Review: All Creatures Great and Small (PBS, 2021)

Among the wonderful things to look forward to in 2021, is the U.S. premiere of the all new television production of All Creatures Great and Small on PBS Masterpiece, starting January 10 (check your local listings for the exact air time).

If you don't know, the show is based on a series of books written by veterinarian James Herriot and loosely based on his own life, after he joined a small Yorkshire practice owned by Siegfried Farnon. The books are fantastic and well worth your time, but you don't need to have read them to enjoy the PBS series.

Thanks to WGBH Boston, I was able to watch a screener of the series. Let me jump to chase: The production is fantastic! The producers did an excellent job re-creating the look and feel of the late 1930s. The clothes, the cars, and the little details in the houses and pubs all look like they fit the era. The Yorkshire scenery is beautiful, and you might be planning your next vacation before the first episode is over. Better yet, the screenplay nicely follows the beloved books, and fans will recognize many of the incidents, people, and animals.

All the actors captured the essence of their characters. Nicholas Ralph plays James. He is so perfect, it's hard to believe this is Ralph's screen debut. He has a bright future. Samuel West plays Siegfried with a good balance between the veterinarian's outward crustiness and rare moments of overt kindness, and I can't think of a better actor to play Siegfried's fun-loving younger brother Tristan than Callum Woodhouse.

The Farnon's housekeeper is played by Anna Madeley, and the local woman who catches James's eye is played by Rachel Shenton. The women are from different generations with different expectations, though they've both experienced hardship. Each actor brings her character's personality to the fore while avoiding stereotypes.

I loved being transported back into the world of James Herriot (the pseudonym of the real-life James Alfred Wight). This production of All Creatures Great and Small shines. Mark your calendar and get ready to meet all of James's quirky and eccentric neighbors and patients, to laugh at Tristan's antics, and to root for James's success. I can't think of a better way to brighten up the new year.

Take a look at the trailer:

Thanks again to WGBH Boston for the opportunity to watch the series and share my thoughts with you.

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Review: Cursed (A Netflix Original)

Are you looking for your next binge watch? Are you a fan of all things Arthurian legend? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then you will want to put Cursed (created by Tom Wheeler and Frank Miller) in your Netflix queue. The series premieres today.

Thanks to Netflix and Think Jam I was able to get a sneak peak into the first few episodes of the series, which stars Katherine Langford (13 Reasons Why; Knives Out) as Nimue, aka The Lady of the Lake.

This take on the Arthur story focuses on Nimue and how she ended up being the guardian of the famous sword Excalibur and includes many of the familiar characters, including Merlin (Gustaf Skarsgård from Vikings), Arthur (Devon Terrell), Hector, and Gawain. Though we see action from plenty of men (including the murderous Red Paladins and Pendragon's men), the series always comes back to Nimue, her mother, and her women allies and friends.

Here are some of my initial thoughts (the still is copyright Netflix):

• The filming and CG effects stay true the story's comic book (graphic novel) origins, with vivid colors, transitional "panels," and detailed background scenery.
• The cast is non-self-conciously diverse.
• The episodes end with just enough of a cliff-hanger to make you want to watch the next one right away.
• Nimue is vulnerable and is driven by promises made and guilt at not being able to do more to help her family, her friends, and the Fey in general.
• Although the story jumps from present to past and to different places and perspectives, visual cues give us warning, making it easy to follow along.
• Cursed gives us a unique view of Merlin, and Skarsgård is (as expected) quite good in the role.
• I wasn't initially sold on this portrayal of Arthur, but I came to accept it.
• Is this the new Game of Thrones? No, but I enjoyed watching.
• The series takes a couple of episodes to set up the world and the different plot lines. Once you're past that, Cursed becomes more absorbing.

Note that I am fairly familiar with the Arthurian legends and characters (though hardly an expert). I was amused by some aspects of Wheeler and Miller's retelling and had a few "huh?" moments, but I was overall hooked enough to want to see how Cursed was going to bring it all back home.

Here's the trailer:

Can't get enough of Cursed? No problem. Netflix has set up an augmented reality site where you can learn more about the characters, interact with the environment, wield the sword, and work your magic. Use the QR code in the following graphic or visit DiscoverCursed.com on your mobile device and get ready to have some fun tapping into your inner Fey.

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Review: Mrs Wilson (on PBS Masterpiece)

Mark your calendars for March 31 and April 7, you won't want to miss MRS WILSON on PBS Masterpiece (check your local listings for exact times; likely 9pm). You've heard the expression that truth is stranger than fiction, and this story is the proof.

In Mrs Wilson, actress Ruth Wilson (The Affair, Jane Eyre) plays her real-life grandmother Alison Wilson in this true account of the older woman's relationship with her husband, both before and after his death. Alison met Alexander Wilson (played by Iain Glen) when they were both employed by MI6 during World War II. The two fell in love, despite their age difference (he was much older), and Alec divorced his wife to marry Alison.

They had 20 years of stable marriage, raising two sons in London. While continuing to work for the Secret Intelligence Service, Alec wrote a number of well-received spy novels during his down time. He appeared to be a good family man, even when some of his undercover work took him away from home or forced him to pretend to be arrested for various petty crimes.

After he died suddenly in the early 1960s, Alison quickly realized that Alec had deep secrets, and not all of them were related to his espionage work. Alison tried her best to protect her sons from learning that they'd been deceived by Alec, waiting until the new millennium before revealing part of her story and saving the rest for after her own death.

Ruth Wilson, the actress, knew her grandmother, and grew up having no idea that her late-grandfather led a double (triple? quadruple?) life. Once Alison released her memoir to her sons (saving the most difficult details until after her death), her sons and grandchildren discovered that Alec had multiple wives and fathered at least seven sons. His ongoing relationship with MI6 and British Intelligence is still unclear, and many facts about the man remain unknown. The British secret service will not release Alec's records, claiming that they still contain sensitive material.

