Category Archives: Top Picks

Usually I would do my October preview and picks at the beginning of the month, but I was away traveling and then got sick so here it is quite late.

For October novel releases (see list at right), there’s a slew of veteran authors with new books out. Of these, I, too, am most eager to get my hands on Donna Tartt’s new novel, “The Goldfinch,” which comes out eleven years after her last book, “The Little Friend.” I recently reread her first novel “The Secret History,” which is still wonderful after all these years. If her latest is half as good as that, it’s no wonder everyone is after “The Goldfinch.”

I’m also looking forward to Dave Eggers’s new novel “The Circle,” which reportedly is about an employee at an internet company, in a world where there’s a constant hunger for communications and a loss of privacy. Some are comparing it to George Orwell’s “1984” or Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World” for the tech world. So I think it’ll raise some interesting questions.

For my third October book pick, I’m not sure whether to choose Jayne Anne Phillips’s haunting novel “Quiet Dell” about serial murderer Harry Powers, a con man who preyed on widows, or Dan Simmons’s long chunkster novel “The Abominable” about climbers making a recovery mission on Everest, or perhaps “The Signature of All Things,” Elizabeth Gilbert’s hotly anticipated novel about a female botanist in the 1800s. There’s also Andre Dubus III’s new collection of short stories filled with depressing characters in “Dirty Love” — for those who liked the author’s tragic tale of “House of Sand and Fog.”

Lastly kudos to Eleanor Catton, this month’s author of “The Luminaries,” an 832-page murder mystery set in New Zealand during a 19th-century gold rush, which won the Man Booker Prize this past week. Reviews describing its convolutedness have me a bit intimidated to pick it up so far, but the author just so happens to be at our city’s annual book festival (WordFest) this weekend. Wow talk about great timing!

As for movies in October (see list at left), I pick both “Gravity” and “Captain Phillips” to see. I liked them equally, and found them both high-octane action flicks. I’m also curious about this month’s “12 Years a Slave” and would like to go back and read the memoir by Solomon Northup perhaps first before seeing the movie if I can.

Lastly in albums for October (see list at bottom right), I’ve been playing and liking The Avett Brothers’ “Magpie and the Dandelion” which is the folk group’s eighth studio album and the third of its albums produced by Rick Rubin. I’ve also been listening to “Let’s Be Still” the second album by the Seattle-based folk group The Head and the Heart, which sounds pretty good, too.

How about you, which book, movie, or album releases out this month are you excited about? Continue reading →

September is my favorite month of the year, and with the start of fall releases it is one of the most abundant in new movies, books and albums. In books alone (see list at top right), there are some huge name authors coming out with new titles, including: Margaret Atwood, J.M. Coetzee, Alice McDermott, Thomas Pynchon, and the ever-prolific Stephen King.

But I guess I’m most interested in the new novel by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri called “The Lowland.” I’ve read her three other wonderful books and I’m surely not planning on missing this one. It’s about two very different brothers bound by tragedy and is set in both India and America over many years. It deals with sibling rivalry, guilt, grief, marriage and parental love against a backdrop of revolution. “The Lowland” sounds intriguing and is written by a fantastic author who you won’t want to miss.

Another highly anticipated read for September is Jennifer duBois’s new novel “Cartwheel,” which is about a foreign exchange student arrested for murder in Argentina and a father trying to hold his family together. It sounds like a psychological suspense novel that is sure to be riveting. I missed her debut novel “A Partial History of Lost Causes” last year, which received so much high praise, so I definitely want to check out her writing this time around.

I’m also interested in a debut novel by Australian writer Hannah Kent called “Burial Rites” that explores the final months of a young woman accused of murder who was the last person to be executed in Iceland in 1829. It’s getting high ratings on both Amazon and Goodreads and is apparently bleak but quite memorable. And then there’s Daniel Woodrell’s “The Maid’s Version,” which is another tragic one based on a true story, that looks tough but also enticing. It’s about a deadly dance hall fire that took place in the Ozarks in 1928 and explores its impact over several generations. Lastly, I have a soft spot for Jamie Ford’s writing and will look for his new novel “Songs of Willow Frost,” set in Depression-era Seattle about a Chinese American orphaned boy with dreams for his future and an actress he believes is his mother.

