What to watch, read and listen to this summer

Dream State is a novel that delves into the lives of three lifelong friends, Cece, Charlie, and Garrett, and the intricate web of their relationships. The story begins with Cece planning her wedding to Charlie at his family's lake house in Salish, Montana, where Garrett, Charlie's best friend from college, is asked to officiate. As Cece spends more time with Garrett, who is haunted by a tragic event from their past, her feelings for Charlie begin to waver. The novel spans fifty years, exploring themes of love, grief, and the commitments that shape individuals. It also touches on the impact of climate change on the Montana landscape and the lives of the characters. Written with humor, precision, and heart, the book is a love letter to the American West and an elegy to the beauty of impermanence.

This book provides a dramatic narrative history of the Wars of the Roses, a period marked by intense civil war between the Lancastrian and Yorkist branches of the Plantagenet dynasty. Dan Jones explores the complex political maneuverings, bloody battles, and the roles of key figures such as Henry VI, Margaret of Anjou, Richard III, and the Earl of Warwick. The book offers a corrective to Tudor propaganda and provides a detailed look at the battles of Towton and Bosworth, where the last Plantagenet king was slain. It is a compelling and readable introduction to this turbulent era in English history.

Sarah Churchwell's "Careless People" delves into the creation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece, "The Great Gatsby. " The book explores the historical context surrounding the novel's writing, examining the social, political, and cultural forces that shaped its themes and characters. Churchwell sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding the Jazz Age and the novel itself, challenging conventional interpretations. She reveals the intricate details of Fitzgerald's creative process and the evolution of his ideas. The book offers a fresh perspective on "The Great Gatsby," enriching our understanding of its enduring relevance.

The Thursday Murder Club follows four friends—Joyce, Elizabeth, Ibrahim, and Ron—living in the Coopers Chase retirement village. They meet weekly in the Jigsaw Room to discuss unsolved crimes. When a local developer, Ian Ventham, is found dead, the club becomes involved in their first live case. As more bodies are discovered, the group works with the police, particularly PC Donna de Freitas and DCI Chris Hudson, to solve the murders. The novel blends humor, wit, and suspense, highlighting the unique skills and backgrounds of the elderly sleuths, including Joyce's nursing experience, Elizabeth's mysterious past, Ibrahim's psychiatric expertise, and Ron's trade union leadership. The story is told through a mix of Joyce's diary entries and third-person narratives, reflecting Osman's television production style.

This memoir is a personal account of Jacinda Ardern's extraordinary rise to becoming the Prime Minister of New Zealand. It highlights her compassionate leadership, particularly during crises like the Christchurch mosque attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic. The book explores themes of redefining leadership with kindness and empathy, making it an insightful read for aspiring leaders.

In 'The Loves of My Life', Flora McFerren shares a raw and intimate account of her life, detailing her quest for love and acceptance. The memoir explores her personal journey, including the challenges she faced and the lessons she learned along the way.