March has arrived but you wouldn’t really know it because the temperatures have been so cold across Canada. Blah. But I can still dream of spring. And now that the Super Bowl, the Olympics, and the Academy Awards are over, we can get back to regular programming so to speak.
Speaking of which, I’m still surprised that “Gravity” won seven Oscars on Sunday, and “American Hustle” was completely shut out. Of course I agree “Gravity” had stunning visual and special effects but I didn’t think there was much of a story, other than hurdling through space and trying to get from point A to point B by your untethered self, which seemed pretty unlikely or unrealistic. Oh well, give space movies a break. It’s cold and pretty out there.
Moving on to March releases, there’s not a huge amount to snatch up this month, which surprises me a bit after the onslaught of good releases the past two months, but a few did catch my eye. In literary fiction (see list at right), I’m picking “Roosevelt’s Beast” by Louis Bayard, which looks to be a fun adventurous read if you’re up for a jungle excursion. It’s a reimagining of Theodore Roosevelt and his son’s ill-fated 1914 expedition to the Amazon. It sounds like a journey part “King Kong” and part “Heart of Darkness” with its psychological twist, but I’ll have to read it to see. I have not read Bayard, who’s know for his thought-provoking thrillers, before so that’s enticing, too.
I’m also picking Rene Denfeld’s debut novel “The Enchanted,” which is receiving a lot of high praise. I’m usually not into novels set in prison such as this one is, but it sounds quite different and a bit magical — about a prisoner and a death row investigator who uncovers some wrenching truths. Fellow author Erin Morgenstern says it’s “a wondrous book that finds transcendence in the most unlikely of places . . . So dark yet so exquisite.” And author Katherine Dunn calls “The Enchanted” “contagious” and “seductive” … “unlike anything I’ve ever read.” Along with other praise, I’m quite curious about this one, so sign me up!
As for March movies (see list at left), I’ve got to pick “Divergent,” based on the hugely popular young-adult novel by Veronica Roth. Oh yeah I’ll be there in the box office line, but first I still have to read the dystopian, sci-fi book that spawned the movie and trilogy. Yep I’m behind the times. But how much more dystopia can I take? Oh well, at least another. I hope to devour the book, and by then I’ll need to know if Shailene Woodley will deliver as Tris, and if the movie will be any good. What do you think?
Lastly in album releases for March (see list at bottom right), I’m most looking forward to indie band Foster the People’s album “Supermodel,” which is the follow-up to their successful debut “Torches” from 2011. One of the singles off “Supermodel,” “Coming of Age” has a cool sound and vibe to it, so I think the album should be a great release. I’m planning to check it out in full when it comes out mid-March.
How about you — which new books, movies, or albums out this month are you most looking forward to?
I love your beginning of the month posts! I’m actually excited about a bunch of new releases this month, but I’m giving up book buying for Lent. Ah well. I’m with you on the Foster the People release. Excited to listen to that one. Also, Divergent is something I might go see, but probably not. Might just rent a bunch of the Oscar movies I didn’t see and call it a day.
Thanks Brooke. Yeah these kind of posts help me organize a bit about what’s out there and what I should be looking at. There should be some good rentals coming soon.
The thing I am most excited about this month is the Veronica Mars movie. My sister and I are planning to go together and I just cannot wait.
Cool Kim. I havent read the book or seen the TV series, but you have me curious that I need to check Veronica Mars out. Were you a watcher of the series?
My daughter and I will probably catch Divergent, though I haven’t read the books. She loved them, and from the previews, she thinks Tris seems true to the books.
Oh that’s great. Yeah I hope to read the book right before. The movie looks interesting.
I like, not love, the Divergent series. Many of my readers say they like it better than Hunger Games. No way! I am not feeling the deep need to see the movie but I probably will since it comes out when my college daughter will be home on Spring Break.
Oh thanks Anne for the HG comparison. I will have to see which I like better. I do like the Hunger Games books.
I’ve just gathered up the Roth trilogy as well; I have heard good things, and am really just-as-happy NOT to have read it before, as those who were hanging on waiting for the third were mighty impatient!
In March, I’m really keen to read Nancy Lee’s The Age. I’ve only read a couple of her short stories, but I really liked them, and her first novel sounds just up my street.
What you’ve said about The Enchanted intrigues me. Looking forward to your thoughts!
Hmm. I don’t know Nancy Lee I don’t think. Thanks for the tip. It turns out I have a lot to get through this month, but I’ll let you know about The Enchanted!