As for movies in September (see list at top left), the documentary “Salinger” looks to make a splash (along with its companion biography of the same title) about the former reclusive author of “The Catcher in the Rye.” Not sure of all the strange stuff about him, but it’s quite noteworthy if indeed Salinger had five unpublished works finished that will come out starting in 2015. Hmm, the Glass family story continues apparently.

Also the movie “Rush” by director Ron Howard at the end of the month looks to be an entertaining action-drama about two Formula One drivers who were rivals in the 1970s and were willing to risk everything to win. Chris Hemsworth of “The Avengers” and “Thor” fame stars and is on the movie poster with the tagline “Everyone’s driven by something.”

Lastly for albums in September (see list at bottom right), more than a half-dozen good ones are in the mix.

There are big releases from long-time veterans Elton John (his first studio album in 7 years), Sting (his first full LP in 10 years) and even Cher (her first studio album in 10 years). Wow why are all they coming out now? I’m also interested a bit to hear the new one from Keith Urban, called “Fuse,” which according to him is quite a departure from his other recordings. And of course, I’m excited to hear Sheryl Crow’s new album “Feels Like Home,” which is the first country album of her career. Alternatively, I like Neko Case and her music though the title of her new one seems way too long. And lastly, I’m looking forward to the new one by Kings of Leon called “Mechanical Bull,” which is said to have a young, fun, high-energy sound to it and is less serious than the band’s other albums. Serious? These guys? No way.

How about you? Which new book, movie or music releases are you most looking forward to this month? Continue reading →

July has flown by and now it’s time to see what new releases are coming out in August. There’s quite a few novels by veteran authors that I have my eye on (see list at the right), notably those by Thomas Keneally, Ivan Doig, Andrea Barrett, James McBride, Edwidge Danticat, and Jojo Moyes.

Perhaps on top of that list, I’ll have to get my hands on Thomas Keneally’s latest one “The Daughters of Mars,” which has been out for a year in Australia getting great press and is now finally coming to the States. It’s about two Australian sisters whose lives are transformed by World War I, and should be an epic saga, perfect for a trip to the beach so don’t miss it.

If you are looking for something good that’s shorter, check out Andrea Barrett’s latest collection “Archangel,” which includes five stories about pivotal moments in science and its pioneers. Her short story collection “Ship Fever” won the National Book Award in 1996 and is also a great read along with her novel “The Voyage of the Narwhal” in case you haven’t read them.

If you are looking for a quick read you might pick up Jojo Moyes latest one “The Girl You Left Behind” about two women separated by a century, both fighting for what they want out of World War I. This is Moyes’ tenth novel after publishing “Sheltering Rain” her first in 2002, and finds her on a popular roll with a lot of praise after her last one “Me Before You.”

Another page-turner looks to be Marisha Pessl’s new one “Night Film” that centers on a father and daughter’s relations and begins with the daughter’s death in Manhattan, which is ruled a suicide but that a veteran journalist believes is otherwise. “Night Film” is being called a literary thriller and one that might raise a lot of talk this summer. Look for it.

For more reading, don’t miss James McBride’s new one “The Good Lord Bird” about a slave who joins John Brown’s antislavery campaign and winds up at the raid on Harpers Ferry, or Ivan Doig’s latest “Sweet Thunder” about an editorial writer’s efforts to help miners in 1920s Butte, Montana, or moreover Edwidge Danticat’s new one “Claire of the Sea Light” about a young child who goes missing in a small seaside town.

As for movies in August (see list at the left), my interest is piqued by the historical drama “The Butler,” which is based on the real-live account of Eugene Allen who served as a White House butler under eight American presidencies from 1952 to 1986. The film explores many of the notable events of the 20th century that he was an eyewitness to and stars a large ensemble cast, which includes Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, Robin Williams, Jane Fonda, and many others. I won’t miss it.

