As Real Simple’s contributing books editor, I read for a living. This means combing through the tons of books that come out each month to decide what to recommend to our readers. It’s always hard to whittle down the list (there are so many good ones!), but a few times a year a book blows me away to such a degree that I can’t stop telling my friends about it, chatting it up on social media, and thinking about it while I’m walking my dogs or doing the dishes. This summer, that book is Culpability by Bruce Holsinger. The novel opens on a Maryland highway, where the Cassidy-Shaw family is traveling to a lacrosse tournament. The eldest child, Charlie, who’s just finished high school, is the star of his team and has committed to playing at the University of North Carolina in the fall. He’s in the driver’s seat of the car…but he’s not exactly driving, because their minivan is a SensTrek, a (fictional) state-of-the-art self-driving vehicle. Noah, the dad, is riding shotgun and typing away on his laptop. Lorelai, the mom, a renowned leader in artificial intelligence, is busy working in the backseat. The family’s two tween daughters, Izzy and Alice, are engrossed in their screens. Suddenly, their minivan collides with an oncoming car. The Cassidy-Shaws all survive, but the elderly couple in the other vehicle are killed. How did it happen? Who’s at fault? If the car was self-driving, can Charlie be held responsible? Isn’t the whole point of this technology to keep accidents from happening at all? These are the dizzying questions plaguing the family when they head to a vacation rental on the Chesapeake Bay a few weeks later to rest and recover from the accident. Noah is trying to normalize things as much as he can, despite the looming police investigation that threatens his son’s future. Yet it’s impossible to drown out the moral dilemmas that have changed the family. On the one hand, if they didn’t fully control their car—if they’d given up their autonomy in favor of technology that was supposed to be safe and reliable—how can they be held accountable? On the other hand, two people are dead. The provocative questions only become more complicated and compelling when Noah and Charlie paddleboard by the neighbor’s property in the cove next door, and discover that it’s owned by a famous tech billionaire. It doesn’t take Charlie more than a minute to notice the billionaire’s gorgeous daughter standing on the shoreline. Less than 24 hours later, the two teens fall headfirst into a summer romance, and that’s when Noah notices his wife’s odd behavior. Does she know the tech mogul next door through her work? In what way? As the week slowly passes, amid swimming and family dinners, glasses of wine and pitchers of lemonade, it starts to become clear that each of the Cassidy-Shaws is holding on to secrets that could implicate them in the crash. Culpability is a family drama and a thriller, a heartwrenching emotional story and a meditation on our digital age. It’s the kind of novel I love to recommend because it will appeal to every kind of reader—your book club will love it, as will your neighbors, your parents, and the teenagers in your life. Its cinematic storyline will have you by the throat and keep you furiously turning the pages, all while making you ask big questions about how our technology is intersecting with our humanity. This is the book you’ll be desperate to talk about while you’re beside the pool, and dying to press into somebody else’s hands once you’ve closed the final, chlorine-splattered page. It’s the most of-the-moment novel I’ve read all year, and it’s the book of the summer.

It's the time of year when you swap serious books for beach reads, and opt for a cool, casual outdoor get-together instead of a fancier dinner party. So maybe it's time to lighten up your watchlist too. That means scrapping those dark, depressing dramas and looking for things that are fun, or at least a little bit juicy—bonus points if they include beachy destinations and plenty of eye candy. No matter what kind of summer vibe you're hoping to rock this year, there's a summer movie or show to binge watch for you. P.S. Feel free to bookmark this list for January, when we're all wishing for a little taste of summer. If your summer vacation plans are a little meh If your summer plans are more about a staycation than summer travel that involves a passport stamp and a long flight, you can at least eat up a little gorgeous summery scenery as you binge watch. Follow award-winning actor (and major foodie) on a rambling, Emmy-winning multi-season tour of Italy—no passport required. The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy This hilarious series features comedian and very reluctant traveler Eugene Levy traveling everywhere from the Maldives to Costa Rica to Tokyo to expand his horizons (however uncomfortably). Where to watch: Apple TV+ The Lost City The lush gorgeousness of the Dominican Republic stands in for the hidden jungle paradise in this rom-com adventure story. Sandra Bullock plays a reclusive bestselling author who is kidnapped by a billionaire (Daniel Radcliffe) to help him find the Lost City from her novels. Both her cover model (Channing Tatum) and a former CIA operative (Brad Pitt) attempt to rescue her—so there's plenty of eye candy to go around. Where to watch: Paramount+ Love and Gelato It's a tried-and-true formula: young woman goes on adventurous trip to a gorgeous European capital and has to decide between two dashing young romantic prospects. But this charming movie, based on the novel by Jenna Evans Welch, sets its sights on the incomparably romantic city of Rome. (Just make sure you have a little Italian feast and some gelato stashed in the freezer for your watch party.) Where to watch: Netflix Mamma Mia Mix together frothy ABBA music, incredible Greek beaches, and Meryl Streep singing and dancing—and you have the recipe for a perfect summer movie night. Where to watch: Hulu Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Follow the late chef and traveler on adventures in some off the beaten path places in this award-winning and beloved travel series. Where to watch: HBO Max If you're craving real-life summer excitement Not all documentaries are dark and serious. And these real-life stories will definitely have you thinking summer. Class Action Park If thrill rides are your speed, this bonkers documentary about one of the most legendary—and dangerous—theme parks ever created may be right up your alley. Where to watch: HBO Max Summer of Soul This Oscar-winning documentary by musician-filmmaker Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson covers the epic six-week festival that went under the radar in 1969, with classic performances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly & the Family Stone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Mahalia Jackson, B.B. King, The 5th Dimension, and many more. Where to watch: Hulu and Disney+ If you want that last day of school vibe Remember that last day of school, when you have that long stretch of lazy summer ahead of you? Get that feeling back (if only for a couple of hours). Dazed and Confused The entire plot of this movie is "kids in the '70s party after the last day of school." Hidden in that description is a whole lot of heart and smarts, and all the drama you'd expect from a group of teenagers running wild (fights, romance, immature pranks, and generous helpings of beer and weed, all set to a killer '70s soundtrack). Shout out to Matthew McConaughey's smarmy performance as that 20-something guy who's still hanging out with high schoolers. Where to watch: Amazon Prime Stranger Things Now's the time to indulge your spooky side with an epic binge with the crew from Hawkins in the lead-up to the series finale this fall. (Or just get that summery vibe from season 3, which offered served up classic '80s summer alongside the spooky chills.) Where to watch: Netflix Say Anything Underachiever Lloyd Dobler gets his dream girl (class valedictorian Diane Court) to agree to a single date—and an epic summer romance —in this late '80s teen classic. Where to watch: HBO Max Wet Hot American Summer: 10 Years Later Even if you never caught the hilarious original sendup of the 1980s summer camp movie, you'll still find a lot of fun in this limited series—including seeing stars like Paul Rudd, Amy Poehler, Elizabeth Banks, Adam Scott, and Kristen Wiig sporting some seriously ridiculous early 1990s ensembles. Where to watch: Netflix If you want some soapy summer drama It's summer! Trade in your dark The Last of Us fandom for something a little less grim. Sirens This wicked new Netflix drama has everything you need for a superb summery drama—a dreamy cast (including Julianne Moore, Kevin Bacon, Meghann Fahy, and Milly Alcock), plenty of gorgeous fashion and scenery, and a lot of steamy drama. Where to watch: Netflix Daisy Jones and the Six If concerts and rock music are your summer vibe, you'll want to catch this series based on the best-selling novel, which follows a Fleetwood Mac-esque band on the road to superstardom. Where to watch: Amazon Prime. Outer Banks Tthis popular beachy Netflix series takes the crew back to their OBX origins to search for Blackbeard's treasure, before they adventure off to Morocco for more wild escapes. Where to watch: Netflix The White Lotus Take your pick of incredible beachy destinations—all filled with death and drama in addition to the drop-dead-gorgeous scenery. Opt for season one in Hawaii, season two in Sicily, or the latest season 3, in Thailand. Where to watch: HBO Max Dead to Me This darkly funny Netflix series is essentially a girl-buddy film—with gorgeous California scenery, a few deaths, and some serious plot twists thrown in. Where to watch: Netflix Big Little Lies Death visits a group of uber-moms living in grand homes in Monterey—but a lot of the drama comes from affairs, party invitation snubs, and a controversial production of Avenue Q. Where to watch: HBO Max In this twisty she said-she said thriller, it's not quite clear which girl is telling the truth about a kidnapping and its aftermath. Where to watch: Hulu If summer chills are more your thing Halloween isn't the only scary time of year—some of the most popular horror movies of all time have a summery vibe. Jaws The classic summer blockbuster turns 50 this year—and may make you feel a little less sad if your summer plans don't include a beach vacation. (Fair warning that you and your crew will likely be saying "We're gonna need a bigger boat" for weeks after the airing.) Where to watch: Peacock Friday the 13th The original summer camp slasher is definitely worthy of a rewatch—as counselors at Crystal Lake meet some pretty horrifying ends. Where to watch: kanopy I Know What You Did Last Summer Teenagers do the most ridiculous things—like running over someone and dumping the body. This series is a reboot of the equally fun summer horror classic. Where to watch: Amazon Prime Scream Have a binge fest of this slasher movie series—whether you opt for the original crew or the reboot. Where to watch: HBO Max If you're having a summer movie marathon—or binge watch—with the kids You can break out the popcorn over pretty much anything on Disney+, from Pixar flicks and Disney classics to all the Marvel and Star Wars content. But whether you're looking for an under-the-radar Disney option—or more family-friendly summer movies or shows to enjoy—check out these options. Phineas and Ferb Phineas and Ferb have had way more than 104 days of summer vacation over their 5 fun seasons—and the latest one just dropped if you can't get enough of their antics, evil Dr. Doofenschmirtz, and tattletale big sister Candace. (P.S. This'll be a show you'll likely enjoy just as much as your kids do—and it might encourage them to take their own adventures beyond the screens this summer.) The Summer I Turned Pretty Based on the bestselling novel by Jenny Han, this sweet series follows nearly 16-year-old Belly Conklin on a romantic summer at the beach with her family. Think Elin Hilderbrand for the tween and teen set. This multi-season series will give you something to watch all summer long. Where to watch: Amazon Prime Luca This under-the-radar (but totally charming!) Pixar-created tale follows a young sea monster who secretly lives his best summer life on the Italian Riviera. Where to watch: Disney+ Jurassic Park Sure, there's a more modern reboot of this dinos-gone-wrong series, but why not start your kids off on the classic series? They still feature some pretty epic effects long before the CGI renaissance. Where to watch: Peacock Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Follow four teen friends on their summer adventures—all linked by a pair of pants they share between them. (And enjoy some early-career performances by Blake Lively, America Ferrara, Alexis Bledel, and Amber Tamblyn.) Where to watch: For rent on Amazon Prime and Apple TV+

