Hi Bookworms. How is your spring coming along? We have winter here trying to stick around, with 5 to 10 cm of snowfall forecasted today through Monday. I have to remind myself it’s good for the drought, otherwise I’m so ready for spring. It’s almost April for goodness sakes.
It can be a pretty month in places with plenty of bloom (down south), but April also gets a bad wrap for being the tax month, which isn’t fun, especially if you have to file in two countries. It’s usually sort of a brown month up here, so it’s a good time to go away. And luckily I have a one week trip planned to Southern California near the end of the month to meet up with family and to celebrate my grandniece’s first birthday.
If I didn’t have that trip, I’d likely have flown to one of the No Kings rallies in the U.S. yesterday. I hope some of you had a great day speaking up for democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and peace among other things. It’s so important. The turnout was excellent and I hope it sends a strong message … that people aren’t just going to roll over and let everything go to hell in a handbasket in U.S. cities and the country. I saw Wake Up America signs and many other really good signs from afar, but I would’ve liked to have been there in person. I hope you’ll share your photos if you were there.
Last night, we saw the movie Project Hail Mary at the theater … and eeeek I didn’t think it was half as good as The Martian movie. It lost some of the suspense (and science) of the novel …. judging from what my husband said. He read and liked the book and I still have only read The Martian.
Still it has some charm with Ryan Gosling. But it felt a bit to me for a younger audience and it was quite sentimental sort of like “ET in Space” or “Ted Lasso in Space.” It wasn’t really for me, but I know some have really liked it, so see for yourself. I will stick to getting to the book (and all its science, lol) sometime.
And now let’s see what’s coming out this month. There’s a plethora of new fiction, including those by such well-known authors as Emma Straub, Rachel Khong, Maria Semple, T.C. Boyle, Jane Smiley, Sally Hepworth, Tom Perrotta, Anthony Horowitz, and Mark Helprin among others.
I’ve been looking at these and I’m a bit curious too if Ben Lerner’s new novella Transcription (due out April 7) will be any good. It follows a narrator who breaks his phone while attempting to record a final interview with his 90-year-old artist mentor, “forcing him to reconstruct the interaction, blending themes of technology, memory, and pandemic-era life.” While I’m not usually a big fan of “autofiction” where the author’s the protagonist, I might try Lerner again after years ago liking his quirky 2014 novel 10:04.
Next is Julia Langbein’s novel Dear Monica Lewinsky (due out April 14) about a 40-year-old woman who looks back on how an affair with a college professor decades earlier when she was a student abroad in France derailed so much of her life. Told in flashbacks of her six weeks in France in 1998, it’s interspersed with her prayers to Lewinsky and retellings of the lives of historical martyrs that paid a price.
Said to be both funny and a feminist examination of female desire and male power, author Kevin Wilson blurbed: it’s a “fascinating novel about the past, reckoning with … the person you once were and still somehow continue to be. It’s incredible that Julia Langbein navigates this territory with such humor.” So count me in.
There’s also Willy Vlautin’s new novel The Left and the Lucky (out April 14) about an unlikely friendship between a lonely 40-something house painter, Eddie Wilkens, and Russell, his next door neighbor in Portland, Ore., who’s an eight-year-old boy struggling with a difficult home life. While Russell’s life disintegrates, he begins to wait in Eddie’s backyard for him to get off work, where he’s introduced to a world of misfit characters and an old dog that seal Russell and Eddie’s bond.
Bleak but uplifting, the novel is said to be a realistic portrayal of American life and an examination of how circumstance shapes our lives and our need for human connection. I have not read Vlautin before but his critically touted novels often champion the underclass and those overlooked.
For honorable mentions this month, I’m also looking at these notable novels to check out:
- Honey in the Wound (out April 7) by Jiyoung Han — about a mysteriously gifted Korean family confronting the brutality of Japanese colonialism.
- Cleo Dang Would Rather Be Dead (out April 14) by Mai Nguyen — about a grieving mother who surprisingly finds hope working at a funeral home. And:
- Last Night in Brooklyn (out April 21) by Xochitl Gonzalez — about “two Brooklyn women who forge identities and careers in their rapidly gentrifying borough” … from the bestselling author of the novel Olga Dies Dreaming. Have you heard of these?
