We’ve made it to November … of this bruising year. I’m not sure what will happen in a few days from now with the U.S. election, but I hold out hope for a Biden/Harris win. And I hold out hope that we can avoid Covid despite all the rising cases out there. Will you be traveling, or gathering for U.S. Thanksgiving or no? I hope everyone’s family is able to stay safe and sound this month. I took the photo at left while we were out hiking today in warmer weather.
Meanwhile the book award season is upon us. This month the Booker Prize, the National Book Awards, and Canada’s Giller Prize will all be announced. I’m slightly wondering if Scottish-American author Douglas Stuart’s novel “Shuggie Bain” will win the Booker Prize on Nov. 17. It seems like I’ve been on the library wait list for it forever.
“Shuggie Bain” is also a finalist for the National Book Award for Fiction to be announced on Nov. 18 … but perhaps Rumaan Alam might win that award for his novel “Leave the World Behind,” which a lot of readers are talking about. I’ve read Lydia Millet’s “A Children’s Bible,” which is also a finalist, but I don’t think it will get it.
As for Canada’s Giller Prize to be announced on Nov. 9, I’m hoping either Emily St. John Mandel’s novel “The Glass Hotel” or Gil Adamson’s novel “Ridgerunner” will win. But who knows … I have a lot of reading left to do from that shortlist.
Many readers/bloggers will know this month as Nonfiction November — dedicated to bolstering reading in nonfiction areas. I could use such encouragement as I am much more a fiction reader. Are you? Though I just finished Kate Harris’s nonfiction book and perhaps President Obama’s will be another. It’s also Australian reading month hosted by the blog Brona’s Books, which is highlighting books and authors from Down Under, so I am hoping to read one or two this month from there. Visit those sites … if you are interested in joining in.
And now let’s discuss what new releases are coming out this month. Whatever happens on Nov. 3, it’s a sure bet that Barack Obama’s book “A Promised Land” (due out Nov. 17) will be the biggest book — and book event — of the year. The former president’s highly anticipated first volume of his presidential memoirs has received a whopping 3 million first printing, and I for one have already reserved a copy for when it arrives at my local indie bookstore.
I’m not always such a huge fan of politicians’ memoirs due to the usual PR back-patting in them … but with President Obama I can’t wait to get my hands on his thoughts and book. I was also a fan of his wife Michelle’s book “Becoming,” which I both read in print and listened to as an audiobook. And that was a major blockbuster. I’m sure this one will be too — it already is!
That will be a hard act to follow, but there are a couple debut novels out this month that also look promising. Both are coming-of-age kinds of tales and I’m always sort of a sucker for those. The first one is David Hopen’s novel “The Orchard” (due out Nov. 17) — about an Orthodox Jewish high school student in Brooklyn who finds his world transformed when his family moves to the secularized world of South Florida.
Apparently the lonely protagonist, 17-year-old Ari Eden’s life is filled with religious study in New York, which sounds a bit like the circumstances in Chaim Potok’s 1967 classic “The Chosen” — but then when he moves to Florida he gets in with a group of friends that take him on a wayward path. Uh-oh. Once again like other novels, it’s been compared to Donna Tartt’s campus novel “The Secret History.” Hmm but can it live up to that? We will have to read it and find out.
The other debut is Susie Yang’s novel “White Ivy” (due out Nov. 3) about a young Chinese-American woman’s dark obsession in Boston with the golden boy of a wealthy political family, which is said to offer insights on the complexities of class and race and the immigrant experience.
Hmm it sounds sort of unsettling as the protagonist — Ivy — seems determined to become a part of the boy’s life and social circles … but as flawed and insecure as she is, Ivy is also apparently smart and winsome, a young woman in search of herself. It sounds like a twisty kind of story that defies stereotypes … so we will see.
As for what’s releasing on-screen this month, there’s a buddy comedy drama called “The Climb” about two guys’ friendship over many years that looks a bit funny, as well as an 1840’s story called “Ammonite” (due out Nov. 13) — about the British female fossil hunter Mary Anning and the relationship she has with a young woman sent to convalesce by the sea.
