Yea May is here. It’s usually a great month. It’s when the leaves and buds burst forth and spring abounds in the North Country. I’m glad to leave April behind in the rearview mirror. (Goodbye taxes.) It wasn’t all bad (since we received our first vaccine shot), but it wasn’t too good either.
My book assistant, Stella (the Lab dog), injured her Achilles tendon chasing after a ball and has been in leg splints since March 25. She will be free of these this coming week, and then we will see if her injury has healed and what rehabilitation she needs to do. She has tried to shred the bandages all month when we weren’t looking (of course). They had to be changed each week, but at least they’ve been colorful and sporty. She’s managing these days.
Meanwhile I’ve been looking through the smorgasbord of new releases this month and there is a lot. There are new novels by such well known authors as: Claire Fuller, Richard Flanagan, Chris Bohjalian, Jennifer Weiner, Marisa Silver, Edward Rutherfurd, Rachel Cusk, and a nonfiction book by Daniel James Brown (author of “The Boys in the Boat”) among others.
Though due to overload, I’m putting these authors’ books on the back burner for now, while I pursue a few others noted below. It’s hard to actually decide what makes the cut of five (in this case six novels), but I look them over — what they’re about and evaluate their praise as best as I can.
First off, I’m looking to get Maggie Shipstead’s “Great Circle” (due out May 4). Being an epic about a female aviating pioneer, made it check some boxes for me. Apparently the novel, which clocks in at 608 pages, has two storylines going on, one with the adventures of Marian, the aviator circa the 1930s and ’40s in various locales, and the second with Hadley, an actress in Hollywood set to play Marian in the present day.
It’s been highly praised and seems like it’ll be better than Shipstead’s 2014 novel “Astonish Me” about a ballerina, which I listened to as an audiobook and liked but gave 3 stars to. “Great Circle” appears to be more and is said to follow the two women who yearn for adventure and freedom … and follow their dreams. What’s not to like?
Next, I’ll pick Jean Hanff Korelitz’s novel “The Plot” (due out May 11) about a washed-up novelist and creative writing prof who apparently steals the story of a student in his class, which he thinks will be a bestseller. Hmm.
It’s said to be a twisty thriller, so it’s probably best not to know too much more before reading it. You might recall the author’s 2014 novel “You Should Have Known,” which was made into the popular TV HBO series “The Undoing,” starring Hugh Grant and Nicole Kidman. That one was nice and crazy and had lots of twists and turns, so I suspect “The Plot” will as well. It could be prime back deck and beach reading material.
Then there are two debut novels I’m hoping to check out that include: Linda Rui Feng’s “Swimming Back to Trout River” and Eric Nguyen’s “Things We Lost to the Water.” I always like to add debuts to my TBR pile and these two look good.
Apparently Feng’s debut (due out May 11) moves from Communist China to San Francisco and the Great Plains in the 1960s and ’80s and chronicles what happens to a young Chinese family in the wake of the Cultural Revolution. While Nguyen’s debut (due out May 4) is about a Vietnamese immigrant mother and her two sons who settle in New Orleans and struggle over the decades to remain connected to one another. Both novels seem like they’ll be up my alley and be from new voices that are worth exploring.
But what about Joan Silber’s new novel “Secrets of Happiness” (due out May 4)? I have not read a Silber book yet, but people seem to swear by her. Apparently the author is known for novels that interlink stories, which move the narrative forward or sideways.
This new one includes seven stories that start off when a man discovers his father in New York has long had another, secret family—a wife and two kids—which leads to surprising loyalties over love and money. Hmm. Having a novel made up of interlinked stories, reminds me a bit of Elizabeth Strout’s novel “Olive Kitteridge” which I liked … but will it work again for me? We will have to see.
Lastly in books is space nerd Andy Weir’s new novel “Project Hail Mary” (due out May 4). Granted, I haven’t read Weir since his 2014 novel “The Martian,” but this one looks about as fun and has been getting good reviews too. It could be just the right suspense for the back deck or the beach. But first I’ll foist it on my husband to read. Then if he likes its space/science-y plot, I’ll bring it on.