What better way to celebrate the start of summer than with the many movies that just launched on Netflix? Get into the warm weather mood with us by selecting one (or all!) of the movies that have made their way to Netflix this June. This curated list balances summer nostalgia with some options that feel new and fresh. 1. Bee Movie You’re not the only one who associates summer with those feel-good animated movies you watched as a kid. And with the Bee Movie making its way to Netflix this month, you can get cozy in front of the TV and watch this hilarious and wholesome film. When Barry the Bee graduates from college and decides not to work in honey production, he leaves the hive and befriends a human (a cardinal sin in the bee world!). What he learns is that humans have been stealing and profiting off of honey for centuries, leading him to his true calling: ensuring justice for his community. 2. The Great Outdoors This 1988 classic is the perfect movie to watch with friends and family. When a Chicago family heads for their summer vacation, their lakeside getaway is crashed by their in-laws. What starts out as a relaxing vacation leaves the family at odds with relatives they’re not so close with—and the rest is for them to figure out. 3. Neighbors Zac Efron and Seth Rogen star in this comedy about a young couple suffering from arrested development who’ve been forced to live next to a fraternity house. There’s just one problem: they just had a newborn baby, and there’s no way they can survive on frat row. When they’ve had enough with the noise complaints, parties, and disruptive behavior, all hell breaks loose. You won’t stop laughing for the duration of this 90-minute dramedy. 4. Us Horror movie fans might not believe there’s a summer movie made for them, but that’s entirely untrue—summer vacation is the best time for some haunting plotlines. Us follows a family of four on their summer vacation at an isolated cabin. Unfortunately, their worst fears come true when a masked family of four—who appear identical to each of them—begins circling the house, eventually cornering them inside their home and leaving them in a fight for survival. You won’t leave the edge of your seat while watching this perfect summer horror directed by Jordan Peele. 5. Boys on the Side This 1995 dramedy featuring Whoopi Goldberg, Drew Barrymore, and Mary-Louise Parker follows three newly acquainted friends on a cross-country trip from New York to LA. Each friend carries their own set of problems needing to be solved, and only with the help of one another will they reach their goals. You’ll laugh and cry during this summer watch, and it might even make you yearn for some time with your girlfriends.

Traditional book clubs aren't for everyone. Maybe the idea of assigned reading isn't your thing, or you find the group discussions awkward or tedious. Or you just never have time to read the book! Upending the "choose a book, read it on your own, then get together to talk about it" format, a Silent Book Club takes the opposite approach: Members gather in a public space (bar, library, park, bookstore), pull out whatever book they've brought with them, and simply…read together. While most meetings include socializing before and after the structured reading period, there's no pressure to join in, and there are no rules about what to talk about. Basically, it's an introvert's dream. The idea started with two friends at a wine bar in San Francisco in 2012. Over drinks, Guinevere de la Mare lamented to Laura Gluhanich that the novel her book club had chosen was a drag to read. "I didn't want to finish it, yet it felt like I had this homework assignment. And I had a 2-year-old, so I was getting no reading done at home. I said, 'I wish I had a book club where you could just get some time to read,'" Guinevere recalls. "Laura was like, 'I love this idea! Let's make it happen.'" The two of them began incorporating quiet reading time into their wine-bar meetups, then they expanded to include more friends, who spread the word to their friends, and in 2015, Guinevere and Laura launched an official Silent Book Club organization. Today, there are almost 1,300 Silent Book Club chapters in the U.S. and close to 1,700 worldwide, on every continent except Antarctica. Though the organization has been around for a decade, the trend has really taken off in the past couple of years: According to Eventbrite data, the number of Silent Book Club events grew by 223% between 2023 and 2024, with attendance rising by 180%. Intrigued? Read on for more details on how Silent Book Clubs work and how to take part. What Happens at Silent Book Club …stays at Silent Book Club. Just kidding. In fact, the vibe is open and welcoming, and all meetings are free to attend and take place in a public spot. "We're very committed to making it inclusive and accessible to all," Guinevere says. "Our main goal is community building." Attendees are generally a mix of friends and strangers, who convene at a library, in a bookstore, at a cafe or bar, in a park, or even online. "Typically meetings are two hours long," Guinevere says. "The first 30 minutes is for socializing—you arrive, you sit down, you share what you're reading. Then you have an hour of uninterrupted reading. At the end, there's another 30 minutes where you can chat about the experience." However, the structure is loose, and Guinevere says that local organizers have free rein to set the cadence. "We always tell organizers, 'Do what works for you.'" In Indianapolis, Kelsey Jones has been organizing Silent Book Club events for three years, and usually about 100 people show up to each one. She switches up the venue—hotel, distillery, public gardens, etc. "We do a 90-minute meetup every month, and we start with silent reading for 30 or so minutes. People naturally start talking after that. So the last hour is then either continue reading if you want, or socialize." On Martha's Vineyard, Jeff Levy recently started a chapter at a local bookstore called Bunch of Grapes. The bookstore's owner opens her shop after hours to attendees and gives guests 20% off books. "On an average night, it's 10 or 12 people," he says. "Reading is from 5:30 to 6:30, and then we walk two doors down to a restaurant. Anyone who wants to hang out afterward can come, or they can just leave. And the conversation at dinner is rarely about books, which is kind of funny. Often it's about the state of the world." Guinevere notes that an emerging trend is audiobook walks. "People will meet at a trailhead, then go on a hike while listening to audiobooks. Afterward they'll gather and have a picnic." So as long as you're reading in some form or another, and allowing others to join you, you're doing Silent Book Club right. Why People Love It While Silent Book Club is nicknamed "introvert happy hour," the communal aspect is part of what makes it special. Briana Parker, who hosts a club at her Brooklyn bookstore, Lofty Pigeon Books, says, "It's good for introverts and for people who want a social element. You can be around people without being pushed to interact with them in a specific way. The whole thing is very organic and very low-pressure." Jeff notes, "It's not like just going to a library with a bunch of other people, because there's that time to be social." (If you want!) It's also a judgment-free zone, Kelsey says. "It doesn't matter if you're listening to an audiobook or you have an e-reader or a hardback. It's inclusive of all types of readers and all genres. There's no discrimination about what you're reading. I love that it's a space to get recommendations, learn about new authors, and just have that sense of community with fellow book lovers." Another major benefit, of course, is the chance to read, which can be hard to come by in our distraction-filled world. "I'm one of those people who used to read a ton and have been negatively impacted by screen time," Jeff says. "So I love the enforced reading time." Many of Briana's club-goers appreciate the same thing: "A lot of people say this is a way to have a longer attention span. They're like, 'When I'm at home, I keep pulling out my phone. But here I feel weird about doing that. I'm forced to focus on my book.'" Yet even avid at-home readers enjoy the gatherings. "I do read at home by myself quite a bit," Briana says, "and I didn't think I would have needed something like this." (She started the club because two customers, who craved more time to read away from home and their young children, asked her to.) "And yet I love it. There's something about everyone doing the same task together that gives you that great feeling of community. You look around the room and everyone's just quietly reading, and it's this beautiful sight." How to Join a Club or Start Your Own To find a chapter near you, visit the Silent Book Club official site, which offers an interactive map and links to the chapters' websites. Many groups also publicize events on Eventbrite, where attendees can get a (free) ticket and invitation details and reminders. You're not committing to be part of a club—you can go to just a single event if you'd like. "Meetings are a mix of regulars and people who come once to check it out," Briana says. To start your own chapter, register through the Silent Book Club site, which gives detailed instructions. If you're a business owner like Briana, you can host meetings at your venue; otherwise, Kelsey recommends connecting with local businesses before you launch. "Establish that relationship and have a venue that will agree to host you every month, or maybe you have two or three venues that are your go-tos and you bounce around," she says. As the organizer, you also set the overall tone and decide how much time to devote to reading versus socializing. You can ring a bell when reading time starts, or just let it happen naturally. "I was worried about getting 40 people to quiet down all at once," Briana says. "But it's actually the opposite. People get there early and just start reading."

May is that perfect sweet spot where the high (yet breezy) temperatures make you want to sit near the sunlight, cold beverage in hand, and watch a movie. And with so many new releases added to Netflix recently, there will be no shortage of content to stream. Whether you’re a fan of romantic comedies, horror, or drama, there’s something for everyone in our latest edition of Netflix movies to watch this May. 1. Heart Eyes This May, you won't want to sleep on this romantic-horror-comedy. The story follows two coworkers who, by a twisted turn of events, are hunted by a masked killer that specifically targets couples. When they're forced to become allies, they choose to fight back—while welcoming you along for the ride. Plus, it just landed a spot on Netflix this week! 2. Exterritorial This German thriller has been buzzing on Netflix in multiple countries, and it's safe to say it will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story follows a soldier's son who vanishes at a U.S. consulate, forcing his mother to remain on the premises to search for him. Without realizing it, however, she ends up entangling herself in the conflict. 3. The Life List Sofia Carson stars in this romantic comedy that's perfect for kickstarting May. When a young woman is sent by her mother on a quest to complete a teenage bucket list, it leads her to discover long-kept family secrets and romance. 4. Con Mum While the story isn't fictionalized, this documentary will keep you guessing—and watching. It follows a chef whose life is turned upside down when a woman claiming to be his mother appears in his life. What he ends up discovering is more than he signed up for, but his story isn't even close to over. 5. La Dolce Villa What's better for May than a quick trip to Italy? La Dolce Villa follows an American father who travels to Italy in hopes of keeping his daughter from restoring an old villa. What he ends up finding, however, is beauty, magic, romance, and a deeper understanding of his daughter. 6. One of Them Days Keke Palmer is known for her incomparable talent and unbeatable humor—and in One of Them Days, she gets to show off both. When her boyfriend steals her rent money, Alyssa—played by R&B artist SZA—and her roommate, played by Palmer, scramble to find rent money in hopes of avoiding eviction. One viewer even claimed that "like great wine, this is just going to get better with age." 7. Havoc Last but not least, viewers are praising Havoc for its visual and audio effects, making it a piece of cinematography you won't want to miss. Starring Tom Hardy, the story follows a bruised detective who's forced into the criminal underworld in hopes of rescuing one politician's estranged son, leading to a uncontrollable web of lies and deceit.