But if you need a thriller-type movie, you might want to check out “Closed Circuit” at the end of the month. It’s about two lawyers who put their lives at risk defending a suspected terrorist at an international trial. It looks a bit creepy from the trailer and stars Eric Bana, and I’ll usually see anything he’s in. After he was in Steven Spielberg’s “Munich” in 2005, I became quite a fan, wow what a role!

Lastly in albums for August (see list at the bottom right), I’m curious about a couple, notably the new one from Scottish singer KT Tunstall is supposed to be good. It was released in Europe earlier this year and is due out this month in the States. Also the sixth studio album from John Mayer is due out called “Paradise Valley,” whose title is that of the Yellowstone river valley in southwest Montana. This album is following quite closely after his album “Born and Raised” came out last year, and I hear it’s somewhat similar musically. We will see how many good tracks are on it.

That’s all for now. What about you … Which new book, movie or music releases are you most looking forward to this month? Continue reading →

Well, I haven’t been on the blog much as of late as June has been a month that sort of snowballed away from me. I visited my folks in SoCal mid-month, which was very pleasant, but then catastrophe struck the province of Alberta, Canada, where I live, due to major flooding.

It happened on June 20 when very heavy rains made a number of rivers jump their banks and flood through neighborhoods all over the place, destroying much in their paths. I think 100,000 people had to be evacuated and thousands of homes were damaged. It’s basically been a nightmare for so many people across the province. Some still can’t even get back into their homes, which have been condemned.

Luckily our home on higher ground wasn’t damaged, but I’ve been helping others in the flood zone, where basements and garages were hit. Wet drywall had to be taken out and damaged items put in the trash. Caked mud is on everything and not much is salvageable. It reminds me a bit of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, seeing such devastation on a grand scale. The repair and rebuilding costs will be in the billions. Yet despite all the tragic losses of property, people have been resilient and have pulled together to cope and help others out. It’ll be a long battle back to clean up and rebuild. Some areas will be changed forever.

On the side of this happening, I was reading the excellent 1992 novel “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt for my book club. I had already read it before in 1992, but someone had picked it to discuss so I was refreshing my memory of it by rereading it again. Many know, it’s a 559 page doozy of a classic crime story set at a college in Vermont about six close friends (all students specializing in Ancient Greek) who commit murder and then deal with the aftermath. Richard is the narrator who reflects on the situation years later. The story plays out like a Greek tragedy.

It’s quite chilling and a fast page-turner for the most part. Only a few times did I wish it was edited shorter. Otherwise it’s a gem of a novel, so well done I would like to read the author’s 2002 novel “The Little Friend,” which is also supposed to be scary and disturbing. And good news has it that Donna Tartt’s long-awaited third novel “The Goldfinch” is due out Oct. 22 of this year. She is definitely brilliant, so I will not miss it.

As for books coming out in July (see list at the top right), veteran authors Chris Bohjalian and Phillippa Gregory both have new novels coming out, which should be good. I’m also curious about Susan Choi’s latest one called “My Education.” I have liked her writing in the past, notably her novel “The Foreign Student” back in 1998. “My Education” is about a graduate student and a professor and is “a raw, wild, hurtling foray into the tangled realms of sexuality and self-knowledge,” says Jennifer Egan. While Michael Cunningham calls it “passionate and surprising.” hmm. The subject matter sounds like a bit of a departure from some of her other novels.

In July there’s also a slew of notable debut novels coming out (I counted 19 on the list at the right). Of these, I’m intrigued to read “The Violet Hour” by Katharine Hill and “Love All” by Callie Wright. I will also look for Jenni Fagan’s debut novel “The Panopticon” which has been getting fabulous press. It’s about a young woman growing up alone in the Scottish foster care system. Ali Smith says it’s “uncompromising and courageous … one of the most cunning and spirited novels I’ve read for years.”

As for July movies (see the list at the top left), there’s some high-octane action features due out with “The Lone Ranger” and “The Wolverine,” as well as some comedies notably with the return of Adam Sandler in “Grown Ups 2” and Kristen Wiig and Annette Bening in “Girl Most Likely.” But perhaps I’m most curious to see Woody Allen’s latest feature “Blue Jasmine” starring Cate Blanchett as a New York housewife who’s having a crisis and goes out to San Fran to visit her sister. It should be a decent mix of drama and comedy, judging from his usual films.