You might recall in “The Martian” astronaut Mark Watney is left stranded alone on Mars, this time in “Project Hail Mary” Ryland Grace awakens from a coma with no memories of his identity or how he came to be alone on a spaceship, Uh-oh. But only he can save Earth from an impending doom, right? Maybe we can get Matt Damon back for the movie … even though he was Watney in the last one.
On the screen this month, there are several book adaptations coming out as movies and TV series, which I’m hoping to get to. First off is the 10-part historical fiction drama series “The Underground Railroad” (coming out on Prime Video May 14) based on the 2017 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Colson Whitehead.
You might recall it’s about a young woman named Cora who makes a surprising discovery during her attempt to break free from slavery in the Deep South. South African actress Thuso Mbedu plays Cora and Joel Edgerton stars as the bounty hunter determined to bring her back. It looks scary and unsettling, but I plan to give it a go. It was filmed in various locations around the state of Georgia.
Next is the movie adaptation of A.J. Finn’s 2018 psychological thriller “The Woman in the Window” (due out on Netflix May 14). This one you might recall is about a reclusive woman who fears going out of her apartment in New York, and while spying on her neighbors, thinks she witnesses an act of disturbing violence from her window. It’s a bit like Hitchcock’s film “Rear Window” in that way. But this one stars Amy Adams in the lead role, and includes Gary Oldman, Julianne Moore, Tracy Letts, and supposedly even a bit of Jennifer Jason Leigh!
I liked the crazy book all right, but the movie apparently has had its troubles. Originally scheduled for October, the film had to be re-edited after viewers didn’t take to its initial test screenings. So we will see, if it will fly on Netflix.
Then there’s the upcoming movie adaptation of Australian author Jane Harper’s 2016 bestselling crime novel “The Dry” (streaming May 21). You might recall it involves federal agent Aaron Falk who returns to his hometown after a 20-year absence to attend the tragic funeral of a childhood friend and his family …. only later to stay on to investigate their deaths as a crime.
Oh yeah Eric Bana stars as Falk … and wherever Bana goes, I go, ha. I first saw him in the 2005 film “Munich,” which prompted my reaction, “Who’s that”?! Wow there was smoke. So I’m hoping Eric will deliver again here.
The last two movies I might mention checking out are: “Dream Horse” (out May 21) and “Cruella” (out May 28 on Disney+). “Dream Horse” looks to be a feel-good movie, based on a true story, about an unlikely racehorse bred by a Welsh bartender that goes on to compete with the racing elites. Toni Collette and Damian Lewis star in the movie filmed in Wales that looks to be a bit predictable but still nice as well.
As for “Cruella,” it stars Emma Stone as a young Cruella de Vil … from Disney’s “101 Dalmatians” franchise. Apparently the story will bring to life why Estella came to embrace her wicked, revengeful “Cruella” side. Though there’s no definitive word yet about whether former Cruella actress Glenn Close will have a cameo role in this new film … though at least she’s listed as an executive producer.
And finally in new music releasing this month, there are albums by the Black Keys, Blake Shelton, Weezer, Van Morrison, Nancy Wilson, and Paula Cole among others, which all seem a bit enticing. But I’ll pick Lord Huron’s new album “Long Lost” (due out May 21) since I’m a newbie to the indie folk band’s music. Apparently the band has some live tour dates starting in September, which is both surprising and nice to see.
That’s all for now. What about you — which new releases this month are you most looking forward to? Happy May to you.
Ah, poor Stella. I hope she has a full and uneventful recovery.
May looks like another good reading month. I had recently read a review of The Plot and tentatively added it to my reading list.
I’m happy to know about the movie adaptation of The Dry, a book I liked a great deal. I’ll be on the lookout for it.
Hi Dorothy, thanks I’ll pass along your regards to Stella. And I’ve heard The Dry movie is pretty good … so I hope to find it as well. I think it’ll be around May 21. And I’m hoping The Plot will be crazy & fun. Much to read this month. Enjoy!