With Mother's Day coming up fast—Sunday, May 11—it's time to start planning some epic Mother's Day activities to enjoy with your mom (or your own kids). If your mom's idea of a good time is watching some of the best shows on Netflix (or another favorite streaming service), a binge-watching session might be in order. Fortunately, we've done the work for you, pulling a list of mom-friendly shows or movies you can watch on and around Mother's Day—or any time of year. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story This installment in the Bridgerton saga is likely to be a hit with your mom (if she likes very steamy material, that is!). This prequel showcases younger versions of Queen Charlotte, Lady Danbury, and Violet Bridgerton as they find their loves. (P.S. No kids allowed at the viewing!) Where to watch: Netflix Catherine Called Birdy The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey stars in this comedic movie about an independently minded young noblewoman determined to avoid a bad marriage, putting her at odds with her parents (and the rest of society). Where to watch: Amazon Prime Turning Red This adorable mother-daughter Pixar tale about a family cursed (or is it blessed?) to turn into red pandas is a perfect whole-family watch for Mother's Day. Where to watch: Disney+ Schmigadoon If your mom is a big fan of Broadway musicals, this comedic send-up of some of the classics (think Brigadoon, Oklahoma!, The Music Man, and more) by some of Broadway's best and brightest is definitely worth a look. The second season (clearly inspired by shows like Chicago and Cabaret) will have dropped all of its episodes just in time for a cozy Mother's Day binge-watch. Where to watch: Apple TV Wednesday The highly acclaimed (and uber-popular) fresh take on the Addams family features a teen Wednesday and her fraught relationship with her mom, Morticia, among other dramas. Where to watch : Netflix Everything Everywhere All at Once The time-twisting, mind-bending movie that won all the awards boils down to a cool family story—and one that the whole family will enjoy. Where to watch: Apple TV The Gilded Age For the mom who loves a good costume drama, this soapy story of the moneyed classes in late 19th century New York has plenty of scene-stealing acting by the likes of Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, and Audra McDonald—and incredible eye candy scenery and costumes to enjoy. Where to watch: HBO Max Never Have I Ever Mindy Kaling is behind this wickedly funny comedy with plenty of heart, that follows an Indian-American teen, her cousin, and her mother, as they navigate life without her father. (Note that there is some mild sexual content, if that's something you're looking to avoid!) Where to watch: Netflix Ted Lasso It feels like they dropped the new season of this heartwarming fan favorite just in time for a Mother's Day binge-watch. (Or start from the beginning for a great rewatch!) Where to watch: Apple TV The Incredibles This epic family tale of superheroes is definitely worth a rewatch—especially if you or your mom need a reminder that even superhero moms struggle to stretch and juggle it all. (And don't forget the super sequel too.) Where to watch: Disney+ Otherhood You might have missed this star-packed comedy (think Angela Bassett, Patricia Arquette, and Felicity Huffman) about moms looking to reconnect with their adult sons. But if you're looking for an under-the-radar watch, this might be worth adding to your list. Where to watch: Netflix Brave This mother-daughter Disney-Pixar movie captures the complexity of the relationship between a teen and her mom, with all of that signature Disney magic. Where to watch: Disney+ Gilmore Girls Take another visit to Stars Hollow with your mom with this beloved classic show that's perfect for a Mother's Day binge-watch (perhaps over brunch?). Where to watch: Netflix Mamma Mia! The frothy Broadway show packed with classic ABBA tunes will get everyone up dancing this Mother's Day. Where to watch: HBO Max Yes Day If you're gathering the whole family (including smaller kids), this raucous family tale that showcases the craziness that can happen when the kids are in charge may be a perfect watch (and may inspire a fun family tradition as well!). Where to watch: Netflix Schitt's Creek If you and your mom haven't already watched this award-winning gem, it's about time you caught up with the fabulously funny Roses. (And if you have, it's definitely worthy of a rewatch!) While plenty of focus has been on real-life father and son Eugene and Dan Levy playing a down-on-their-luck father and son, watching the relationship blossom between Moira Rose and her daughter Alexis (played by Catherine O'Hara and Annie Murphy) will definitely be a Mother's Day highlight—not easily upstaged by the perfect gift. Where to watch: Hulu Moxie Looking for something you can watch with your mom and your teenage daughter? Amy Poehler plays the mom of a teen who discovers her (riot) grrl power to stand up against inequality in her high school. There are plenty of throwbacks to zine culture and '90s grunge—so break out the flannel and the black nail polish for this watch party. Where to watch: Netflix Mr. Mom Take her waaay back with this oldie but goodie, where mom Teri Garr goes back to work and thrives as an ad exec, leaving her newly unemployed husband (Michael Keaton) in charge of their three kids. Even though we've come a long way in the 40 years since the movie came out, you'll still see a lot that's a little too relatable. Where to watch: HBO Max Kim's Convenience This heartwarming comedy import from Canada tells the story of the Kim family, Korean immigrants to Canada who run a convenience store. And if your mom's a bit of a meddler, you'll probably see a lot to love (and laugh at), in the Kim family matriarch, Umma. Where to watch: Netflix Black-ish Spend Mother's Day with the Jackson clan in this beloved sitcom—you'll probably find quite a bit relatable in mom Bow's relationship with her family. Where to watch: Disney+, Hulu Dumplin' This Netflix Original is all about self-acceptance, a mother-daughter relationship, and some classic teenage drama: What's not to love? The movie follows Willowdean, a girl of unconventional beauty with a beauty queen—played by Jennifer Aniston—for a mom. Whether your relationship is sometimes strained or you're the best of friends, this sweet movie might help you appreciate it even more. Where to watch: Netflix Bird Box If you're the types to bond over horror films, turn to Bird Box, the story of a mother trying to get her two children to safety in a desperate dystopian world. Chilling and dark, it's not for the faint of heart, but if you and your mom can take a little thrill, it's sure to bring you closer together. Where to watch: Netflix This Is Us Odds are, you or your mom have probably already gone through boxes of tissues on the tearjerking saga of the Pearson clan, but if you're in the mood for a good cry on Mother's Day, this is the sweet story for you. Where to watch: Hulu Stranger Things For the mom who loves a little spooky with the sweetness, Stranger Things offers some excellent 1980s nostalgia—plus lots of mom-daughter/mom-son relationships to explore. Where to watch: Netflix Candy Jar For something sweet and mindless, turn to this teenage rom-com, which stars two competitive students forced to team up for a debate tournament, despite the urging of their ambitious moms. The movie follows the two students and their single moms, capturing their bonds while offering a look at what happens when you can't follow your dreams. Where to watch: Netflix Lady Bird Acclaimed director Greta Gerwig brought us this mother-daughter tale featuring stars galore (Saiorse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, and Timothee Chalamet, just to name a few) and a perfect encapsulation of dealing with the changes during a teen's senior year. Where to watch: HBO Max Miss Americana If you're both Swifties and gearing up for her latest tour (or lamenting your lack of tickets), you'll appreciate this smart documentary on Taylor Swift and the production of her album, Lover. Swift has long talked about her close relationship with her mother, and watching the two of them in action—while getting an inside look at Swift's superstar life—is a great way to spend down-time together. Where to watch: Netflix Anne with an E You may have read the Anne of Green Gables books together; if so, you'll love watching this recent series adaptation, which has the same heartfelt family moments and (adopted) mother-daughter lessons as the books. Where to watch: Netflix Great News This comedy follows a broadcast journalist who has finally gotten her big break—at the same time that her mom gets an internship at the same show. If your mom is a little overbearing and embarrassing—but you love her anyway, of course—you'll love watching and laughing at this show together. Where to watch: Apple TV Modern Family This beloved (and multi-award-winning) mockumentary-style sitcom features the three families in the Dunphy clan, and likely you'll find yourself reflected in one of the characters. (We're definitely giving off major Claire vibes.) Where to watch: Hulu One Day at a Time With three seasons available on Netflix, this family-oriented series follows a newly single mother raising her two children with a little so-called help from her own mom. If you're a mother, watching this sweet series with your mom will give you both a good laugh. Where to watch: Netflix

If your to-be-read stack is looking a little uninspired right now—or you find yourself perusing the shelves at the library or bookstore and find nothing that catches your fancy—perhaps you need a new way to find a good book. Enter the book blind date, which is the perfect opportunity to add a little adventure to your reading list, and maybe even happen upon your new favorite author or genre. Ready to get set up with a potential new (book) love? Here's the full scoop on book blind dates—including what it is, where to get set up, and how to plan your own book blind date party. What Is a Book Blind Date? As the name implies, you get "set up" with a book without being able to judge it by its cover. The book is wrapped up (generally in brown paper or a simple gift wrap) and the barest of descriptions is shared—so you can decide based on just a sense of the book's subject and style. (Or if you really want to go wild, you can always just grab one of the wrapped books without even looking at the description!) How to Get Set up on a Book Blind Date Since the book blind date concept has taken off, you'll find them available pretty much everywhere books are sold—and so they're often lovingly curated by people who know books best. (In other words, they're more likely to be a hit!) Check your local bookstore Seemingly every indie bookstore has a display of wrapped books with clever little descriptions—so go ahead and grab one! (You can even find them on some indie bookstore sites, such as New York's iconic bookstore, The Strand, which is currently offering several options, including the clever: "Squid Game Meets The Bachelor in This Dark Academic Satire!") Shop on Etsy Just type in "book blind date," and you'll find thousands of options among its sellers. In fact, Etsy says that searches for "book blind date" have surged in recent years. And bonus: Some creative sellers even include book-related goodies to enjoy while you're reading. So even if the book's a dud, you might enjoy the tea or bookmark that came with it. Visit your library Yep, you can get set up on a totally free book blind date! Many public libraries follow the trend and add that element of surprise to your book selection. Check out the big retailers Even the biggest book retailers, such as Barnes & Noble and Amazon, are selling blind date books—though you currently have to go to a local Barnes & Noble to find the blind dates. How to Plan a Book Blind Date Swap While you can get set up any time you want, why not make it even more fun and hook up your whole crew with their own book blind dates? It's the perfect excuse for a party—and here's how to make yours a success. Choose the guest list Obviously, your guests should be folks who enjoy reading—your book club definitely is a good start! You may want to ensure that you choose people with a range of ages and personalities, so you end up with a wide variety of intriguing books. Consider a theme Some swaps feature a theme to help guests narrow down which books they'd like to bring. Consider a few options to get you started: beach reads books that should be made into movies (but haven't) books you'd bring with you to a desert island books you didn't love—but you know someone else will scary books (that don't have to be horror!) time travel books books that should be a classic (but aren't—yet) Have guests write a short description of their book The key here is balance. The person who's setting up the blind date should give just enough detail to tantalize the potential reader, without giving away the whole plot. But, the description should give enough detail that someone who has already read the book would likely be able to tell. A few thoughts to help you write a good description: Compare it to something else—like a popular book, movie, TV show, or other reference. For instance, you might describe Lessons in Chemistry as Julia Child meets Marie Curie. Sell the story. Include info about what you loved. Was the plot twisty? Were the love scenes juicy? Did the characters feel like your new BFFs? Warn about any potentially problematic details. Some people are sensitive to violence, swear words, or racy content—so you may want to communicate that it's "spicy" in some way to avoid setting up your conservative pal with something that definitely won't be her cup of tea. Make it fun. No need to be serious! Add puns, jokes, or other details to add some humor. Have a few extra books on hand You don't want anyone going home unhappy. Ensure that there are additional books on hand, so even the last person who picks has plenty of options. Share from your own bookshelves You don't have to go out and buy a new book for the swap for your fellow book lovers (unless you simply can't bear to part with your favorite). This is the perfect time to pull a book (or five!) you loved—but probably won't read again—off of your own bookshelves to help share the wealth. Plus, that's an easy way to ensure that there are more than enough potential book blind dates. Decide how people will pick Some parties keep it casual and have guests mingle and spread the books around so they can check out the descriptions and grab one they'd like. You can also let the person with the next birthday pick first, then choose clockwise from there. Or do it secret Santa style: You can have each guest pick a book and read the description—and later pickers can force a swap if someone else's description sounded too amazing to pass up. Open the books together Once everyone's set up with their "date," have everyone unwrap their books at the party. That will help avoid someone going home with a book they already have, as they'll be able to swap with someone else or pick a new book from the extra options. Decide what to do with the extras Once everyone's set with their blind date book, extras can be distributed to people who want more than one date to take home—or they can be donated to a free library, a nursing home, or a hospital to provide good reads for people who need them.