The story is fascinating in of its self, but Mrs Wilson stands out in the way it follows Alison's reactions as she discovers her husband's true nature. Her emotional journey and ultimate choices are believably portrayed by the fabulous Ruth Wilson. One can only imagine the horror, shock, and devastation of learning your whole life had been a lie, and Wilson (the actress) helps us feel it all.

The production focuses solidly on Alison, and Ruth Wilson, easily carries off the entire show. The supporting actors (including Keeley Hawes, Patrick Kennedy, Fiona Shaw, Anaupam Kher) who play Alison's sons and her husband's colleagues are also fantastic, projecting authentic emotions to match their different situations and relationship to Alec.

The costumes and set details are excellent, clearly distinguishing between the show's present (the 1960s) and past (World War II). The music, the cars, and even the lighting matched the different moods.

Just when you think Alison has Alexander Wilson all figured out, she is presented with something new. I don't know where she found her strength. Ruth Wilson and Iain Glen shine in Mrs Wilson (Masterpiece; March 31 and April 7), and after it's over, you'll be racing to the internet to find out more. Don't miss this incredible mini-series.

Here are two trailers to pull you in.

Many thanks to WGBH Boston for the advanced review screener of Mrs Wilson.

Mrs. Wilson is a Snowed-In Productions production for the BBC co-produced with MASTERPIECE in association with All3Media International. It is written by Anna Symon (Indian Summers), produced by Jackie Larkin (C.B. Strike), directed by Richard Laxton (Mum, River) and executive produced by Lucy Richer for the BBC, Rebecca Eaton for MASTERPIECE, Ruth Kenley-Letts (The Casual Vacancy, The Strike Series), Neil Blair (The Strike Series, Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them), and Ruth Wilson.

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Weekend Cooking: Catching Up on 3 Food Televsion Shows

I love a good food-related television show, documentary, or movie, and I love hunting down something new to watch. Sometimes, however, it's nice to visit old friends or check in on new developments.

Thanks to all the rain we've had lately (nothing like the poor Carolinas, though, and I'm so sorry for all they're going through), I've had time to catch up on the latest seasons of shows I've already reviewed for Weekend Cooking.

Here are my thoughts on three shows currently streaming on Netflix.

The Great British Bake Off: Season 8

Have you seen the show since Mary, Mel, and Sue were replaced? It took me a while to warm up to Prue, and I really miss the chemistry between Paul and Mary. Mary was fun and accessible, whereas Prue seems somewhat standoffish. I know it may take a season or two for Paul and Prue to come off as friends, but I miss the easy banter of the earlier seasons. As for Noel and Sandi, I bet they'll get the hang of it once they work out their own style. They started out trying too hard to be like Mel and Sue instead of being themselves, but they're beginning to find their own rhythm.

Is it just my impression, or were the bakes this season harder and sometimes a bit out there? That doesn't bother me at all, it just seems that Paul and Prue were stretching to find something unique for the contestants to make. All in all, though, I enjoyed the season and had fun rooting for my favorite bakers. I'm looking forward to next year under the big tent.

Nailed It: Season 2

I wrote a positive review of the first season of Nailed It! earlier this year. It's definitely one of those shows you're either going to love or hate. Nicole Byer makes me laugh, and I like chemistry between her and Jacques Torres. Who knew Torres had such a good sense of humor? The show works because the contestants are having fun and generally find it easy to laugh at themselves. I'm sure they would all like winning $10,000, but they seem to be having fun regardless of what their finished dessert looks like.

If you're looking for pure escape watching and you want to add a little humor to your evening, then you really do have to give this show a chance.

Lords and Ladles: Season 2

If you're more interested in learning a little something of food history and about some of the beautiful estates and great families of Ireland, then this is the show for you. As I said in my review of season 1, I really loved getting an inside look at the beautiful homes and grounds, meeting interesting people, absorbing some history, and watching the chefs re-create grand meals from the past.

It's just as much fun this time around, and I get a kick out of seeing the reactions of the people who've been invited to partake in the feasts. Some love everything, and some are hesitant to try the odder foods. I have a feeling that Lords and Ladles lasted only two seasons, but I like it enough that I'm hoping for more. Or maybe a similar show set in a different country.

In other news: I'm finally feeling completely settled in and back to normal. The temperatures have moderated, my jet lag is gone, and I'm caught up on my work. Look for reviews and lots of good harvest cooking ahead!

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Weekend Cooking is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book reviews (novel, nonfiction), cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, quotations, photographs, restaurant reviews, travel information, or fun food facts. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. You do not have to post on the weekend. Please link to your specific post, not your blog's home page.

NOTE: Mr. Linky sometimes is mean and will give you an error message. He's usually wrong and your link went through just fine the first time. Grrrr.
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Weekend Cooking: Lords and Ladles

Remember a couple of weeks ago I mentioned I discovered a new food-related TV show? That show is the Irish series Lords and Ladles, directed by Maurice Linnane.

The show stars three well-known Irish chefs--Derry Clarke, Catherine Fulvio, and Paul Flynn, and each week they visit a famous Irish castle or estate and attempt to re-create a historic meal that had been or could have been served there. For each dinner, one of the chefs takes charge of the kitchen and another one scrounges up the ingredients (gathering, hunting, fishing, or tracking down a local artisan producer). The third chef tours the grand house and grounds and talks with the current owners, sharing both the beauty of the estate and the family history.

Clarke, Fulvio, and Flynn are fun to watch because their reactions to the ingredients and the kitchens seem genuine. And even despite some understandable grumbling, they're wonderfully good sports and manage to pull off the elaborate menus.

Each episode, I learned something interesting about grand meals of the past and about Irish history. I loved seeing how each head chef attempted to interpret ingredients and cooking techniques from 100 years ago and more. I also liked seeing the dinner guests--friends and family of the estate--taste the food and comment on what they liked and what they didn't like.

The entire first season of Lords and Ladles is available on Netflix. The castles/estates the three chefs visited are Birr Castle, Tullynally Castle, Castle Leslie, Westport House, Balywalter Park, and Cappoquin House. Besides the food, I learned about a woman pirate, a family that made their fortune in linen, and saw what was once the world's largest telescope. I loved getting to know the families and their histories.

