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Metro
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Beat this weekend's heatwave to binge all 8 episodes of 'tear-jerking' thriller
This weekend is set to be a scorcher, with temperatures tippling over the 30 degree water mark. So what better way to beat the heat than set up in front of a fan with a good binge watch? Amazon Prime Video has just the thing after this week dropping all eight episodes of the hotly anticipated summer thriller We Were Liars. Based on E Lockhart's bestseller, which did numbers on BookTok, this glossy adaptation is a summer vibes machine with a twist you'll never see coming. We can't talk about that big spoiler-y final reveal, which has been one of the book's biggest talking points since it was published over a decade ago. The show's central mystery swirls around rich young thing Cadence Sinclair, played by Emily Alyn Lind, who is retreading her memories of the previous summer after she half-drowned and had no recollection of what happened. 'Something terrible happened last summer,' our heroine Cady tells us via voiceover, which is peppered throughout the show. 'I have no memory of what or who hurt me.' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Up until that point, her life had been a sun-drenched dream, buoyed up by her filthy-rich 'American royalty' family and a close-knit bond with her troublemaker cousins – who the family dub the titular 'liars'. Set on the family's private isle Beechwood, near the Kennedy stronghold Martha's Vineyard, this is The Summer I Turned Pretty meets a near-murder mystery, which is already ranking at the second spot on Prime Video's ranking of most popular film and TV. The novel's author was also an executive producer on the show and teased – spoiler free – the pacing of the show and how they kept the audience who had not read the book guessing. Lockhart told Deadline: 'We want[ed] to stretch out the suspense a little bit and give each, each of the liars their own experience of that big event.' Senior TV Reporter Rebecca Cook shares her take… When Cady isn't making ominous reference to her impending amnesia via voiceover, We Were Liars is largely a summer vibes machine with a big-budget soundtrack. The breathy voiceover can sound like Carrie Bradshaw's column word salad when you really tune into what she's quite repetitively saying. But whenever you start to feel bogged down in the so-so teen melodrama, some big reveal will come from another corner of the show to pull you back in. This is the show's strength: it moves at a clip and there is always something barmy happening to one of the Sinclairs. Unlike the best eat-the-rich mysteries, this is painfully lacking in the laughs department and probably takes itself a bit too seriously. But you won't regret sticking around for the final reveal to plug the gap in Cady's memory: it's so bonkers it's beyond the guessing game. Prime Video viewers have already been ploughing into the episodes of the show – and have been left emotional at the show's final twist. @Ayaaam_x wrote on X: 'I can't open my eyes from the tears. I have read and reread that book prepping for the show and still nothing could ever.' Many of the viewers have been fans of the book, which found a new audience on TikTok, with @halsteadaes saying they were 'ready to be emotionally destroyed' by the show. More Trending @itsamemikasa added: 'We Were Liars destroyed me wtf were those plot twists in the last episode.' @twoworldsapartt chimed: 'Watching this knowing what's gonna happen is making me wanna slam my head into a wall.' @dimaggioooo added: 'Just finished we were liars (haven't read the book) and OH MY GOD THE ENDING,' alongside a string of crying emojis. View More » We Were Liars is available to stream on Prime Video. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: 'I beat the system and proved I didn't need a TV licence' MORE: 10 zombie films to watch after 28 Years Later including 100%-scored 'masterpiece' MORE: Steven Spielberg 'disappointed' after being snubbed for his legendary 70s blockbuster
India Today
6 hours ago
- General
- India Today
8 simple ways parents can get kids off screens and back into real books
In today's digital age, screens dominate our children's attention-whether it's smartphones, tablets, or gaming consoles. Recently, there has been a notable decline in children and teenagers reading for pleasure, with less than half engaging in daily reading compared to previous years. This shift reflects the growing allure of digital entertainment, but it also raises a crucial question for parents: how can we encourage our children to embrace physical books once more?advertisementAs a parenting expert, I've seen how developing a consistent reading routine can profoundly impact a child's growth. Reading regularly not only boosts a child's vocabulary and thinking abilities but also sparks creativity and helps build emotional awareness. The foundation for fostering a love of books is providing a welcoming and positive space where reading feels fun and digital distractions rise, children's interest in reading physical books fades. Parenting coach Dr. Pallavi Rao Chaturvedi shares practical tips to reignite their love for reading. The enduring power of reading aloudBringing stories to life by reading aloud together is a proven method to inspire curiosity and a lasting love for books. Many