So much good new stuff! I have Dry on my May reading list so if I like it, which I assume I will, I might try the movie.
I chose Things We Lost to the Water as one of my Book of the Month choices so that should show up within a week or so.
Have a great reading week!
Thanks Helen, yeah I agree May looks to have a ton of good reads! The Dry’s story crackles under Australian heat, ha. You’ll see. That’s great you’ll be reading the Eric Nguyen novel … if you get to it before me … I’ll look forward to hear what you think of it. Enjoy your paradise there.
Aww, poor Stella. I hope she recovers quickly!
I told my husband about Edward Rutherfurd’s new book (China) and he said no way. Said it sounded far too long. Well, Rutherfurd’s books ARE long. I’ve only read Sarum, which I loved, but it took me six months to finish. Rod’s read several others, but China does not appeal to him. Are you going to give it a try?
Great Circle is intriguing, but wow. Another long book! I’m good for about 400 pages, unless it’s Stephen King.
Oooh, I did like The Unknown, so maybe I’ll have to give The Plot a look. Something about it reminds me of A Ladder in the Sky by John Boyne.
I’ve requested Project Hail Mary from the library for my husband and now that I’ve read a few glowing reviews, I’ll give it a read, too. I didn’t like The Martian, but the movie was good, so maybe this will hold my attention. Can I skim the math and physics??
I did not like The Underground Railroad, but I’ll probably watch the TV series… at least the first episode or two. Now I did like The Woman in the Window and am eager to see the show (even though I know the twists). Can’t beat that great cast! Oh, yay! I didn’t know The Dry was coming out this month. I enjoyed the book (and Force of Nature) and know my husband will watch this one with me.
Another album by Van the Man? I think I have everything he’s ever recorded, but I haven’t been wowed by anything in years. I’ll take a listen on Spotify and see if anything appeals to me.
Have a great month and thanks for all the great recs. I always look forward these posts. 🙂
Hey thanks Lesley. It took me awhile to put these recs together. I admit I haven’t been wowed by Van’s albums in years either — were the ’80s & ’90s his last good ones? Yeah I like all the book to screen adaptations even if I know the twists, right? They’re fun to follow. We will see how these turn out. And I think it’s Okay to skip the math/physics of Weir … I didn’t like all that in The Martian. So hopefully his editor cut it this time, ha. And I admit I’m not too good with super Long novels … so hopefully Great Circle doesn’t lag. I looked at Rutherfurd’s China novel but the reviews weren’t totally great so I’m holding so far. Still I’d like to read it but not sure when. I’ll pass along your regards to Stella, thanks. Hope you have a great May in Oregon! It should be lovely I imagine.
Poor Stella! I hope she heals up nicely and can get back out there for some fun again. So hard, though.
I’m very glad to be done with April. This year is still touch and go! But it has been such a great feeling to be vaccinated. I’ve got one more week until full immunity!
The Plot and Hail Mary are on my radar! Cruella…I’ll have to wait for the reviews. I loved the cartoon as a kid but wasn’t quite as impressed with the live-action one. But the Woman in the Window is a must-see.
I hope you have a wonderful week!
Thanks Heather. Stella is hanging in there … but it was a challenging April. Let’s hope May is better. And I’m so glad you are fully vaccinated, nice! They are spreading out the 2 shots here … so no telling when our 2nd shots will be/ maybe June??
Hope you like some of these new books & movies. Enjoy your week.
Oh, Stella. Poor thing.
After reading Boys in the Boat, I’d love to read more nonfiction from Daniel James Brown.
I’m very curious about Project Hail Mary. I liked The Martian, the book, but I still haven’t seen the movie.
Thanks for the heads up about Woman in the Window. I will watch for it.
Hi Deb, I have heard good things about Project Hail Mary … I’m like #118 on the wait list for it at the library, ha. Daniel James Brown’s previous book about the Donner family was well done several years ago … his new one apparently is about Japanese Americans who fought for the Allies in WWII … Have a great May.