The food Clarke, Fulvio, and Flynn had to cook included foods we still eat today, like roasted game, and some totally bizarre ingredients, like cow's palates. The amount of food served for just one meal is astounding. Bravo to the guests who found room to taste everything!

I basically binge watched all six episodes and plan to watch them again. Season 2 has already aired in Ireland, and I'm impatiently awaiting the USA release.

If you have any interest in Ireland or food history or just want to watch something fun and interesting, put Lords and Ladles on your viewing list. This is the very short trailer to the first season:

Note that we're celebrating my mother's 90th birthday this weekend, so I'll be very slow to visit your blogs. I will get there, but maybe not until next week.

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Weekend Cooking is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book reviews (novel, nonfiction), cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, quotations, photographs, restaurant reviews, travel information, or fun food facts. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. You do not have to post on the weekend. Please link to your specific post, not your blog's home page.

NOTE: Mr. Linky sometimes is mean and will give you an error message. He's usually wrong and your link went through just fine the first time. Grrrr.
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Weekend Cooking: Nailed It! (on Netflix)

Confession: I totally stole the idea for this post from my long-time blogging friend Marg from Adventures of an Intrepid Reader. On Facebook this week, she mentioned she had watched a funny new baking series on Netflix, and I knew I had to watch it too.

Nailed It! is hosted by Nicole Byer, with Jacques Torres as star judge. This, however, is not your mother's bake-off show. The premise seems tame enough: three home bakers try to win $10,000 by re-creating beautifully decorated desserts designed by a guest judge. Much hilarity ensues.

If you don't laugh out loud in the first show, you can safely bag the rest; Nailed It! won't be for you. But if you have a good sense of humor, you'll have almost as much fun as the judges and contestants--except you won't have to taste the cakes or get food dye all over your hands and face.

Season 1 consists of 6 half-hour episodes, and I bet you'll end up watching them all in one go, like I did. My husband hates baking contest shows, but he was laughing right along with me. Thank you, Marg, for brightening up my week; I'm passing along the joy.

Here's the trailer for Nailed It!, which really doesn't do the series justice. Just trust me on this one.

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Weekend Cooking is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book reviews (novel, nonfiction), cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, quotations, photographs, restaurant reviews, travel information, or fun food facts. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. You do not have to post on the weekend. Please link to your specific post, not your blog's home page.

NOTE: Mr. Linky sometimes is mean and will give you an error message. He's usually wrong and your link went through just fine the first time. Grrrr.
_______

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: 2 Good Books, 1 Good TV Show

I don't know what's wrong with me this year, but I haven't been watching as much Olympics as I usually do. I don't know if it's because of the nature of the coverage or because there always seems to be so much national news to absorb. Whatever the reason, the Olympics has mostly been in the background.

Thanks to my busy season, reading for pleasure is becoming a luxury. In case you didn't know or remember, I'm a freelance book editor, so after a 10-hour day of deskwork, my body wants to move and my eyes don't want to see any more printed (electronic) words.

Yay for audiobooks! I was able to listen to two very different books last week. I also started a new guilty pleasure television series.

Listening / Reading

Chainbreaker by Tara Sim (Forever Young Audiobooks; 10 hr, 29 min) is the second entry in the steampunk, time-bending Timekeepers series. In an alternate England, Danny Hart is a clock mechanic, which is a highly skilled and important job because if the town clock towers aren't working correctly, then time itself doesn't flow as expected. Danny's talents entail more than just maintaining and fixing the cogs and gears; he can also manipulate the very strands of time and communicate with clock spirits, who inhabit the towers. In this outing, Danny and a fellow timekeeper, Daphane, are tapped to go to India, where someone or something is destroying clocks. Their job is to solve the mystery and learn more about the nature of time. Sim addresses a number of issues in this series. Danny is gay and is still dealing with feeling comfortable about coming out. Daphane must prove herself as a woman professional and struggles as the sole caretaker of her troubled mother. In India, we see the effects of colonization and a variety of prejudices. Finally, time, technology, religion, and mythology are tangled together and are at the heart of Sim's alternate world. The characters are well drawn so it's easy to get caught up in their lives. I like the developing friendships and the complexity of Danny's relationship with his boyfriend. The mystery of what is happening with the clock towers in India is nicely set up, and there's a good balance between action and description. If I have any complaint, it's that this book ends on a cliffhanger. Argh! Now I have to wait a year to find out what happens. The audiobook of Chainbreaker is read by Gary Furlong, and as I mention in my review of Timekeeper, the first book in the series, it took me a little time to warm up to him. But after the first twenty or thirty minutes, I became caught up in Furlong's performance. His consistent characterizations kept me on track, and his sense of pacing amped up the action scenes. I'll have more to say in my AudioFile magazine review. (Review copy for freelance assignment)

You'll want to listen to or read I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara (Harper Audio; 9 hr, 45 min) with the lights on. In fact, you may have trouble sleeping--like ever again! This true crime story follows the trail of the Golden State Killer, who raped at least 50 women and murdered at least a dozen people in California from the late 1970s to late 1980s. He's never been indentified. McNamara was fascinated by this young man, who terrorized women in their homes in the middle of the night. He was a stalker, voyeur, rapist, and murderer. Truly chilling, especially because he's still on the loose. McNamara died young and unexpectedly before finishing this book, which was was completed by other true crime writers / investigators who knew her and knew her work. The finished book flows smoothly, and editor's notes alert you to the sections that were compiled from McNamara's notes or taped interviews. McNamara's writing style is engaging and finds a balance between informative and poetic. She doesn't leave out the gruesome details, but neither is she prurient. What's particularly interesting is the developing technology, especially for the DNA evidence. Warning: this story is damn creepy and scary. I can't imagine what it was like to live in California during that time. The audiobook is brilliantly read by Gaba Zackman, who approaches the material matter-of-factly but with good expression. She blurs the line between narrator and author, which allowed me to lose myself in the story. I had a copy of an eGalley, and so read a little when listening wasn't convenient. If you decide to listen to the book, don't forget to download the supplemental materials, which include a few maps that you'll want to refer to. Author Gillian Flynn reads her own introduction to the book, and McNamara's husband, the comedian / actor Patton Oswalt reads his own conclusion. The very end of the book consists of a letter McNamara wrote to the killer; you'll want to read or listen to that more than once. If you're into true crime or nonfiction, you won't want to miss this book, which comes out next week. (Review copy from the publisher)

