I hope everyone had a nice Easter and/or spring break. We were in the mountains last weekend where we had a lovely couple of days of cross-country skiing. There’s still plenty of snow out there and the track conditions were perfect. In fact, winter hasn’t really left the area yet, but I’m hearing that starting next week things should be a lot more spring-like. I just hope that I last that long. April sure can be a fickle month. I don’t think the buds on the trees and plants will appear till May, so I need to remain patient, but at least the forecasted temps next week look promising.
Till then, I’ve been looking at what new releases are out this month and there seems to be a lot of strong offerings in literary fiction. There’s new ones by mythology wiz Madeline Miller, who is following up her bestseller “The Song of Achilles” with her new one “Circe,” as well as “Under the Tuscan Sun” author Frances Mayes has a new one set in Italy called “Women in Sunlight,” and Charles Frazier, who captured me with “Cold Mountain,” is due out with “Varina.” In addition such popular authors as Richard Powers, Jonathan Evison, and Derek B. Miller have new novels coming out too that look enticing. Hmm. It’s a big month.
But for whatever reason I have chosen several others as my picks this month to hopefully sink my teeth into at some point. First off, I got to go with Meg Wolitzer’s novel “The Female Persuasion,” which seems a timely story for these #MeToo days. I’m admittedly a newbie to Wolitzer’s lit, so I guess it’s better late than never to crack open this one. “The Female Persuasion” is a coming-of-age novel about a Massachusetts girl (Greer) who’s groped at a frat party and later finds inspiration from a feminist icon at her college who gives a guest lecture there and becomes a mentor to her of sorts. Greer’s boyfriend also plays a role in the story as well as her best friend Zee. It’s said to be a multilayered novel about friendship, ambition, womanhood, and the romantic ideals that are strived for into adulthood. As People magazine says: It’s “equal parts cotton candy and red meat, in the best way.” Hmm, so I’m good to go.
Another timely story I’m curious about is Tom McAllister’s novel “How to Be Safe,” which is about a school shooting and tragedy. Apparently for a short time English teacher Anna Crawford is a suspect in the police’s investigation and it’s her first person narrative that picks up the story in the aftermath. Although the novel’s favorability has been pretty modest so far on Goodreads, it sounds like just the biting satire about America right now that I shouldn’t miss. It’s been hailed too by critics of The New Yorker and The Washington Post. As author Amber Sparks says of it: It’s chock full of the things that are killing us: mass shootings, misogyny, the internet, media frenzies, tribalism. And it’s so wonderful — so furious and so funny and urgent and needed in this mad ugly space we’re sharing with each other.” Surely, it sounds thought-provoking, so count me in.
Next up, I got to get my hands on Curtis Sittenfeld’s first collection of short stories called “You Think It, I’ll Say It.” Of course, I agree with many of you who don’t prefer to read much short fiction, but this is Curtis Sittenfeld we’re talking about, so off I go to find it. Suffice it to say, I’m a fan of her novels, notably “Prep” and “Eligible” — I haven’t gotten to her others yet, but I’m sure this one will be just as enjoyable. It features 10 stories that apparently are set in contemporary America and focus on female protagonists navigating friendships, family, politics, and social media. Her characters are often funny and insightful — so what more do you need to know? This is Curtis Sittenfeld we’re talking about. Short stories …. bring them on!
I’m also hearing great things about Welsh author Carys Davies’s slim debut novel “West,” which as the publisher explains is “set on the American frontier about a restless widower [a mule breeder] who heads west on a foolhardy and perilous expedition in search of unknown animals, leaving his intrepid young daughter behind to fend for herself at home.” I’m usually a sucker for such journey tales and this one meets various criteria that I usually like. As author Salvatore Scibona says of it: It’s a “story of determination, betrayal, folly, and reckless hope written in the grand tradition of the pioneers. You enter the familiar American frontier and shortly are convinced, with Davies’ hero, that the mammoths of the Pleistocene still shyly roam the Plains.” Hmm. For those who liked Paulette Jiles’s silm 2016 novel “News of the World,” this one might be slightly in the same ball park.
Last up, I wonder if I should opt for another one of Julian Barnes’s novels? His latest one due out called “The Only Story” actually sounds like it has a bit in common with his Booker Prize-winning novel “The Sense of an Ending,” which I liked though the narrator at times drove me batty. This one is about an aging Englishman who looks back on his life, sadly remembering his first and only love. The guy was only 19 in the ‘60s when he’s partnered in the club tennis tournament with a woman who is 48, married and a mother of two. No matter, they start up a love affair that will affect his life forever. Like with “Sense of an Ending,” Barnes is apparently once again preoccupied by memory’s lapses and the subjectivity of truth. If you like these themes, and nostalgia for old loves, then you probably will like this one as well. He is a powerful writer so I probably will check it out, though his narrators at times can come off as a bit narcissistic, but you be the judge.