On Saturday, April 12, the first full moon of spring will rise in the night sky, and it will look a bit different than the average full moon. Not, alas, because it will be pink—the color will be the same silvery white we're used to. But it will be tinier and dimmer, earning it the moniker of "micromoon." In fact, it will be the smallest full moon in all of 2025. Here's what a micromoon means, why this one is so small, why it's called a pink moon, and the best time to see it. What Is a Micromoon? A micromoon happens when a full moon is at its farthest distance from earth, the point on its elliptical path called the apogee. It's the opposite of a supermoon—when the moon appears especially large because it's closest to earth, or at its perigee. On Saturday, the moon will be 252,280 miles from earth, according to EarthSky (as opposed to the average 226,000 miles at its perigee). This will make the moon appear about 14% smaller than a supermoon and about 6% smaller than an average full moon. It's a subtle difference, but devoted moon watchers may decipher it. Why Is the April Micromoon the Smallest of the Year? Micro full moons happen about three times a year; the last one was on March 14, 2025, and the next one will be on May 12, 2025. However, micro full moons can occur at slightly different distances from the apogee. The one this Saturday will be the smallest of the three because the moon will be farther from the earth than the other two. In May, the full moon will appear when it's 251,828 miles from earth, so 452 miles closer than the April one. Why Is It Called a Pink Moon? The pink moon is nicknamed after pink wildflowers, called creeping phlox, that are native to eastern North America and bloom in early spring, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. So the moon will not actually be pink; rather, it's a nod to the fact that it's the first full moon of spring. It's also known as the Paschal Moon because it sets the date for Easter. (Easter comes the Sunday after the first full moon of spring; because this one extends into Sunday, April 13, Easter is the following Sunday, the 20th.) Other nicknames include the Egg Moon, the Fish Moon, and the Sprouting Grass Moon, the Almanac reports. What Is the Best Time to See the Pink Micromoon? The moon will reach its full illumination at 8:22 p.m. ET. Check timeanddate.com for when the moon rises and sets in your location. The best time to see the moon is typically around sunset, when it appears most visible to us due to something called the moon illusion, according to NASA. Find an unobstructed viewpoint, look toward the eastern horizon, and enjoy.

Turns out, where you live (or grew up) might influence what type of book you love. Researchers at Cloudwards scoured Google Trends data to determine which genres captivate readers most across different states. The findings show an interesting geographical breakdown. According to the study, romance is the most popular genre in America, topping the list in 22 states! General fiction and poetry tied for second place, dominating in nine states each. Fantasy was strongest in six states, and family-themed literature in three. Interestingly, Massachusetts is the only state to prefer history, while Californians are unique in preferring mystery novels. To get their results, the researchers reviewed Google searches for common book genres over 12 months. "While search interest doesn’t always directly reflect purchasing behavior," they acknowledge, "it provides valuable insights into the reading habits of Americans." So...did your favorite genre rank highest in your state? See the full results below. Romance Reigns Supreme in 22 States Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin Romance literature has been surging in popularity recently, and these results reflect Americans' widespread love for the genre. Who doesn't crave a lighthearted read with a strong emotional payoff? "Romance readers are among the most voracious consumers of books, often reading multiple titles per month," the study notes. Check out books by Jasmine Guillory, Emily Henry, and Julia Quinn if you're looking for something new. Poetry Is an Unexpected Hit in 9 States Alaska, Idaho, Maine, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont The study just looked at what genres people search for, not necessarily what they're buying, but it's notable that poetry ranked as a top interest in nine states. The study points out that many of these states are known for striking landscapes, which may have something to do with the preference. The authors added, "This poetry revival might be linked to the rise of Instagram poets and the growing popularity of poetry as a form of social expression." Fiction Casts a Wide Net in 8 States and D.C. Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Montana, South Dakota, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Wyoming It's a bit of a surprise that this category doesn't rank higher in more states, given how broad a category it is. The researchers put science fiction, historical fiction, fairy tales, classical literature, action, social realism, and magical realism under this umbrella. Thankfully, there's no shortage of books to choose from in this category—here are some of our favorite new ones coming out this year. Fantasy Literature Is Top in 6 States Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Washington The authors note that these states have big technology sectors and major universities. "It suggests that areas with strong innovation sectors have a higher interest in imaginative literature," they point out. This category includes authors like J.R.R. Tolkien, N.K. Jemisin, and George R.R. Martin. Family-Themed Literature Ranks High in 3 States Iowa, Mississippi, South Carolina This genre of fiction explores family ties, multigenerational connections, and heredity. The authors note that these three states are "known for strong community ties and traditional values," which may partly explain the appeal. Since family is a universal human interest, we imagine that residents of these states aren't the only ones who are fans of the genre! Check out books by Isabel Allende, Jane Austen, and Carolyn Hyunh for starters. Mystery Is Big in Just 1 State California It's hard to know why California stands alone in its love for mystery and suspense novels, but the study authors surmise that "the Golden State's affinity for mysteries may reflect its status as both the home of Hollywood noir and the setting for countless classic detective novels." Mystery and suspense are certainly beloved by many—in fact, here is a list of some of our favorites in the genre. History Also Gets Love from Just 1 State Massachusetts People from Massachusetts search most for historical literature, which includes biographies and other nonfiction narratives. "This unique preference aligns perfectly with the state's status as a cornerstone of American history," the study notes. Smart choice: As fun as it is to escape from the world with fiction, learning about real-life events is just as engaging.

Spring has arrived—and while the warm weather may entice you to get outside, the new season also presents an opportunity to sprawl on the couch, cold drink in hand, and watch your favorite seasonal movies. While binge-worthy TV shows are a popular selection for those craving comfort and nostalgia, Netflix’s plethora of feel-good movies can help you say goodbye to winter blues and hello to spring sunshine. Read on for the eight best Netflix movies to help get you in the mood for spring. 8 Netflix Movies to Help Get You in the Mood for Spring 1. Mother of the Bride What’s a better way to celebrate spring than with a destination wedding? In this romantic comedy, Brooke Shields and Miranda Cosgrove star as mother and daughter attending Cosgrove’s wedding in Thailand. When her mother realizes the groom’s father is the man who broke her heart years ago, things start to go awry—in the best way possible. 2. Book Club Four friends who meet weekly for their book club decide to stray from their usual picks to read something a bit more risqué—50 Shades of Grey. As they read along, they’re inspired to take charge of their own relationships, and end up finding pleasure and excitement in unexpected ways. 3. That Kind of Love If you’re partial to subtitles or international films in general, this feel-good romance will give you butterflies as we head into spring. The story follows a dating coach and her corporate executive client as they search to find his perfect match—but when they start learning more about each other, things take an unexpected turn. 4. Along for the Ride Nothing screams the start of warm weather like a romantic comedy set along a seaside town. It’s Auden’s last summer before college, and although she doesn’t expect much from visiting her father’s quiet beach town, she ends up meeting Eli. The two embark on an adventure-filled journey together—but when it’s finally time to leave for school, she struggles to say goodbye. 5. Anyone But You In this adaptation of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, we meet Ben and Bea, two singles who have an amazing first date and become archnemeses all in the span of 24 hours. When they’re forced to meet again at a destination wedding in Australia, they decide to play up their romantic history by pretending to be a real couple. This romantic comedy is heartwarming, exhilarating, and packed with enough sunlight to get you excited for the warm season ahead. 6. Someone Great This springtime romantic comedy will have you crying, laughing, and on the edge of your seat. The story follows Jenny, a music journalist experiencing her first real heartbreak. With help of her two best friends—and their passion for NYC nightlife—she learns how to be happy on her own, all the while reminiscing about her last relationship. 7. Happiness for Beginners March is the start of hiking season, and if you’re an outdoorsy person (or even if you’re not!), this heartwarming comedy will inspire you to take on new adventures. Following her divorce, 32-year-old Helen Carpenter signs up for a wilderness survival course—only to find out that she’s not as lost as she might think. Plus, there’s enough romance packed into this film to make you feel giddy. 8. The Lorax Welcome spring with a family-friendly animated film that will lift your spirits. The story—made of equal parts romance, comedy, and environmentalism—follows Ted and Audrey, as they seek out to find a Truffula tree in their town devoid of nature. To understand why the town has no flowers and trees, Ted tells us the story of The Lorax, the former guardian of the forest who let greed take over his passion for nature.

