The Hub and I have been in Palm Springs this week enjoying a little spring break before heading back to the real world and winter. Ahh it’s nice to feel the sun and wear short selves again. Hooray for the desert. We’ve been doing some hiking, biking, and reading by the pool (of course), and taking time off from the TV and computer, which feels nice. Though my reading hasn’t been great of late as I put two books down after the first twenty-five pages or so. Argh I hate when that happens. First I set aside Asali Solomon’s 2015 novel “Disgruntled” and then Marilynne Robinson’s 2004 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “Gilead,” which I know many people love. For whatever reason I couldn’t focus on either of these books or they just didn’t capture me. Now I’m mid-way through Sean Michael’s 2014 Giller prize-winning novel “Us Conductors” and liking it but not loving it so far. What I could use right about now is a book that’s killer enticing.
For books coming out in March, I really thought that would mean racing through Kazuo Ishiguro’s latest novel “The Buried Giant” and Erik Larson’s nonfiction book “Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania.” Both authors’ books I have loved in the past and both have been perhaps the most highly anticipated books of the year.
Set in 6th century Britain, “The Buried Giant” follows the story of an elderly couple who undergo an illuminating journey to find the son they have not seen in years. It’s said to include themes about lost memories, love, revenge, and war. While “Dead Wake” explores the devastating sinking of the luxury ocean liner, the Lusitania, by a German U-boat in 1915.
Both seem fascinating and I was so ready to pounce, but apparently these latest works out this month have been receiving some tepid reviews. How surprising. Both authors are masters, are they not? I still plan to read both books, but so far the feedback has made me put them a bit lower on my reading pile — on the back burner for now. If you already jumped to read these, what did you think?
Meanwhile I’m curious to check out Christian Kiefer’s second novel “The Animals” about a man who manages a wildlife sanctuary in rural Idaho, caring for injured animals that are unable to survive in the wild. All is well apparently until his past comes back to haunt him; a friend is released from prison and returns to avenge the aftermath of a crime that involved the two of them. Publishers Weekly calls it a “mesmerizing literary thriller” and author Edan Lepucki says it’s a “startling and beautiful novel about friendship, grief, and the urge to start over.” Hmm, count me in.
As for movies out this month, I probably won’t dash out to the theater for any of them (I’m still coming off my Oscar splurge). The second installment of Veronica Roth’s young adult dystopian series “Insurgent” is likely to be the biggest blockbuster of the month, though Disney’s latest “Cinderella,” by director Kenneth Branagh, hopes to rain on that parade. I like Shailene Woodley but I can’t exactly see me watching “Insurgent.” I did read Roth’s first book “Divergent” but haven’t followed through with the two remaining books. Are you a big fan of the series and do you plan to see the movie? Meanwhile, I’m surprised by how much advertising has been thrown at “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.” Holy smokes they’ve really tried to ramp up this follow-up, but seeing the first Marigold Hotel movie was likely enough for me.
Lastly in albums out this month, there’s some big new releases from Noel Gallagher, Death Cab for Cutie, and Modest Mouse, which I’m geared up to check out. So far I’ve heard songs from them here and there but still need to hear more of them. I’m also game for new albums by Mark Knopfler and Brandi Carlile. Carlile’s latest “The Firewatcher’s Daughter” will be my pick for the month. Enjoy.
What about you — which books, movies, or albums are you most looking forward to this month? And do you plan to take a spring getaway trip?
I’m with you on excitement for The Animals! I have a copy I’m planning to pick up soon and have been hearing similar great things. Liveright has been one of the imprints I’ve had consistent great success with lately, so I’m hoping the streak continues.
I’m not sure if I’ve tried out Liveright imprint before. Good to know. I’ll be interested to see what you think of The Animals. I need to get a copy
I probably won’t rush out to see Insurgent, either. I didn’t read the books. But oddly enough, I saw Divergent On Demand, and enjoyed it…so maybe when it comes to TV. I do like Shailene Woodley, too.
I don’t get all the promotions on the second outing of Marigold Hotel, either…the first one was only mildly enjoyable…and mostly because of the actors. The story didn’t really engage me.
