‘Good Night, Irene’ is the new novel by Luis Alberto Urrea. Photo: Amazon
Luis Alberto Urrea,a 2005 Pulitzer Prize finalist for nonfiction and member of the Latino Literature Hall of Fame, is a prolific and acclaimed writer who uses his dual-culture life experiences to explore greater themes of love, loss, and triumph. Winner of a Lannan Literary Award and Christopher Award, he is also the recipient of an American Book Award, the Kiriyama Prize, the National Hispanic Cultural Center’s Literary Award, a Western States Book Award, a Colorado Book Award, an Edgar Award, and a citation of excellence from the American Library Association. A professor of creative writing at the University of Illinois – Chicago, he is a member of the Latino Literary Hall of Fame and has won numerous awards for his poetry, fiction, and essays. His new book “Good Night, Irene” asks the question: what if a friendship forged on the front lines of war defines a life forever?” It is an epic based on the magnificent and true story of courageous Red Cross women. (Amazon, 2023)
“Good Night, Irene” – In 1943, Irene Woodward abandons an abusive fiancé in New York to enlist with the Red Cross and head to Europe. She makes fast friends in training with Dorothy Dunford, a towering Midwesterner with a ferocious wit. Together they are part of an elite group of women, nicknamed Donut Dollies, who command military vehicles called Clubmobiles at the front line, providing camaraderie and a taste of home that may be the only solace before troops head into battle.
After D-Day, these two intrepid friends join the Allied soldiers streaming into France. Their time in Europe will see them embroiled in danger, from the Battle of the Bulge to the liberation of Buchenwald. Through her friendship with Dorothy and a love affair with a courageous American fighter pilot named Hans, Irene learns to trust again. Her most fervent hope, which becomes more precarious by the day, is for all three of them to survive the war intact. Taking as inspiration his mother’s own Red Cross service, Luis Alberto Urrea has delivered an overlooked story of women’s heroism in World War II.
The last few years have been a feast for the eyes, heart, and soul when it comes to streamable series. More people now watch classics and brand-new series via streaming services like Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ than they do on regular TV. After all, almost all of the best shows will be released in bulk rather than a once-a-week release like TV.
Meaning when you have a few hours free, you can get into it! 2022 was great for TV shows, and there were some new seasons added to shows like Succession, and of course, we were blessed with the SATC women again with Just Like That.
But what does 2023 hold? And don’t worry, if you don’t live in the country with these releases, you can use a VPN for streaming!
Shrinking An Apple TV+ release starring Jason Segel, and if you have watched Our Friend, you are probably itching to see Jason in more emotionally meaty roles.
Well, in Shrinking, he loses his wife, and we follow him go through the complexities of loss – and see how he helps himself and others—a great show with a big heart – funny, sad, and nuanced. A great show that deserves applause.
Beef Is there anything Ali Wong can’t do? Not only does she have flawless comedic timing, but Beef is the show that keeps on giving – and yes, you will end up hungry from time to time, but we are talking Beef as in an argument, not Beef as in the food. While Ali Wong and Steven Yeun are the stars, David Choe and Amy Lau are right there with them. So far, it has received critical acclaim and is praised as what will be one of the best Netflix shows of 2023.
Coming from Korean director Lee Sung, we follow the foursome as they go to extreme lengths after an incident of road rage. Beef, while funny, smart, and often outrageous, does force you to look inwards at how you might be dealing with your own anger. A dark comedy that is just the right amount of spicy.
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story Bridgerton has been a runaway success, and from that, Queen Charlotte has arrived. What makes Queen Charlotte so intriguing is that it is a dramatization of the real-life story of King George III and Queen Charlotte.
While many of the characters from Bridgerton do make appearances, it is not 100% necessary to watch it first. But, for the sake of getting the full scoop and enjoying a show that millions did, it’s a good idea anyway.
While they are based on real people and some real events – it is not a history lesson, just a very enjoyable period series. Oh, and it has been stated to be a limited series, and no season 2 will be coming (or at least there are no announced plans).
Daisy Jones and the Six An Amazon Prime series with the rather dashing Sam Clafin and gorgeous Riley Keough as the leads. The band is fictional but not far into the first episode, you will be hoping for them to release an album.
The band is a huge success and is topping the charts – only to crash and burn. The scenes switch between interviews of the band members, flashbacks, and more so that we, the viewers, can piece it together.
The original author, Taylor Jenkins Reid, said that it was inspired by Fleetwood Mac, who is well known for having a tumultuous time. Daisy Jones and the Six also deals with some heavy themes, so it is worth checking out trigger warnings.
The Witcher This is the last time you can see Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia before Liam Hemsworth steps into the role for season 4. While it is not due to be released until the end of June, Netflix has been generous with plenty of teasers, first looks, and more.
The other Witcher seasons offered action, magic, mythical beasts, romance, and more. Based on the book and then the game, The Witcher has a lot of lore – and season 3 is set to be incredible.
The Bear The Bearseason one was an incredible success, and season 2 is set to be just as sizzling. Jeremy Allen White plays the uptight, hyper-precise, and messy chef we come to know as Carmy. Available on Hulu or the Star Hub on Disney +.
In season one, we see Carmy leave his high-flying fine dining career to take over a smaller place and the trials and tribulations that follow. The Bear deals with some heavy topics, too – so another one to check trigger warnings.
SA Examiner 