We couldn’t interview Brooke Shields and not ask her to help us settle some of our favorite low-stakes controversies. Partly because these things are always nagging away at us, but mostly because the CEO, actor, model, author, thinker, social media phenom, mom, friend, and wife has life experiences that, simply put, we do not. She started modeling when she was just 11 months old, was famous by the time she was 12 (for her role in the 1978 movie Pretty Baby), and TIME magazine named her the face of the decade in the ‘80s. She’s been in the spotlight her entire life—she graduated from Princeton!—and has some real thoughts on how things should be done. So we asked for her major opinions on some minor issues. REAL SIMPLE: When should you gas up the car? Before the fuel light comes on or after? BROOKE SHIELDS: I'm a before gasser, my husband's an after gasser. (That didn't sound right.) If I have three-quarters of a tank, I'm like, “I'm going to run out of gas!” I've got to have a full tank. I do this with the charge on my phone, too … I need to make sure all my bases are covered. I was an only child. I'm really edgy. RS: Is it OK to crack your knuckles? BS: I heard it makes them bigger, but it feels really good. But it can't be great for them in the long run. I stopped doing it, but my hands haven’t gotten any less manly. RS: Should toilet paper be hung so that it rolls over or under? BS: Toilet paper over. It's just the way it's done, people. RS: Is the five-second rule real? BS: Man, I had a half-hour rule for my kids. I'd be like, “Oh, here, you're fine.” Got to get those antibodies! RS: Wearing socks to sleep: Yay or nay? BS: Yay. [Whispers] Cashmere. RS: Is it OK to eat around the moldy parts of bread and cheese? BS: I have done it for both, and my husband was so appalled. He was like, “You're going to get sick. It's already living in there.” So then I got a little freaked out and stopped cutting it off, but I don't know … there's always a good part left! RS: Is it OK to let your dog lick your face? BS: I don't think so. My dog … still has puppy breath, but I know there's bacteria. But for some reason, her mouth seems so clean! It can't be that sanitary because they will eat garbage and gum from under a chair. You can't do it. RS: Is it OK to sit on a public toilet seat? BS: Oh, I don't sit on public toilets. I'm a hoverer. With my kids … I had this perfect baby hold, and I would hover them and they got real used to it. It's a little awkward now because one is 21, but it's a tradition for us … RS: Are top sheets necessary? BS: We just did away with our top sheet. We're just a duvet. Because we're very European.

The holidays are a perfect time to get cozy on the couch and binge your favorite TV shows. And although it’s common to opt for that familiar comfort show you can’t get enough of (we see you, Friends fans!), Netflix has launched a variety of new TV shows and follow-up seasons that are too good to miss. If you struggle to find time to watch new episodes during the hectic holiday season, your winter break could offer some much-needed leisure time to catch up on what’s new—especially if you’re hesitant to commit to movies. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best Netflix series that you can binge—and finish—during the holidays. Whether you’re watching from start to finish or diving into a new season, these shows are sure to keep you entranced. 1. A Man on the Inside Based on the novel The Mole Agent by Maite Alberdi, Man on the Inside follows a retired professor—aka Ted Danson—whose simple life gets exponentially more interesting when a private investigator hires him to solve a theft case inside a retirement home. The show is packed with lighthearted comedy, mystery, and so much sincerity, managing to reach Netflix’s top 10 list during its first week. 2. Yellowjackets With a new season release in February 2025, Yellowjackets is another show you can’t miss—especially if you’re looking for something with more thrill. The show follows a high school girl’s soccer team whose plane crashes in the wilderness; with little to no resources and a high school-level set of survival skills, the girls are forced to make do on their own. The show plays with the passage of time, the longterm effects of trauma, and the sacrifices you make when faced with an impossible problem. Plus, Netflix just released the show’s second season in time to catch up during the holidays! 3. Territory Territory follows the world’s largest cattle farm as several people fight to inherit it. In order to determine the land’s owner, each character must go through a number of obstacles—and ambitious rivals—to reach the final decision. Each episode of this Australian, neo-Western show is packed with suspense. 4. Adoration Another excellent choice for those who live for the thrill: Adoration. This Italian show follows a 16-year-old girl who vanishes without a trace. As the months pass by, more secrets of the young girl’s life are revealed, forcing her community to put the puzzle pieces together in order to find out where she went. This suspenseful show will keep you on the edge of your seat, so if you’re reminiscing about spooky season, give Adoration a chance. 5. The Empress If you’re a Bridgerton fanatic, allow us to introduce you to the next chart-topping show following a glamorous monarch. Based on the true story of the Empress Elisabeth of Austria, The Empress follows Elisabeth as she falls in love with the Emperor Franz and becomes his bride. After joining the intriguing yet rule-abiding Habsburg monarchy, Elisabeth soon realizes the overwhelming politics and social dynamics of her seemingly lavish life. You’ll quickly find yourself watching episode after episode, eventually hoping the show gets renewed for its third season in 2025. 6. Kaos Fresh off his role as the Wizard of Oz in Wicked, Jeff Goldblum stars in this dark comedy that re-imagines Greek mythology in a modern way. Kaos follows Prometheus as he attempts to overthrow the all-mighty Zeus—with a little help from mortal humans. Using the skills of Eurydice, Caeneus, and Ariadne, each episode of this high-energy show explores themes of power, gender, and life in the underworld, all with a star-studded cast.

A change in season often calls for swapping out your fun summer reads for cozy autumnal novels, and nobody knows how to do this better than Hollywood actress Emma Roberts. In fact, the multifaceted superstar spent the last few months traveling through Europe to attend the summer Olympics and collaborated with Trainline to curate a list of her favorite books to read while traveling from city to city. “This collaboration allowed me to blend my passions for travel and reading, which is a dream,” she says. “Nothing beats losing yourself in a good book, especially when traveling by train, which feels so magical.” While on the road, Roberts is sure to add some book-filled stops to her itinerary. “No matter where I'm going, I always find time to stop at a local bookstore to discover my next read,” she says. “Some of my favorites include John Sandoe in London, OFR Bookshop in Paris, La Bola in Barcelona, and Prospero’s Books in Milan.” Read on to learn more about Roberts’ overseas trip, why she always brings a book on the road, and her top picks for the perfect fall read. Why Emma Roberts Always Travels With a Book Roberts has loved reading for as long as she can remember. “I was home-schooled for high school because I was traveling for work,” she explains. “The habit of always having a book or two on me has never left me.” As her love for reading continued into adulthood, Roberts and her best friend, Karah Preiss, co-founded an online book club in 2017, called BELLETRIST. The club has featured over 75 books across social media platforms and has produced two TV series. “Even now, one of the first things Karah and I do when we catch up is discuss our current or recent reads and swap recommendations,” Roberts says. Emma Roberts’ Top 3 Book for Fall The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith is a psychological thriller that follows Tom Ripley, a New York City con-man who travels to Italy while struggling to make ends meet. “I love Highsmith’s descriptions of the Italian coast, and the adventures Mr. Ripley takes after inserting himself into the world of Dickie Greenleaf is so addictive,” Roberts says. A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway is a memoir about the author’s expatriate life in Paris during the 1920s. “As we get into fall, I always seem to dive into non-fiction more,” says Roberts. “It’s a great book for inspiring creativity and the perfect read for a quick trip, like London to Paris.” My Husband by Maud Ventura My Husband by Maud Ventura follows a French woman with an unwavering romantic obsession for her husband; throughout the story, she questions whether he feels the same way for her, too. “It was big in France and just a great read if you’re traveling through Europe or looking for a little romantic intrigue with really smart prose,” Roberts says.

Who doesn’t love Ina Garten?! Like so many of us, I’ve been a fan for as long as I can remember, and I have the rainbow of Barefoot Contessa cookbooks lined up on my kitchen shelf to prove it. The pages inside are dog-eared and splattered, evidence of their good use over the years. When I was in my early 30s, and in that stage of life when it seems like you’re attending a shower of some sort every weekend, her roasted shrimp and orzo was the dish I took to every party. I made her coconut cake for my husband’s birthday, the beef tenderloin for Christmas dinner, blue cheese coleslaw for summer cookouts, and her Italian wedding soup on chilly Sunday afternoons. Suffice it to say, Ina has taught me a lot over the years. (I never made bacon in a skillet again after she taught me how to bake it. As Ina would say, how easy is that?) Then I read her new memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happens, which is out now. One of the most anticipated books of the year, it delivers. This isn’t a “how I became a star” story but an honest portrayal of her life that does not shy away from the gritty details of an awful childhood. It’s also an ode to her husband, Jeffrey, and her commitment to building a life centered on happiness, first and foremost. In short, Ina has a lot of wisdom to impart beyond what she’s shared standing at her kitchen counter. Here are some of my takeaways. If you really love what you do, you'll be good at it In the early '80s, Ina was working in the White House, writing nuclear energy policy. It was a Serious Job that surely sounded impressive at cocktail parties, but she was bored to death. One day at work, she spotted an ad in the newspaper for a small gourmet store in the Hamptons. Even though she had zero professional culinary experience, she loved to cook and spent much of her free time doing it. When she mentioned the ad to Jeffrey, he gave her what she says is the best advice, something lots of us have heard but few actually follow: "If you really love what you do, you’ll be good at it." You can learn as you go There was nothing practical about Ina’s decision to quit her job and buy the store. She lived in Washington, D.C., and the store was in New York. She had no experience. But she didn’t let that stop her. Unlike so many of us, who get stuck in the “Should I/shouldn’t I?” decision-making loop, she just went for it. You don’t have to research every bit of minutiae to take your next step. You just need to start. What makes her leap so remarkable is that her difficult childhood (in which she was routinely criticized for not being good enough) led to a severe lack of confidence. She could have let her insecurity derail her, but she pushed past it. Play the part Ina noticed that some of her early customers weren’t treating her like the business owner she was. What did she do? She walked to the jewelry store across the street from her shop and bought a gold statement necklace to project more authority. As she shows, it helps to act like the person you want to be perceived as, even if you’re not feeling it on the inside. Don't settle Ina and Jeffrey are famously in love, but she graciously gives an honest account of their long marriage in her memoir. She reveals the growing pains they’ve felt, and how, once her business got rolling and they found themselves moving in separate directions, it took a period of separation and counseling for the two of them to create a life that worked for both of them, where neither would have to sacrifice their dreams. True partners, she taught me, work together to give each other the life they want. Take credit! At the end of her memoir, Ina says that even once she became a household name, she used to brush off people’s compliments about her success with some version of “I just got lucky.” Then another über-successful woman basically told her to cut it out. Too many people, and especially women, don’t acknowledge their hard work. You put in the time, so even if your success is so sweet that it feels like a stroke of luck, own that you were the one who made it happen.