Oh my gosh! So much to talk about here. First of all, your poor dog. I hope she recovers without too much rehab. I have some of the same authors I’m putting on the back burner for a bit, but mine is more to see what others think (Claire Fuller and Marisa Silver specifically). I’m so looking forward to Great Circle, but was turned down for an electronic copy, though they sent me one in print. I recently had cataract surgery and until I get new reading glasses (still a few weeks away) I’m not reading anything in print!
Happy to see you’re excited about Things We Lost to the Water, too. I just started it last night. And finally, leave it to you to make me aware of The Underground Railroad on Prime. Very excited for that!
Hi Susie: I didn’t realize you had cataract surgery … hope that improves things for you once you get the reading glasses. Great Circle is really getting much the hype now … it sounds pretty great from the synopsis. I’m not sure when I’ll get to it but I am on the Library list for it. I definitely want to hear what you think of the Eric Nguyen novel … readers say it has a rushed or abrupt ending but we will have to see for ourselves. And I’m keen to watch these adaptations! I will see how Cora does on the Underground Railroad. Enjoy!
You take such a thoughtful look at your upcoming books. I need to take a dose from your example. I always seem to end up reading books I wish I wasn’t and jealousy looking at the reading lists of others wanting the books they are reading. Ha! My Sunday Salon post
Hi Anne, good to hear from you and thanks I do take some time figuring out which new books to read that are coming out. In some ways, these monthly lists help me organize a bit if not right away then down the line on what I want to read. Have a great May!
Hi Susan! Ha, Labradors and bandages. What fun! Been through that a couple of times. We have two labbies, both almost 12 now.
I need to start making a post with what I’m looking forward to reading and watching every month. I think you just streamline your month a bit better then.
I’m looking forward to The Woman in the Window, but first want to read The Underground railroad before watching the adaptation.
Some great looking books you have on here! The Plot tickles my interest immediately.
Hope you will have a beautiful month of May!
Thanks Mareli. Yeah May should be good weather here. And I guess you have experienced similar leg problems with your Labs. Stella will get her splints off tomorrow and we are pleased about that. It’s been a challenge for 6 weeks.
There’s much to read & see this month. I think a post like this does help me to organize on what I hope to get to … even if it’s not right away. The Plot could be a quick read. Enjoy your week.
Aww poor doggie! I hope she is back to running and chasing (safely of course) very soon.
I am loving Project Hail Mary – it is very exciting so far and I will probably go so far as to say that it returns back to The Martian in terms of the adventure, the snark, and the thrills (Artemis was a bit of a departure in that sense).
And I’m also exciting about The Plot. I am on the fence regarding Great Circle but only because of the length. May wait to hear more about it before I pick it up.
Thanks Athira. We hope our dog will have healed once her bandages come off this week (woohoo). So glad to hear that Project Hail Mary is really good …. I’m a bit curious to know if there is a lot of math or physics in it … since The Martian had quite a bit. I’m okay if there is less in this one, ha. It seems readers didn’t like Artemis as much. I’m hoping The Plot will be fun & twisty. Enjoy your reading!
Aww, poor Stella. She doesn’t look very happy in the photo, despite the colorful bandages. Fingers crossed any rehab needed is minimal.
I’m excited to see a new book by Joan Silber. Improvement was a favorite a couple of years ago… excellent writing. Happy May!
thanks JoAnn: I’m looking forward to May. And I probably need to check out Joan Silber’s novel Improvement. Glad you mentioned it.
Today is the big day for Stella when she gets her bandages off, fingers crossed big time. I’ll report next time. Hope all is well there. Enjoy your week.
I hope your poor doggie makes a complete recovery!
I read Chris Bohjalian’s new book – it was pretty good. I’m looking forward to The Underground Railroad Amazon series. I hope it does the book justice!
Thanks Rachel, I will send Stella your regards. Good to know about Bohjalian’s witch novel … I do like the Salem subject matter …. so glad you liked it. Fingers crossed about the Amazon Railroad series … the trailer looked pretty good.