children genuinely enjoy being read to, and parents often cherish these moments as special bonding times. Reading aloud does more than just improve vocabulary and comprehension; it also helps children develop crucial social and emotional reading where parents ask questions, encourage predictions, and invite children to participate in storytelling supports brain development and builds habits that last a lifetime. This dynamic exchange strengthens attention spans, cultivates self-regulation, and helps children develop goal-setting abilities. It's a foundational step in making reading a positive and shared the barriers and embracing new opportunitiesThe most significant hurdle to regular reading is the pervasive presence of screen time, which can easily distract children from books. Additionally, heavy school workloads, extracurricular commitments, and limited access to truly engaging physical books can diminish motivation to read for new trends offer exciting opportunities. Social media communities like BookTok, for instance, have made reading more social and interactive, inspiring many young readers to discover new titles and share their enthusiasm with peers. This digital influence is proving instrumental in reviving interest in books amongst younger generations, particularly teenagers. It demonstrates that the desire for connection and discovery can be a powerful driver for reading, even in a digital world. PRACTICAL WAYS TO ENCOURAGE PHYSICAL READINGHere are actionable strategies to help your child rediscover the magic of physical books:1. Blend technology with books; don't ban itRather than avoiding screens entirely, integrate digital interests strategically. Introduce book versions of their favorite cartoons, movies, or video games. Comic books, graphic novels, and illustrated stories featuring beloved characters can serve as an accessible gateway to more traditional reading, bridging their digital world with the world of print.2. Empower your child to be the curatorAllowing children to select books that genuinely appeal to their interests fosters ownership and excitement. Regular visits to libraries or bookstores where they can browse and pick freely encourage exploration across diverse genres, from fantastical graphic novels to fascinating non-fiction. Their choice is paramount in nurturing an intrinsic motivation to read.3. Make reading a shared and joyful family ritualTransform reading into a treasured family event with regular story time sessions or themed reading nights. Attending plays or watching movies based on books you've read together can also bring stories to life and deepen your child's connection to the narrative and characters, creating lasting memories.4. Link books to real-life adventuresConnect stories to everyday activities and experiences. For example, reading about animals before a zoo visit, exploring gardening books ahead of planting projects, or researching historical periods before a museum trip makes reading relevant, tangible, and exciting. This shows them the practical value and fun of Turn reading into an interactive gameAfter finishing a book, engage your child in creative activities. Encourage them to imagine alternate endings, invent new characters, or even write a sequel. Encouraging children to reflect and respond with open-ended questions transforms reading into an interactive and thought-provoking experience, deepening their engagement with the story.6. Keep books prominently accessibleMake physical books readily available and enticing. Offer them during idle times-such as waiting rooms, car rides, or before bedtime-instead of immediately handing over electronic devices. Having books strategically placed and easily reachable encourages spontaneous reading and makes it a natural option.7. Build consistent, short reading sessionsStart with brief daily reading habits to gradually build interest and stamina. Begin with comic strips, short stories, or a chapter a day. For older children, pairing a book with its movie or TV adaptation can enhance engagement and provide an incentive to read the source material.8. Explore kid-friendly news and book communitiesadvertisementFor teenagers, introduce them to age-appropriate news editions, captivating literary magazines, and popular book recommendations on social media platforms like BookTok. Engaging with online book communities can keep their reading fresh, exciting, and connected to their peers' interests.-----Reading is foundational to a child's holistic growth and development. Regular readers tend to develop stronger language skills, enhanced concentration, greater empathy, and a broader understanding of the world. Children who develop strong reading habits tend to excel in school and carry a love of learning throughout their fostering a warm and encouraging atmosphere around books, parents can inspire children to embrace reading as an enjoyable part of life. Through shared reading, choice, real-world connections, and embracing new trends, we can help children rediscover and cherish the enduring joy of physical books. Trending Reel
USA Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'We Were Liars' book vs. show: Amazon Prime Video series adds new drama, affairs
