Title: The Reserve
Genre: Novel
Grade: A-
Notable People: Russell Banks
Review: This is classically dark Banks novel that takes place in the Adirondacks in the 1930’s. A little hard to follow the back and forth in time- but a compelling story that mixes in historical characters and events- mostly set against the back drop of the Depression and the impending war with Germany. A book I found it hard to put down.
Title: Dedicated
Genre: Album
Grade: A-
Notable People: Steve Cropper
Review: This is the REAL thing. The greatest rhythm guitarist in R&B history (Booker T. and the MGs, the Blues Brothers) cuts loose and shows his stuff. An eclectic all star lineup of singers adds to the mix (Steve Winwood, Lucinda Williams, John Popper). The opening track is an instant classic. This is a legend at his best.
Title: Burn
Genre: Novel
Grade: B
Notable People: Nevada Barr
Review: The latest in the Anna Pidgeon series; she’s a national park ranger who gets into a lot of very sticky situations. Ms. Barr is also a lifer in the Park service so she knows of what she writes. Each book is in a different national park and the settings are really good. This one has the unusual setting of an urban park setting in post Katrina New Orleans. Good stories and characters, decent writing. Serial readers could get attached. Not her best effort.
Title: I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive
Genre: Novel
Grade: B
Notable People: Steve Earle
Review: Yes- it’s THE Steve Earle- the wonderful singer songwriter of alt country fame. First novel; strange concept. Junkie lost doctor in South Texas doe abortions and communes with the ghost of Hank Williams. Loved the characters; faded a bit at the end. You’ve got to be interested in south Texas, drug addiction, Catholicism and Hank Williams to REALLY like this book.
Title: Beginners
Genre: Film
Grade: A-
Notable People: Christopher Plummer, Ewan Macgregor, Melanie Laurent
Review: This is a wonderfully touching and funny movie about a man dealing with his fathers’ coming out of the closet in his mid 70’s. Plummer is a jewel and Macgregor is really good. Laurent is the French beauty from Ingloriuos Basterds in a role that will leave you smitten with her. Very cool graphics in the film; the director a graphic designer as well. Great art house film.
Title: The Glass Rainbow
Genre: Novel
Grade: B+
Notable People: James Lee Burke
Review: The umpteenth in the Dave Robicheaux series does not really cover new ground- but if you’re a fan – you’ll eat it up. Very good depiction of life in post Katrina Louisiana and a deep sense of what it’s like to live your life in a ritualistic southern environment. This book is his most focused yet on Dave’s iconic partner, Clete Purcell, who you will love or hate (or both). Good summer read.
Title: Caleb’s Crossing
Genre: Novel
Grade: A
Notable People: Geraldine Brooks
Review: This is magnificent book that tells the story of the first Native American graduate of Harvard in the mid 1600’s. Beautifully written and fascinating historical saga told from a fictional woman character whose family were the original settlers of Martha’s Vineyard. A little slow to get started- especially with the local language of the era- but a sweeping book once you get hooked.
Title: My Love Will keep
Genre: Record
Grade: A
Notable People: Jonathan Edwards
Review: Long forgotten singer- songwriter from the 70’s has re-emerged with a beautiful album. His high pitched tenor remains a heavenly instrument. Beautiful songs, excellent arrangements, wonderful musicianship. Like the return of an old friend. Interesting translation of The Beatles “She Loves You” and remake of his own standard ”How Long”. A beauty!
Title: Potiche
Genre: Film
Grade: B +
Notable People: Catherine Deneauve, Gerard Depardieu
Review: a very nice French film (subtitled) featuring two aging icons of the French cinema. Superbly acted battle of the sexes and classes in 1970’s rural France. Not a heavy film- just a lot of fun. If you like French cinema- you’ll like this.
Title: You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger
Genre: Film
Grade: A-
Notable People: Directed by Woody Allen. Anthony Hopkins, Antonio Banderas, Josh Brolin, Naomi Watts
Review: If you like Woody- you’ll really like this one. If not – probably not so much. This is his last love affair with London film and he gets great performances from his ensemble f players. It is beyond amazing how he gets people like Anthony Hopkins to begin to sound and whine like Woody himself- they all take on his persona , which is a treat to see from Hannibal Lecter.