Viewing

Okay, so apparently I live a very sheltered life. Until Saturday I hadn't even heard of the television show Parenthood. I'm now a little bit addicted. It stars Peter Krause (Six Feet Under) and Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls) as well as other recognizable actors and explores parenthood in its many stages and guises. Great escape viewing. Here's the official trailer, which was a little out of focus on my screen, but may look better on yours. The show is on DVD and available for streaming on Netflix and Hulu.

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: A Good Book and a Good Show

Argh! This is pretty much my slowest reading week ever. I didn't have a lot of time for pleasure reading because my editing work ramped up as my clients returned to their offices after the holiday break.

In addition, instead of reading after dinner, we've been working on a jigsaw puzzle and playing a lot of rummy. Both are fun and take our minds off the news of the world.

I'm still reading The Hazel Wood, a fairy tale / contemporary fantasy, and The Six, about the Mitford sisters.

I finished my reread (via audiobook) of The Burning Page by Genevieve Cogman. I've come to appreciate Susan Duerden's performance of this series. I think because I read the books first, I needed to get used to Duerden's style and characterizations, which didn't match what was in my head. Now, however, I'm thinking that I'll go ahead and listen to the newest entry, The Lost Plot, instead of reading it in print. In case you missed any of my earlier reviews, this is an adult speculative fiction series that includes a fresh take on fae and dragons and involves a powerful library, alternate worlds, time bending, a little steampunk, lots of action, and mystery. The books are published by Roc (an imprint of Penguin Random House) and the audiobooks are from Audible Studios.

On television, we watched the Netflix original Godless. I highly recommend this dark miniseries set mostly in the mining town of La Belle, New Mexico in the 1880s. The town is run by a group of bad-ass women who took charge after the men died in a major mine accident. The story revolves around Frank Griffin (played by Jeff Daniels), the ultimate bad guy in a generally lawless land, and mystery man Roy Goode (Jack O'Connell), who shows up one night on a ranch outside of town, wounded and alone. The plot eventually connects the townswomen, Griffin, Goode, and a few lawmen. The series includes quite a bit of violence, a little romance, a twist or two, good character development and a satisfying ending. It's a complete story in seven episodes and feels almost like a novel. The acting and filming are great, and you'll recognize many of the actors (Michelle Dockery, Tantoo Cardinal, Sam Waterston). Don't miss this one (if you can handle the blood and guts). Here's the trailer (warning--adult language):

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: Good Books, Not So Good Books

Fall? Summer? Fall? Summer? ARGHHHH. Please just make up your mind and I'll be able to cope. One day I'm making soup and baking bread, and the next day I'm sitting in the sun in a T-shirt reading a book. I want fall, and I want normal falling temperatures.

Rant over. Sorry. Nothing too much new this week. I've been cooking and baking out of new cookbooks and am looking forward to sharing my opinions in future Weekend Cooking posts.

Meanwhile, I work, I walk, I read. Life is good (despite the weird weather).

What I Read Last Week

We Were Eight Years in Power by Ta-Nehisi Coates (One World, Oct. 3): I thought I knew things. I thought I was well read. I thought my friends had bared their souls. I thought I had an inkling, being both a woman and a born into a discriminated-against religion. In truth, I knew little about the what it means to be black in America. The eight essays included in Coates's new book have been published before but are made new again through his foreword and epilogue, through his introductions to each piece, and via our collective hindsight since Barack Obama left the White House. I've come to the quite reasonable conclusion that pretty much everything in the United States is about race, particularly about issues surrounding black Americans, although other people of color, women, and non-Christians can relate to much of what Coates writes about. Still, the full range of problems, from women's issues to the Civil War, the penal system, the lack of universal healthcare, the housing and loan industry, and the current attitude of turning your back on your less-fortunate neighbors all have some roots in racism, regardless of what history books and trusty-worthy news outlets tell you. Read these essays for the first time or again. Think about what Coates has to say. Read these essays another time. Talk, talk, talk to people. Buy a copy of We Were Eight Years in Power for everyone you know. I'm an evangelist. I'm not saying Coates's opinions are the only ones or that he is some sort of god who knows it all; what I am saying is that he offers insight you may not be getting anywhere else. Audiobook: The unabridged audiobook (Random House Audio; 13 hr, 38 min) is read by Beresford Bennett. My full audiobook review will be available through AudioFile magazine, but let me simply say here that this is a book to read. I was disappointed in Bennett's performance and can't recommend this title in audio.

The Burning Girl by Claire Messud (Norton, Aug. 29): Two girls, Cassie and Julia, are inseparable from nursery school to the start of seventh grade. Is it the new middle school, raging hormones, diverging interests, or something deeper that drives the girls apart? This is the story of a childhood friendship and what happens when that relationship is undermined by maturity and outside circumstances. I enjoyed the book, which is told in retrospective by a teenage Julia, but I didn't love it. I found it difficult to invest the girls' lives and thought the more mysterious parts of the novel weren't all that mysterious, thanks to too much foreshadowing. I don't think every plot line in a book must be tied up neatly by the final page, but a major issue that may or may not have influenced Cassie's life decisions remained unresolved, leaving readers dangling. Note that The Burning Girl received at least one starred review and was an Indie Next pick, so you may have a better experience than I had. Audiobook: The unabridged audiobook (Recorded Books; 6 hr, 38 min) was read by Morgan Hallett, who did a fine job. Her performance was unobtrusive, although not spectacular (for more see AudioFile magazine). If you want to give the novel a try in audio, don't hesitate.

