Happy October. Hard to believe — there’s only three months left of the year. It’s time to make haste with one’s reading goals. I’ve been enjoying the fall colors and got out last week for a bike ride, see photo at left. Oh it was nice and I hope to get a few more rides in before the snow flies. This month looks to be a busy one with our city’s annual book festival taking place the week of the 10th. It highlights mainly Canadian authors and has them here for readings, interviews, and book signings. I plan to see quite a few of the author events including those with: Emma Donoghue, Andre Alexis, Madeleine Thien, and Affinity Konar among many others. I will let you know how it goes.
Meanwhile last week I finished the audiobook of Clare Mackintosh’s 2015 debut thriller “I Let You Go,” which held me from start to finish so I give it high marks for that. It reminded me a bit of Paula Hawkins blockbuster “The Girl on the Train,” or at least it’s in the same vein as that. Though this one is about a hit-and-run car case that leaves a 5-year-old boy dead and sends the book’s protagonist (Jenna) fleeing the memory of the accident by moving to a small cottage on the remote Welsh coast. What’s her story? You only find out little by little, but midway through the book there’s a big twist that spins the story on its head. Wow I walked into it like falling through a trap door.
The chapters alternate between the detectives pursuit of the case to Jenna’s life — past and present — both of which I found enticing. Just a forewarning: the villain in the novel is truly disturbing, and the plot gets a bit crazy (or unbelievable?) near the end, but I had to see it through. I was impressed by “I Let You Go” as a thriller, which made for a captivating audio and is quite visual, particularly of the Welsh coast. I can see a movie being made of it. Have you read it?
Meanwhile there’s a lot of good fiction coming out in October. At least eight novels are on my radar, all of them by women this month, though I need to narrow down my picks. The first one I’m considering is a post-Civil War western called “News of the World” whose plot reminds me slightly of “True Grit’s.” It’s about two mismatched individuals who come together to make a long, arduous journey through Texas in the 1870s. This kind of story might not always appeal to me, but apparently “News of the World” is told with such heart that it’s gained a lot of high marks and popularity on Goodreads. So I will check it out. I could use a good western at this point.
Next up is Brit Bennett’s highly anticipated debut novel “The Mothers.” Set within a black community in Southern California, it’s about a teen romance — and the subsequent cover-up that results from it — that makes an impact that goes far beyond the protagonists’ youths. The novel has been called one of the most exciting debuts of the fall by various publications, and according to Amazon is a “powerful novel about motherhood, female friendship and finding love with a broken heart.” From all the hype I’ve read about the novel, count me in for it.
I’m also curious about Margaret Atwood’s forthcoming book “Hag-Seed” which is another in the Hogarth Shakespeare series that pairs eight of today’s authors with the retelling of Shakespeare works. While Anne Tyler’s recent book “Vinegar Girl” took on Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” Atwood’s latest is a remix of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest.” And from what I can tell, the plot of “Hag-Seed” appears to involve a clever play within a play of the story. The Hogarth series seems fun, and in the capable hands of Atwood, it’s likely her take on “The Tempest” is a real winner. So I need to check it out.
I will also likely pick up a copy of Madeleine Thien’s latest novel “Do Not Say We Have Nothing,” which has been shortlisted for the 2016 Man Booker Prize and the Giller Prize, and is an author I will hear at our city’s upcoming book festival. Her novel has been hailed as an “extraordinary” epic of recent Chinese history, which involves two generations of a Chinese family — those who lived through Mao’s Cultural Revolution and their children, who became the students protesting in Tiananmen Square. I’m keen about finding out more about this novel and trying out Thien’s writing. Apparently Thien is the daughter of Malaysian-Chinese immigrants who was born in Vancouver and now lives in Montreal.
Other novels out this month that might be of interest are: Maria Semple’s “Today Will Be Different,” Caroline Leavitt’s “Cruel Beautiful World,” Tana French’s “The Trespasser,” and Marcy Dermansky’s “The Red Car.” My, the month is jam-packed full of enticing new books.