Books are essential. Storytelling allows us to fill in the gaps of history, gain new perspectives, and orient ourselves and our place in the universe. Ironically, the power of books is affirmed by the recent efforts to suppress them. In 2023, compared to 2022, the number of book titles targeted for censorship surged by 65%, reaching the highest numbers ever documented by the American Library Association (ALA). Primarily targeting schools and public libraries, book challenges have been increasing exponentially since 2020 and they show no signs of slowing down. Some recurring themes show up on the banned books list. For example, books about LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals made up 47% of those targeted in censorship attempts, the ALA reports. In honor of those whose stories and lives have been deemed too sensitive, we’d like to give these books a fair chance. With the help of 10 published authors (whose newest books are linked below), we’ve put together a list of banned book recommendations that cover everything from enslavement and forced immigration to queer coming of age tales. 01 of 10 All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson “Vulnerable and honest, this memoir wrestles with some heavy themes but they are balanced out with really joyful family stories. When I first encountered this book it felt unlike anything else I'd read before, especially for a YA audience. I love a queer memoir and I hope the challenges against this book only bring it to a wider audience." —Maia Kobabe, author of Gender Queer, the most challenged book of 2023, according to the ALA 02 of 10 Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult “[Nineteen Minutes] is a novel about a school shooting, and it explores the nightmare that becomes real with horrifying frequency: A troubled, likely bullied, young person morphs into a monster. It’s a tale that could help discourage gun violence ... but, of course, that means people have to be able to read it.” —Chris Bohjalian, author of bestseller and banned book Midwives 03 of 10 The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros "The House on Mango Street packs a punch for a short novel. Cisneros weaves together a medley of vignettes into one unified narrative that captures Esperanza Cordero’s childhood and adolescence in her Mexican American neighborhood of Chicago. Banned or challenged in schools for a myriad of themes including sexuality, racism, and poverty, this book brilliantly evokes Esperanza’s journey from girl to young woman. I love so much what Cisneros does in this book, from dialogue to characterization, but my favorite part is the language itself, which is so lush and bright it seems to shine right off the page.” —Shannon Bowring, author of Where the Forest Meets the River 04 of 10 Beloved by Toni Morrison “Toni Morrison's Beloved tells with such depth, beauty, and pain, the racial tensions that have long crossed—and still cross—the United States of America. But the value of Beloved goes far beyond the borders of a single country ... Toni Morrison makes the story of Sethe and Denver a universal parable, with sumptuous, elegant, magnificent prose ... Beloved moves us to tears, makes us participate in a circumstantial and timeless tragedy, elevates our spirit, infuses new strength into our desire for justice, makes us more human than we would be without reading it.” —Nicola Lagioia, author of The City of the Living 05 of 10 Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi “Yaa Gyasi's beautiful, heartbreaking, and unforgettable Homegoing should be required reading for every American. A generational saga spanning three centuries, the novel begins with two sisters in Gold Coast Africa who are divided forever by slavery. Gyasi’s spellbinding storytelling and artful fictional realization of these difficult moments in our shared history offer an empathetic platform for facing and discussing the legacies of enslavement and forced immigration. The fact that it has been banned in many communities is testament to the power of the blow it lands.” —Juliet Grames, author of The Lost Boy of Santa Chionia, 06 of 10 A Time to Kill by John Grisham "A Time to Kill depicts the brutal, racially motivated rape of a very young girl and the trial of her father that follows in the wake of his grief-fueled murder of her attackers. In addition to being a riveting legal thriller, A Time to Kill is, importantly, an extremely accessible look at the complex intersection of racism and the American justice system. Counterintuitively and—I would argue, disingenuously—the book has been repeatedly banned precisely because of the racism and terrifying sexual violence it depicts. However, never has a society or its youth changed for the better by trying to pretend its greatest horrors do not exist." —Kimberly McCreight, author of Like Mother, Like Daughter 07 of 10 Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov “One could say that Lolita should be read precisely because of the empathy it inspires for the character of Humbert Humbert, a pedophile—which demonstrates literature’s capacity to transport us into realities far removed from our own. Yet, this position would be as moralistic as wanting to ban Lolita. Instead, I think we should read Lolita to remind ourselves that, in a world where people and institutions seek to ban myriad works of art out of bigotry and prejudice, a native Russian speaker was able to emigrate to the United States and write one of the greatest masterpieces of English-language literature—a book so powerful that some still want to ban it seventy years after it was written.” —Irene Graziosi, author of The Other Profile 08 of 10 The Rabbits' Wedding by Garth Williams “One of my favorite children’s banned books was published in April of 1958, long before challenged books became viral. The Rabbits’ Wedding, by uber talented author and illustrator Garth Williams, depicts an enchanting woodland wedding ... The sweet story and glorious watercolor illustrations give children a first glimpse of true love. Unfortunately, it was banned when the White Citizens Council in Alabama challenged the book and had it removed from libraries because the male rabbit was black and the female rabbit was white. This white-supremacist group argued that the book would condition preschoolers to cross the color line.” —Nancy Furstinger, author of The Forgotten Rabbit 09 of 10 The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood “The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood has long been my favorite banned book. This gripping book positions you in a future of censorship and government control that feels all too possible. It follows the story of a woman whose fertility is so prized in a future of low birth rates that she has become the possession of a wealthy family, forced to bear children for them. The book is as tangible and moving today as it was when it was written in 1985 and the dystopian society of Gilead is fascinating and terrifying in equal measure. Margaret Atwood has produced an incredibly detailed, well-considered dystopian world that will pull you in and characters who will remain with you permanently as a chilling reminder of what could be.” —Lily Kingsolver, author of Coyote’s Wild Home 10 of 10 His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman "A trilogy of fantastical novels that are filled with the kind of adventures and oblong monsters one would expect, these books transcend by ultimately turning into examinations of a world without God. As our heroes come of age, they face rich and vital emotional conflicts which are buoyed by frank examinations of what it means to be a person, to be alive. Targeted in particular by the Catholic church, Pullman's oft-banned novels were my first true exposure to questions of existence, cloaked so perfectly in one of the most thrilling fantasy universes I've found." —August Thompson, author of Anyone’s Ghost

The Perseid meteor shower, which occurs annually from mid-July to late August, will reach its peak this year on the night of August 11 and the wee hours of August 12. If you're lucky, you could see as many as 100 meteors blaze through the sky per hour, according to NASA. Here's when, where, and how to catch the best show—plus a scientific explainer about the celestial phenomenon. The Best Time to Watch the Perseids You'll see the most meteors after midnight and before dawn on August 11–12. The meteor shower is active from July 14 to September 1 this year, but the peak night is when it's most intense. While you might see some meteors as soon as the sky is dark, the best visibility happens after the moon has set, around 12 a.m. If you're not free on August 11, or if it's cloudy or rainy, you can try for a good viewing on the night of August 10 or 12 instead (the shower will be close enough to its peak that there will still be a bunch of meteors). The Best Place to Watch the Perseids The best place to watch is somewhere without light pollution, if you can find it. Street lamps and other electric lights obscure our view of the night sky, so parks and rural areas tend to be darkest. To locate dark sites near you, check out the search tool from the nonprofit DarkSky International. And avoid spots with trees or buildings blocking the sky—especially the northeastern part of it, where the shower's "radiant" is (more on that below). The Best Way to Watch the Perseids No need for binoculars or telescopes; just look with the naked eye. The Perseid shower is known for its big, bright meteors, which streak across the whole sky. When you get to your dark spot, give your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust, and bring along a flashlight for safety. You might also want a comfortable chair or blanket to lounge on, as well as a sweater or warm drink if the night gets cool. The Science of Meteor Showers What exactly are you looking at, anyway? Read on for a brief explainer and some interesting facts about meteors. What are meteors? Meteors happen when the rocks and dust in outer space—called meteoroids—collide with the earth's atmosphere at high speeds. The friction heats up the meteoroid, which causes the gases around the meteoroid to glow, leaving a streak of light in our sky (what we call a meteor). Space is full of meteoroids—pieces of comets, asteroids, planets, or even the moon that shed during orbit or get knocked off through collision. They range in size from a grain of sand to meter-length boulders. On any given night, as they crash into our orbit, they create meteors, and it's possible to see several an hour. (The brightest ones will be big, fast pieces.) When you spot a "shooting star," that's what you're seeing. What is a meteor shower? A meteor shower is when dozens or even hundreds of meteors fall an hour. This occurs when the earth passes through a particularly large number of meteoroids, usually because we're crossing paths with a comet. The Perseid meteor shower comes from the Swift-Tuttle comet, a big ball of rock, dust, and ice that takes 133 years to orbit the sun. As it travels, its sheds a stream of meteoroids (the "tail" of the comet), and we pass through this tail every summer and get a cool view. Meteor "storms"—when a thousand or more meteors fall an hour—are rarer and difficult to predict, though some scientists think the 2028 Perseids will produce a storm. What are the best meteor showers? Besides the Perseids, popular showers occur at predictable times every year. Here are some upcoming ones: The Orionids will happen this year from September 26 to November 22, peaking the night of October 20. The meteors come from Halley's comet. The Leonids will take place from November 3 to December 2, peaking the night of November 17. The meteors come from the Tempel-Tuttle comet. Fun fact: The Leonids are famous for producing storms (unfortunately, none is expected this year). In 1833, there was such a massive storm that people thought the world was ending, and the spectacle prompted scientists to figure out what meteors actually were. The Geminids will fall from November 19 to December 24, peaking the night of December 13. These come from an asteroid called 3200 Phaethon. The Lyrids arrive in the spring, from April 15 to April 29, 2025. They'll peak the night of April 21 and come from the comet Thatcher. How do meteor showers get their names? Every meteor shower has a "radiant"—a spot in the sky all the meteors appear to rain down from. It's an optical illusion, because the meteors are actually falling in parallel lines across the whole sky, but they seem to converge in the distance at a single location. They're named after this location, which is usually a constellation. So the Perseids seem to fall from the constellation Perseus, the Orionids from Orion, the Leonids from Leo, the Geminids from Gemini, and the Lyrids from Lyra. Why are meteors different colors? The color depends on what the meteoroid is made of. Iron gives off a yellow hue when it burns, a calcium-rich meteoroid can look purple, and one with lots of magnesium will be teal. When the nitrogen and oxygen in our atmosphere glow, they form a red streak. Do meteors ever fall all the way to earth? Yep! Most meteoroids are so small that they completely combust high up in the sky—30 to 50 miles above the earth's surface—but some large ones partly survive the journey through our atmosphere, and chunks fall to earth. When they land on our planet, they're called meteorites. About 80,000 meteorites have been found so far, mostly in Antarctica. Don't worry: The odds of getting injured by one are extremely small. In fact, only one person has ever been struck. (Ann Hodges, in 1954, was hit in the hip while napping. She survived!) Meteorites are a great way for scientists to study the history of our solar system, as some come from meteoroids that are billions of years old.