The Long Count by JM Gulvin (Faber & Faber; Sept. 26): I like books set in the west and have an interest in the Texas Rangers, so this first in a new series featuring John Q, a 20th-century ranger caught my attention. The novel--part mystery, part thriller--is set in the late 1960s, during the height of the Vietnam War protests. I like the time period because John, a Korean War veteran and godson to the ranger who brought down Bonnie and Clyde, can't rely on modern-day technology. His car radio can be full of static, he has to look for pay phones, there's no GPS, and research is done via phone calls. Fortunately, our hero has been well trained, not only as a ranger but also as a tracker. He's also observant and can read crime scene clues like few others. John's territory is in northeastern Texas, along the Red River, and you get a good sense of the environment: open spaces, tiny towns, and law-enforcement departments with few resources. Gulvin provides good period details, and the dialogue is believable, making it easy to envision the characters. The Long Count isn't a perfect novel, though, and I have some questions about whether the ending holds up 100 percent. Still, I liked John Q and the people in his support circle and am looking forward to more entries in the series. If you like intense, twisty mystery/thrillers and/or novels set in the west, you'll enjoy The Long Count. (Review copy provided by the publicist)

To Give Up or Not to Give Up?

I'm currently listening to Warcross by Marie Lu and read by Nancy Wu (Listening Library). The story is not fully clicking for me, so I'm not sure I'm going to stick with it. Wu's performance is just fine, and I have no complaints on that account. I think the problem is I'm not a big gamer and, well, a big game is at the heart of this novel. On the other hand, I just got to the first turning point in the story, so I feel I have to listen to at least one more scene.

I started reading Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart (Delacourte), which I featured last week. I like the premise and set up, but I'm not getting swept up into the main character's life and deceits. I've read the first two chapters and am not feeling a strong urge to go on. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to say good-bye.

Television

If you like stand-up comedy, then you shouldn't miss Jerry Seinfeld's "Jerry before Seinfeld," which is available through Netflix. In this Netflix original, Seinfeld revisits his roots and talks about his childhood, reveals his first two successful jokes, and performs both familiar and new bits. Get ready to laugh out loud.

And, in case you missed the ads: the new season of Poldark started last night!!!! YAY.

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: Fall Book and Television Recommendations

What a crazy week. I thought for sure we were beginning to ease on into fall but those cool nights now seem like only a dream. We're back to record highs, though the leaves have started to show some color and the birds are fattening up for their migration south.

Just a couple of heads-up on movies. Last week I reviewed Loving Vincent, a gorgeous movie you must add to your list. Later this week I'm reviewing The Wizard of Lies (starring Robert De Niro) complete with a giveaway (USA mailing address only) of the DVD/digital download plus movie-tie in paperback. (Thanks HBO!)

What I Read Last Week

The Summer before the War by Helen Simonson (Random House Audio; 15 hr, 47 min): In the months leading up to World War I, the village of Rye hires its first female Latin teacher, takes in Belgium refugees, contends with local gossip, and fosters budding romances. Full of charm and great characters, The Summer before the War captures the waning innocence of Britain's privileged gentry and the waxing opportunities of its unwashed masses. I loved the characters and the bittersweet choices the young adults make while weighing their personal desires against cultural expectations. The plot is realistic enough to keep the novel from being sappy, and humor helps mitigate the tougher issues. I can clearly see why many reviewers compare the novel to Downton Abbey, because they cover similar issues and time periods. Narrator Fiona Hardingham's lively performance is engaging, setting the perfect emotional atmosphere for Simonson's novel. Although her male characterizations are less distinct than her female voices, I never felt lost. Recommended in print or audio. (I also recommend Simonson's Major Pettigrew's Last Stand.) Review copy provided by the publisher.

Caroline by Sarah Miller (William Morrow): If you're a Laura Ingalls Wilder fan than you must read Miller's new novel, which tells some of the Little House story from Ma's perspective. I recognized many of the episodes from the original story and loved how the meaning and significance shifted as we move from a little girl's viewpoint to that of an educated woman who not only has her own opinions but must must weigh her reactions against her roles as wife and mother. I've read quite a few diaries and other firsthand accounts of what it was like for women pioneers, and Miller presents these issues realistically without taking away from the magic of the Little House series. In an insightful author's note, Miller discusses how and why she strays from Wilder's novels. The unabridged audiobook (Harper Audio; 13 hr, 35 min) was read by Elizabeth Marvel. Her performance was solid with good pacing and consistent characterizations. Pa's fiddle music was one of the Ingalls family's joys, and it was lovely to hear Marvel sing the hymns and other songs that kept Caroline grounded in times of trouble. I alternated reading and listening to Caroline and can recommend both media. I bought the hardback, but the audiobook was provided by the publisher.

The Child Finder by Rene Denfeld (Harper): The premise of Denfeld's mixed-genre novel is that a survivor of a child abduction grows up to become an expert in finding other lost children. Part thriller, part mystery, and part fairy tale retelling ("The Snow Child"), the novel explores Naomi's strategies as she agrees to take on the case of Madison Culver, who disappeared in the snowy Oregon woods three years earlier, when she was only 5 years old. Although law enforcement believes the girl died of exposure within days of wandering off, Naomi is undeterred because she sees her job as tracking down the child, dead or alive. Interwoven into the investigation, we learn Naomi's backstory and hear from Madison herself. The novel pulls you in gently, as you piece together the different plot lines and get to know the people involved. As with her The Enchanted, Denfeld doesn't hesitate to reveal what can and does happen to children in the bad, bad world. Although some of the subject matter may be disturbing, The Child Finder should have a place on your reading list. Review copy provided by the publisher.

