The Mavericks
The Mavericks
featuring Raul Malo
The Mavericks are an American country music band that combine Tex-Mex, neotraditional country music, Latin, and rockabilly influences. The Mavericks were founded in 1989 in Miami, Florida. Between 1991 and 2003, the band recorded six studio albums, in addition to charting 14 singles on the Billboard country charts. Wikipedia
Andre Dubus III
Andre Dubus III is the author of seven books: The Cage Keeper and Other Stories, Bluesman, and the New York Times bestsellers, House of Sand and Fog, The Garden of Last Days, Gone So Long and his memoir, Townie, a #4 New York Times bestseller and a New York Times “Editors Choice”.
Gone So Long, is a masterpiece of thrilling tension and heartrending empathy. Few writers can enter their characters so completely or evoke their lives as viscerally as Andre Dubus III. In this deeply compelling novel, a father, estranged for the worst of reasons, is driven to seek out the daughter he has not seen in decades.
Recently published, Such Kindness, is the story of people whose stories are rarely told. The novel charts a remarkable rebirth, not from poverty to wealth but from bitter helplessness to the knowledge of self worth. The result is a gripping and transformational journey towards kindness. The result is also a tremendously moving novel.” – Ann Patchett
Michael Oberman
Michael Oberman
Author and Photographer
Michael Oberman’s photographs are on permanent display in U.S. National Parks including Steigerwald and Modoc and in museums including the Utah Museum of Natural History and the Ontario Science Centre (Toronto).
Six photos are on a five year tour of U.S. and Canadian museums in an exhibit called “Imaginate”…under the auspices of the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto (where the same six photos are on permanent display).
Before photography, he spent his life in the “music business.” Michael started as a music columnist for the Washington Star and a six year period interviewed more than 300 major recording artists…including David Bowie, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, James Brown…the list is too long for this page. He later worked for a record company and managed artists. Now he is back to his true love: Photography.
In 2019, Oberman was signed to a publishing contract for a book about his life in the music business. He spent eight months writing “Fast Forward, Play, and Rewind.” It will be out on October 15, 2020 in the U.S. and December 1 in Great Britain. (adapted from web site)
Lisa Gardner
Lisa Gardner
Lisa Gardner, a #1 New York Times bestselling thriller novelist, began her career in food service, but after catching her hair on fire numerous times, she took the hint and focused on writing instead. A self-described research junkie, she has transformed her interest in police procedure and criminal minds into a streak of internationally acclaimed novels, published across 30 countries. She’s also had four books become TV movies (At the Midnight Hour; The Perfect Husband; The Survivors Club; Hide) and has made personal appearances on TruTV and CNN.
Lisa’s books have received awards from across the globe. Her novel, The Neighbor, won Best Hardcover Novel from the International Thriller Writers, while also receiving the Grand Prix des Lectrices de Elle in France. She was also recognized with the Daphne du Maurier Award in 2000 for The Other Daughter. Finally, Lisa received the Silver Bullet Award from the International Thriller Writers in 2017 for her work on behalf of at-risk children and the Humane Society.
For a bit of fun, Lisa invites her readers to enter the annual “Kill a Friend, Maim a Buddy” Sweepstakes at LisaGardner.com. Every year, one Lucky Stiff is selected to meet a grand end in Lisa’s latest novel. Past winners have nominated spouses, best friends and even themselves.
Lisa lives in New Hampshire where she spends her time with an assortment of canine companions. When not writing, she loves to hike, garden, snowshoe and play cribbage. (LisaGardner.com)
On the Bookshelf – Recent Reads
On the Bookshelf – Recent Reads
Authors, many without websites or first time published, from and about locations around the world.
Story of a great film director making a late career movie – Jonathan Coe – Mr. Wilder and Me
Billy Wilder made some of the most iconic movies of his time, Some Like It Hot, The Apartment, Irma la Douce, Front Page, The Fortune Cookie, to name just a few. This historical fiction piece is told through the eyes of a young Greek woman who meets Wilder and his team and winds up working on the 1977 production of the the film Fedora.
Irish family saga over decades up to 2008 recession – Paul Murray – The Bee Sting
Paul Murray’s The Bee Sting, an irresistibly funny, wise, and thought-provoking tour de force about family, fortune, and the struggle to be a good person when the world is falling apart. Told by four family menbers, father mother, daughter, son, each a voice in conflict with the moment. Over 500 pages. Stay the course.
Another first book makes lasting impression – Amanda Peters – The Berry Pickers
An amazingly perfect use of the device where the reader is shown where the story will go, but is often brought near tears on the way. The story of two families, two cultures, and both love and heartbreak throughout a lifetime. An especially good read.
What happened when Dorothy returned to Kansas? – Gordon McAlpine – After Oz
With the release of “Wicked” on film, Dorothy is once again topical and Oz again a fantasy destination. This novel, the authors last before his untimely passing, suggests what may have happened in the days and months after the tornado that whisked the young girl away and back again.
Fantasy author delivers a terrific crime thriller – Dave Dobson – What Grows From the Dead
North Carolina college professor, improv comic, and writer provides an ensemble cast supporting an unlikely hero who has hit bottom in life and career, only to find he had inherited little from his mom except trouble.
New book about an old city – Ruth Reichl – The Paris Novel
Novelist and food writer takes us to Paris in the 1980’s with a young woman needing to find herself (not a cliche, but a charming rendition and tour guide.) Book Club book, gourmet treat, and travel instigator. Already looking at flights.
American Literary Icon who passed away in 2023 – Russell Banks – American Spirits
An American treasure whose stories focus on the locales and people in the Adirondacks of upstate New York. Check out this recent PBS video tribute and a 1995 feature on CBS Sunday Morning which gives an interesting perspective on what young people cared about…30 years ago.
From the 1990’s – Henning Mankell – Faceless Killers
Terrific series taking place in Southern Sweden and featuring Wallender, a main character played deftly on the PBS series by Kenenth Branaugh.
New book from old favorite – Tim O’Brien — America Fantastica
An American Master returns: the author of The Things They Carried and In the Lake of the Woods delivers his first new novel in two decades.
First time author – Nilima Roa — A Disappearance in Fiji
What is told as a mystery is really an amazing history lesson of British colonialism, and Indian and native culture in the Fiji Islands off the coast of Australia in 1914.
Dustbowl Revival
Dustbowl Revival
Check out the Sway at Home music festivals on youtube and and on their web site.
Over the past few years, The Dustbowl Revival has been making a name for itself with a vibrant mix of vintage Americana sounds. Critics have proclaimed that this eclectic eight-piece “would have sounded utterly at home within the hallowed confines of Preservation Hall in New Orleans’ French Quarter” (Los Angeles Times) and their “upbeat, old-school, All-American sonic safaris exemplify everything shows should be: hot, spontaneous, engaging and, best of all, a pleasure to hear”