It sounds like the story from Tracy Chevalier’s 2010 novel “Remarkable Creatures,” right? But no, this one says its screenplay was written by director Francis Lee, hmm. Kate Winslet stars as the lonely fossil hunter on the beach with Saoirse Ronan and the frequently crashing waves apparently. Winslet’s busy these days and will play WWII photojournalist Lee Miller next.
But the biggest onscreen premiere this month has got to be Season 4 of “The Crown” (coming Nov. 15 on Netflix). Woohoo. Some say it will be the best and boldest season as it will cover from 1977 to 1990 … which will include Margaret Thatcher played by Gillian Anderson (wow!) and the 1981 wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana. Hmm, you recall the dress.
Oh there will be episodes of other happenings as well. Olivia Coleman will return as the Queen and Helena Bonham Carter as her sister Margaret … and even Claire Foy is set to make an appearance as the Queen in a flashback, which is terrific — we can’t forget her. Apparently the show’s filming was completed before the Covid lockdown … so not to worry.
I’m also curious to see the adaptation coming Nov. 21 on HBO Max of Ta-Nehisi Coates’s 2015 National Book Award winning book “Between the World and Me,” which I admired in 2016. I’m not sure what exactly it’ll be, but it’s said to be more of a special than a movie … and will feature elements of the staged production of the book from the Apollo Theater in 2018 … as well as various actors reading from parts of the book while at home under Covid. Hmm, I think it’ll be a powerful cup of coffee about race in the U.S. … as was the book … which was written as a letter to the author’s teenage son about the realities associated with being Black in America.
Then there’s the adaptation of “Hillbilly Elegy” (out on Netflix Nov. 24) from the 2016 popular memoir by J.D. Vance — about his childhood and working-class family in Middletown, Ohio, that touched on issues of poverty and drug abuse. The movie directed by Ron Howard stars Amy Adams as J.D.’s struggling addicted mother and Glenn Close as the grandmother who raises him.
While I admired — from the memoir — what J.D. overcame in his youth in order to go to college etc., I don’t agree exactly with his politics. Luckily the memoir is not overtly political (in terms of talking about politics), but now J.D.’s a venture capitalist and is sharing his views on Tucker Carlson’s show on Fox News. Is there anything worse?
Lastly in adaptations coming out is the TV miniseries “The Flight Attendant” — due out Nov. 26 on HBO Max. It’s based on the 2018 novel by Chris Bohjalian that stars Kaley Cuoco as a flight attendant who wakes up in a hotel in Dubai after a night out … with a dead man’s body lying next to her. Uh-oh. She can’t recall what happened and doesn’t call the police.
I didn’t read the novel, but what I like is that dreamy-looking actor Michiel Huisman is in this. I didn’t catch Michiel in “Game of Thrones,” but I think he came to my attention as Dawsey Adams in the movie version of “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.” I kid you not. If he’s on Guernsey Island, then I will be quarantined there as well.
As for albums coming out this month, there’s new music by the likes of Miley Cyrus, AC/DC, the Smashing Pumpkins, Chris Stapleton, Donovan Woods, Elton John (unreleased tracks), and Billie Joe Armstrong (cover songs) among others. It’s a tough choice, but I’ll select country-rock, singer/songwriter Chris Stapleton’s fourth album “Starting Over” as my pick this month. It’s due out Nov. 13 and features the single “Cold,” which I really like, but since the video doesn’t feature Chris … I’ll go with the video to the song “Starting Over,” which you can see and listen to here.
That’s all for now. What about you — which new releases are you looking forward to?
Listened to Samantha Power on the excellent Canadian Munk Dialogues during breakfast and chores this morning. Thinking her Education of an Idealist could be an addition to my reading list.