Dear Fahrenheit 451 by Annie Spence (Flatiron): The subtitle to Spence's book is it's best description: "A Librarian's Love Letters and Breakup Notes to the Books in Her Life." Written with sharp wit and intelligence, the dozens of letters included in this collection are fun to read. I like the way Spence's reactions to The Time Traveler's Wife changed on a reread. I loved her impassioned letter to Misery (including the use of her name for the main character). I laughed at her start and stop and start reading of The Hobbit (she finished because she was supposed to be buddy reading with her nephew). The second part of the book consists of several short essays that focus on what it means to be a reader. I loved "I'd Rather Be Reading," which provides a series of excuses you can use to turn down social invitations when all you want to do is stay home and read. Among the other pieces are annotated lists, such as "Blind Date: Good Books with Bad Covers" and "Readin' Nerdy: Books About Librarians." Although I didn't read every one of Spence's letters, I enjoyed my time with her. I recommend borrowing Dear Fahrenheit 451  from the library, although it would make a great gift or stocking stuffer.

What's on Television?

We started HBO's new series The Deuce. I'm reserving judgment and will give the show a couple more episodes. I know it's been getting decent reviews, but so far it's not clicking with me. Set in the 1970s in Times Square, the show follows twin brothers who become involved in the very lucrative porn business. It is supposed to be based on true stories, although not every event is real.

I can't remember which of my Twitter friends told me about Mozart in the Jungle but I am so grateful. It's been really difficult not to simply binge watch all available seasons in one sitting. The show explores the behind-the-scenes world of the New York Symphony, including musicians, musician wannabes, administrators, fund-raising, conductors, drugs, sex, and more. I was quickly invested in the characters and love the music too.

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: 3 Audiobooks, 3 Lists, 1 Video

Happy September! I started out the month with the delivery of my new computer. It came just in the nick of time, and now that I have a machine that works smoothly, doesn't crash, and allows me to do more than two tasks at once (yes, it was getting that bad), I can rejoin social media on a more regular basis.

I spent the week preparing myself for the switch from Win7 to Win10. That's a big jump. Thus the bulk of my reading involved the exciting world of computer books. Yay me.

The weekend has been all about transferring files, customizing the new computer, and downloading programs. It's a huge job. I feel lucky to have finished two audiobooks and to have started a third. No print or e- reading got done at all. The good news is that I'll be all set to get back to work tomorrow.

For those who are celebrating Labor Day (USA, Canada) or Father's Day (Australia), I hope you're indulging in some holiday fun.

What I Listened to Last Week

• I loved the third entry in N. K. Jemisin's Broken Earth series, The Stone Sky. The books are a kind of mix of fantasy and science fiction and are quite good. The plot lines and characters in this entry were consistent but not predictable. A reveal and a twist took me a little off-guard (in a good way), and I was satisfied with the ending, though already impatient for more. The audiobook was read by Robin Miles, who is a-maze-ing in giving voice to the characters, picking up on the emotional atmosphere, and keeping me glued to my earbuds.
• I listened to Jillian Cantor's The Lost Letter, which is set Austria in the 1930s and in California in the 1980s. I enjoyed both time periods and was relieved that this wasn't just another WWII book. It's much more a story about two young people and how greater world events affected their relationship and who they became as adults. The uniting thread of the books involves the world of stamps (collecting, engraving). The audiobook was primarily read by Allyson Ryan and George Newbern. Although my full audio review will be available through AudioFile magazine, I can say two things here: I was not sorry to have listened to the book instead of reading the novel in print, but the performances were only so-so. I'm not discouraging you from trying the audiobook, I just can't enthusiastically recommend it. (review copy for a freelance assignment)
• I started listening to Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer on Sunday. OMG, I'm so totally hooked and why did I wait so long to give this series a try? I don't quite know exactly what's going on, but there's a region of the world that's blocked from the public. Our hero, a woman biologist, is on a government-sponsored mission to investigate Area X, along with three other professional women. The time period is fairly contemporary, but I can't tell if the world has undergone a major environmental disaster or if only this particular place is, well, not normal. Carolyn McCormick isn't the strongest narrator I've listened to, but I'm not turning off my phone. On the other hand, I may switch to print for the rest of the series because McCormick isn't winning me over. In either medium, I know I'll be zipping through the Southern Reach trilogy.

Book Lists

In other book news, I've found two good reading lists for books that have been or will be published this year, plus a bonus list.

• Southern Living's list contains many expected books (Little Fires Everywhere) and some surprises (Perennials).
• Popsugar's list is a little more predictable, but it contains solid recommendations.
• Bonus list: Real Simple has a list of books to read before they head to the small screen. Even if you don't care about the television adaptations, most of the books are well worth your while.

Outlander

I am counting the days (6 to be exact) until this:

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Review & Giveaway: Big Little Lies (HBO Limited Series)

I'm sure you've heard the buzz surrounding the star-studded HBO production of Liane Moriarty's best-selling novel Big Little Lies. If you haven't yet seen the show, I bet you've been chomping at the bit for the Blu-Ray/Digital HD edition. Well fret no more because the series is now available in both media.

I watched the show earlier this year when it first ran and again—thanks to HBO—via digital download. This is a series that's easy to watch more than once because not only is the plot great but the acting is amazing, with no weak links. I, of course, enjoyed watching the well-know adult actors (Reese Witherspoon, Alexander Skargard), but I have to say the children were simply fabulous and almost stole show!

I also was impressed with how closely the television version of Big Little Lies (written by David E. Kelley) followed the book. The only major difference is that the story was relocated from Australia to the United States. If you're a fan of the novel, you're sure to love the show.

For those unfamiliar with Big Little Lies, here is how the studio and publicist describe the series:

Starring Academy Award®–winning actresses Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman, Big Little Lies is a subversive, darkly comedic drama that weaves a tale of murder and mischief as it explores society's myth of perfection and the contradictions that exist beneath our idealized facade of marriage, sex, parenting, and friendship. The cast also includes Shailene Woodley, Alexander Skargard, Adam Scott, Zoe Kravitz, and Laura Dern.