Lastly, in music for July (see list at bottom right), the biggest release will be Jay-Z’s latest album called “Magna Carta Holy Grail,” which is due out July 4. It’s got quite a title. And no singles have been released from it early so it’s quite a mystery but it has several guest singers appearing on it and should be a sales blockbuster for sure.

That’s all I have for now. What about you? Which books, movies or albums are you most looking forward to in July? Continue reading →

Well June is already here and half way through the year, how is your reading going? Personally, I’m quite behind. There’s just too many good books and too little time, as they say. This month will only further that with a number of veteran authors putting out enticing offerings (see the list at the right); there’s new novels by Stephen King, Jeannette Walls, Colum McCann, Lionel Shriver and Curtis Sittenfeld among others. So get crackin’.

Always a bit edgy, Lionel Shriver addresses our obsession with food in her latest novel “Big Brother,” which I definitely hope to get to, about siblings, marriage, and obesity.

Another novel to watch for is “Sisterland” by Curtis Sittenfeld, the author of “Prep” and “American Wife,” which is about twin sisters who have psychic abilities. hmm. I thought “Prep” was quite well done so I’ll plan to look for this one as well.

One nonfiction book I’m dying to read is “The Spy Who Loved: The Secrets and Lives of Christine Granville” by Clare Mulley, which is apparently the untold story of Britain’s first female special agent of WWII. It’s receiving a lot of high praise and sounds fascinating about Granville’s very heroic yet tragic life as a spy. Hmm, can’t go wrong there.

But if you’re in the mood for short stories, you might want to pick up Rebecca Lee’s collection “Bobcat and Other Stories.” I haven’t read her before, but judging from what sources are saying about this one, I’d like to. Her deadpan humor, says Amazon’s Kevin Nguyen, perseveres throughout this collection even as her characters wrestle with tragic internal dilemmas, which could make for just the right mix.

Finally in books, I’m intrigued by the praise that “The Execution of Noa P. Singleton” is getting. It’s a debut novel from Elizabeth L. Silver about a woman on death row, whose sentence is trying to be commuted by the mother of the daughter the death row inmate is convicted of killing. In return, the mother wants to know what truly happened to her daughter. Did she kill her? And will the inmate be taken off death row? “The Execution of Noa P. Singleton” has been hailed as a searing debut and one destined to be a smash. Author Ayelet Waldman calls it “an intense and gripping novel of betrayal and guilt that forces readers to confront their convictions and the limitations of their capacity for empathy.” Oh my.

In movies this month (see the list at the left), there’s a lot of death and destruction. Summertime apocalypse is upon us. Of course I’ll see “World War Z”; there’s no way I’m missing Brad Pitt fight against a Zombie pandemic. Hokey? It may be, but I got to do it. He’s fighting to save humanity, don’t you know. (I’m a big fan of the TV show “The Walking Dead” by the way. Zombies are in.)

There’s also a comical take on the apocalyptic experience this month called “This Is the End,” starring James Franco, Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill among others. I may be dragged to this with my husband for some juvenile comedy and bad taste but it could be worth a few good laughs.

Have I not mentioned “Man of Steel” yet? Oh yeah bring on more superheroes. I remember the Christopher Reeve Superman movies so I’m not sure if I’m as totally hyped to go down this path yet again. But Amy Adams does play Lois Lane, which is a bit interesting, and I’m sure the new Superman is quite capable and the special effects should be wham-bam entertainment.

Then again the film “Byzantium” by Irish director Neil Jordan looks nice and creepy. It’s about a mother and daughter who have lived the eternal life so to speak as vampires. And Saoirse Ronan plays creepy so well in movies like “Hanna,” “The Lovely Bones,” and “Atonement.” Good grief, she’s the quintessential actress for playing mysterious, creepy roles! Perhaps a new vampire film is just the thing I need.