On the screen this month, there’s the TV series adaptation of The Testaments (on Hulu, starting April 8), which Atwood wrote as a sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale. I’ve read the books, which are eye-opening forebodings, but watching the dystopian story about the prospects of the women in Gilead might be a bit too bleak or scary right now. So perhaps the fifth and final season of Hacks might have a few laughs (on HBO Max, starting April 9). Or maybe Season 2 of Beef (on Netflix starting April 16), which involves dueling couples, might be a good diversion. The new season stars Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan among others.
Then there’s always Season 2 of the British crime show Criminal Record (on AppleTV, starting April 22). I just watched the first episode from Season 1 and I like that actress Cush Jumbo (formerly of The Good Wife and The Good Fight) is one of the detectives. The show is gritty and there’s lots of scenes from the streets of London. Have you seen any of these shows?
A couple other new series I’m sort of on the fence about: The Audacity (on AMC, starting April 12), which stars Zach Galifianakis among others, is a drama series that takes a satirical hammer to the rich techies of Silicon Valley.
While Margo’s Got Money Troubles (on AppleTV+, starting April 15) is based on the 2019 novel by Rufi Thorpe about a young single mom (played by Elle Fanning) who creates an online persona to keep afloat in which she dabbles in sex work. Nick Offerman and Michelle Pfeiffer star as her parents and Nicole Kidman as a lawyer trying to help her. It should be a doozy.
Lastly in music this month, there’s new albums by Holly Humberstone, the Arkells, the Foo Fighters, Bruce Hornsby, Ringo Starr, and Noah Kahan among others. I’ll pick Noah Kahan’s new album The Great Divide coming out April 24. It’s his fourth studio album and features the song Porch Light, which you can hear here. Noah grew up on a tree farm in Vermont and now lives in Massachusetts. He’s been a singer/songwriter to watch.
That’s all for now. What about you — which new releases are you looking forward to? Have a great week.
Transcription and Last Night in Brooklyn sound appealing. Criminal Record and Margo’s… sound good as well. Happy reading this upcoming week!
Hi Carmen, thanks. There wasn’t too much in April’s releases that I was totally crazy about. What’s going with your reading? How is it there — is spring around the corner. Enjoy your week.
We’ve had some days of 70F temps then down again to 50sF, then slightly warmer again. That’s how people get sick. Our winter was brutal: snowier than usual and very cold. It seems we’re past that now. Reading-wise, I just finished Angel Down, which was graphic but very good. I also read The Rest of Our Lives (a mixed bag), and I just started The Fountain, which is genre bending and has good reviews. Let’s see if I like it. Did you finish Buckeye? Happy reading this week ahead!
Good to know Carmen. I don’t know of Angel Down and The Fountain yet so I will look those up. I remember all the talk about The Rest of Our Lives since it was up for the Booker. People seemed a bit split about it. I am midway into Buckeye — So far it’s an easy read to get into. Though I’m sort of reading it slowly. We are having a snow day today! Ha. But next week back in the 50s. Happy spring!
You always highlight such interesting looking books. I want to read them all. But I have to stay focused on my plan –dammit — all those classic and award books which need to be read, afterall!
I loved Project Hail Mary! LOVED. We listened to the audiobook and it was so good in that format. I thought the film was good and covered some of the more tedious details well.
Hi Anne, thanks. I try to see if there’s anything good coming out. Good luck with the books you’re reading. I like checking in on your reviews.
And glad to hear you enjoyed the movie of PHM. I think the book will be better for me when I get to it. I liked the problem solving of The Martian book.
Cheers. Have a great week.
Oh, burrr! That snow makes me cold. Yes, it is good for the drought, but I’m sure you’re very ready for warmer weather. Glad you will get a chance to head to SoCal for sunshine and maybe some time at the beach. Not sure what the temps will be when you’re there, but they sure have had some hot weather. My brother said it was 99 the other day (in Escondido). Yikes!