Big Little Lies is based in the tranquil seaside town of Monterey, California, where nothing is quite as it seems. Doting moms, successful husbands, adorable children, beautiful homes: What lies will be told to keep their perfect worlds from unraveling? Told through the eyes of three mothers—Madeline (Witherspoon), Celeste (Kidman) and Jane (Woodley)—Big Little Lies paints a picture of a town fueled by rumors and divided into the haves and have-nots, exposing the conflicts, secrets, and betrayals that compromise relationships between husbands and wives, parents and children, and friends and neighbors.

Filmed on location in California and directed by Jean-Marc Vallee, the series brilliantly brings Moriarty's book to life, capturing the many layers of the story, which is a little bit mystery (opening with what seems to be a crime scene and then police interrogation) and a whole lot of what goes on behind the scenes of any relationship.

Besides the critically acclaimed acting, directing, and writing, Big Little Lies was beautiful to look at, especially the dramatic Monterey coastline, the fabulous clothing, and the gorgeous beach-side houses. The filming, including the angles, the lighting, and the good use of close-ups, added to the visual treat. No wonder the series was nominated for numerous awards.

Finally, no review or write-up of Big Little Lies can end without mentioning the incredible soundtrack. The songs perfectly match the action and plot and include a huge range of popular music: Janis Joplin, Otis Redding, Fleetwood Mac, the B-52s, Martha Wainwright, Michael Kiwanuka, and so many more. The surprise queen of the jams in Big Little Lies is Madeline's young daughter Chloe (played by Darby Camp and seen at the left in the screen shot above). I want her iPod!

The bonus materials on the Blu-Ray/Digital edition include all of HBO's "Inside the Episode" segments for the series. These short videos parse the plot, provide information about the filming, and reveal the director's and writer's intentions. In addition, there's an exclusive short film about the making of the series, including actor interviews and some behind-the-scenes shots.

Take a look at the trailer:

If that doesn't grab your attention, here's a scene from the first episode:

Oh yeah, we already have ideas of what these women might be all about.

The Giveaway Thanks to the nice people at HBO I'm able to offer one of my readers a copy of the Blu-Ray/Digital HD edition of HBO's Big Little Lies and a copy of Liane Moriarty's book (series tie-in edition). All you have to do to be entered for a chance to win is to fill out the following form. I'll pick a winner via a random number generator on August 21. Once the winner has been confirmed and his or her address is passed along to the publicist, who will mail out the disk and book, I'll erase all personal information from my computer. Good luck.

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: This Week's Picks & Pans

Is it terrible that my mood seems to be linked with the weather? We have had a string of absolutely spectacular summer days: little wind, low humidity, lots of sun, and highs in the 70s. Can it be like this every single day of the year?

My good mood sparked a pretty great reading week. It was so lovely be sitting on the deck with a book or taking a walk with an audiobook. I'm trying to be grateful for every second of these perfect days.

What I Read Last Week

(All books discussed in this post were provided to me for review or feature consideration.)

The Bookshop at Water's End by Patti Callahan Henry (Berkely; July 11): I enjoyed this story of women's friendships, mothers and daughters, and coming to terms with the past, but I didn't love it as much as others have. I don't know why, but I often don't connect strongly to women's fiction, and that was my first issue with this novel. My second problem is probably related to the editor in me: the story revolves around two families who formed strong bonds after vacationing together for three summers. Each family had a daughter and a son, but one of the boys is mentioned only in passing, and I can't help but wonder where he was during that long-ago pivotal event that so affected the other three children, even into their adulthood. This really bothered me. Finally, the writing was a little overwrought and the plot was ultimately predictable. On the other hand, maybe that's just what's needed for a light summer read. The book is told from four perspectives, and the audiobook (Penguin Audio; 10 hr, 28 min) appropriately had four narrators: Andi Arndt, Lauren Fortgang, Shannon McManus, and Dorothy Dillingham Blue. The performances blended well together, and each narrator did a fine job picking up on her character's personality.

The Black Witch by Laurie Forest (Harlequin Teen; May 2): I love epic fantasy, and this first installment of a new series holds lots of promise. After being orphaned, a girl and her brothers are raised by their uncle in a small town far away from the major city where their late-grandmother was known as one of the strongest witches to have ever lived. Their uncle's sister remained in the city, where she has been seeking both political and magical power. Although tests show Elloren to have no magical abilities, her uncle eventually allows her to move to the city to attend university with her older brothers. There she meets a diverse set of beings and becomes entangled in a grass-roots civil rights movement. I liked the world building and the varied characters, although the several love matches seem a little convenient. Regardless, there is a good balance between action and narrative, and the novel is deserving of its starred reviews. My only complaint is the number times the main characters end up in tears. The audiobook (Harlequin Audio; 18 hr, 10 min) was wonderfully read by Julia Whelan. Whelan's voice sounded believable as a teenager, and I had no trouble distinguishing among the characters. She also has an excellent sense of pacing, pulling me through the action scenes and slowing down through the more emotional, quieter moments. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Koi: A Modern Folktalke by Sheldon Harnick with photographs by Margery Gray Harnick and Matt Harnick (Beaufort Books; June 21): I don't read a lot of poetry, but I couldn't resist giving this book, written by a Broadway legend, a try. The story is inspired by a traditional tale of how the Japanese koi came to be and how they can sometimes be transformed into dragons. The tale is told in a series of haiku that are easy to read and follow. Here is a section describing the beautiful fish before their contact with humankind: "In Far Eastern streams, / there swim resplendent creatures, / golden as sunlight, // silver as moonlight / iridescent as rainbows: the creatures called koi." The accompanying full-page photographs, taken by Sheldon Harnick's wife and son, are simply stunning. Some are straight shots, some emphasize reflections or rippling water, and others have been creatively edited. This is a delightful book that can be enjoyed by readers young and old. It would make a fantastic gift, and I know I'll look through and read this book many more times. (Note: the introduction was written by Alan Alda.)

