Greetings. It’s now November so we are down to two months left of the year. How are your reading goals going? Mine are off-track, but it’s okay I’m not going to freak out just yet. There’s been lots of distractions along the way … including news out of the U.S. and the election. I voted absentee ballot from Canada, just doing my part as a U.S. citizen living abroad, but I’ll spare you the political talk here. Just to say: I hope you were able to vote … as it seems a critical election. My dog and book assistant has been a bit worn out from all the coverage and the political campaigning.
Meanwhile I feel there’s still plenty of time to read some wonderful books for the year so I’ll hold off on making a list of favorites until the end of December. I know quite a few bloggers participate in Nonfiction November this time of year and I’ll likely read one or two nonfiction books this month to honor the meme. It’s good I finally came off the library waiting list for Beck Dorey-Stein’s memoir “From the Corner of the Oval” so I’ll likely plunge into that soon. Admittedly I’m a bit of a sucker for Washington, D.C./political staffer kinds of books. After all, I was once an intern punk on Capitol Hill, ha.
This month has some strong fiction coming out too. There’s new ones by such well-known authors as Joyce Carol Oates, Sebastian Faulks, Jonathan Lethem, and Liane Moriarty among others. I’m keen to get my hands on a few alternatives such as Eugenia Kim’s second novel “The Kinship of Secrets” about two sisters growing up on opposite sides of the world in the 1950s, one in war-torn Korea and the other in America. Inspired by her own family’s experiences, the author tells the story through the alternating perspectives of the distanced sisters, who have vastly different upbringings. The story revolves around whether the family will be able to reconnect or whether family secrets will stand in the way. It sounds good to me and might be in the same ball park for those who liked Min Jin Lee’s novel “Pachinko.”
I’m also curious to check out Idra Novey’s second novel “Those Who Knew” about a woman who suspects that a prominent senator she was involved with back in her student activist days is taking advantage of one of his female aides. When the girl winds up dead, the woman finds herself revisiting her own fraught past with the senator. Yikes. Apparently she questions her complicity after staying silent years ago about what the senator did to her. It’s a novel that sounds ripped straight from the headlines and one that’s been receiving considerable hype this month, so I’m game. And Judy at the blog Keep the Wisdom had good things to say about Novey’s debut novel “Ways to Disappear,” which is a literary-mystery type of story that also sounds quite interesting.
Next up I’d like to get my hands on Allen Eskens’s new novel “The Shadows We Hide,” which is a sequel to his 2014 crime/mystery novel that I enjoyed called “The Life We Bury.” Hooray I had no idea the author was planning on a sequel but I was keen on his protagonist — college student Joe Talbert Jr. — last time. In this one apparently Joe, now a cub reporter for the Associated Press, returns to investigate the murder of the father he never knew and must put together the missing pieces of his family history — before his quest for discovery threatens his own life. Uh-oh. Hopefully Joe doesn’t become too like Camille Preaker from Gillian Flynn’s novel “Sharp Objects” on me, but I don’t think he will. Eskens’s prior crime mystery made for a good audiobook listen so I’m thinking I’ll go that route this time again.
Then there’s John Boyne’s latest novel “A Ladder to the Sky,” which seems to have quite the malevolent protagonist in Maurice Swift … who’s a literary Tom Ripley kind of character straight out of a Patricia Highsmith kind of plot. Swift, apparently, is an aspiring writer and ruthless man who will stop at nothing in pursuit of success. I have not been drawn to this author before, but this story seems to be a bit of sardonic commentary about those involved in the literary/publishing world, which might appeal to me. I’m willing to see if “A Ladder to the Sky” is as similarly chilling and clever as a Highsmith plot. Swift’s character sounds truly Machiavellian and I’m wondering if I’ll find that off-putting or interesting. Hmm, only time and reading will tell.
Lastly I like the looks of Oyinkan Braithwaite’s debut novel “My Sister, the Serial Killer.” No offense to my own sister, but what an alluring book cover! Apparently it’s a short, darkly funny novel about a Nigerian woman whose younger sister has a very inconvenient habit of killing her boyfriends. Uh-oh I hate when that happens, ha. This novel sounds quite unique and Susie at the blog Novel Visits who’s already read it says: it’s a “really fun, fast-paced book.” While the author Idra Novey calls it a “wry and refreshingly inventive novel about violence, sister rivalries and simply staying alive.” So what’s not to like? I’m keen on Nigerian authors such as Ayobami Adebayo and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie so I’m eager to discover Oyinkan’s work too. She seems to have a dark sense of humor.
Meanwhile in movies it’s going to be a big month, woohoo. There’s quite a few notable ones I hope to see at the theater. First off, director Steve McQueen of “12 Years a Slave” fame is back with “Widows,” which looks to be a fast-paced heist thriller about four widows who decide to finish the job that their criminal husbands had started before losing their lives. It looks to be quite the crime drama set in Chicago and stars a notable cast particularly with Viola Davis leading the way, and Liam Neeson and Colin Farrell too. Gillian Flynn had a hand too in adapting the screenplay from the novel by Lynda La Plante.
