March looks to be a robust month for new book, album and movie releases. Of the book releases listed at the top right, my top picks this month include a Pulitzer Prize winning author, a novelist who is also a filmmaker and Zen Buddhist priest, and a debut novelist.
First off, I won’t be able to resist reading “The Burgess Boys,” the latest novel by Elizabeth Strout. I enjoyed her novels “Amy and Isabelle” and her 2009 Pulitzer Prize winner “Olive Kitteridge,” and it’s a sure bet “The Burgess Boys” will be good as well. She’s a master storyteller and writer.
I’m also looking at “A Tale for the Time Being” by Ruth Ozeki, which tells the story of a diary washed ashore inside a Hello Kitty lunchbox — possibly debris from the 2011 Japan tsunami — and the profound effect it has on the woman who discovers it. This novel has received a lot positive commentary and sounds like an enticing premise. The author, a former filmmaker, divides her time between NYC and British Columbia.
Lastly, “Double Feature” is the debut novel from short-story writer Owen King, the youngest son of — you guessed it — Stephen King. But instead of horror this debut has been called a “joyful gonzo ride” by “Swamplandia’s” Karen Russell. It’s about an indie filmmaker, his family, lovers and adversaries. It sounds funny and irreverent, and author Lauren Groff deems it “a moving exploration of what it means to be an artist.”
Moving on to March film releases (see the list at the top left), I can’t say there are many that caught my interest. But there’s the new fantasy adventure “Oz,” which is a prequel to the 1939 classic. It’s a bit hard to say if it’s going to be any good or not. I’m not sure I’ll immediately run out and see it. I sort of am old-school and like the original just as it was, without enhancing it with a modern-day prequel.
The film “Emperor,” about the terms of Japan’s surrender in WWII, does interest me quite a bit. Tommy Lee Jones plays Gen. Douglas MacArthur and Matthew Fox plays a lead role as well. I think it seems like a film worth watching, and I’ll be interested to see what historians think of it.
For albums coming out this month (see list at bottom right), there’s quite a few big name artists with new releases, including Eric Clapton, David Bowie, Bon Jovi, and posthumously Jimi Hendrix. There’s even a new one from Dido, remember her? Wow what a list. But I’m going to have to give the spotlight to Justin Timberlake’s new album “The 20/20 Experience” after his magnetic performance at the Grammys. He hasn’t put out a new album since 2006 so this one is very much awaited. Judging from his single off it (“Suit & Tie”), it should be great.
These are just some of my picks this month. Which March releases are you most looking forward to?
I haven’t even read Olive Kitteridge, but I’m curious about the author. Enjoy March!
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Thanks Laurel, I’ll be checking in on your site. Yeah give The Burgess Boys a try perhaps. I think I will.
I’m excited about The Burgess Boys too. I’m not sure about the new Oz movie – I’ve never seen The Wizard of Oz all the way through – it used to scare me!
Yeah I’ll be interested to hear what you think of The Burgess Boys. Elizabeth Strout is quite an interesting writer. Thanks Kathy.
I think I’m looking forward to the Oz movie too, but not sure…
…I didn’t realize Bowie, Clapton and Bon Jovi were coming out with new albums. I’ll definitely have to give them a listen.
Yeah I guess it’s a big month for big name musicians. Can’t believe it either. Will check it out too. Thanks Bryan.
Ah, JT. Suit & Tie is SO good. I missed the Grammys but that boy can sing and dance.
You piqued my interest with Admiral. Tommy Lee Jones as MacArther sounds like a portrayal I have to see.
Have a great March!
Yes! I agree Michelle — it’s going to be a big JT spring with his new album and plans to tour. Wow.
Double Feature sounds like a lot of fun. All of the authors you quoted are authors I admire.
Oh cool. Thanks for stopping by Kim.
Now I’m thinking I should add The Burgess Boys to my reading list. My girls really want me to take them to see Oz though I think it’s just to see James Franco! 🙂 There’s so much to look forward to in March.
Yeah I sort of like James Franco too, I must admit. Your girls are right.
A Tale for the Time Being looks like such a wonderful book. I’m hoping I will be able to read it (probably not this month, but eventually when I can get it from the library).
Yeah I hope it’s a good one and I get my hands on it. Thanks for stopping by Kim.