Oh, dear. I have such high hopes for Project Hail Mary, having loved the audiobook. We’re planning to wait to watch it once it’s available to stream, so maybe by then, my expectations won’t be quite so high.
I love novels with young protagonists, so The Left and the Lucky appeals to me. I’ll take a look and see who narrates the audio.
Having finally finished watching all seasons of The Handmaid’s Tale, I’m not sure I’m up for The Testaments, at least not for a year or two. I’m still enjoying Shrinking, and just started the latest season of The Morning Show. The Pitt is our weekly watch and I’ll be sorry when we finish this second season. Thanks for the heads-up about Criminal Record. We may give that a try once we finish season 2 of Person of Interest.
Have a great week, Susan. Hope you see some nice weather soon!
Hi Lesley, thanks. Ha, it looks like we have one more snowstorm coming tonight and tomorrow. How crazy. But I feel spring is trying to break through.
I think I will like PHM in book form (much) better than the movie. I liked The Martian movie quite a bit but this one not as much. Still Anne (above in comments) loved the movie … though the audience seemed to be split on it in the theater. You might like it via streaming by then though. Less hype.
I think Willy Vlautin’s novels are rather bleak (warning) from what I hear — but I want to read one of his — as they are always well regarded … for their characters and writing so we will see.
I’m amazed you made it through all of The Handmaid’s Tale series. We watched Season 1 of it but then stopped. If not, it’d probably show up in my dreams, lol. The Testaments looks like more of the same. Good to take a break. After Task, the Night Manager, and Tehran … I think we’re onto Lincoln Lawyer for a while. Enjoy your shows. And happy reading. Enjoy your week too!
You’ve given me several more interesting titles to add to my reading list and thank you for that. I’m not sure I’m up for “The Testaments” just now. Reality itself is so bleak at the moment. I do look forward to the return of “Hacks.”
Hi Dorothy, yeah I agree, The Testaments is not something I could watch now either. And you know I’ve never watched Hacks but maybe I should try a few episodes from the beginning. We need some laughs. Happy April to you.
It did feel good to protest yesterday!
I think I’ll try watching Margot’s got money trouble as I seem to remember enjoying the book when I read it. I also really liked the novel Project Hail Mary and heard good things about the film. But, I will also take your thoughts to mind as I am not sure I want to see it yet.
Hi Helen, way to go at the No Kings.
I think the Margo series is getting some decent reviews, see what you think. Also you’ll probably like the PHM movie more than me. The theater seemed to be split on it. But Anne (above in comments) loved it … so see what you think whenever you see it. I think I’ll enjoy the book. Happy April. Have a great week.
That is a lovely photo you posted, but I know you are ready for the snow to stop and give you some Spring temps. Here it is sunny but the pollen is keeping me inside. Maybe it’s a new strain where we moved because i was never this bothered before. Allegra to the rescue!
Looking forward to Project Hail Mary when it streams, Doug hasn’t read the book yet but I can definitely see Ryan Gosling in the role. Did you see where he mentioned The Cake Shop here in Tallahassee and now they are overrun with orders?! Anyway, it would be hard to beat The Martian especially with Ridley Scott directing that one. And Matt Damon. I absolutely love him.
We watched an episode of Criminal Record last night and turned it off near the end of episode two. I like the actress but we just couldn;t like anyone in the show so far. Maybe we will give it another try. We are waiting on Shrinking and Friends and Neighbors to drop all the episodes before starting.
Will chat with you later about Buckeye.
Hi Tina, thanks. The photo is what I see from the bedroom looking back. And yes while you’re fighting allergy season head on, we have one more snowstorm coming tonight & tomorrow. Wow crazy. But fun too? In a kooky way. You can move to Alberta for allergy & politics relief. lol
I didn’t hear about Gosling mentioning The Cake Shop … how fun. The Martian was good. Yay for Ridley Scott … the PHM movie needed him as well.
We’ve only watched one episode of Criminal Record so not sure we will continue on either … as we’ve dipped into The Lincoln Lawyer series now. lol. Enjoy your upcoming shows … and talk to you later about Buckeye.
