A Preview of July Releases

On average July brings the warmest temperatures of the year here in western Canada and with all the sunshine come active, busy days. I’ve been a bit here, there, and everywhere, except blogging lately. I had company staying for awhile, but now I’m back and ready to check out what’s releasing for this summer month.

If you hadn’t noticed, there’s quite a few heavyweights due out with books right about now (see list at right). Such reliable, strong-selling authors as Jojo Moyes, Liane Moriarty, and Rainbow Rowell have new novels out this month, which could be perfect for the beach. It might be just the right time to sink my teeth into “Big Little Lies” or perhaps “Landline.” Have you read these already?

I’m also curious about four highly praised books coming out from debut novelists. Elizabeth Little’s book “Dear Daughter” introduces a protagonist recently released from prison for the murder of her mother who goes undercover to find out what really happened to her. Author Tana French says the book is “an all-nighter and the best debut mystery I’ve read in a long time.” Kate Atkinson calls it a “really gutsy, clever, energetic read” and a “breath of fresh air.”

Then there’s Mira Jacob’s popular debut “The Sleepwalker’s Guide to Dancing” about an Indian American family dealing with tragedy and loss. It goes from India to New Mexico and Seattle and expands on the family’s difficulties living in America and with each other. Both multigenerational and alternating from past and present, the novel’s been called “epic” and “dazzling” and everyone seems to be rating it highly.

But my attention is also captured by Rufi Thorpe’s debut “The Girls From Corona del Mar,” a story about a complicated friendship between two complex women over decades and continents, which author Maggie Shipstead says is “generous, soulful, and tough.” Ann Packer says “what’s most impressive is its incredible vitality, its searing intensity.” I’m taken, too, by its title since I used to go to the beach there as a kid. Could that also be its allure?

Lastly in enticing debuts is Will Chancellor’s “A Brave Man Seven Storeys Tall” about a professor of classics and his son, captain of Stanford’s water polo team who is blinded during a match and flees to Berlin. His father follows trying to find him in Greece, Germany and Iceland. While in Europe, both son and father undergo a summer of personal and professional transformation, which author Molly Antopol says is “at once a psychological journey and a terrific page-turner.” Hmm. Count me in.

Meanwhile in movies this month (see list at left), it’s the usual summer fare, which I can’t say that I go to watch much anymore. For some reason, I’m not even psyched for the latest Planet of the Apes movie, despite its favorable reviews and seemingly excellent special effects. The apes look eerily real, do they not? But gosh I once was riveted to the ’70’s TV series and Cornelius back in the day. Planet of the Apes did rule for me back then.

But for now I’m picking the espionage thriller “A Most Wanted Man” based on the John le Carre novel. It looks intriguing and includes one of the last roles played by Philip Seymour Hoffman, which seems rather disconcerting seeing him, knowing that he’s longer around, but he’s so good in these parts. And I did like the film for le Carre’s novel “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” so I’m hoping I’ll like this spy flick, too.

In albums out this month (see list at bottom right), there’s not one that calls out to me strongly, but I’m glad to see Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are back with a new one. And I’m also curious by Jason Mraz’s new album “Yes!” which I think will have some good songs on it. So I’ll pick this one.

Enjoy your summer days of new books, movies and albums! Which ones are you most looking forward to?