'We Were Liars' book vs. show: Amazon Prime Video series adds new drama, affairs Reader beware: This story contains spoilers for both the book and series adaptation of 'We Were Liars.' Gen Z's favorite COVID read has made it to the silver screen. 'We Were Liars' by E. Lockhart was published in 2014 but saw a sales resurgence in 2020 thanks to cooped-up YA readers and the wildfire spread of BookTok. Now, fans can see the psychological thriller as a series on Amazon's Prime Video. 'We Were Liars' follows the affluent Sinclair family who summer every year on Beechwood, a fictional island off of Martha's Vineyard. Cadence "Cady" Sinclair, her cousins Mirren and Johnny and family friend Gat are inseparable each year, especially as Cady and Gat begin to fall in love. Everything changes after a tragedy one summer, leaving Cady with a traumatic brain injury and memory loss. This novel is her quest to piece together how things fell apart. 'We Were Liars' is a faithful screen adaptation, though there are a few key changes. Here are the biggest differences from the book. 'We Were Liars' series condenses book timeline to summers 16 and 17 The most pronounced change in the 'We Were Liars' series is the timeline. While the book takes place across several summers, the adaptation condenses the action to summers 16 and 17 (the age Cady is that particular year). In the book, Cady and Gat begin to fall in love during summer 14. Grandmother Tipper Sinclair dies before summer 15, the year Cady's accident occurs. After her injury, Cady is kept from the island for a full year, instead traveling to Europe with her dad. She returns to find out what happened to her in summer 17. In the TV series, the story is split into a precise 'before' and 'after' – all of the main action, including Tipper dying, the love story and the accident, occurs in summer 16. In summer 17, Cady returns to the island and tries to fill in her missing memories. In 'We Were Liars' series, Johnny is gay, hiding school drama Eagle-eyed 'Hunger Games' fans will recognize 20-year-old Joseph Zada as the recently announced actor set to portray Haymitch Abernathy in the upcoming film adaptation of Suzanne Collins' 'Sunrise on the Reaping.' In "We Were Liars," Zada plays Johnny, the snarky cousin and son of Carrie, one of the patriarch Harris Sinclair's daughters. Zada lives up to the mischievous troublemaker in Lockhart's book. And though his sexuality and relationships aren't discussed in the book, the Prime Video series makes it clear that Johnny is gay – he has a brief but refreshingly unceremonious coming out moment (his cousins are supportive) and has a few hookups throughout the series. He tries to tell his mom that he's gay, but she dismisses him curtly. Another added element to his character is trouble at private school. Cady finds out Johnny was threatened by a prep school boy, and got into a violent fight at school that left a boy hospitalized. His mother, Carrie, paid off everyone involved to forget the incident, but not after an ultimatum from Harris – if he was going to give her the money she needed, she would have to break up with her boyfriend Ed. Ed, who is Indian, was never accepted by racist Harris, despite being a part of Beechwood family summers for a decade. Carrie's desperation to protect her son no matter the cost adds another layer to the sisters' fight to get their share of the inheritance. Cady confronts grandfather over racism, Sinclair privilege Harris' racism is present in both the book and the show, especially as Cady gets more involved with Gat, Ed's nephew. In the book, she calls him out over a racist comment and his illegal ivory, but she's easily placated after he yells at her for telling him what to do with his money and possessions. But in the show, Cady takes a more active stance in confronting her grandfather's problematic comments on several occasions, much to the chagrin of her mother. She also makes an active effort to learn about her privilege and undo her ignorance after Gat calls her on it, reading "Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents" by Isabel Wilkerson in one scene. Mirren and mother Bess get new, messy romances We don't learn much about the personal lives of the three sisters in the book, other than that they're all divorced. 'Family of Liars,' the series' prequel, goes deeper into that generation. But the series spends more time on the sisters, especially Bess (Mirren's mother), who is not divorced in the series but has a fraught relationship with her largely absent husband. In summer 16, she has a steamy affair with 'Salty Dan,' the harbor service worker. Mirren discovering them together fuels her anger toward her mother. Penny, Cadence's mom, uses Bess' affair against her to leverage an advantage in the inheritance fight. Mirren has a seafarer summer tryst of her own. In the book, she brags about a relationship with a 'Drake Loggerhead,' only to reveal to Cady later that she's lying to impress her. In the series, Mirren starts summer 16 sexting a pretentious prep school boy, who is revealed to be using her to anger Johnny. She finds something more authentic in a smooth-talking water taxi driver later in the series. Sinclair sisters tease second season, key plot of 'Family of Liars' If the twist ending of 'We Were Liars' underscores anything, it's that there's more to come. The Sinclair sisters reference their late sister Rosemary, a fourth daughter who died when she was young. Harris never stopped mourning her, affecting his relationships with his living daughters. Rosemary is a part of Lockhart's universe but isn't mentioned until the prequel 'Family of Liars.' The sisters also mention their own summer 16, when something unforgivable happened. Mourning the death of her own daughter in the finale, Bess worries that the Beechwood tragedy is 'punishment' for 'what we did.' Season 1 ends as Cady realizes she is the sole survivor of the fire she and her cousins set – she's been speaking with their ghosts all summer 17. She relinquishes them to the beyond, but Carrie still clings to her son Johnny's ghost. Season 2 will likely pick up with Johnny stuck, hurting, in the in-between. 