Also receiving a lot of praise is the movie “The Favourite” set in 18th century England with British actress Olivia Coleman starring as Queen Anne whose attentions and rule are vied for by her friend Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) and a new servant who arrives on the scene played by Emma Stone. Stone’s character apparently rocks the boat at the Royal palace, which ends up playing into her own ambitions. I don’t often see a lot of period piece movies but these three actresses together — along with the critical praise this film is getting — is enough to get me to the theater. Kudos to Olivia Coleman whose role I’m eagerly awaiting as Queen Elizabeth II in the new season of the TV series “The Crown,” which is schedule to air next year in North America.
Another potent movie looks to be “If Beale Street Could Talk” about a woman in Harlem who scrambles to prove her fiance is innocent of a crime while carrying their first born child. Adapted from the James Baldwin novel, it stars KiKi Layne and Stephan James whose careers should take a huge upswing after this intimate and (still) timely drama directed by Barry Jenkins who also did the award-winning movie “Moonlight.” In fact Barry Jenkins is on a roll these days and is currently directing an 11-episode TV series based on the Colson Whitehead book “The Underground Railroad,” which I believe is coming out next year on Amazon. Stay tuned for that.
Meanwhile three other movies this month look to be winners too. “Boy Erased” follows the son of Baptist parents who is forced to take part in a gay conversion therapy program, Uh-oh. It seems to be a moving coming-of-age drama starring Lucas Hedges, Russell Crowe and Nicole Kidman. There’s also “A Private War” — a biographical film about the life of the courageous war correspondent Marie Colvin, which stars Rosamund Pike, who looks to be in top form in the role. As well as there’s the movie “Green Book” with the lovely actors Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen starring as a musician and his driver who tour venues of the American South in the 1960s. Perhaps it’s a bit like “Driving Miss Daisy” in reverse? That’s all for movies and I didn’t even mention Claire Foy as the latest tough Lisbeth Salander in the Dragon Tattoo franchise — the new movie being: “The Girl in the Spider’s Web.” Foy’s been busy these days after playing Janet Armstrong in “First Man.” I guess I shouldn’t be so bummed that she’s no longer on “The Crown.”
As for new albums in November, there’s new ones by the Pistol Annies, Mark Knopfler, Mumford & Sons, Jeff Tweedy, and Rosanne Cash among others. It’s a bit of a hard choice to decide my pick. I could go for a mixed tape with a bit of each but if that isn’t good enough then I’ll pick Rosanne Cash’s new album “She Remembers Everything” because she’s put in some miles during her career and is still sounding good.
That’s all for now. What about you — which new releases are you most looking forward to this month?
Thanks for the mention, Susan. I hope you enjoy My Sister, the Serial Killer. (I still love that title!) I’m excited to see If Beale Street could talk. I looks like it will be so good. Have a great November!
Thanks Susie. Yeah I love the cover & title to the Serial Killer book. Glad you’ve already vetted it for us! November seems a surprisingly strong month for fiction. And of course movies look good too. Enjoy.
I also voted today. As I think you know I am very political. This was indeed a vital election. All these books sound interesting. My Sister The Serial Killer sounds really good and really funny. I also like the cover.
Hi Brian: I’m wondering your thoughts on the Election results: good enough or not as big a win as you would’ve liked? I’m still a bit worried but glad for the wins. Yeah the cover to the Serial Killer book really catches my eye! Enjoy your November.
I quit setting reading goals years ago so I’m good with that. I can’t believe it’s November, though. I’ve heard good things about the Boyne book and am excited to see Eskens has a new one out.
Hi Kathy: yeah the new Eskens book reminded me of you — as I got the first book based on your review and it was really good. We’ll have to see about this one. It’s likely a good idea not setting reading goals — as it’s meant to be for enjoyment to begin with … but somehow I’m lured into keeping track on Goodreads.
Well, Oyinkan Braithwaite absconded with the ultimate title, for sure. Note that it’s the younger sister referenced! I’m looking forward to all the movies, especially Green Book. ;-). You know my motto: Wherever Viggo, I go.
My book count is going to be holding steady now that I’m into Chernow’s Grant….
I didn’t realize you were a Serial Killer, ha ha. Green Book looks good. And my book count has dropped off but I don’t have Grant to blame, darn.
Well, as you know, my reading goals are going quite well. Three books ahead of schedule so far. Thanks again for the shout-out. I will for sure be reading Idra Novey’s new one! Kinship and Ladder to the Sky sound great. I’ll add those to my lists. I am so pumped about the movie adaptation of If Beale Street Could Talk. I loved the book. Finally, we never miss a Roseane Cash album at our house. Good luck and happy reading in November!
