Day: September 16, 2024

Amid new-world chaos, she found literary fame

Julia Alvarez was 10 when her sunny life began to spiral.
Her father was linked to an attempt to kill the Dominican Republic dictator. She fled to the U.S. with her parents and sisters. The family was “losing everything,” she told the Television Critics Association. It was a new language and a new culture, with little money or sunshine.
And 30 years later, that would lead to a novel (“How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents”) that would bring praise from readers and disagreement within her family. Now she’s the focus of “American Masters,” at 9 p.m. Tuesday (Sept. 17) on PBS. Read more…

Emmy telecast: At least, it was fun and funny

If you’re planning an awards show, here’s the essential requirement:
Make sure that Steve Martin is there early as (at least) a presenter.
Martin has been a delight working solo … or with Martin Short … or as part of the “Only Murders in the Building” triad, with Short and Selena Gomez.
That’s what he did Sunday, early in the Emmys (shown here). Alongside some great work from the hosts (Eugene and Dan Levy), we knew this would be a fun night. Read more…

Best-bets for Sept. 18: Reality shows conclude, begin

1) “MasterChef” finale, 8-10 p.m., Fox. This started with home chefs from four generations. But in recent weeks, the remaining older chefs (ages 52, 62, 63 and 70) were ousted. Surviving are Kamay Lafalaise, 34; Michael Leonard, 27; and Becca Gibb, 24. They’ll prepare an appetizer, entree and dessert; then the judges (shown here in a previous episode) will choose the $250,000 winner. Read more…