Hi. I hadn’t heard of the Munk Dialogues so I had to look up that podcast. Thx for letting me on to that. I have read & reviewed Samantha Power’s memoir last year … and thought it was quite good. The first half is more her personal story and then the second half is more about her work in government and policy. It’s worth reading. She was a tireless worker on Obama’s staff and later at the U.N.
Thanks for joining us for Nonfiction November! I’ve just added a post recommending nonfiction based on what fiction genres you love, if you need reading ideas 🙂 Obama’s memoir seems certain to be good, based on what I’ve heard about is earlier one.
Thanks Katie, I’ll drop by your site to see your post. I’m sort of a sucker for the memoir genre but perhaps I’ll keep an open mind about reading other nonfiction. The long Obama book is going to take a while to get thru once I get a copy. We’ll see. Have a great month!
Obama’s memoir is probably worth the read. I have enormous admiration for him. He also has a lively mind so I am sure that there is a lot to her out of that book.
Hopefully the election will go well.
Stay safe.
Hey thanks Brian, I think Obama’s book will be a great read. I hope it will offer some surprises and not be too staid. I could also use some humaneness about now. Enjoy your month.
Nonfiction November is one of my favorite events of the year. I always get a bucketful of nonfiction book recommendations that I can keep and look at when I don’t know what I want to read next. Last year I compiled a list of over 100 books. I’m well on my way to that this year, too.
I am sure I will take a look at the Obama memoir. It would be refreshing to read the words of someone who is thoughtful and experienced in public affairs.
I have not seen The Crown. Maybe I will try it out soon.
We will not be traveling for Thanksgiving, but we are going on a hiking trip to Arizona later this week. We will stay in one place, and we will prepare all our meals at home, and we will do no shopping. We are trying to be as careful as we can and yet be able to get away for a bit.
Hi Deb, your hiking trip to Arizona will be wonderful … it’s great you’re getting away. I think you would enjoy The Crown … all four seasons! It’s a bit slow at times but nice that way too. And I’d like to see your nonfiction list. I need to read more nonfiction but it takes more time for me! Cheers.
I think I will look for The Crown. We’re planning to take a look at The Office this week while we are in Arizona. It’s new to me, too.
Yeah The Office is a bit fun & zany. They have a U.S. show version or a British version. I’ve watched some episodes of the U.S. show … while I wasn’t a huge fan though I liked it well enough — my husband loved it. Enjoy.
Pretty hiking picture. Glad you were able to get out a bit with some nice weather.
I have also preordered Obama’s book. Can’t wait to read that one.
I need to watch the rest of season 3 of the Queen. I was so sad Claire Foy wasn’t on it that I never got back into but knowing what season 4 is I will do it.
I had no idea about Between the World and Me as a special. Good news. I’m now looking forward to that one.
I read Hillbilly Elegy when it came out. He didn’t get into politics really in his book so sad to hear where he’s at now.
I try to read at least one nonfiction book a month. Looking forward to participating this month for Nonfiction November.
I hope you have a great week. I will be nail-biting all day tomorrow….
Hey Heather: thx for stopping by! Yeah tomorrow will be a nail-biter. Hang tough in Utah. Yeah you will like Season 3 of The Crown … I too was mad about losing Claire Foy but Olivia is good too. Much to read & watch this month but first we must win tomorrow. Cross your fingers!
Thanks for sharing that wonderful picture of the mountains with us! I am very partial to mountains and love seeing the sweeping snow-covered vistas. Take care and I hope your November is a good one!
Hey thanks Kay — hope you are well. Yeah the mountains are awesome right now with the snow on them. We like to hike in the foothills … so we get a good view. It’s just nice to get out … before the real winter starts. Enjoy your November too.
My review for Leave the World Behind posts this week. It was an amazing but very disturbing read. REALLY puts you on edge. I can see it wining.
The election is giving me fits. I really need to get more wine for tomorrow, I think.
Hi Ti, yes we all need more wine for tomorrow night. It’s a nail-biter! I can’t focus today. But I’m hoping/thinking we will win. Reason will prevail — at least I really hope so. Then we can move on — I hope?!
