With 'Atmosphere,' Taylor Jenkins Reid leaves the Evelyn Hugo-verse behind and travels to space

Taylor Jenkins Reid loves to research before writing. She's penned novels set in the golden age of Hollywood in “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,” the 1970s rock scene in “Daisy Jones & the Six,” 1980s surf culture in “Malibu Rising” and professional tennis in “Carrie Soto is Back.”  With her latest novel, “Atmosphere: A Love Story” it took extra time, reading and understanding. The story takes place during the 1980s space shuttle program and follows an astronomer and her comrades and also later on, when disaster strikes. Reid tells The Associated Press researching “Atmosphere” felt like an intense fever dream.

Old Dominion's new album, 'Barbara,' won't lean on band's record-breaking laurels

NEW YORK (AP) — Old Dominion will release their new album, “Barbara,” on Aug. 22. The 13-track project includes the previously released “Me Most Nights” and “Making Good Time,” along with the four-on-the-floor “Talk Country” and the R&B-infused “What Doesn’t Kill a Memory.” Lead singer Matthew Ramsey says the band has worked on the album for the last two years, calling it their most eclectic album to date. They won their eighth consecutive group of the year award at last month's Academy of Country Music Awards, putting Old Dominion in the sole position of the record. The band is prepping for the “How Good Is That” world tour, which launches this month in South Carolina.

Book Review: Taylor Jenkins Reid’s ‘Atmosphere’ plays out amid the 1980s politics of NASA

Taylor Jenkins Reid, the author of “Daisy Jones & the Six,” is back with another love story, this time set during NASA's space shuttle era. “Atmosphere” is the story of Joan and Vanessa, who fall for each other during the crucible of astronaut training, but can’t go public with their love for fear of jeopardizing their chance to go to space. Associated Press reviewer Rob Merrill writes: “Is there a popular fiction writer alive who conveys falling in love better than Taylor Jenkins Reid?” Some of the best moments are musings between Joan and Vanessa about the stars, God and their shared love of space. “Atmosphere” goes on sale Tuesday.

'Lilo & Stitch' passes 'Sinners' to become 2nd highest grossing film of 2025

“Lilo & Stitch” has once again placed first on the box office charts. According to studio estimates Sunday, the hybrid live-action Disney movie added $63 million in domestic ticket sales. With $280.1 million total, it surpassed “Sinners” to become the second-highest grossing film of the year. Second place went to “Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning” with $27.3 million. Newcomer “Karate Kid: Legends” opened in third with $21 million. “Final Destination: Bloodlines” landed in fourth place with $10.8 million in its third weekend, while the new horror movie “Bring Her Back” rounded out the top five with $7.1 million.

Book Review: Desi Arnaz biography highlights triumphs of Lucy’s favorite foil

Once a second banana, always a second banana when in the shadow of a brighter star, like Lucille Ball. “Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television,” Todd S. Purdum’s deeply researched, insightful and enjoyable biography, gives Arnaz his due as an entertainer and a savvy businessman. With help, Arnaz envisioned, assembled and led the transformation that provided early television production its bedrock. Associated Press reviewer Douglass K. Daniel says Purdum, with sympathy but open eyes, also chronicles Arnaz’s descent into alcoholism, which sapped his creative energy and the goodwill he had established over the years

What to Stream: Nintendo's Switch 2, Addison Rae album, 'Presence' and Ariana Madix returns to Fiji

NEW YORK (AP) — A Shaquille O’Neal docuseries about his time at Reebok’s basketball division and Mario Kart World on Nintendo’s Switch 2 are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time for the week of June 2 as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Ariana Madix returns to Fiji as host of a new season of “Love Island USA.,” TikTok star Addison Rae offers her debut album “Addison” and then there’s “Presence,” Steven Soderbergh’s movie entirely from the perspective a ghost.

Book Review: 'Charlottesville' a dramatic account of deadly 2017 rally and history behind it

“Charlottesville: An American Story” by Deborah Baker tells the history of the violent protests that occurred during demonstrations and marches led by white nationalist groups at the University of Virginia in 2017. The Associated Press' Andrew DeMillo writes that Baker's book combines historical context and a vivid narrative to give readers a deeper understanding of the demonstrations. DeMillo writes that the heart of the book is Baker's account of the demonstrations, including a harrowing account of the torch march led by white nationalists on the university's campus. The book also profiles key players in the days' events.

Book Review: In the ‘The Listeners,' Maggie Stiefvater approaches WWII with a distinct voice

Bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater approaches her first adult novel with the same literary finesse as her previous work. “The Listeners” takes place at a luxury hotel in West Virginia as World War II begins. In need of a place to store their foreign nationals, the U.S. government takes over the Avallon Hotel, forcing its manager and her staff to scramble to balance hospitality and hedonism. “The Listeners” is a unique, domestic take on the war that showcases the encroaching nature of war as well as how class divide fosters privilege – and ignorance – in the rich, the Associated Press’ Rachel S. Hunt says.

Book Review: A diary sends a woman on a quest to solve the cold case of 6 missing Black girls

In “We Don’t Talk About Carol,” former journalist Sydney Singleton discovers the diary of an aunt she never knew she had. This launches her on a quest to discover what happened to Aunt Carol and five other Black teenagers who disappeared from the same Raleigh, North Carolina, neighborhood 60 years ago. Associated Press reviewer Bruce DeSilva says author Kristen L. Berry’s fine first novel is at once a compulsive mystery, an exploration of family secrets and an indictment of the short shrift missing Black girls often get from police and the media.

Netflix reveals details about Lady Gaga on 'Wednesday,' 'Squid Game' and 'Stranger Things' finales

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Netflix has unveiled unveiled details about its upcoming slate of offerings at a live event in Inglewood, California. The streaming giant announced release dates for the final episodes of its hits “Squid Game” and “Stranger Things" and revealed that Lady Gaga will play a teacher on “Wednesday.” The streaming giant assembled actors including Jenna Ortega, Oscar Isaac, Lee Jung-jae, Kerry Washington, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck for its annual Tudum event. Musical performances bookended the show, with Hanumankind opening with “Run It Up” and Gaga closing with a medley and the announcement of her latest acting gig.