Finally for albums coming out in June (see the list at the bottom right), I struggle with which one to pick since I don’t have an absolute favorite here, but I’ll go with the new one from the Canadian group the Barenaked Ladies since I live here in the northern country now. I’ll be curious to see if their “Grinning Streak” album has some good songs on it. They no longer have their lead singer Steven Page with them (he left in 2009 after that drug incident), so will the Ladies be as good? That remains to be seen perhaps but worth checking out.

How about you, which new book, movie or music releases are you most looking forward to in June? Continue reading →

April has flown by and now May is almost upon us. After spending the past month in the States, I will be headed back to North Country (or Canada as some call it) on Monday to rejoin the husb (who enjoyed part of the time in Florida with me) and our dog Stella, pictured here.

Oh Stella, how I can’t wait to see you! It should be good to be back. The weather has finally gotten nice at home (the snow is gone!) and I’m looking forward to summer.

There’s some new releases to look forward to as well. If you look at the list at the right, you’ll see some strong authors with new books coming out. I’m definitely curious about Khaled Hosseini’s new novel “And the Mountains Echoed,” which I think is another story of his partly set in Afghanistan but I don’t know much about it yet. I’ve read his other two novels and really was transported (as were most) by “The Kite Runner” back in 2003. “A Thousand Splendid Suns” followed, which was quite grim but good as well.

Also the award-winning author of “Half of a Yellow Sun” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has a new novel coming out called “Americanah.” I’ve always wanted to read “Half of a Yellow Sun,” which won the Orange Prize in 2007, or for that matter her first novel “Purple Hibiscus” from 2003. Her books are typically set in Adichie’s home country of Nigeria and have received a lot of recognition. I’ll have to play catch up and read all of them, pronto. Have you read her?

Another pick for May books also takes place overseas: Chechnya of all places. Set during the Chechnyan conflict, “A Constellation of Vital Phenomena” is a debut novel by Anthony Marra that has been receiving quite a bit of high praise. Ann Patchett calls it “simply spectacular” and T.C. Boyle says it’s hard to believe it’s a first novel. Apparently it’s about a resilient doctor who risks everything to save the life of a hunted child, and it unravels the unexpected ties that bind us together. Hmm, sounds powerful.

But if that’s not your cup of tea, you might check out Gail Godwin’s new book “Flora” set during the final months of WWII, or Philip Meyer’s multigenerational epic of the American West called “The Son,” which Kate Atkinson calls “stunning” and Charles Frazier says is “remarkable.” Perhaps it’s in the similar vein of Larry McMurtry’s “Lonesome Dove” if you liked that.

Moving on to May movies (see list at the left), it’s all “The Great Gatsby” as far as I can tell. Apparently the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic has sold buckets this year in anticipation for this adaptation by director and co-screenwriter Baz Luhrmann. I plan to reread it myself before the Big Day. The movie’s set during the Roaring Twenties but looks to have a contemporary feel and soundtrack to it. It’s going to be a bit different than the several other Great Gatsby film versions over the decades. You might recall the 1974 version of it with Robert Redford as Gatsby and Mia Farrow as Daisy but that might seem tame after this new version with Leo DiCaprio as Gatsby and Carey Mulligan as Daisy. I’m keeping my mind open about it and of this classic coming to life.

Lastly, for May albums, there’s some strong releases for this month, see list at the bottom right. I’m definitely enticed by new ones from Pistol Annies and Natalie Maines. I plan to check out those along with my pick of Patty Griffin’s new album “American Kid.” I don’t plan to miss hearing Patty’s gorgeous vocals and new songs. She hasn’t put out a new album since 2007 so this is a big treat.

How about you, which new book, movie or music releases are you most looking forward to in May? Continue reading →

I guess the big news for bloggers this past week was that Amazon bought the social media/book review site Goodreads, which depending upon how you look at it could be bad or good. I use Goodreads a bit infrequently but liked that it was an independent entity and source for recommendations. Now that it’s owned by the conglomerate Amazon, which owns LibraryThing and Shelfari too, I can’t help but think there’s a wee conflict of interest at hand, which I find troubling. Amazon now is capable of publishing books, selling them and reviewing them. It can target you based on your reviews or spotlight what it wants sold. It owns much of its competition and dominates the industry. Do you see any of this as troubling, or do you feel it’ll be beneficial?