As for new movies in April, I didn’t read about anything I’m really dying to see. Sure, there’s another “Avengers” movie for fans of the Marvel genre, and a wacky Amy Schumer comedy called “I Feel Pretty,” which might have a few laughs. There’s also a movie drama of the 1969 “Chappaquiddick” car accident that Ted Kennedy was involved in that stars Jason Clarke and Kate Mara, though it feels like I’ve seen that whole dark episode in history before, haven’t I? Also the reviews for it haven’t been too strong for it so far, so perhaps I’ll wait for it on rental.
Meanwhile we’ve been liking a couple TV series of late, notably we finished Season 2 of “The Crown,” which was excellent. Maybe I even liked it a bit more than Season One? I must admit I liked the sister — Princess Margaret’s story — quite a bit in both seasons. Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret and Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II are like a breathe of fresh air in Seasons 1 and 2. I can’t bear to leave either of them behind in whatever will be of Seasons 3 and 4, in which apparently Helena Bonham-Carter will replace Vanessa Kirby and “Broadchurch” actress Olivia Colman will take over for Claire Foy. Ugh. Say it isn’t so. I guess one of the reasons for their replacements is that the characters need to age, but really — you can’t replace them now! Can’t they just use makeup to make them look older?
My husband and I are also liking Hulu’s TV series “The Looming Tower,” starring Jeff Daniels and Peter Sarsgaard among others, which is based on the 2006 nonfiction book by Lawrence Wright. Oh it’s good stuff. You don’t want to believe some of it, but you can’t look away either. It essentially recounts the rising threats of Osama bin Laden and Al-Qaeda back in the ‘90s and early 2000s, and looks at how the rivalry between the CIA and FBI might have inadvertently set the stage for the tragedy of 9/11. It’s a series that takes you back to those days before what happened — and all we know in retrospect wasn’t known. It’s a bit haunting to think about and reflect on. For those who like the pacing of such series as “Homeland” or “The Night Manager,” you might like this one as well.
As for new albums in April, there’s upcoming ones by such legends as Willie Nelson (his 73rd studio album), John Prine (his first album of all-new material in 13 years), and Van Morrison — with Joey De Francesco — (his 39th studio album). Good to know these veteran pros are still making new music. I also plan to check out a new album called “Both Ways” by Donovan Woods, who’s a Canadian singer-songwriter that I just found out about. I’m liking what I’ve heard so far.
What about you — which releases this month — are you most looking forward to?
Our weather has been up and down but we do have flowers and tons of pollen.
I need to get my hands on The Female Persuasion.
My problem with the Chappaquiddick movie is the only people who really know what happened are dead so I can’t help but wonder how accurate the movie is.
Good point Kathy. Not sure of the Chappaquiddick movie either, though apparently Ted Kennedy said in his 2009 memoir – he did things he regretted & had to live with the guilt all his life. Why didn’t he call for help — too drunk & afraid about his reputation? I’m still puzzled by it. Glad you are seeing spring in SC. I miss the Mid-Atlantic / & South at this time of year!
There are some very interesting sounding books coming out. How to Be Safe Sounds good. I think one role of literature is to examine contemporary issues. That book sounds a lot like what is all over the media and social media.
The weather here on Long Island has also been cold. We had five inches of snow on Monday. That is very unusual for us this time of year.
Yeah Brian, winter is stretching out longer this year. Hmm, crazy. I agree that How to Be Safe looks good — I think if the satire is done well — it would blow the whole lid off the NRA’s nutty arguments. From what I hear it’s a scalding look at school shootings and issues going on right now in the U.S. I must get to it!
Your pics of the mountains are wonderful! Looks like you had fun. 🙂 There are a lot of exciting literary releases this month, more than I was aware of, judging by your post. I just finished The Cloister. I will be reading Circe next. From your list, The Female Persuasion sounds good, and it is getting lots of early buzz.
I agree that substituting young actors by older ones to play aging characters is silly. What are makeup and aging effects for?! But both Bonham-Carter and Colman are powerhouse actresses, so the show may benefit from having them. Interestingly enough, Bonham-Carter played the role of Queen Mother in The King’s Speech. My mother is watching Season 1 of The Crown and is excited. I may soon follow. She was entranced by all four seasons of The Reign, which she watched in a few sittings. Currently I’m re-watching S1 of Poldark and I’ll be watching S2 next with the intent to review it. The Looming Tower sounds like my kind of show. BTW, it’s been so long since I watched S5 of Homeland that I may have to start over to reacquaint myself with the intricacies of the plot. Just saying…
Wonderful comments Carmen! Can’t wait to read your review of The Cloister later today. If I were more into mythology, perhaps I’d be reading Circe too — she sounds like an important writer. I’ll have to look into The Reign and Poldark — haven’t gotten to those yet. You make a good point about Colman & Bonham Carter. I’m sure they’ll be good too — I just will have to let the other two go, sadly. I must admit I was a nut for Homeland (I might be up to date?) — but now Looming Tower is fitting the bill. I think you’ll like it. It’s not as fast paced but it does move ominously toward where it’s going.
So many good books coming this spring! This is the second year in a row with such a good showing. I want to read most of the ones you mentioned. It’s enough to put me off reading my old books from the 1960s, almost-:) I will be interested to know what you think of Meg Wolitzer. That is all I am going to say.
