MINI REVIEWS: BOOKS ~ MOVIES ~ MUSIC
Hey Nostradamus! A Novel by Douglas Coupland.
This novel by Vancouver-based author Douglas Coupland (”Microserfs”) begins with a Columbine-like attack at a public high school. The opening chapter is narrated by one of the students who was murdered (a la “The Lovely Bones”). The rest of the book follows the lives of several people affected by the tragedy. Over a period of 15 years, we watch as they try to move past the events of that day. Some authors run out of steam after a few books. So far, Coupland is still going strong.
Blackbird House by Alice Hoffman.
A beautifully written collection of related stories about the families who live in a Cape Cod house during a 200 year period.
If you haven’t read Alice Hoffman before, you are in for a treat. If you have, you will not be disappointed.
A Girl Becomes a Comma Like That by Lisa Glatt.
First novel from talented Long Beach (CA) poet Lisa Glatt. Her writing blew me away in the mid-80’s (when we both attended CSULB as creative writing majors). Since then, she has only gotten better. I can’t recommend “Comma” (and her poetry collections: Shelter, A Merciful Bed, and Monsters and Other Lovers) highly enough.
Hostage by Robert Crais.
From the author of the Elvis Cole detective series (also highly recommended). A cop moves out to the ‘burbs to forget about a hostage situation that ended badly but bad luck follows him to his new assignment.
Bruce Willis stars as the tormented cop in the recently-released film version. You won’t want to put this one down.
Burning The Daze by Marc Cohn.
Marc Cohn’s albums are a great blend of rock, blues and ballads, with lyrics that put one in mind of Randy Newman’s non-humorous songs (think “Same Girl” or “Baltimore”). It is easy to see why Cohn’s fans are chomping at the bit for his long-promised fourth album.
Waking Hour by Vienna Teng.
Singer-songwriter-pianist (and former computer programmer) Vienna Teng is opening for Marc Cohn as he tours this fall. If you get a chance to see her (with or without Grammy winner Marc “Walking in Memphis” Cohn), jump at the chance. She is amazing.
JT by James Taylor.
”… no more grey mornings. I think I’d rather die … ”
James Taylor has put out so much good music over the years that it is hard to pick a favorite, but if I had to choose … I think this would be it. The man is a god..
Gonna Wear Red by Wendy Woo.
One of these days Wendy Woo’s career is going to move up to the next level and she’ll finally get the national acclaim she deserves. Give her a listen.
