Movies

Crazy Rich Asians:

Based on the hit trilogy by Kevin Kwan, this romantic comedy follows Rachel (Constance Wu), an economics professor, as she accompanies her boyfriend, Nick, to his best friend's wedding in Singapore. What she doesn't know is that Nick's family is one of Asia's wealthiest, the wedding is the "wedding of the year," and she's about to be thrust into a disapproving society worlds away from what she knows. There's a lot riding on this movie: it's the second-ever film made with an all-Asian cast, any potential sequels depend heavily on its box office success (after turning away a three-movie deal on Netflix), and the book's author optioned the rights for $1.00 so he could have more artistic direction. Having already received rave reviews from critics and having been well-covered by the press, however, it's sure to be a fun, splashy summer flick that everyone can enjoy.

The Spy Who Dumped Me:

Audrey (Mila Kunis) has just been dumped by her seemingly normal boyfriend (Justin Theroux), who's actually an undercover spy. After being sought out by the CIA, she and her best friend (Kate McKinnon) are roped into preventing a terrorist group's series of assassinations. Expect hilarity (and plenty of explosions) to ensue when the action comedy hits theaters this month.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before:

In the wake of several moderate-to-poorly-received Netflix misfires (The Kissing Booth, the forthcoming Insatiable) To All the Boys I've Loved Before, based on the hit YA novel by Jenny Han, is a breath of fresh air. This romantic movie follows Lara Jean (Lana Condor), a high school junior who's five letters-each addressed in secret, one for each of her strongest former crushes-are mysteriously mailed, causing ensuing drama and chaos in her otherwise un-dramatic life. As school begins and summer comes to an end, this is the perfect rom-com for the upcoming season-and who doesn't love a good teen movie?

TV

Insecure:

The Issa Rae-led comedy returns for its third season to HBO this summer. Protagonist Issa is entering a new relationship post-breakup, with plenty of the show's signature mirror raps in tow. The season will also find Molly (Yvonne Orji) dealing with undervalued feelings at her law firm and pursuing a married love interest. Watch these two best friends deal with careers, romance, and awkward, everyday experiences when the season premieres on August 12th.

Mr. Mercedes (check IMDB/Stephen King website):

Rounding out the August TV lineup is the second season of Mr. Mercedes. Based on the chilling Stephen King trilogy, this show focuses on Bill Hodges (Brendan Gleeson), a retired detective, when his greatest unsolved case re-emerges to overturn his life. "Mr. Mercedes" (Harry Treadaway), who has re-emerged after murdering sixteen people at a job fair with a stolen vehicle, is intent on leaving a legacy of mayhem, and once events escalate from online confrontations to real-life disasters, nobody knows what he'll do next. This show is perfect for both crime and mystery lovers, and the first season can be binged on DIRECTV Now before the newest drops on August 22nd.

Alone Together:

This Freeform series follows two socially awkward comedians, Esther (Esther Povitsky) and Benji (Benji Aflalo), who strike up a platonic friendship to combat the vain environment of Los Angeles. Covering dating misadventures, work misfires, and social misconceptions, this cynical comedy is decidedly off-brand for the re-branded Freeform, but might be the ailment for the network's typically fluffy content. While you're waiting to watch the second season, catch up on the first season on Hulu or Freeform's website.

Books

Making it in Manhattan by: Caroline Vazzana:

This memoir details the career of Caroline Vazzana, whose blog and whimsical style has made her one of New York's brightest influencers. From detailing previous jobs at magazines such as Teen Vogue and InStyle to giving advice on brand building, Vazzana's book is the perfect read for fashionistas and social media devotees everywhere. Expect a journal-form, Devil Wears Prada-type of guide, but straight from a modern-day Carrie Bradshaw (Manolos included).

A Place For Us by: Fatima Farheen Mirza:

This novel tells the story of an Indian family whose various lives come together at the wedding of their eldest child. Once close-knit, they've drifted apart for numerous reasons-and over the course of the book, readers will find out why. The story details the parents' arrival to America from India, as well as their children's journeys to find their place in the world and their home. It's perfect for fans of novels by authors like Khaled Hosseini, and after being celebrated by numerous publications and championed by Sarah Jessica Parker herself, Mirza's talent as a major literary force is no secret.

Educated by: Tara Westover (check Amazon):

For those searching for an inspiring, real-life read, look no further. Tara Westover first set foot in a classroom when she was seventeen years old, after leaving her isolated, survivalist family in Idaho. Upon teaching herself enough material to take the ACT exam, Westover's quest for knowledge would take her to Brigham Young University, as well as schools like Harvard and Cambridge. This memoir is a story of self-invention, family loyalty, and survival. Finally, it delves into the true value and purpose of education.