books and media

No Hard Feelings

“No Hard Feelings” is an edgy, coming-of-age film starring Jennifer Lawrence and Andrew Barth Feldman. It centers on Lawrence’s character, Maddie, who accepts the strange job of being a girlfriend for a socially-clueless 19-year-old. The twist, however, is that Maddie was hired by his wealthy helicopter parents in a plan to ease him into adulthood. “No Hard Feelings’’ premieres June 23 and is expected to recieve high reviews.

Barbie

Television Shows

The Summer I Turned Pretty

“The Summer I Turned Pretty” is a coming-of-age television show, telling the story of Belly and her summer at Cousins Beach. Her main goal is to fall in love and kiss her crush, Conrad, but she soon finds herself in a love triangle with him and his brother, Jeremiah. The highly anticipated season two premieres in July. The show comes out June 17.

Books

Lying in the Deep

Diana Urban brilliantly writes about Jane embarking on a seemingly-perfect cruise. But something is off. The relaxing cruise turns into a murder mystery. Jade is forced to determine the killer while her new friends continue to drop like flies. “Lying in the Deep” will leave your mind-blown and trusting everybody, yet nobody at the same time.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3,” which premiered on May 5, is the third and final movie in the Guardians of the Galaxy series. The movie focuses on the Guardians adjusting to life on Knowhere. While they are there, parts of Bradley Cooper’s character, Rocket, resurface. In “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3,” Peter Quill, played by Chris Pratt, is sent on the most dangerous mission yet to save one of the Guardians. The movie is filled with laughs, jumpscares and incredible design effects, making it worth the watch.

Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie,” premiering on July 21, assesses beauty standards with a fresh perspective. “Barbie” has received top reviews from Hollywood insiders, according to Elle Magazine, which is no surprise due to the movie’s star-studded cast of Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling and many more Hollywood names. The plot centers on Barbie’s expulsion from Barbie Land for being an imperfect doll. This forces Barbie to venture into the human world. The movie is not only filled with relevant lessons and themes, but also delivers them with hilarious satire and heartfelt moments, making “Barbie” a great movie to see with family and friends.

Loki Season 2

Premiering in August, “Loki’’ season two is not one to miss. Loki, played by Tom Hiddleston, is falsely convicted by the Time Variance Authority (TVA). Loki works with Agent Mobius to figure out who is behind the TVA and what their true motives are. Season two is packed with drama, leaving viewers anticipating everyone’s next moves.

Ever Since

In “Ever Since” by Alena Bruzas, Virginia is labeled as a poor decision maker, facing judgment from her community. When Virginia discovers her sister, Lyra, is being abused, she struggles with coming forward to help because of her reputation. “Ever Since” questions the ideas of societal perception and if one can be a good person who does bad things.

Bridgerton prequel

“Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story” is a prequel to the popular Bridgerton series. The series introduces a young Charlotte who’s starting to understand her power while navigating her relationship with King George III. It also gives fans a peek into the present-day lives of the Bridgerton coterie. The six-episode season premiered May 4.

As You Walk On By

Theo Wright is overwhelmed by his dad’s seemingly foolproof plan that ensures his academic success. But all Theo wants is to attend prom with his long-time crush. However, things don’t go to plan, leaving Theo in distress. “As You Walk on By’’ by Julian Winters, simultaneously is heart wrenching and heartfelt, making it worth the read.

Montgomery County Fair

Attending the Montgomery County Fair in Gaithersburg is a great summer activity. Open Aug. 12-20, this fair is a perfect excursion for people returning from camp and vacation. With rides, snacks and games it is a fun and easy activity. Photo by Kaylah Goldrich, LT.