Enjoy your May!
The Weir book HAS been getting some pretty fabulous reviews. I am looking forward to it.
The Woman in the Window was supposed to come out before the shutdown so it’s very delayed. I think it will be good and Cruella looks pretty darn amazing.
I am all over the place these days. Trying so hard to remain focused but this anxiety over my two kids moving is making me nutty. There are two ladies in my neighborhood who all of a sudden have decided to not clean up after their dogs and I am like Mrs. Kravitz trying to catch them in the act. And I have and yet they still do it. If it wasn’t for me being so on edge already, I don’t think it would bother me quite as much but it’s grating on me. I am beginning to think they are mentally ill.
Also, your pup! Those splints are at least fun.
Hi Ti, Stella gets her bandages off today after 6 long weeks! Fingers crossed. I can relate to being angry about the two ladies letting their dog poop in your neighborhood … that’s just super frustrating. I would be ticked. What’s the date of your kids’ move? Is it August? Just be methodical … and organize, you’ll be all right. Try not to fret too much. It’ll be a change.
The Weir book looks good … I’m like #118 at the Library! Much hope for the movies. Take Care. will check back over the wknd.
Oh no Susan, poor Stella (granddaughter’s name too:) We watched The Undoing and enjoyed it a lot…great cast so, I definitely am interested in the author’s new book. I also loved The Woman in the Window so that series has my interest as well. Did you see “Your Honor?” The Showtimes series with Brian Cranston as the judge –OMG so good.
Have a great May!
Hey thanks Diane …. May should get better here. I didn’t realize your granddaughter is Stella too, that’s nice! We did watch the whole series of Your Honor …. it was good and anxiety inducing! Now we are to Mare of Easttown which is also pretty crazy & good. What are you watching? We liked The Undoing too. The Woman in the Window is a movie instead of a series … so we will look for it. Much to do & see this month. Enjoy your reading.
I thought Stella looked dashing in those stockings until I read your update on her health ( 🙁 ) . I hope she gets well soon and recovers completely. I’m about to finish the Bohjalian book. It has kept my interest throughout, being a different take on the ‘witch trials’, with bada.. heroines. You make an interesting roundup of book releases. My pick would be Project Hail Mary, but I think he is repeating the same formula a little too much already. I look forward to The Woman in the Window and The Underground… adaptations. I like Blake Shelton. I have three of his albums, one being his greatest hits, and listen to them often.
Yeah Carmen … Stella has had a challenging road lately but we are hopeful she will recover. I will keep all posted about this. & Glad to hear the report about the Bohjalian novel … I’ve read a bit about it. It seems it hasn’t lagged for you. The Weir novel indeed sounds like it has a similar formula to his first one. Not sure when I will get to it. I didn’t realize you liked country music … I like a bit of country too … perhaps I like more country rock … but I think Blake has some good songs… and will on the new one. I hope you are having a good spring there!
Let’s send good vibes to Stella. Fingers crossed she’ll be fine soon, poor thing! My spring is going well. The temps have been all over the place, though. Hour of the Witch slowed a bit after the second half, but not terribly. I’ll be rating it four solid stars, if there are no out there twists in the last 10%. I’m not too much into country music. I discovered Blake Shelton back in the infancy of Google Play, when they offered me his greatest hits at a discounted price, and I have remained a fan. I like Carrie Underwood too, and I have Miranda Lambert in my wishlist to explore in the near future.
Sounds good Carmen. I like to hear what you’re perusing and listening to. And what books are you looking at next? I’ll send the vibes to Stella …. we still have a ways to go to get her back but I think she is a bit happier. The weather here is crazy too … but the grass is finally turning green! take care.
Everything here is green and the trees are shedding petals already ( 😮 )! Hour of the Witch ended better than I was expecting, a bit unpredictable too. I will start The Guest Room, by Bohjalian too, since I’ve had the ARC for a few years and I want to improve my review rating. I’ll let you know how it goes if you have not read it yet.