Greetings. I was away last week playing in a tennis tournament in Victoria, B.C., so I’ve been absent from the blog for a while. I flew over the mountains to the coast and should have taken a photo coming in over all the scenic islands but somehow I missed that opportunity. Still I will leave you with this shot of a freighter in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, looking toward Washington State in the far, far distance. The Victoria area has a lot of pretty sights and their spring bloom was out in nearly full mode, unfortunately it was an indoor tournament so I didn’t get to see all that much, so I will have to return there someday. Luckily though the tennis went well and I placed runner-up in doubles and won the consolation singles draw. I’m recovering now from all my ailments, ha.
Still I am glad April is over and the tax season and snow are safely behind us (fingers crossed). It’s not my favorite month as I have to file taxes for two countries, which is no fun — no fun at all. The month of May is much better, and it’s a lot warmer too. It’s like we went straight from winter into summer this year — a bit of an abrupt transition, but I’m liking it. The grass is turning green and the buds are making their way onto the trees and shrubs.
I’ve been looking at new book releases this month — and although Michael Ondaatje (“The English Patient” author) and Rachel Kushner (the author of “The Flamethrowers”) both have new novels out — I might be steering clear of them … for a few others. Shame on me. But what I’ve read of Kushner’s novel “The Mars Room” is that her book is “shackled with so much importance” … and she’s determined to teach us what she’s learned about California prisons. In the process she has sentenced her readers to “more than 300 pages of despair, cruelty and illness,” so writes critic Ron Charles of The Washington Post. I think I will pass on it, though if you really like the TV series “Orange Is the New Black,” which I never did try, you might like this one as well.
As for Ondaatje’s new novel “Warlight” I might give it a chance, though I wasn’t overly enthralled by his last one “The Cat’s Table.” Still if you live in Canada, you must read everything that’s put out by Ondaatje, as he is pretty much considered literary royalty here — along with that lady named Atwood, of course.
Though instead I’m curious about Stephen McCauley’s novel “My Ex-Life,” which has received a lot of praise and seems to be about a man whose life is falling apart who decides abruptly to shelve his problems to fly across the country to help his ex-wife— who he hasn’t seen in almost 30 years — with hers.
As author Tom Perrotta says “My Ex-Life is a pleasure of the deepest sort―it’s a wise, ruefully funny, and ultimately touching exploration of mid-life melancholy and unexpected second chances.” Oh I like that theme. And as Kirkus Reviews calls it: “a gin and tonic for the soul.” Hooray, I can handle that concoction — what more do you want?
I’m also game for Heather Abel’s debut novel “The Optimistic Decade,” which appears to be a coming-of-age story about the lives of five characters come undone at a remote Colorado summer camp set in 1990. Apparently it touches on the bloom and fade of idealism and how it forever changes one’s life.
As author Nathan Hill says it’s “perceptive, funny, and utterly original — The Optimistic Decade is a book for anyone who’s navigated the twin crises of idealism and youth.” And author Andrea Barrett calls it “bighearted, wise and beautifully written … an exploration of idealism gone awry that engages at every level.” Hmm, it sounds a bit political too about the Reagan/Bush years, so count me in.
Next up, I got to dive into Paula McLain’s new novel “Love and Ruin” about the passionate and stormy marriage of Ernest Hemingway and Martha Gellhorn. Are you kidding me? I’m likely a sucker for this story based on the the lives of these two war correspondents and writers.
I liked McLain’s last novel about aviator Beryl Markham — who is one of my heroes after reading her books “West With the Night” and “African Stories.” And I’ve long been intrigued by Gellhorn’s life and journalism career too. Caroline Moorehead wrote a biography of her, which I have waiting on my shelves, and I’m sure I’d like to read Gellhorn’s own memoir as well. Apparently she was the third wife of Hemingway and stayed married to him from 1940-1945 — such formative years! What more do you want?