A Paris All Your Own edited by Eleanor Brown (Putnam; July 4): I loved this collection of 18 essays written by woman authors who shared their personal stories about visiting or living in Paris. As a whole, the collection presents an intimate and authentic view of the City of Light, from the wonderful bakeries to the unclean sidewalks. I was fascinated by the varied experiences: Ellen Sussman was seduced by the city; M. J. Rose discovered some of the romance; Jennifer Coburn had two very different reactions, first with her daughter and many years later with her aging mother; Paula McLain had a frustrating (and, really, almost funny) time trying to capture Paris in photographs; and Eleanor Brown had this to say: "I didn't love Paris. I didn't, most days, even like it." I loved how these essays captured the essence of travel and how a single place can have so many different faces. Yet there were many common threads: the beauty of the city, the crusty baguettes, and the scarves! If you've ever traveled anywhere outside your native country and if you've ever been to or dreamed of Paris, this is a must-read collection. It's also a great way to see a more personal side of some of your favorite authors. The audiobook (Penguin Audio; 8 hr, 23 min) was read by Kimberly Farr, Cassandra Campbell, Susan Denaker, Emily Rankin, and Alana Kerr Collins, each of whom performed several essays. Each performance was strong and well matched to the mood and personality of the individual essays. My full audiobook review will be available through AudioFile magazine.

What I'm reading now

To Lay to Rest Our Ghosts by Caitlin Hamilton Summie (Fomite; August 8): I'm about halfway through this incredible collection of short stories. I'll have more to say in another post, but so far the underlining themes are families and friendships and coping with common troubles: deaths, aging, accidents, and conflicting personalities, all told against the clear backdrop of place. (Note: I know Caitlin personally, but my opinions are honest.)

Lockdown by Laurie R. King (Bantam; June 13): I just started this audiobook for a freelance assignment. I didn't realize when I said yes that this standalone thriller, set in a small town on the California coast, would likely take place in a middle school. It's too early for me to say much about the plot, so I don't know if there will be a school shooting or something else. The audiobook is read by Pilar Witherspoon. I'm only an hour in, but I'm enjoying her performance and her ability to pronounce the Spanish names and words.


Bookish Viewing

I finally got around to watching season 1 (7 episodes) of the Netflix original Anne with an E. I have mixed feelings about the series. The acting is fine and the actors' looks and mannerisms more or less match my exceptions. It's been a very, very long time since I read the books, and thus I'm not sure when I simply don't remember certain parts of the story and when the writers have decided to go off the original plot. I'm sure I'll continue to watch the series through to the end--it's Anne of Green Gables after all!--but I'm not feeling the connection I thought I would. Take a look at the trailer:

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: My Reading, Listening, & Viewing Life

Where does the time go? I was busy with work this week, but still took advantage of the mild days to do some yard work in between the rain. The weekend was gorgeous, and I loved spending time on the deck reading and relaxing.

In other news, I went on a book organizing binge. Boy is it hard to make decisions about what to keep and what to donate. By the end of the weekend, I had culled print books that I know I'm never going to read, books I'm never going to read again, and books I also own as eBooks or eGalleys. Although painful, it's satisfying to see the pile of books I plan to share with friends and family.

What I Read Last Week

Kiss Carlo by Adriana Trigiani (Harper, 2017): First, a minor disclaimer: I've met Adriana several times, and although I'm not sure she'd remember who I am, I like her and enjoy her company. Her newest book revisits many of her beloved themes--the Italian-American experience, family, food, and romance. I love Trigiani's sense of humor and her easy-to-connect-with characters. There are a several plot lines in Kiss Carlo, including a family feud, a struggling theater, and a slow-burning match made in heaven. I also liked the post-WWII time period and love the Philadelphia setting, both of which informed the atmosphere of the novel. Start your red sauce, prepare your pasta, and get ready to be embraced by all things Italian! This is a fun read, perfect for a summer afternoon. The audiobook (Harper Audio; 16 hr, 2 min) was read by Edoardo Ballerini, who toed the edge of being overly enthusiastic but still put in a listenable performance (more on the audiobook at AudioFile magazine).

The Confusion of Languages by Siobhan Fallon (Putnam, 2017): I have nothing but good to say about Fallon's debut novel. I shouldn't have been surprised because I loved her short stories (You Know When the Men Are Gone). Cassie and Margaret have little in common except their husbands are in the military and both are stationed in Jordan. Cassie, who understands how it is for American women in a Muslim country, takes newcomer Margaret under her wing, and the two become friends of a sort. The novel explores Americans overseas, religious and cultural differences, women's roles, marriage, parenthood, friendship, and secrets. You might not like the women--they're certainly not perfect--but I found it difficult to put the book down. It's emotionally strong and I liked the details of what it's like to be a soldier's wife in the Mideast. I was quickly invested the friends' fates, opting for a combination read / listen of the novel because I couldn't put the book down. As for the audiobook, I enjoyed the performances by Jorjeana Marie and Lauren Fortgang (Penguin Audio; 10 hr, 21 min), who worked well together, increasing my connection to the characters and their individual perspectives on life in Jordan. Highly recommended in either medium.

Miscellaneous

ON TELEVISION, we've finally finished Bloodline. The series is set in the Florida keys and focuses on the Rayburn family in all their messed-up glory! I'm not at all sure what I thought about the final episode. No spoilers, but I was confused most of the time, and I have only a vague idea of what happened to the Rayburns at the end. I'll have to watch that episode again. Still, it was a series worth your time, especially if you like dark themes and a very dysfunctional family. We started Shetland, which is a mystery series set in, well, the Shetlands (duh!). So far we like the characters and love the scenery. We have several streaming shows to catch up on, including Bosch, Orange Is the New Black, Frankie and Grace, and House of Cards. We'll chip away at them slowly ...

AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE: Penguin Random House Audio thinks everyone should be familiar with the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence and so is offering a free audio stream of both founding documents, which you can listen to anytime between June 27 and July 31. According to their press release, the project is in partnership "with numerous bestselling authors and organizations, including PEN America and the National Coalition Against Censorship," and they plan to use the hashtag #WeThePeopleListen across all their social media. Narrators Frank Langella and Boyd Gaines bring these documents to life. Click on the link to learn more about this project and to listen in.

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