Meanwhile, spring has sprung in many areas, and new releases are raining down in April. Quite a few notable authors are included on the book list at the right.

I’ve picked about five April releases that I think seem good. First, there’s Kate Atkinson’s much acclaimed new one, “Life After Life,” which appears to be an interesting departure from her Jackson Brodie books, and is about the successive lives of Ursula Todd.

Then there’s Meg Wolitzer’s latest, “The Interestings,” which follows a group of artsy friends from their teenage years through to adulthood. It’s been touted by the likes of Jeffrey Eugenides among others.

Not to be overlooked is Claire Messud’s new novel “The Woman Upstairs” which Daphne Merkin calls a “psychological suspense story of the highest sort” and “the first truly feminist … novel I have read in ages.”

Another intriguing one perhaps is “The Flamethrowers” by Rachel Kushner, which is the story of a young artist and the elite and underground worlds she encounters in New York and Rome during the mid-1970s. Booklist calls it a ” propulsively dramatic tale of creativity and destruction.”

Lastly is a debut novel called “Dear Lucy” by Julie Sarkissian that has garnered a lot of positive praise for creating an unforgettable new heroine with an original voice that lingers apparently long after the book’s final pages.

So check these out, along with the new books by veterans James Salter and Isabel Allende.

Meanwhile, in April movie releases (see the list at the left), I will go ahead and pick the Matthew McConaughey film “Mud,” which competed for the Palme d’Or award at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. I’m not usually a big McConaughey fan, but this one about a fugitive on the run looks pretty decent and received warm praise apparently at the festival. I’m a bit curious, too, about the film “The Reluctant Fundamentalist,” about an ambitious Pakistani man in America post 9/11. Mira Nair, the same director who did “The Namesake” also directed this one.

Lastly, there’s a lot of strong album releases in April (see the list at the bottom right), but perhaps I’m most interested in singer/songwriter Kim Richey’s new one called “Thorn in My Heart.” She’s a bit of a country artist who possesses a heavenly voice. I’ll be eager to check out her latest “Thorn.”

These are just some of my picks this month. Which April releases are you most looking forward to? Continue reading →

March looks to be a robust month for new book, album and movie releases. Of the book releases listed at the top right, my top picks this month include a Pulitzer Prize winning author, a novelist who is also a filmmaker and Zen Buddhist priest, and a debut novelist.

First off, I won’t be able to resist reading “The Burgess Boys,” the latest novel by Elizabeth Strout. I enjoyed her novels “Amy and Isabelle” and her 2009 Pulitzer Prize winner “Olive Kitteridge,” and it’s a sure bet “The Burgess Boys” will be good as well. She’s a master storyteller and writer.

I’m also looking at “A Tale for the Time Being” by Ruth Ozeki, which tells the story of a diary washed ashore inside a Hello Kitty lunchbox — possibly debris from the 2011 Japan tsunami — and the profound effect it has on the woman who discovers it. This novel has received a lot positive commentary and sounds like an enticing premise. The author, a former filmmaker, divides her time between NYC and British Columbia.

Lastly, “Double Feature” is the debut novel from short-story writer Owen King, the youngest son of — you guessed it — Stephen King. But instead of horror this debut has been called a “joyful gonzo ride” by “Swamplandia’s” Karen Russell. It’s about an indie filmmaker, his family, lovers and adversaries. It sounds funny and irreverent, and author Lauren Groff deems it “a moving exploration of what it means to be an artist.”

Moving on to March film releases (see the list at the top left), I can’t say there are many that caught my interest. But there’s the new fantasy adventure “Oz,” which is a prequel to the 1939 classic. It’s a bit hard to say if it’s going to be any good or not. I’m not sure I’ll immediately run out and see it. I sort of am old-school and like the original just as it was, without enhancing it with a modern-day prequel.

