MEMOIR As America’s favorite political odd couple, James Carville and Mary Matalin share a candid look into their lives in Love & War: Twenty Years, Three Presidents, Two Daughters and One Louisiana Home. The book alternates between Carville and Matalin’s first-person, candid accounts of living their life of politics while dealing with family and marriage. New Orleanians will love the first chapter, since the book opens on their move from Washington D.C. to New Orleans.
COOKBOOK If you have a little chef in your family, pick up Cool Kids Cook: Fresh & Fit. Written by 12-year-old “Kid Chef” Eliana and her mom, Dianne de Las Casas, the book includes healthy recipes for kids. The recipes are definitely for youngsters with sophisticated palates, but all of the dishes look tasty and nutritious and the recipes are short and easy to follow.
FOLK New Orleans-based Hurray for the Riff Raff is one of America’s new favorite folk groups. Helmed by Alynda Lee Segarra, a Bronx native, the group released Small Town Heroes last month. Judging by the national attention and accolades Segarra and her group have already been receiving for this album, it looks like Hurray for the Riff Raff will continue to gain momentum in the folk world.
JAZZ It isn’t hard to find a good jazz album in New Orleans, but just in case you’re looking for a new one to add to your collection, try Calvin Johnson Jr.’s Native Son. The New Orleans saxophonist, a NOCCA alum, has toured all over the U.S., performing at impressive locations such as the White House and the Kennedy Center. Native Son shows why Johnson’s resume keeps growing.