Laura Jarrett, co-anchor of Saturday TODAY and NBC News’s senior legal correspondent, and Poppy Harlow, author and former CNN anchor, are celebrating the start of summer in the best way possible: the pair just published their first children's book together! The Color of Love, a picture book illustrated by award-winning artist Elisa Chavarri, was a lovely collaboration between the two friends that unfolded during the pandemic. To celebrate the book's launch and the upcoming warm weather, we asked the two moms to share the summer essentials (including good books!) that help them and their families make the most of the season. 01 of 09 Cozy Earth's Bamboo Sheet Set "These sheets are incredibly soft and don’t get too hot during summer nights," says Laura. We have to agree with Laura on her sheet set pick—fun fact, we've tested almost 200 sheets here at REAL SIMPLE and this bamboo set from Cozy Earth was a top performer! Having the right sheets are crucial if you want a restful, not-too-hot summer. 02 of 09 Trader Joe's Matcha Green Tea Powder Of course, there has to be a Trader Joe's treat on this list! Poppy swears by the brand's matcha powder for a refreshing morning pick-me-up when the weather's warm. "I use this for a good iced matcha latte at home with unsweetened vanilla almond milk," she says. 03 of 09 The Color of Love Finding new reading material for the kids to keep their minds active over the long summer days can be a challenge, but Laura and Poppy's new title, The Color of Love, is the answer. The book explores love in its many forms as the young protagonist asks in a classroom project, "If love were a color, what color would it be?” “Sometimes people think children don’t see color—but they do. They just see the beauty in our differences and aren’t afraid of them. Poppy is fearless, and I'm so grateful to collaborate with my friend on this story," says Laura. 04 of 09 H&M Kids Sundresses This is technically Laura's daughter's choice, but clearly, the kid has good taste! A breathable cotton summer dress is a definite must if you want to stay cool and comfy. Laura adds, "My daughter loves a dress, even if it’s for playing in the sandbox. These H&M Kids sundresses wash well yet still feel pretty." (Something that washes well is also music to our ears!) 05 of 09 Sun Bum Kids SPF 50 Clear Sunscreen Face Stick Sunscreen is a non-negotiable for healthy skin, especially when the sun is blazing. Ensure your kids are well-protected from its harmful UV rays with a solid sunblock—literally. Poppy recommends this face stick from Sun Bum, saying, "This sunscreen goes on clear and lasts when the kids jump in and out of the water. Plus, it smells delicious." 06 of 09 BrüMate Era 40oz Tumbler Hydration is also key when the temperature rises! Laura stands by BrüMate's Era 40oz tumbler, which holds a lot of liquid and is leakproof—ideal for anyone on the go, especially parents juggling kids, grocery bags, a purse, a phone, a stroller...shall we go on? But seriously, you can flip the cup upside down when it's in the "locked" position and you won't see a single drop seep out. 07 of 09 Hair Ribbons Summer hair can be hard to style—it's too warm to whip out any hot tools and who wants to spend forever in a humid bathroom fussing around with frizzy strands? Poppy's genius solution? Stock up on ribbons! It's an easy fix when you just can't be bothered to do much to your hair. She says, "A good bow makes a ponytail so much fun! I buy a yard of each at our local fabric store." You can follow her lead and pick up some yardage or swing by Target for clip-ons. 08 of 09 Amazon Handheld Mini Fan A portable fan you can stash in your purse and bust out the second you break a sweat?! Sign us up! Of this super affordable find from Amazon, Laura says, "C’mon, so cute! This is great for when the New York City subways feel like a furnace in August." (Most REAL SIMPLE staffers commute on the subway daily to work, so we can totally relate...and will probably snag a fan too.) Oh, and even better, the fan features a backup power bank and a flashlight! 09 of 09 Birkenstocks People are naturally more active in the summer months, so with all the walking around you'll be doing, it's important to wear the right shoes—something Poppy fully agrees with. She votes for Birkenstocks as the comfiest pair to rock, saying, "These are an essential! They last forever and are beyond comfy. My favorite is the Arizona Big Buckle in patent leather—blue for fun!"

Is it just me, or is America getting...shoppier? Lately everywhere I look, someone’s trying to sell me something. They’re pitching me on Instagram, or I’m being upsold by that “Frequently Bought Together” list on Amazon, or the company I gave my number to for a discount is texting me about a new “can’t-miss” sale. Thanks to all these semi-bespoke bots matching me algorithmically with products, temptation abounds to acquire, well, more. I actually love shopping, but the idea of filling my home with junk does not appeal. What I’m looking for, and maybe you are too, is the good stuff. The things I really want or truly need. The June issue is all about that good stuff because—here’s my unabashed flex—REAL SIMPLE is aces at product recommendations. Our gift guides are world-class; our Clever Items are beloved. Our beauty picks are based on science, with proven ingredients and dermatologist-backed advice. We never miss, because we have the taste, the access, the editors, and our excellent testing labs. That all culminates in our June 2024 issue, which we’re calling Best and Brightest. It’s filled with the products, the people (hi, Busy!), and the ideas we’re currently crushing on, and nearly every page is shoppable. We've even created a Pinterest board with links to products, where inspiration meets action. As always, we stand by every single item in here. Anything with our seal has been rigorously tested in one of our three labs, our own homes, or both. (We spend almost 50,000 hours a year evaluating products—more than 5,200 items so far!) The rest has been thoroughly vetted by our editors, who have decades of experience among them. You probably don’t need another source yelling at you to buy something. But we’re not just another source. We’re REAL SIMPLE. The Best: Products Everything on this list has earned our seal of approval, which is not given out to just anything. Nope. We have three powerhouse testing labs in New York City, Des Moines, and Birmingham that span over 100,000 square feet and more than 50 test kitchens. And over the past two years, we’ve spent nearly 50,000 hours testing thousands of products. We’ve spread mud across tiles and cleaned it up, dropped containers full of soup from various distances, tested air quality, and so on. Then, in many cases, we brought top-performers home and into the real world for further testing. With all the data points in mind, we make our official product recommendations. These are some of our current faves that get two thumbs up—and, yes, that coveted seal. Our Cover Star: Busy Philipps Who belongs on the cover of a magazine when the issue theme is Best & Brightest? Busy Philipps, of course! The actress-slash-author-slash-advocate-slash-multihyphenate has literally gone on the record as being sparkly! Of course, she’s not wrong. There’s something just so fizzy and lovely about her. If you follow her on Instagram, you’ll totally agree. (If you don’t, you should! She uses the platform to talk about anything and everything including—but not limited to—new haircuts, her ADHD, bigger world issues, and dogs.) We caught up with her on a sunny day in Los Angeles to talk about her Insta account, her new partnership with the American Civil Liberty Union’s Artist Ambassador Program, personality hangovers, and more. The Brightest: People, Ideas & a Few More Things And everything on this list is, well, flat out awesome. To make it, we started with a crucial first step—a brainstorm doc. Everyone on the REAL SIMPLE staff made their nominations and we looked to see where there was overlap. Next, we weighed and we debated and we whittled. Ultimately, we’re pretty pumped about how it came out. The people, products, and ideas on this page are seriously giving us life right now. Scroll through!