I’m about to start the audio soon of Leave the World Behind — after I finish Sue Miller’s book. Sounds like a doozy. Stay well.
I didn’t preorder Obama’s book yet, but I have been ordering from my Indie regularly and will continue. I for sure want to read his words.
So many awards in one month! It is exciting to learn who the winners are.
I have been reading the award winners from 1965 lately. One more to go and I’ll do a post about those.
Absolutely. Can’t. Wait for The Crown!!
Hey Judy — yeah I think The Crown will be very entertaining this season. Can’t wait either.
Looking forward to your post about 1965 award winners … and we will see who gets them this year. The Obama book will be a tome but maybe his book will help my brain in troubling times… show some humaneness, some reason!
Hang on tomorrow. let’s go!
Fantastic post and preview of November, thank you! Obama’s book looks good and I am certainly anticipating the Crown. I promised my daughter we’d watch it together once she is home from college November 20. I’d also like to see what they do with Between the World and Me. So much to look forward to! Here’s hoping the election goes well and that there isn’t violence afterward.
Thanks Helen. That’s great your daughter will be home this month. The Crown would be perfect to watch together. There is surprisingly a lot this month to read & watch. I will cross my fingers there is no violence tomorrow on election day. Who knows what will happen. Stay well.
I’m looking forward to Nonfiction November, but may not get to Obama’s book this month. Thanksgiving will be very different for us this year… only the immediate family. Both Manhattan daughters will be with us through Christmas. Not sure how much reading will be accomplished as we are also moving into the new (remodeled) house this month. Take care!
Hi JoAnn, it’s fantastic you’ll be moving into your renovated house after so long and will be spending Thanksgiving with your daughters & family. So much to do — I understand. I too wonder if I will get to Obama’s memoir this month. There’s books piled high at this point. But I will buy it. I feel a bit all over the place. Enjoy your home! & good luck tomorrow.
You mention a lot of books here that I am making note of, thank you. Nonfiction Nov. may inspire me. As for Michiel Huisman, I fell for him in Orphan Black and I may join you on Guernsey if he is there! 😉
Hey Molly! I had to look up Orphan Black … is it good? We will start it immediately, ha… thx to Michiel Huisman. We finished Season 1 of Tehran and also are going through Season 2 of Good Fight. So we could use another show! Started The Undoing but will wait for the full season instead of watching piecemeal. Anything else good? Also what’s your novel of the year? Hmm. I feel a bit scattered … and hoping for only the best news today. take care.
So much to read and watch! I’m reading a classic by Anya Seton and I’ll follow with Alice Hoffman; counting that one, I’ll finish the Practical Magic trilogy this year. I’ll also follow with The Girl with the Louding Voice and Mexican Gothic. There’s such great new content on Netflix these days…I can’t wait to see most of it, if not all.
Hi Carmen! So glad you stopped by. Everything is starting to pile up … books / shows etc. I hope you are enjoying the Hoffman trilogy. You’re on a roll this year. I too want to read The Girl with the Louding Voice. I’ve heard good things about it. We finished the TV series Tehran season 1 … and need to start something else. Looking forward to The Crown mostly. Do you have snow there? Our snow has melted away … but we are supposed to get something this weekend. keep in touch and enjoy your books and November!
Hi Susan! It’s a pleasure to stop by. We got sleet last week but didn’t accumulate. Starting today, we’re getting more seasonal temperatures, until Monday so far; we may have several 70F days. Yes, I’m on a roll reading-wise; I hope that holds. I’ve read a few chunksters this year. I’m planning to continuing the trend next year, if possible.
Wow Carmen, you’re still getting 70F days! We too have had warm temps this week but it looks to be changing over the wknd with snow forecasted, hmm. Keep me posted about your reads as your insights are always so good. I have been slow lately, a bit distracted but hope to get back on track soon. Take Care!
I want to read Shuggie Bain and White Ivy and I’m looking forward to the new season of “The Crown.” I, too, had mixed feelings about Hillbilly Elegy and unmixed feelings about its author.