And I know what you mean about Marilynne Robinson…I have enjoyed a couple of her books, but I’m reluctant to read Lila, which I have on Sparky…because I am afraid I will be slogging away, totally bored.
Enjoy your week…it would be hard to improve on your week in the desert, though.
Here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES
Thanks Laurel. Yeah I was surprisingly very bored by the Robinson book, ugh, after I’d heard so many good things about it. Too much good stuff to read to slog through a bad one. Oh well. I’ll stop by to see what you’re up to
I will be interested to read your comments on The Animals. I have not read anything by this author….yet.
I have just finished reading both of Maggie Shipstead’s novels and have really loved her writing style. I actually started with her later novel, “Astonish Me” which has a strong focus on the world of the ballet and then moved on to her prize winning novel “Seating Arrangements”. Her use of metaphor and her dry wit make the descriptions of the novel’s family excruciatingly delicious. Wish there was another novel out there I could move on to. Anyone know of an author with a similar style?
Thanks Susan. I’m glad you let me know that you liked Shipstead’s novels. I’d like to read one. I know she received a lot of favorable reviews. Which one did you like the best? Would they be good for book club?
I’m sorry to hear that these two books are receiving tepid reviews. I’m eagerly anticipating both. I already bought tickets to see Kazuo Ishiguro when he comes to Houston in a couple of weeks. I’d hoped to read the book before he comes.
Seeing & meeting Ishiguro would be awesome. What an event that will be! I heard his new novel starts slow but apparently it picks up at the end. I still love Never Let Me Go … both the book & the movie. I hope you are able to get a book signed by him.
I would consider The Animals but the description makes me afraid that it might involve cruelty to animals and I’m not sure I can take that. Also interested in The Buried Giant. I never saw the first Marigold movie but I adore seeing Richard Gere smile — and his dance moves on the previews look good too. (He’s appropriate for my age). I might go if girl friends are organizing a movie afternoon.
Hi Barbara, hopefully it won’t entail cruelty to animals! Gere is easy on the eyes and I’m sure a welcome addition to Marigold 2. I’d likely see it when it’s on TV.
I just saw The Buried Giant at COSTCO and held in my hand weighing the decision to buy or to run to the library. I opted for the library but haven’t made it yet. My Sunday Salon
Yeah Anne. It sounds like the right choice. I’d wait for the library too. I don’t think this one is going to beat out some of his other books for me.
I just finished Dead Wake and while I enjoyed it, I didn’t love it — it definitely wasn’t in the same league as The Devil in the White City or In the Garden of Beasts. Still worth reading though. As for The Buried Giant — I’ve tried it and can’t get into it, sad to say.
Thanks Ann. Good to know your feedback on these two books. Ugh I so wanted to pounce on them. Garden of Beasts was amazing and chilling. I will wait for awhile on both Dead Wake and The Buried Giant.
My spring getaway will consist of going to my mom’s to do her taxes. Yours sounds much better.
Ugh Kathy, I hate doing taxes! You’re a real trooper.
Your spring getaway sounds fantastic. I’m afraid winter isn’t quite done with us yet even though the temperatures for the next look are just gorgeous.
I’ve been hearing great things about Dead Wake actually. It is on my list of books to read this spring. I’m still looking forward to it.
Have a great week!
I hope your spring gets better Michelle. Yeah I’m still planning on reading Dead Wake, perhaps later this year.
I’ve heard mixed things on Dead Wake. I didn’t love Larson’s last book, which also focused on an aspect connected to WWII, so I’m not sure if I’ll make this one a priority.
I guess I did like Larson’s In the Garden of Beasts so I will eventually get to Dead Wake. But I seem to have heard mixed things about it too. Thanks Kim
I read Dead Wake and really enjoyed it. I think I was in the mood for some great nonfiction and it hit the spot.
Oh great Melissa, so glad you liked Dead Wake. I think I will like it as well. Larson’s In the Garden of Beasts amazed me.
I did the same thing with Gilead! How odd we are 🙂
I love Brandi Carlile!
Yeah Amy : I couldn’t for the life of me get into Gilead; I think the narration drove me crazy and it seemed bor, bor, boring. But what do I know? Glad You felt the same. I think Brandi Carlile has some terrific songs! Great voice too