There aren’t quite as many April releases I’m excited about, which is a good thing because I’m still trying to get to Anna Quindlen’s new one and Good People. I do want to read Last Night in Brooklyn at some point though.
April was always a tough month when we lived in central NY…ready for spring, but mostly still feeling like winter. It’s much gentler in coastal CT. Pretty photo though. It’ll be good to get away to California for a little while. Have a good week, Susan!
Hi JoAnn, I agree. I didn’t find April releases as enticing as other months. I have read the new Quindlen (eeek) and I’m looking to get to Good People. I’m on the list at the library. And I still need to read one of Xochitl Gonzalez’s books!
Like central NY, spring is fickle here. We have one more snowstorm tonight! Ha. I think it’ll be the end. Good thing you’re in FLA. I’ll send you a snowball.
Thx enjoy your week too.
I have real trouble with dystopian films/TV and novels these days. I feel like I’m already living in a dystopian world! Lots of interesting books.I’m glad you’ve got a little winter break in the schedule and a visit to SoCal. Just wish it was while you still had that snow!
Hi Jeanie, I agree it is a dystopian world already … so it is hard to watch anymore bleakness on the screen. It’s better to find a diversion.
And thanks, I’m looking forward to my “spring break” trip to SoCal. There’s going to be another snowstorm here tonight, lol. It’ll make the trip sweeter, ha. Happy April to you.
I can understand getting tired of snow if you see a lot of it. But, avoiding drought is a good thing.
Reading your comments on The Martian and Project Hail Mary in recent posts has motivated me to read both books, but as of now I have no interest in the movies. Glen brought the movies up recently so he may be interested… and maybe I better get moving on reading the books.
The only new book you described that appeals is the book by Willy Vlautin. I have not read anything by him before now.
Hi Tracy, we’ve had relatively little snow this winter … but now all of a sudden it’s snowing quite a bit, lol. Go figure.
And yeah the Andy Weir books are pretty good. I have only read The Martian but I enjoyed it (though beware of all the math in it). The Martian movie is enjoyable but this new one — I had troubles with. The PHM book is apparently great though. See what you think. Has your son read these? He’s into sci-fi right?
I agree, the April releases didn’t seem as enticing as usual. Though I would like to read a Vlautin novel sometime. He seems pretty prolific and I have never read him either. Happy April to you.
I don’t think I would mind the math and science in the Andy Weir books. My major in college was Math, actually Theoretical Mathematics because that was all they offered. And any science classes seemed easy enough too. Of course, after all these years I don’t remember much about them, but still…
My son hasn’t read Weir’s books nor does he have copies. He is usually more into fantasy than science fiction, although he does have many science fiction books too. I wish I could read as fast as he does.
Hi Tracy, I think it’s great you were a math major … you’d probably really like both of the Andy Weir books … since they are about problem solving (and include math) in space. I hope to get to the 2nd one,
Your son sounds like an avid reader, yay. My brother liked all the Game of Thrones, Dune, and Tolkien novels but I hardly read any fantasy and not many sci-fi, go figure. But Weir seems to have captured more of a general audience,
I loved Project Hail Mary more than The Martian but I loved both books and I really enjoyed the movie for The Martian. I haven’t watched Project Hail Mary yet, hopefully really, really soon!
I’m very ready for better weather. I know we live in Canada and cold weather is just part of life here, but can we at least have above 10 degrees temperatures now that it’s spring? In Celcius! Not sure what 10 degrees Fahrenheit feels like. Lol!
Hi Haze, both of Weir’s books are very popular and I’m sure I’ll enjoy PHM after I liked The Martian. I just thought The Martian movie was sort of better. But see what you think. No fault of Gosling’s really.
Oh my, the weather. I had to laugh at your comment. Now it’s going to snow again more tonight! Maybe my dog is secretly doing a snow dance … and that’s why this is happening now. Spring will be coming. Hold on! lol. Happy April.
Two sets of friends invited us to go with them to see Project Hail Mary, but we weren’t able to go with either. Both groups said pretty much the same thing you said. And the two that had also read the book said the book was much better than the movie.