Happy November. Let’s hope the month is kind to us.
Hey Dorothy, so glad you’re back. Hope your eye surgery was a big success. I will stop by your site to see the news. We definitely could use this Month to go our way, oh my! It’s been pretty stressful so far. But staying optimistic … no going back, count the votes! Have a great month.
I will so come quarantining (is that even a word?) with you on Guernsey. With Michiel Huisman.
I saw the Goodreads choice awards is also open now. Good Grief! I can’t believe we are there in the year already. I don’t think I’ve read any award winning, or worth award winning books, this whole year. Will have to start going through the lists.
Hope you will have a good week ahead! Here’s my The Sunday Post #17
Hey Mareli, I might have to watch the Flight Attendant show just to see Huisman; he’s probably left Guernsey by now. Sigh.
And I can’t believe it’s time already for the Goodreads choice awards; it doesn’t seem like my reading year is near over. I have much to pick up still. Hope you are well. I’ll stop by your site soon.
I’m glad to be at the other end of the election WITH a new President. I’ve been smiling since yesterday and still cannot believe that something good is finally happening!
Both Barack and Michelle Obama are such good writers and speakers – I’ll happily listen to their words no matter how long. They are very inspiring. I haven’t reserved Obama’s book yet but hopefully I’ll still be able to get it.
Hooray Athira! Ohio didn’t turn Blue but we got there anyways. I voted absentee for Virginia and pleased it ended well. I’m still smiling too. I think Obama’s book will be terrific. But when will we have time to read it?! Ha. We’ll see. Enjoy your weekend.
With virtually no cases here it seems our holidays will be relatively normal for which I’m thankful.
I’m enjoying both Nonfiction November and AusBooks Month, I obviously read a lot of Australian books, and I like reading nonfiction though I have to ensure I make the space for them, that’s why I started the Nonfiction Reader Challenge, as well as cramming in what I can during November.
I do like Michiel in Guernsey (I haven’t watched GoT either)
Wishing you a great reading week
Hey thanks Shelleyrae. I’m trying to get back on track after too many distractions surrounding the US election, but with each day I think it’ll get better now …. especially with news about a vaccine around the corner. Good news. I’m looking at a couple Aussie novels for this month I hope to get to. & maybe another nonfiction read. I’ll stop by your site to see what you’re reading, cheers.
No travel on Thanksgiving for me. I’ll probably just order some restaurant food and eat in front of the TV. There are so many interesting books coming out in November. I’m looking forward to White Ivy for sure.
Hey AJ, the Covid cases seem to be skyrocketing so it’s a good idea to lay low and not travel for the foreseeable future. White Ivy looks to have gotten some good reviews so I hope to get to it if not this month then later. Hope you enjoy your November!
I’m relieved to hear others are staying home for Thanksgiving. Covid infection rates are soaring nationally, even in remote Maine. Gather with your family on Zoom so everyone can survive until next year. My family’s Zoom Seder for Passover last spring worked surprisingly well. With some luck we’ll have that new vaccine next year!
Wow, how much has changed since you posted this! Reading Obama’s new memoir would be a great way to celebrate Biden’s win. I loved his Dreams of my Father and Michelle’s Becoming.
Wait, Gillian Armstrong as Margaret Thatcher? Could they not find a British actress to play her? I enjoyed the first season of the Crown and thanks for the reminder to watch more.
Hey Sarah, nice to hear from you! Yeah the Covid cases & rates seem alarming right now– all over the place. Best to stay put.
I hope Obama’s book will give us a boost post-election. It’s all been a mess. Sigh.
I’m curious about Gillian as Thatcher … so often American actors seem to take on British roles & vice versa! It’s been a good series.
Hope all is well with you. I will stop by your site to see. take care.
Writing my reply 10 days after your post and we are still in turmoil over this damned election. I wish Trump would just take his ball and go home, wherever that may be. I can’t understand why he insists the election was rigged after every single state has said there wasn’t any voter fraud. Argh.