Last up, there’s Rachel Slade’s nonfiction book “Into the Raging Sea: Thirty-Three Mariners, One Megastorm, and the Sinking of El Faro.” Yikes. This nerve-wracking, tension-filled narrative is about the container ship that left Florida on September 29, 2015 headed for Puerto Rico. It carried a cargo of 391 shipping containers, about 294 trailers and cars, and a crew of 33 people—28 Americans and 5 Poles. Unfortunately it came too close to Hurricane Joaquin and was swallowed up and sunk, resulting in the worst American shipping disaster in 35 years. Called harrowing and gripping, the book and its reporting has earned a lot of 5 star ratings. For those who were into “The Perfect Storm” story— you apparently haven’t read anything yet.
As for movies in May, there’s some light comedies coming out with Melissa McCarthy’s “Life of the Party” — about a middle-age mother who returns to college to finish her degree (uh-oh) — and “Book Club” about four 60+ aged friends whose lives are changed forever after reading 50 Shades of Grey. Hmm, seems sort of ditsy to me, but maybe it has a few laughs. “Tully” — the movie with Charlize Theron playing an overburdened, sleep-deprived mother of three — seems to be generating controversy for its portrayal of postpartum depression. Hmm. I think I might pass on it.
Though I am a bit curious about the movie adaptation of Ian McEwan’s novel “On Chesil Beach,” which comes out this month, but unfortunately it’s not getting very enthusiastic reviews. Still Raoirse Ronan plays the young woman who has a very awkward and fretful wedding night, set in England in 1962. Ronan is often so good that I will likely see the movie anyways. I recall her starring in “Atonement,” which was a terrific movie based on another one of McEwan’s novels.
The movie with perhaps the most praise this month is likely the Paul Schrader film “First Reformed” about a pastor (played by Ethan Hawke) who is called on to counsel a radical environmentalist, which leaves him reeling from his own tormented past and despairing future. Hmm. Set in upstate New York, it sounds quite dark, but I’ll probably give it a go. It looks to be a gripping drama apparently about a crisis of faith.
Meanwhile we’ve been watching lately the AMC TV series “The Terror,” which is roughly about John Franklin’s naval expedition that went searching for the Northwest Passage in the Arctic in 1845, with a crew of 24 officers and 110 men. Uh-oh. You remember their two ships — Erebus and Terror — that got stuck in the ice and the men had to winter over. Oh good grief, the hardships they endured: the dwindling food (laced with lead), the frozen conditions, the endless trekking to find a way out etc. Well on top of all that, this adaptation introduces a monstrous predator too — like a killer polar bear combined with an abominable snowman. It’s based on the novel by Dan Simmons. Holy Smokes, did they really need to add that? Still I’m mostly liking it so far. Some fine actors in it and an authentic looking set too!
Lastly for new albums in May, there’s quite a few excellent ones coming out by artists I like, including those by soul singer Leon Bridges, country singer Kelly Willis, singer-songwriter Ray LaMontagne, as well as Canadian singer-songwriter Jennifer Castle — and if you want to throw in one by veteran singer Joan Armatrading, go ahead. Perhaps it’s the best month we’ve had this year.
I used to live near Washington, D.C., where I got to see great singer-songwriters in concert all the time, but not a lot of them get out this way — just once in a very blue moon. Still there’s some excellent Canadian singing artists in this vast country. But for this month I’ll pick New England singer Ray LaMontagne’s new album “Part of the Light” as my top choice, though I plan to check out the others as well. That’s all for now.
What about you — which releases this month — are you most looking forward to?
It sounds like you played very well!!
I was the one person who didn’t care for Circling the Sun so I’ll probably skip Love and Ruin. I am anxious to read Into the Raging Sea, though.
My movie going friend wants to see The Book Club. I told her I’d go but I’m with you on it – it doesn’t look good to me.
Thanks Kathy, the tennis worked out. You’ll have to report back on The Book Club movie. I’ll wait for it on Netflix. Into the Raging Sea looks like a tense read!
Congratulations on winning at tennis.
You read some of interesting sounding books. “Into the Raging Sea” sounds good. I tend to like nonfiction about such mishaps. I had not previously heard about the sinking of The El Faro.
I was thinking of watching The Terror. However as you mention, the true parts of the story sound so compelling, it seems a bit bothersome that a monster was thrown into something seems like it could have stood on its own.