Hmmm…Dear Monica Lewinsky sounds very intriguing!
Hi Deb, thanks for telling me about the response to the Hail Mary movie. I wasn’t sure if I was the only one with a poor view of it — but the audience at the theater seemed split on it and my husband said the book was much better too. Oh well. The Martian movie was enjoyable. I thought the PHM movie missed a golden opportunity. Too bad. I’ll stick with the book.
And I agree the Lewinsky novel seems unusual. I’m a bit curious since it got pretty good reviews. So we will see. Enjoy your week and Happy April!
Your husband isn’t the only one who is saying much of the science in Project Hail Mary was skipped. I have a feeling I’m going to be disappointed. Project Hail Mary is one of my very most favorite books.
The beginning of April is proving to be cool and rainy here in coastal Albania, but I’m not going to complain. Very glad it’s not snow.
Hi Olivia, Yes I wonder what you will think about the movie of Project Hail Mary. Hmm. It does seem to skimp a bit on the science and suspense of the book. My husband is an engineer so those parts of the book he especially liked. I hope you’ll write a review of it whenever you see it. Anne (in the comments above) loved the movie … so I think maybe Andy Weir fans are a bit split over it or maybe it’s just me.
We are having a snow day today … so being cool in Albania sounds fine … it seems to have a scenic coast from what you’ve shown. Enjoy your April.
I haven’t been to a No-Kings march since the first one in my area last year. I also seem to have other stuff that I can’t get out of, but I definitely support the rallies and am encouraged to see so many people standing up to be counted and heard.
We are probably going to Project Hail Mary this Sunday. I like the description of Ted Lasso in space 🙂
I completely wrote off reading Dear Monica Lewinsky, but your blurb is giving me second thoughts, although “prayers to Lewinsky” sounds pretty weird, but maybe…
Hi Jane, I agree, it’s good to see that each No Kings march gets larger. There wasn’t one up here but I want to go.
I’ll be curious of what you think of the PHM movie. Anne (in comments above) loved it but I’d rather have stuck with reading the book. Have you read both his?
And I agree … it is weird. I definitely wouldn’t be praying to Monica Lewinsky but I think she’s talking about public shaming & scapegoating in general … it’s supposed to be funny – so I’m a bit curious.I think the author lives in France now and her debut American Mermaid is supposed to be funny too. Hmm. We will see.
I enjoyed the book Project Hail Mary…but not as much as The Martian, and not enough to want to go see the movie. Though everyone else in my family really wants to see it. I did really like Rocky in the book. And we got lots of rain here in SLC on Wednesday and Thursday, and even some snow at times, and 18 inches of snow in our mountains, which we desperately needed. But that’s just springtime in Utah. ;D
Hi Lark, I’m glad your mountains finally got some snow (this winter/spring). I think we got some of your snowstorm but now things are melting quickly.
I need to read PHM. You & your family should see the movie … it’s entertaining with Rocky but I think I’d like the book better. I’m curious what you’d think. The Martian was good both book & movie. Cheers.
I really enjoyed reading Project Hail Mary and though I am eager to see the movie I do expect that some of it won’t translate well.
I hope the weather improves soon.
Wishing you a wonderful reading week
Hi Shelleyrae, thx for stopping by. Yeah so many loved the book — so I was hyped about the movie (maybe too hyped), but I thought it missed something about the book. Still you’ll find parts entertaining. I’ll be curious what you think.
Enjoy your weekend as well. Happy Easter.
Hi Susan The No Kings Protest was amazing I am hearing 9 million turned out. But above all people have to show up for the midterms. Dear Monica Lewinsky sounds interesting. I so admire the work she is doing to combat bullying
Hi Kathy, good points. And I wish the midterms were tomorrow …. I’m so tired of this chaos … I’m ready to oust these people in office pronto!
I guess I didn’t realize how much Lewinsky was doing to combat bullying — thx for pointing that out. This novel could be a good one … I’m on the library wait list for it. I hope it’s funny too. Cheers. Enjoy your week.