As for October movies, I will definitely see “The Girl on the Train,” which I read in all its inebriated glory last year. The Paula Hawkins thriller surely took in a chunk of change since it was published in early 2015. I want to see how Emily Blunt handles Rachel Watson; she’s definitely not heavy, but she appears to accurately conjure the messed up Rachel. The trailer looks sufficiently crazy, so I’m sure it follows the book well. It seems to ask the pertinent question: what happened that night in the tunnel?! I don’t think it’ll match the movie of “Gone Girl,” but I am looking forward to it nonetheless. One needs a wacky thriller every once in awhile.
There’s also another “Jack Reacher” movie coming out as well as another Robert Langdon / Da Vinci Code follow up — “Inferno,” but I will likely wait to see those when they come on pay-per-view.
Though I likely plan to see “The Birth of a Nation” at a theater. It’s based on the true story of Nat Turner, a slave who led a rebellion in Virginia in 1831. It looks to be a powerful movie judging from the trailer, though it’s been mired in controversy lately due to the resurfaced 1999 rape charges against the filmmakers while at college, notably the director and lead actor Nate Parker.
The film apparently interjects a brutal fictional rape scene into it, for which it alludes is one of Nat Turner’s reasons for the rebellion. This has caused the victim’s sister from 1999 to respond in a recent column by writing: “Given what happened to my sister, and how no one was held accountable for it, I find this invention self-serving and sinister, and I take it as a cruel insult to my sister’s memory.” Yikes. It’s not exactly an issue I can forget now that I know about it.
Lastly for this month, there’s a lot of albums by popular artists coming out, such as Green Day, Kings of Leon, Bon Jovi, The Pretenders, Michael Buble, and Lady Gaga among others. That’s Gaga, people, you heard it right. I have no idea what her new album “Joanne” will sound like. It comes out Oct. 21. But I heard that Lady Gaga will be headlining next year’s Super Bowl. So there is a Gaga resurgence. Meanwhile I will pick Norah Jones’s latest album “Day Breaks” as my pick this month. I like her music. Enjoy.
What about you — which books, movies, or albums are you looking forward to this month?
Great biking photo!! I didn’t get to read the September releases I was anticipating (Commonwealth and A Gentleman in Moscow) since Germinal took up so much of the month. I’m moving them into October, but The Mothers has caught my eye, too. And then there’s a new Classics Club spin. Sigh… so many books. Happy October!
Thanks JoAnn. I still have a copy of A Gentleman in Moscow too but I’m not sure when I’m going to fit it in. Let’s see how Oct. goes. Enjoy.
I’m very, very torn on seeing The Birth of a Nation. I was so looking forward to it, but Nate Parker’s reaction to everything being brought up has been so disappointing. I usually try to see all the Oscar nominated movies (and I’m sure it will be one), but I’m going to go back and forth over that one.
I know what you mean. The controversy has taken some enthusiasm out of me for seeing the movie. I didn’t see Parker’s reaction on 60 Mins but it does sound pretty lame. And the rape scene – hypocritical. But if reviewers stand by its greatness then I may see it. hmm. though I’m still thinking on it.
As soon as I finish writing reviews for the Cybils nominees, I plan to jump into Commonwealth. As always I thank you for sharing some wonderful upcoming new books.
Glad you like hearing about them Deb. I’ll be interested to hear if you like Commonwealth. I usually like Patchett’s books too.
Happy October!
I am also a bit befuddled at the quick pace that the months seem to be going by.
I Let You Go sounds go. Plot twists, when handled correctly, can add so much to this this type of book.
Hi Brian, I’m getting behind already. Oct. might fly by. Yes I Let You Go kept me tuned in though I sort of liked the book before the twist better, ha! Enjoy your month!
Happy October to you. Great meaty post filled with book goodness. I am nearly overwhelmed with all of the great books coming out this fall. Right now I am reading The Underground Railroad…undecided about it at 2/3 through. But Hagseed is coming up for me as well as the new Ann Patchett, Commonwealth. Hoping to get to Emma Donoghue and Tana French as well. I Let You Go sounds good too, I hadn’t heard of it before.
