big fan of Winton’s and will read whatever he writes. Coincidently, like Morton, he’s an Australian, too. So far, I’ve read Winton’s novels “Dirt Music” (2001) and “Breath” (2008) and his excellent short story collection “The Turning” (2005). The great thing too is the author is coming to our city’s annual book festival in October and will speak there. So I definitely plan to have “Eyrie” read by then and have him sign it, which will be quite a thrill. Apparently, “Eyrie” is about a man who’s struggling to accomplish good in a world run amok who becomes broke and encounters a woman from his past and her preternatural son who are in desperate need of help. Hmm. Can he help them? I will have to find out.
Next up, I’m interested in Lily King’s new novel “Euphoria” about three young anthropologists in the 1930s caught in a passionate love triangle that affects their lives. It’s based loosely on the real life of Margaret Mead who studied native tribes in the territory of New Guinea, where the novel takes place. “Euphoria” has received high marks, and for those like me who are interested in Mead’s life and work and anthropology in general, it might be just the right historical novel to dive into.
Another book I plan to check out is “We Are Called to Rise,” which is a debut novel by Laura McBride. It’s set in Las Vegas and is about three lives that collide and are bound together by a split-second mistake in which a child’s fate hangs in the balance. What happens next is said to restore one’s faith in humanity. Hmm, I’m quite curious about this emotionally powerful tale, which has received such positive feedback from readers and authors alike. Will it affect me the same way?
Other honorable mentions this month include Lisa See’s latest novel “China Dolls” about three young women who meet at a San Francisco nightclub in 1938 and become fast friends, relying on each other through changing wartimes. “China Dolls” reminds me I need to read this author again after enjoying her 2005 novel “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.”
Then there’s “The Book of Unknown Americans” by Cristina Henriquez, which is said to be a passionate and powerful story about a handful of hispanic immigrant families living in the U.S. Author Billy Lynn calls it a “triumph of storytelling,” and from what I hear, it might just be a novel about the immigrant experience that’s too important to miss.
Lastly if you want suspense this summer, “Those Who Wish Me Dead” by Michael Koryta could be just the thriller for you. I’ve read it’s quite breathtaking, about a 14-year-old boy who witnesses a murder and is hidden in a wilderness skills program where the killers are trying to reach him. Yikes, run!
In movies this month (see list at left), “Fault in Our Stars” raked in an impressive $48 million on its opening weekend. I liked the John Green novel it’s taken from so I hope to see it. You would think a tale about two young cancer patients in a relationship would turn out too maudlin or weepy, but apparently like the book, the movie does well to make it more life-affirming and witty. What did you think, have you seen it?
The other dramatic movie that might be worth seeing is “Third Person” by the same director (Paul Haggis) who did the movie “Crash” years ago. It’s about three love stories that end up being interconnected in some way. It has a notable cast with Liam Neeson, Mila Kunis, Adrien Brody and James Franco among others and looks quite intense so I will likely see if it’s any good.
Lastly in albums for June (see list at bottom right), it’s always good to see Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders back singing again. This time solo, too. I like her new song “Dark Sunglasses” but I’m not sure of the entire album “Stockholm” just yet. I need to hear some more. I’m also curious about listening to David Gray’s new one “Mutineers.”
What about you — which books, movies, or albums out this month are you most looking forward to?
I really wanted to see The Fault In Our Stars in the theater, but I don’t know if we’ll get to it. I enjoyed the book and wanted to see how they interpreted it. I’ve thought about reading Michael Kortya before, but haven’t gotten to him yet…maybe this year sometime. It’s been a slow reading year for me too so we’ll see. I keep getting books out of the library, from on hold, and then not reading them. Unfortunately, I’m not reading much of anything. Music: Nothing on the radar right now. I have been enjoying a country artist named Sturgill Simpson and a soul singer named Curtis Harding. Oh, also Jack White’s Lazaretto. Not as good as his first solo, but still very good.
Oh thanks Bryan for the music tips. I will check those folks out. I know what you mean about reading but I’m hoping that changes. Enjoy your week.
I’ve heard good things about Those Who Wish Me Dead as well.
I can not wait to read Those Who Wish Me Dead. It looks wicked good!
Yeah it does! Thanks for stopping by Sheila
I’ve seen Euphoria all over the place — I’m intrigued!
Hmm yeah Kim. I got to check that out!
I havent heard of these, I need to stay more up to date with new releases other than one or two genres. Some of them look interesting. My reading has been going very well this year, even though I had a slow month or so.