The film “Emperor,” about the terms of Japan’s surrender in WWII, does interest me quite a bit. Tommy Lee Jones plays Gen. Douglas MacArthur and Matthew Fox plays a lead role as well. I think it seems like a film worth watching, and I’ll be interested to see what historians think of it.

For albums coming out this month (see list at bottom right), there’s quite a few big name artists with new releases, including Eric Clapton, David Bowie, Bon Jovi, and posthumously Jimi Hendrix. There’s even a new one from Dido, remember her? Wow what a list. But I’m going to have to give the spotlight to Justin Timberlake’s new album “The 20/20 Experience” after his magnetic performance at the Grammys. He hasn’t put out a new album since 2006 so this one is very much awaited. Judging from his single off it (“Suit & Tie”), it should be great.

These are just some of my picks this month. Which March releases are you most looking forward to? Continue reading →

It’s February already and I’m checking over new releases I might be interested in. For new books (see list at right), I’m a bit curious to read David Shields’ book “How Literature Saved My Life.” I’m not sure I can resist a title like that and Shields is usually quite interesting. I read his novel “Dead Languages” years ago and really connected with it. There’s also quite a few short story collections coming out this month by notable authors, such as “Vampires in the Lemon Grove” by Karen Russell, “Middle Men” by Jim Gavin and “Nothing Gold Can Stay” by Ron Rash. So those might be something to dip into, as well as some of the debut novels listed at right. Of those, “Autobiography of Us” by Aria Beth Sloss perks my interest. It’s about two friends growing up in Pasadena California in the 1960s whose friendship is tested over the years.

As for films (see list at left) I’m a bit interested in seeing the documentary “The Gatekeepers” that sheds light on the story of the Shin Bet, Israel’s security agency. Many critics have hailed this film as one of the best of the year and it’s nominated for Best Documentary at the upcoming Academy Awards. A.O. Scott of the New York Times called it “essential, eye-opening viewing if you think you understand the Middle East.” (Which I don’t. )

I’m not usually a big documentary watcher but I do think good ones are really thought-provoking, so I hope to see this one.

As for new music this month (see list at bottom right), I’d have to pick “Old Yellow Moon” by Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell. They’re both talented veterans who’ve put out a lot of great songs over the years.

These are just some of my February picks. Which new releases are you looking most forward to? Continue reading →

This month sees a slew of strong novels coming out, seven of which are debut novels; see the list at the right. It’s a bit hard to choose which ones beckon me most.

I’ve heard good things about George Saunders’ new short-story collection “Tenth of December,” which I likely will pick up.

I’m also a bit drawn to Lara Santoro’s provocative new novel “The Boy,” which has gained high praise according to Amazon from authors such as Anne Lamott, Emma Donoghue and Alice Sebold.

I might also be in the mood for a story set in Africa, in that case “White Dog Fell From the Sky” by Eleanor Morse

could be the one, as I’ve heard good things about it.

In movies, I’m still hoping to see a couple of strong December releases that got by me, notably “The Impossible” and “Zero Dark Thirty.” So far my favorite films of 2012 have been “Lincoln” and “Life of Pi” but I’m still holding out that those two listed above could alter my best of list, but we shall see.

Also in January look for “Broken City,” which could be an enticing film about a political scandal that stars Mark Wahlberg and Russell Crowe.

As for new music, it’s sort of slim pickings in January (see list at bottom right), so instead I will spotlight the new episodes of “Downton Abbey” ( hooray Season 3 starts tonight!) as well as “The Good Wife,” which is my only other TV show, along with “The Walking Dead,” of course, which is on hiatus till February.

The British show’s latest season seems to hinge on what is going to happen at Downton after the estate goes bust, which should throw an interesting wrench into everything. I’m not exactly sure who my favorite character is on the show, but I sort of like Lady Mary because she is sly and crafty and usually gets the guy she wants. (And thankfully he is no longer impotent from his war injury.) Though my yellow Lab pup likes Isis, Lord Grantham’s dog, who she thinks looks just like her. Go figure.

These are just some of my picks. Which January releases are you most looking forward to? Continue reading →