Yeah I’m overwhelmed in books too at the moment. I’m curious about what you will say about Underground Railroad. Is it not as good as its hype? If it doesn’t pan out for you, I may hold off on it. Too many other books. The Tana French one did sound good. Enjoy your month!
I also loved I Let You Go…and, like you, thought it would make a great movie. Would love to see those settings!
Speaking of movies, The Girl on the Train is a must-see for me.
I’ve added The Mothers to my list…and Hag-Seed. I loved Vinegar Girl, and its Shakespearean vibe.
Enjoy your October reading! Here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES
Thanks for the rescue, Susan!
Sounds good Laurel. The Girl on the Train is this coming wknd! I still need to see Sully. But I did see The Meddler on Apple Tv and thought it pretty charming & fun. I wonder if the Hag-Seed book will be as good as Vinegar Girl? hmm. Enjoy!
Happy October! I’m always impressed at how people like you keep track of all the books and movies coming out. I’m always behind on such things. Do you get them read / watched as they come out, then?
Hi Rachel, yes keeping track of what’s coming sort of helps me organize for what’s good out there. I don’t always get to them on time for that month, but often I do in the many months after. It takes me awhile! But I don’t forget.
I Let You Go sounds like a good thriller to pick up this fall. I’m interested in most of the upcoming movies: The Girl…, and Inferno. I hadn’t heard anything about The Birth of a Nation. The Norah Jones’ release sounds good, as does Gaga’s. Lady Gaga has several rhythmic hits, so I think she will be great at the Super Bowl.
Yeah I’m sure Gaga will be a hit at the Super Bowl. I’m curious about her new album. Will it be pop like her others or something else? Hmm. The Birth of a Nation is coming out this weekend and I think will be much talked about — for the controversy and its strong subject matter.
I think I want to see The Girl on the Train in the movies, too. I read it but my husband didn’t, and likely won’t. I think it should be good on the big screen.
I did book talks for 12th graders this week, a rarity. Usually by the time kids are in 12th grade their English teachers no longer bring them to the library. It was lots of fun and I found myself plugging books like The Girl on the Train, books I wouldn’t consider recommending to lower grades.
Yeah The Girl on the Train was sort of a crazy book — but it’s definitely the kind that keeps people reading. I don’t see huge merit in its pages, but it is a bit provocative and fun as a thriller. I think it might be good on the big screen.
I can’t believe it’s October either. It’s still pretty warm but our nights are cooling off and the days are getting shorter. 🙁
Your book festival sounds wonderful and I Let You Go sounds right up my alley.
Hi Kathy. Yeah you might like I Let You Go. It kept me plugged in. 🙂
Too bad summer is over. Ugh. Do you have a lot of leaf raking there? Our leaves might be all down in the next week or two. But I’m sure it’s Thanksgiving before your leaves are down.
I’m planning to read the last three books on your upcoming books list – all 3 of them soon I hope.
Looking forward to hearing about the festival!
Oh great Naomi, you might get to them before me. I’ll be interested to read your reviews. The festival should be a blast! It’s always full of good ideas and stories. And I’m sure I’ll be buying more books. hmm.
I totally ADORE I let you go ; ) Great pics
Oh thanks RT. Did you already get to I Let You Go? I was pretty glued to it. It’s a page-turner which is a nice for fall.
Love the open road photo with the fall colors–so enticing! Definitely going to see The Girl on the Train too. I really like westerns so was happy to hear about News of the World–definitely my kind of book. Thanks for the warning about the ending of I Let You Go–it sounds good but I think I’ve had enough disturbing stories for 2016.
Having read exactly one Margaret Atwood novel, I can say I’m not a fan, but the premise of Hag-Seed has me intrigued.
Happy reading!
Thanks Jane! I wish I could have my fall colors back now — as we had snow on Friday & Sunday. Yikes! I am looking at the novel News of the World quite a bit and might need its story sooner rather later. Hope you have a good week.