All good to hear Judy. You surely are on a roll in 2018. Yeah the Beale movie looks really good and I hadn’t heard of that Baldwin novel but now I’m going to go searching for it. Also I will have to try Novey to see what her work is like. Good to hear you like Rosanne Cash. Awesome. Have a great month 🙂
I’m glad you’re going to be reading Kinship. I have it but haven’t gotten to it yet so will wait to see what you think!
I’m reading Ladder to the Sky and I think you will really like it because you haven’t read Boyne before. It’s very different from his previous work, which isn’t a bad thing, but his last was so powerful and this is mostly plot. A totally different vibe.
I guess we survived the election, right? I’m just in a place of complete of avoidance at this point because this toad of president doesn’t care about election so the crazy doesn’t stop. He is a vile stain on humanity.
As for my reading goals? They were tanked by Murakami’s new book- 700 pages and took me almost a month to finish. I’m way behind now.
Hi Catherine: yeah I barely survived the election. I wish the results were a full repudiation of Trump but I will take the House win gladly. I’m impressed you read the new Murakami (long) book. I plan to stop by your site to check out your thoughts. Yeah I think I will like Ladder to the Sky and Kinship — though I’m on the wait list for both at the Library so I probably won’t get to Kinship till early Dec. perhaps. We will see. I’m looking forward to it.
I love Roseanne Cash and can’t wait to hear her new album. Didn’t know Mark Knopfler had a new one as well—love his voice so much!
Great to hear Jane! I plan to get both Knopfler’s and Cash’s new albums. I like their voices too.
I got Liane Moriarty’s new book on Tuesday and I can’t wait to start it! First, I have to finish Exit West, which is the book my book club is reading. I only have about 80 pages to go.
Great Rachel. I think the new Moriarty book sounds like an interesting premise. I’m game for it too. I’ll see what you think of it first on your site. thanks!
So many book releases…! The blurb of Those Who Knew indeed sounds taken from the headlines. My Sister…has my kind of humor; I’ll probably enjoy it. Sarah @ Sarah’s Book Shelves loved Boyne’s latest. It seems it’s a worthy follow up to The Heart… I’ll be reading The Heart Invisible Furies next year, and bought The Absolutist and This House is Haunted by him as well, but those will have to wait.
All those movies are already on my wishlist. There are so many great ones to be released in the upcoming months, these included.
Hi Carmen: yeah movie season is ramping up now: should be good :-). I’m interested to try out the new Boyne book but I’m on the wait list for it at the Library so it might be awhile. It’s sounds like you’ll be reading some of his books next year. I’ll be interested to see what you think. There are a lot of book releases this month which surprises me a bit. Will try to keep my head above water!
The phones calls, giant postcards and personal visits to my door are what I do not like about election time. I have thrown away so much paper. What happened to sustainability?
I will probably fall short of my reading goal this year but if I ever finish this Murakami book I may have a chance. I am just loving it too much to read it quickly but it’s messing me up for other books.
Right now they are evacuating the LA Zoo due to fire that is out of control. So much of California is burning again and the wind will not stop. Plus we had another shooting. This one very close to home as my son’s friends were there. They are all okay. A sprained ankle is the worst of it.
So sorry to hear Ti. It’s scary, between the fires and the shooting, I’ve been so worried about Southern Cal. Your poor son & his friends. I can’t imagine the fear of having one’s kids there. OMG. I will pray they can put the fires out. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on Murakami’s new (long) novel!
Last night we watched Leave No Trace on DVD, thanks to your review a while ago. Loved it. Thanks!
Great Judy: So glad you liked that movie. It crept up on me; it’s a bit different but intimate too. Touching.
I am hoping to see Widows, and Boy Erased looks good, too.
Thanks for sharing…and for visiting my blog.
Hi Laurel: yeah many good movies out this month. I hope you enjoy some at the theater. Thanks for stopping by.
I love Allen Eskens (have read all his books) and look forward to new one as well. I also want to read A Ladder to the Sky (have the ARC).
You reading companion is adorable.
Thanks Diane. My reading companion makes life fun. I’m glad you like Allen Eskens’s books too! I’m excited for the new one! We’ll have to compare notes on it. Cheers.
I’m very much interested in If Beale Street Could Talk as I absolutely loved Moonlight. I’m also interested in Green Book. I don’t see a ton of films in the theater so it might be a while for me, though.
As for my reading goals? Well, I tried not to set any goals this year, but my mini-goal was to read more of my own books that I have at home. I think I set a goal for one a month, and I’m well past that, so I consider it a success. Now if I could only stop ADDING to my books at home pile, ha ha!
Hi Laila: The Beale Street movie should be big for indie-movie fans. I hope it’s a success. And I know what you mean about adding to book piles — it’s hopeless at my house. Hope you do better.