Picks for July 2010

Book: I read two great books recently that could not be farther apart on the literary spectrum, and yet had a truth-seeking urgency at the center of each that was similar in intensity: Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel and Lit by Mary Karr.

Wolf Hall, an historical novel about the court of Henry VIII that is revisionist in part, as Thomas Cromwell is the far more sympathetic character than Thomas More, is deeply satisfying and sharp. All the characters come to life in a fresh way, a mean feat in itself when exploring such well-known characters and a story that has been told in a hundred different ways. Mantel is writing a sequel and I cannot wait to read it.

Lit, the third book in a trilogy of memoirs by Mary Karr, was so vivid and inspiring- an incredibly honest and humble recollection that is a redemption story without the usual easy finish.

Music: My daughter’s new record with her band, Jane Only, kicks ass. So many influences here: punk, country, folk and rock and blues, all underscored by great songwriting. Forgive the nepotism, but if it wasn’t good I wouldn’t mention it.

I’ve also been listening compulsively to the new record by Mojo Mancini. Something this deep, evocative, complex and beautiful will NEVER get played on Top 40 radio. It requires a little work to find it and to listen to it, and that’s a great thing.