And the COVID numbers continue to climb. It’s astonishing how many more cases we’ve had in just one week. I thought 80,000 was awful and now we’ve hit over 130,000. I am so thankful that we live in a county with very few cases and can (hopefully) stay out of any hot zones. We will not be traveling or having anyone come for Thanksgiving, but my husband’s surgery takes place on the 23rd and I hope with all my might that he doesn’t contract the virus while in the hospital.
Shuggie Bain is on my tbr list and I may wind up listening to it rather than getting it in print. I have several credits for audiobooks, but I’m not listening nearly as much as I used to and already have so many in my personal audiobook library waiting to be “read.” As a matter of fact, “Leave the World Behind” is one that I’ve already downloaded and I hope to get to it after I finish Joe Hill’s The Fireman.
I enjoy Nonfiction November and have my stack of books and a post ready to share once I get organized. It’s been a busy week of pre-op medical appointments. I’ve started Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, which has been in my stacks for decades! I decide to start with it first since I always seem to push it aside for something a little more shiny and bright. 😉
I loved Michelle Obama’s memoir and may eventually read Barack’s, but my goodness, it’s HUGE! Maybe I’ll go with the audio. I loved Michelle’s on audio.
The Orchard sounds like it has possibilities and I, too, love coming-of-age stories, so thank you for the recommendation. I had not heard of the book prior to reading this post.
My mom and I will tune in to The Crown on Sunday night, but my husband has no interest in the show. I agree with him that it has a soap opera feel to it, but I’m a sucker for the royal family and am interested to see how the producers handle the Diana story. Yes, I remember her dress. I had just returned from my honeymoon (first marriage) and was sick in bed with a deathly cold as I watched the royal wedding. Glad to hear that Claire Foy returns (in flashback). I thought she was wonderful, but then so is Olivia Colman. Speaking of Colman, if you haven’t seen Broadchurch, I can’t recommend it highly enough. Olivia is outstanding (as is David Tenent).
I have Hillbilly Elegy in my Nonfiction November stack and will be sure to read it before watching the show. I may even wait a bit after reading it, since I don’t want to spend the entire time comparing it to the book. Never a good thing. Wonderful cast, though! Ugh. I didn’t know about J.D. Vance on Tucker Carlson’s show. I’ll just have to blot that from my memory when I read the book.
I’ve read several books by Bohjalain, but not this new one. The movie sounds like it might be good. We just finished GoT (yes, finally!), but I don’t remember Michiel Huisman’s character. I do remember him from Guernsey, though! Easy on the eyes though, no? 😉
I love these monthly preview posts of yours, but have to apologize for my insanely chatty reply. Off to check out Chris Stapleton’s music. Thanks for all your recommendations, Susan!
Hey Lesley, love your chatty reply! All good. Huisman is definitely easy on the eyes … apparently he was Daario on GoT … though we haven’t watched the series (yet). I’m still trying to con my husband into seeing the show. Thx for the Broadchurch recommendation. I think we started it but then piddled out (after 2?) but I would like to see the rest. I like Coleman & also Foy. So much to read & listen to … Obama’s book should be a brick! But got to do it sometime.
I hope you both stay safe with Rod’s arm surgery going to the hospital … I feel they will be extra careful etc. Will discuss more of these books in time with you. Enjoy your week.
thank you for all these insightful reviews. There are a few I am going to look into. I remember Shirley Jackson’s : The Lottery which I read years ago and thought it was so morbid. She does have a unique style. We will be spending Thanksgiving with my son and his family outside on the deck. My daughter in law made menus for each person to circle their food choices and she will serve it on a plate to you while she is masked. All the food will stay inside away from the two sets of grandparents. We will be 9 in total outdoors ( with heaters).
Hi Judee — so glad you can get together for Thanksgiving. Good idea about having it outside with heaters. I hope you all have a lovely time. You’re right The Lottery is a dark tale! Thanks for stopping by.