Kristen Kish: The Chef Normalizing Raw Emotions She’s a brilliant chef, a restaurateur (Arlo Grey in Austin, Texas), a cookbook author (Kristen Kish Cooking: Recipes and Techniques), a TV personality (with shows on Netflix, National Geographic, and TruTV), and the new host of Bravo’s Top Chef. But for all her incredible success, Kristen Kish may be most inspiring when she’s admitting that life isn’t always rosy. “I’ve realized the power of saying what I feel, especially when everything’s not perfect,” she says. Kish is open about her lifelong challenges with anxiety and bouts of impostor syndrome, even in life’s most mundane moments. “I might be at the grocery store, look at my cart, and think, Oh my God, I’m not a chef. You never know what’s going to trigger those feelings.” Kish’s candor and story have won her many fans. A South Korean adoptee, she grew up in Michigan, attended culinary school, and honed her skills in Boston restaurants before competing on—and winning—season 10 of Top Chef. She became a regular guest judge, until the producers brought her on as host. Now, with Top Chef in its 21st season, she’s on her biggest stage yet. Remarkably, this job gives her less anxiety than you’d think. “I know what I know and what I don’t know,” she says. “At the end of the day, my role as host is simply to be me and be honest. That I can do.” —Jenna Helwig, food director Sherri Shepherd: The Talk Show Host with Oprah’s Blessing Late last year, Sherri Shepherd had a surreal moment on the set of her eponymous talk show. She’d spent her formative years watching The Oprah Winfrey Show, so when the original talk show queen agreed to appear on Sherri, it felt monumental. “I get emotional thinking about it because nobody has done it better than that woman did,” Shepherd says. “To have Oprah come on my show and say she was passing the baton to me? The 20-year-old girl inside me was screaming, but the grown-ass woman was like, You did it.” Shepherd’s story is one of talent, hard work, and hustle. She made her TV debut in 1995 with a short-lived sitcom on the WB and has since appeared on dozens of shows. She was a cohost on The View for seven years, helping to send it into the ratings stratosphere; she does stand-up comedy; she’s written two books (a memoir and a wellness plan); and she supports organizations that help people with developmental disabilities, in honor of her son. “Over the years, people have said no to me about things for various reasons,” Shepherd says. “But I kept at it and believed in myself—and that perseverance paid off.” Nearly 30 years into her career, Shepherd is still hustling. She’s filming season 3 of Max’s The Sex Life of College Girls (she plays a senator and the mom of a main character), and she’ll soon start taping season 3 of Sherri. “I have lots of people I want on the show: Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep, Viola Davis!” Maybe Oprah again? —Bethany Heitman The Zero-Effort Paint Samples “Yay for the paint companies that realized how annoying it is to dirty—and clean!—a bunch of brushes any time you want to test out new colors. Peel-and-stick paint samples should win a Nobel Prize. Thanks, Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore!” —Lisa Freedman, executive editor The Washing Machines Made for Pet Owners “There are so many cool things happening in Laundry World. Take GEProfile’s UltraFast Combo washer/dryer, which now has a pet hair removal function. It blows air to separate hair from clothes before they’re washed, ultimately saving your dryer’s filter.” —Erica Finamore, home director The Customizable Palette “In my 17 years as a beauty editor, I had never found a makeup palette that checks all of the boxes. Until I met Renzoe Box. It’s sleek and compact—and it allows you to shop from different companies to build the palette of your dreams. Pick blush from Nars, an eyeshadow from Dior, a lipstick from Mac, and so on. While it’s certainly a splurge, it holds all of my favorites in one spot, making it easy to take my makeup on the go.” — Heather Muir Maffei, beauty director Charlotte Tilbury: The Thoughtful Makeup Maker Search for viral makeup products on TikTok, and chances are you’ll find at least one of Charlotte Tilbury’s golden goodies. Born in London, the makeup artist grew up in Ibiza surrounded by artists—her father was a painter; her mother worked in fashion. “I remember studying posters of Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn in my bedroom and being enthralled by the lighting and what made them look beautiful,” she says. When she was 13, after swiping some mascara onto her barely-there strawberry-blond lashes and feeling instantly more confident, she understood the transformative power of makeup. Now Tilbury is known as the goddess of glow, and her work lights up the runways. With more than 100 Vogue covers under her belt, she has a roster of ultra-famous clients, including Jennifer Aniston, Amal Clooney (she did her wedding makeup!), and Kate Moss. In 2013, Tilbury launched her own makeup and skin-care line with the goal of bringing the “Hollywood tricks” to the masses. “I wanted to bottle up that lightning and that feeling I had the first time I wore mascara,” she says. The line contains more than 500 products, many of which are top sellers at Sephora. If you doubt the life-changing impact of makeup, consider: “I’ve had women tell me that my products helped them get a new job or get out of a bad relationship.” And in 2019, her brand donated more than $1 million to Women for Women International, a charity that helps survivors of war gain the skills they need to be self-sufficient. —H.M.M. Jessica Knoll: The Novelist on a Mission Around the time survivors were telling their stories as part of the #MeToo movement, writer Jessica Knoll told hers. She’d written her bestselling debut novel, Luckiest Girl Alive, about a careerist who reinvented herself after a series of traumatic events during her teens. Knoll eventually admitted that the gang rape in the plot was loosely based on her own assault and the lack of support she received in the aftermath. “A narrative took hold about what had happened. I knew the real story, but no one was interested in my version of it,” she says. She wrote the screenplay (the 2022 movie features Mila Kunis), changing the ending in part to reflect the outpouring of responses she’d received from other women, who said they’d been through a similar trauma. She wrote her new novel, Bright Young Women, after watching back-to-back TV shows about serial killer Ted Bundy. Knoll was stunned that the judge who sentenced Bundy called him a “bright young man,” glorifying him and minimizing the women he had killed. “There was a different side of the story,” she says. So Knoll set out to tell it. The result is a fictionalized version from the victims’ perspectives that doesn’t give the killer any notoriety, never even using his name. The way it always should have been. —B.H. The Brilliance of Portable Lamps “I strongly dislike having to hide cords—and I hate the look of them when they show!—so portable table lamps might be my new favorite trend. You can put them anywhere, outlet or not, and they always look cool, stylish, and totally polished.” —E.F. The Default Salt “Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt is the Goldilocks between coarse and fine. It’s easy to pick up with your fingers but not too chunky, and it’s less salty than many other kosher salts. Plus, it has a cleaner, more neutral flavor than table salt. It’s what most chefs use and what we used in culinary school, and that’s good enough for me!” —J.H. The Vending Machine with Salads “Farmer’s Fridge! It’s a brilliant concept because it’s fresh salads and grain and noodle bowls from a vending machine. There are more than 1,000 around the country, at airports and hospitals, some Costcos and Targets. They’re stocked regularly. If I’m traveling and my options for lunch are airplane food or airport food, Farmer’s Fridge wins out with good eats that are ready to grab and easy to tote. It’s even eco-friendly: You can return the jars to a machine for recycling.” —Lauren Iannotti, editor in chief Kara Swisher: The Button-Pushing Tech Journalist Kara Swisher has always lit fires in her work. The provocateur has chronicled the egos and excesses of Silicon Valley for The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and now New York, making a habit of scorching its denizens. But somehow she’s still embraced by them. “They think I’m one of them sometimes, and that’s a mistake,” she says. One way she’s not like many of them? She gets it right. Swisher was smart enough to consider tech a worthwhile beat early on. She helped popularize podcasting and showed Big Media that live events were a path to growth. Now she does what she pleases. In her new memoir, Burn Book, which is just what it sounds like only more so, Swisher once again cuts those grotesquely wealthy, code-smart chuckleheads down to size. Elon Musk atop X is “a troll king at scale”; Peter Thiel is a “contrarian investor and persistent irritant.” How does she manage that cockiness in the face of all that, well, cockiness? “I don’t have an inner critic. I don’t know why,” says the pundit, whose latest podcast, On with Kara Swisher, features smart conversations with smart people (Ava DuVernay, Liz Cheney, Sam Altman). “And I don’t listen to other people either.” She credits her self-confidence at least in part to being gay. The fact that people didn’t like her for that made them, to her, stupid and not worth listening to. To be a woman in a bro’s world is impressive. To be a queer person who cut her own path and created a powerful role for herself in that world? Next-level. —L.I. Xochitl Torres Small: The Voice for Small Farmers In 2019, right before one of her first official meetings as the U.S. representative for New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, Xochitl Torres Small was nervous. “I couldn’t psych myself up. It wasn’t enough to say, I am powerful; I can do this,” she recalls. “So instead I told myself that the people I represent deserve to be in this room. And it gave me this ability to walk in and do exactly what I needed to do.” Of course, she could do “this,” and President Biden recognized that, eventually tapping her for two jobs at the USDA. In her current role, as the deputy secretary of agriculture, “I spend a lot of time thinking about how we can make sure people feel like the USDA is something that’s for them. Because we all have a role in the food system,” she says. She spends time working on online portals for farmers to pay their loans, talking to college agriculture students, making sure soon-to-be moms can sign up for the WIC nutrition program, investing in smaller meat processors, and more. While she handles the policy side, she offers a few steps the rest of us can take: Lobby your school district to get local foods to kids’ classrooms, and buy your meat close to home. She also suggests chatting up the farmers at the markets. “The best conversations I have with farmers are about why they do what they do and what they want for their kids,” she says. —L.F. Dani Dazey: The Designer Who Uses Color Like It's Her Job Dani Dazey has always been bright. The designer was raised in a home filled with saturated colors and splashy paintings—and the vividness stuck with her. “Most people grow up loving color, but along the way, they become afraid of it,” she says. “I’ve just carried it with me.” As a kid, Dazey loved art, fashion, and interior design, but she thought she could only pursue one of them. She picked fashion and landed jobs designing graphics and textiles for companies like Urban Outfitters. Then she started her own line, Dazey LA. “It was all about color, self-expression, and vintage design,” she says. “About being bold in what you wear in your everyday life.” Her colorful style transferred over to her interior design, first in an industrial Los Angeles office space she turned into a vibrant peach palace, then in her home in the California desert, which boasted ’70s patterns and rich colors. She began posting photos of her spaces on Instagram (@danidazey), people took notice, and suddenly interiors were her full-time gig. Partnering with famed drag queen Trixie Mattel, she designed the incredible Palm Springs motel for the Discovery+ show Trixie Motel (now in its second season), and she’s about to launch collabs with wallpaper, furniture, and fashion brands—proof that you don’t have to pick a lane! Her tip for those who might be a bit color shy: Look in your closet. See a ton of green sweaters? “You’ll probably like that color on your walls,” she says. —E.F. The Idea of Integrated Grief “Society used to treat loss as something you could get over, but we all keep our grief with us for a long time—sometimes forever. One interpretation of integrated grief is that you’re letting go of the person you were before your loss and embracing the new person you’ve become. I lost my husband to brain cancer four years ago, and I’m starting to take pride in who I am now, even if I’m not the same as when he was here.” —E.F. The No. 1 Invention for No. 2s “Is a Tushy worth it? You bidet believe it! My bathroom breaks have turned into the VIP experience I deserve. The Tushy is sleek and easy to install, has an option for warm water, and helps you use less toilet paper. It makes me feel like I’ve been bumped up from economy to business class.” —Muzam Agha, photo director The Programs Keeping Food Waste out of Landfills “Three cheers for the expansion of food scrap pickup in U.S. cities, counties, and even some states— looking at you, Vermont! Less food in landfills, less methane gas in the air, and more compost for growing things!” —J.H. The Rise of Resale Sites “I’m thrilled about how sites like Poshmark and Depop are giving fast fashion a run for its money. Not only do resale sites save tons of clothes from landfills, they’re also full of incredible deals. I’m getting married this summer, and I found my silk wedding dress on Stillwhite (a site specializing in preowned wedding dresses) and an after-party dress on The RealReal. I saved so much money. And the clothes’ history only adds to their charm.” —Katie Holdefehr, associate editorial director The Water Stations Saving Us “When Elkay Bottle Filling Stations arrived at the office, in the airport, and at my kids’ school, I was elated. Single-use plastic bottles will take us all down! Now I can bring my Hydro Flask through security, tank up near the gate, and never have to beg for a refill of a tiny plastic cup as I dehydrate and slowly turn to dust at 35,000 feet.” —L.I. The Women Making Menopause Cool “Not so long ago, if ‘the change’ got any mention at all, it was just a hot flash joke in a birthday card. Now menopause mentions are in Super Bowl ads. Big-name celebs, like Halle Berry, Michelle Obama, and many others, have spoken openly about their experiences with it. Naomi Watts launched her own wellness brand for menopausal women, and the telehealth site Evernow raised $28.5 million in funding, with help from folks like Gwyneth Paltrow and Drew Barrymore. Suddenly hot flashes are cool!” —Amy Maclin, features director

If you've been seeing a bunch of AI-generated action figure dolls of friends, followers, brands, and experts all over your social feeds, you're not alone. Here's exactly how to create one of your own—for free. Plus, we've included a few helpful tips on how to make yours look even more like you. It's fun, it's free, and it's actually super easy. How to Make Your AI-Generated Doll Download the ChatGPT app and sign in If you don't have an account (I didn't!), it's easy to create one by going to chatgpt.com. You can sign up by logging into your email account or via your phone number, or by adding your email address and creating a password. Upload a photo of yourself Once you're logged in, you'll need to upload a photo of yourself into the chat. While this can be a full body image or a cropped headshot, the AI-generated doll is full-size, so uploading a full body pic will result in a more accurate depiction. If you don't have a full body photo handy (my husband did not), simply tell the AI tool what you want the body to look like. Input instructions for your AI doll Next, you have to tell the tool to create your doll by copy and pasting this text next to your photo: "Draw an action figure toy of the person in this photo. The figure should be a full figure and displayed in its original blister pack. She always has (insert objects of your choice here)." Into the parentheses, add any personal touches you'd like. I added my favorite drink, eyeshadow palette, cookie brand, and, of course, REAL SIMPLE magazine, where I work. This is where you should have fun and get creative so that your "starter pack" matches your personality and daily life. You can be as specific as you want: I asked for a pink iPhone case and for my name "Heather Muir" to be pictured at the top of the box. Once you've submitted your request, the AI tool will take about two to three minutes to create your AI doll, which you can then save and upload wherever you like. Once you see it, you can ask the tool to make changes. But know that you can only do this so many times before it needs a "cooldown" period. I know because this happened to me. After about 30 minutes, it was able to make the changes. Is it silly? Yes. But I'll admit it was actually really fun, and it looks like this social trend is sticking.