Summertime Reading Recs

The books we're loving right now. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( June 15, 2024 Finally: Saturday! We'll kick off the weekend with [the books I'm reading this summer](, then Brat Pack actor Andrew McCarthy dishes on [his revealing new documentary about '80s Hollywood](. We'll also celebrate Father's Day with [the best advice we've gotten from our dads](, hit the kitchen for [a taco recipe with a special sauce](, and much more. Let's dive in...   What We're Reading [A collage of book covers including ''Rip Tide,'' ''Park Avenue Summer,'' ''Nightbitch'' and ''The Bee Sting'']( KCM Ready to crack open a well-reviewed page-turner? Our list of the best books to read this summer]( runs the gamut from novels to nonfiction to short stories, with recommendations from me, Molner, and our staff. You'll find something to love whether you're planning to enjoy it at the beach, on the couch, as an audiobook, or even in single-page chunks between tending to your screaming children. [SEE ALL OUR PICKS](   More Stories [A father and young son driving a boat and wearing sunglasses]( KCM Features Director Ryan Buxton and his dad circa 1995. Father knows best: As we gear up to celebrate Father's Day tomorrow, we asked our staff to share [the best advice they ever got from their dads]( — and the eternal wisdom in every story explains why those "#1 Dad" mugs are so popular. Kate's royal return: Almost three months after announcing her cancer diagnosis, the Princess of Wales shared an update about how she's faring during chemotherapy treatment — and finally announced [when we'll see her in public next](. Political forecast: Hunter Biden was convicted on federal gun charges this week, but the question on everyone's lips is [how the verdict will affect the 2024 presidential campaign](. We examined current polling and asked a couple of experts for their take. Support system: We’re capping off Global Loneliness Awareness Week with insights from doctors who study isolation and mental health — and their tips on [how to cure loneliness](.   Blast from the Past [Actors from the 1980s group known as the ''Brat Pack'']( Hulu If you had a pulse and access to a movie theater in the 1980s, you couldn't escape the "Brat Pack." The group of actors — including names like Molly Ringwald, Demi Moore, Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez, and Andrew McCarthy — became Hollywood royalty through films like Pretty in Pink and St. Elmo's Fire. But as we now know, they weren't thrilled about the moniker that came to define them. The new documentary Brats, directed by McCarthy, unpacks this silver-screen history. We chatted with McCarthy about [his relationships with his fellow stars today](, why he struggled with the term "brat," and much more. [READ MORE](   Weigh In Are you feeling the mental toll of November's presidential election? With less than five months to go, the country's attention on the Biden-Trump rematch will only get more intense from here, and we're curious about how many of you are experiencing anxiety about the race. [Share your thoughts here.](   Saturday Spotlight [An Ozempic needle, reflecting on the wall as a shadow in the shape of a rocket ship]( Miracle or Mirage? You've heard plenty about Ozempic, but do you really understand the implications of using it? We're separating fact from fiction. [Read More »]( [Taco ingredients]( Finishing Touch Chef Dan Churchill's recipe for veggie tacos packs an unexpected punch, thanks to a dazzling special sauce that's simple to pull off. [Read More »]( [Katie Couric in different outfits]( Shop My Closet The foundation of your wardrobe should be tried-and-true basics that you can repurpose over and over. Here are my favorites! [Read More »](   Photo of the Day [Whoopi Goldberg shaking hands with Pope Francis] Whoopi Goldberg greets Pope Francis on June 14. (Getty Images) Pope Francis welcomed more than 100 entertainers from 15 countries to Vatican City on Friday, including Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Chris Rock, Stephen Colbert, and Whoopi Goldberg. “In the midst of so much gloomy news, you denounce abuses of power, you give voice to forgotten situations, you highlight abuses, you point out inappropriate behavior," the pope told his guests.   What We're Loving Lately Ryan Buxton, Features Director: "I was floored by [The Contestant](, a fascinating and disturbing Hulu documentary. It chronicles the story of a Japanese man who lived totally alone (and naked) in a small room for 15 months, subsisting solely on prizes from magazine sweepstakes. He knew he was being filmed, but he didn't know the footage was broadcast in real time to millions of viewers — or that his diaries had become nationwide bestsellers. The moment he finds out the truth is something I'll be thinking about for a long time." [STREAM IT HERE](   What's Your Pleasure? [Roses surrounding the plusOne Rose Arouser]( plusOne Whether you’re a newbie or have a drawer full of tools, [the plusOne Rose Arouser]( is for you. The pulsating center and vibing petals create a sensation sure to knock your socks off. Beyond the O, plusOne users experienced more sleep, less stress, and a better mood. Experience the flower power and a little self-love. [LOVE YOURSELF](   In Our Carts [three face serums from bareMinerals]( bareMinerals How about taking your credit card on a little joyride this weekend? Here are a few finds we've had our eye on all week long: - Cult-favorite makeup brand bareMinerals just launched three brand-new formulas that will [rescue your face from dullness, aging, and dryness](, based on an independent clinical study. - In the mood for luxury? Snatch up [on-sale Tory Burch accessories]( that'll look like you paid full price. - If you've got a wedding coming up, [J.Crew's collaboration with designer Anna October]( offers on-trend pastels and easy-to-wear slip dresses that are guaranteed to shine. Eager for more? Head over to [our brand-new shopping page]( for the latest and greatest from our retail experts.   Join the Party [Gif of Katie Couric dancing]( Giphy Wake-Up Call is only the start of the fun here at Katie Couric Media! This week, we launched the latest title in [our ever-expanding newsletter universe](, and if you missed out, here's your chance to get in on the action... - [Body and Soul](: Holistic health coverage that helps you care for your whole self, sent every Wednesday - [Good Taste](: Delectable and approachable recipes from our favorite chefs, sent every Thursday - [Ripple Effect](: Dispatches on our wondrous world and how to protect it, sent every other Tuesday - [Wake-Up Call at Work](: Insights on how to get ahead in our ever-evolving professional world, sent every other Thursday - [The Shop Edit](: Monthly guides to can't-miss sales from your favorite retailers — including an edition coming this Tuesday with the 411 on bargains we can't wait to tell you about [GET ON THE LIST(S)!](   Thanks for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! If you've got questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. See you next week! 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