Thanks Brian, the tennis was worth while! I don’t know much details yet about The El Faro disaster but I intend to find out. Sounds like the Captain made a crazy choice, sigh. Yeah I don’t think they needed to add a monster in The Terror series at all — but perhaps it’s some kind of metaphor? They had everything going against them already. hmm.
You had a great tournament – congratulations! The Optimistic Decade sounds appealing to me, as does Paula McLain’s new novel. I’d like to see On Chesil Beach (and maybe reread the book beforehand) but, if the reviews are not favorable, it might be better to wait for Netflix.
Thanks JoAnn, the tennis went well. I’m reading On Chesil Beach now – so I can see the movie when it arrives. I’m not too far into it yet, but I have laughed a few times. And poor Florence seems to be having some terrible wedding night jitters!
I am going to read the Rachel Kushner book because I am a fan, plus I am interested in the prison situation, horrible as it is. I hadn’t heard of The Optimistic Decade but it sounds like something I would like, so I will check it out.
I really want to see Tully!
Finally, Kelly Willis is loved in our house. Thanks for the tip on that one.
Oh good Judy: so pleased you’re a Kelly Willis fan. Woohoo. Great voice. I will hear from you about The Mars Room and Tully. Think they will be good, most likely for you.
Hi Susan – congrats on tennis wins 🙂
So many good reads – I can’t keep up!! And Ray LaMontagne is always a fav in our household too! Are you headed east for some cottage time again?
take care xoviv
Hi Vivien! Thanks. Tennis is a hard sport, eh? Win some, lose some. Love the Ray LaMontagne tunes. Rock on. Hope you are enjoying your spring there!
Congratulations on the tennis – it sounds like you played well!
I’m also not planning to read the Ondaatje right away… I’ll wait and see what people think of it. I’ve only read two of his books so far, so it won’t hurt me to wait!
My Ex-Life does sound good – it almost sounds like it could be put into that “Up Lit” category?
And I do like books about sea-faring adventures, so Into the Raging Sea is tempting…
I think I’d like to see On Chesil Beach, just to see how they decided to adapt the book. I thought the book was well done. I think I read somewhere that her performance in it is very good.
Thanks Naomi — the tennis went well for a change :-). You understand the Ondaatje dilemma, ha. My Ex-Life sounds a bit more fun. And Into the Raging Sea more fast-paced. I’m reading On Chesil Beach now. We will see …
Congratulations on your tennis wins! Such pretty photos too. I always look forward to your preview posts of books and movies. Happy May!
Thanks Sarah. Tennis rocks, when it works out. 🙂 May looks to be a good month for releases … I sort of put these together to orient myself to what I need to catch. I guess it helps me organize. Glad you like the posts.
I will be reading Love and Ruin next. Into the Raging Sea sounds powerful. I wouldn’t mind to read it. I’ll be putting Tully and On Chesil Beach on my to-be-watched list. Let’s see how that goes. The Terror sounds so good, but it is true they didn’t need to add a monster to the mix. Frigid temps and being trapped for months on end must have been terrifying on its own. Minds of Winter, which I read last year, went into their ordeal, as well as that of all other expeditions that explored the Poles.
And congrats on your tournament winnings! 😉
Hey thanks Carmen. Tennis was a battle! Great that you will be reading Love & Ruin too. I hope to get to it maybe sometime late spring? I agree that the Franklin expedition series didn’t really need a monster tossed into it, and I’m still trying to figure out why it was added. Is it some kind of added metaphor? Or just AMC liking the gore & guts. Hmm. Not sure. But I like the setting of the show. So palpable the cold & isolation and the doom! We’ll see what happens.
Oh, no, taxes for two countries! I guess that might stop me from moving to Canada…LOL. As much as I hate how the US is being “run” right now, I hate moving even more. I think.
Wow, so many tempting books and movies! The description “a gin and tonic for the soul” grabbed me…so I’ll be wanting to read this one.
I will watch The Book Club because of the cast…so many of my favorite “older” actors! LOL.