I guess we all agree on the shock of new characters coming at The Crown. At our house we are savoring those last few episodes of season 2.
I have had Looming Tower, the book, on my shelves for years. It might be time to crack it open. But I did just get Ready Player One from the library to read before I see the movie.
Hi Judy, thanks for reminding me about Ready Player One — I would like to read it as well. I don’t know what it’s about but I’ve heard some raves. I too have Looming Tower from years ago unread sitting on shelf. The show is pretty good. As is the Crown, savor those last episodes with those 2 actresses! I take it you don’t like Wolitzer’s books — I have not read her yet — but are her novels too much “cotton candy” for you? hmm or does her execution drive you nuts? I have such a pile right now so who knows when I’ll be able to get to these picks. Cheers.
WEST looks really good. I saw it mentioned somewhere the other day and made a mental note to read it at some point.
So you still have tons of snow. We didn’t get the rain that the weather gods promised and it’s actually been a little too warm for me. Heat and I do not mix. I’m always worried about the effect of a drought. We can’t afford to keep putting our yard in every other year.
Hi Ti, West does look good. I’d like to try this author’s writing — as it has gotten some raves and this is a debut. We do have snow here — I’m hoping next week we might hit the 50s when hopefully it will start to melt. It’s been cold! It sounds like you guys didn’t get enough rain this winter. Yikes that doesn’t bode well for the rest of the year.
My sister keeps telling me that I should watch The Crown. She’s really enjoying that show. So far, I’ve been too busy binge-watching extremely low brow shows to have time to watch it!
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Hi Angela, thanks for stopping by. In the first Season of The Crown there were times when I thought it was too slow a show but yet — eventually Princess Margaret’s story drew me in. And Season 2’s pacing I thought was a bit better than Season 1. All in all an interesting historical drama — and well done! Apparently I think it was $7 million per episode to shoot — so give it a shot if you like historical dramas. Hmm
I’m trying a new thing lately: borrowing e-books from the library. But I might not be able to get some of them fast enough to satisfy my bookish greed! I want The Female Persuasion sooner rather than later. But then again, sometimes I don’t get around to the ones I buy that quickly…seeing as I have hundreds just waiting! LOL
I hope to see Chappaquiddick tomorrow…but tonight I should check out The Looming Tower.
Enjoy your week…and thanks for visiting my blog.
Hi Laurel: You might get to The Female Persuasion before me, which would be fine — then you can tell me if it’s worth the hype! I’ll be interested to hear what you think of the Chappaquiddick movie. I think you might like The Looming Tower. Cheers.
Meg Wolitzer and Julian Barnes are both excellent writers… their new books are at the top of my wish list this month. I’m next on the library hold list for Anna Quindlen’s Alternate Side. With a little luck I’ll have it by the end of the week.
I talked to my mother in upstate NY this morning and the weather folks are describing a new season – sprinter! Starting to wonder if it will ever stop snowing up there… so glad to be in Florida 😉
Hi JoAnn: you are lucky to be away from the North. It’s been a late & prolonged winter! Sounds like your library hold list is similar to mine, as usual. We have good tastes, LOL. Enjoy your reading.
19 and 48?! I’ll be interested to know if he can pull that off and make it believable. Maybe he thought making the age gap any narrower wouldn’t be alluring enough to readers?
I would love to read the new Wolitzer but still have her last one sitting on my shelf.
How To Be Safe sounds thought-provoking but terrifying. I think I’ll wait and see what others think of it…
I didn’t know about Varina… I loved Cold Mountain, so I think I’ll add it to my list automatically. (Then I’ll take it off if no one likes it!)
It’s not quite spring here yet, either. But we can feel it coming. Fingers crossed for both ends of the country! 🙂
Hi Naomi, we got snow again yesterday, oh well! Yeah I thought the Julian Barnes had a crazy premise too. The age differences are just too dramatic. Hmm. I’m going to see if others like Varina first; I too was a fan of Cold Mountain. Enjoy your month!
I’m with you- no more Foy and Kirby?! Waah. I loved every single outfit Kirby wore. She was so sleek and glamorous and yet, she made the difficulties of Margaret’s life come across.
Well, we’re almost halfway through April and it’s not the newest releases that have been wows for me- it’s previous months. If you want your head to explode, along the lines of the #MeToo movement, read Tara Westover’s memoir Educated. Unbelievable. The insanity to be found at the intersection of rabid religiosity and survivalism. Then I read Only Child and it’s 5 stars. A novel written from the POV of a 6-year-old who survives a school shooting but his brother does not. How sick and sad is it that I live in a country where school shootings are the latest fodder for compelling fiction?
Hi Catherine. Yeah Tara Westover’s book sounds unreal. So glad she escaped from her family’s radical beliefs. I will get to that book. I wonder if Only Child will be too bleak for me. It is sad that it seems this whole new area of fiction: school shootings, yikes. I might check out the novel How to Be Safe on the same topic. As for Kirby and Foy — they were so good! Bummed to see them go. Argh!