I loved a movie I saw on Prime about Hemingway and Gellhorn…and I have enjoyed other books by McClain. So that one is going on my list.
I enjoyed the book On Chesil Beach a while ago, and I think I would see anything with Saoirse Ronan…
My May will be full with all of your recommendations. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Laurel, it seems we are often on the same wavelength on which books to pick up — which is excellent. It’s a pain to file 2 taxes every year (ugh!), but I still like living on the outside of the Trump lunacy. How much more is possible?! If it were any other person in office, paying off $130,000 during a campaign to a porn star as hush money — would not be possible …. without being thrown out. Still we wait. Enjoy your reads this month!
I think “Life of the Party” looks fun! I hope to be able to go see it (my solo outings are always subject to babysitting availability!)
Hi Laila, I hope you get out to see it … and then report back. It does look like a fun movie. Enjoy.
My Ex-Life sounds like something I’d like. The Paula McLain I’m less sure about. I loved The Paris Wife, but I just finished Circling the Sun and have mixed feelings about it. Out of Africa has been my favorite movie since 1985, so I have the dialogue memorized, of course. (This seems to be VERY annoying to anyone watching it with me. I can’t imagine why.) Since I have it memorized, I recognized numerous times when McLain used dialogue from that screenplay in the dialogue in the book, which seemed beneath her and completely unnecessary, as she is a fine writer in her own right. I do love Beryl Markham and remember loving West With the Night, which I’ve pulled out for a re-read now. I do not love Ernest Hemingway, so that’s yet another reason I may skip Love and Ruin. Hemingway just comes across to me like someone who would probably be “me too-ed” and “time’s up-ed” today.
Hi Amy: It’s okay — I too think what Paula McLain does in her books — novelizing real people is risky. It’s doesn’t work for all readers or all of the time. I was sort of against it but then thought Circling the Sun was fine. I sort of treat it like an additional thing and realize it is often speculative about the people. For Martha Gellhorn and Beryl Markham — I can read their books in addition to McLain’s so I feel I get their perspective too. Hemingway apparently sounds like a terrible person but also a wonderful writer. Hmm. This complexity makes people still wonder…. about him.
First off, good for you in your showings in the Tennis tournament. I love Victoria. What a great place to have any sort of tournament.
Thank you for including books here that I’ve heard almost nothing about. I’m off to check out My Ex Life and The Optimistic Decade. (My Ex Life sounds a little like my own. After 15 years of rarely talking to my ex-husband, he showed up at my door one day wanting to be friends….it was weird!)
Thanks Susie, Victoria is quite a neat place — and not too far from Seattle! It has the same foliage there, I noticed. Ha, I had to laugh about your My Ex Life episode — it does sound quite out of the blue. Perhaps the novel might appeal to you … or maybe not! You could’ve written this one, ha!
You mentioned ailments, so did you injure yourself while at the tournament? I certainly hope now.
That opening shot you shared is just gorgeous.
As I type this I am totally wiped out but after Friday I should be good. I’m starting to be concerned about age and I’ve never been concerned about it before but with all the goes on and all that I have seemingly wrong with me, I just feel as if I recover from things all that well anymore.
Hi Ti: You need to take it easy this weekend. Lupus must be rough; does any medication work? I have knee injuries from all the tennis I played as a kid and up to now. I’ve had a couple surgeries over the years. So I need to play in moderation now & ice etc. Getting older is not fun. hmm.
I’ll be interested in your thoughts about Love and Ruin because I thought Circling the Sun was marvelous but did not feel the same way about L&R.
Hi Catherine, hmm. That makes me curious : was it the person (Gellhorn) that didn’t interest you as much as Markham? I don’t know much about Gellhorn going into McLain’s story — as I did Markham — whose books I had read beforehand. So I’m going in more clueless about her. I will see … Markham’s aviation & her bush pilot days still amaze me. I liked her way with animals too.
No, it was how McLain represented her. I explain it better in my review from last week. Maybe check it out after you read the book?
Yes! I’ll definitely check out your review after I finish L&R. Your thoughts are always great. Thx