2025 book-to-screen adaptations: 'Mickey 17,' 'Running Man,' 'Wicked' and more Clare Mulroy is USA TODAY's Books Reporter, where she covers buzzy releases, chats with authors and dives into the culture of reading. Find her on Instagram, subscribe to our weekly Books newsletter or tell her what you're reading at cmulroy@
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
England's first 'spicy' bookshop opens in London
England's first genre-specific bookshop has opened in London and is dedicated to selling 'spicy' novels from the BookTok-approved and widely popular romantasy genre With over 200 billion views on BookTok, a holiday romance is definitely on the cards for Brits, as the popular demand for Romance novels reaches new heights - and even result in a new bookshop dedicated to selling the best and spiciest summer reads. Perhaps influenced by the global isolation of Covid-19, the need for escapism has multiplied astronomically in the last two years, with "Romatasy" and "best Romantasy books" increasing in searches by 140% in the UK. To satisfy the insatiable appetite for romance, Saucy Books launched as England's very first independent bookshop. Located in Notting Hill, the store follows Edinburgh's Booklovers - the UK's first in-person store for romance novels, which opened in 2024. Saucy Books is committed to providing everything romance and hosts a vast collection of classic and modern authors, from Jane Austen and Helen Fielding to Sophie Kinsella and Beth O'Leary. "London is finally getting the bookshop it deserves!" is plastered on the store's website as they promise a selection of "steamy paperbacks to swoon-worthy summer reads," and "to celebrate stories that make your heart race". The store aims to create a community that hosts events, themed collections, and exclusive merch. READ MORE: Harris Dickinson cast as 'iconic' lead in adaptation of beloved British period drama Saucy Books are also curating a collection for this summer inspired by Roman goddess Venus, offering "a one-way ticket to pleasure island" with a selection of novels "that brings the spirit of the Greek isles to London, with seashell pink walls, sun-kissed shelves, and a whole lot of heart". The launch of the Saucy Books store comes after the Booksellers Association released a report that found that despite the decrease in independent bookshops, the ones that specialise in popular genres appear to grow in success. Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you! The Booksellers Association report states: "These innovative independent bookshops are part of a growing wave of genre-led specialist stores which have emerged since the pandemic. Driven by shifting consumer habits, publishing trends, and the influence of social media, they have successfully engaged the next generation of readers". Booksellers Association president and owner of Sevenoaks Bookshop, Fleur Sinclair, spoke on Radio 4, about the struggle for independent bookshops to remain on highstreets. She said: "I think nobody can fail to recognise just how challenging it is to run any business in the high street. At the moment there's a very broken business rates system and little to no support. In fact, I'm going to say no support at all for high street businesses. "To speak of the positive side of things with the increase in the opening of other bookshops, particularly speciality bookshops. These are incredibly lovely and passionate projects and by definition they are passionate; they're not cynical sort of greed driven endeavours, shall we say, to grab market share. "These are human endeavours by people who put themselves out there, share what they love and create space. I think many people recognize that, and that's such a wonderful way to build community, which is what bookshops do so brilliantly," Sinclair added. Meryl Halls, the managing director of the Booksellers Association, spoke to the Mirror exclusively, saying: "Independent bookshops punch above their weight because they sense where the cultural winds are blowing. Whether it be stepping in when local libraries close by taking authors into schools, building community wellness through book clubs, or reaching new readers with book box subscriptions - they are masters of adaptation. "The rise of genre-specialist shops is only the latest evolution by a retail sector defined by innovation - this time fuelled by TikTok's influence, a renewed appetite for genre fiction in uncertain times, and the desire for inclusive, welcoming spaces where fan communities can come together".
Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Prime Video's new mystery thriller series is now streaming — and the twists will keep you guessing until the very end
Summer might be the season for getting outside and soaking up the sun, but for me, it always puts me in the mood to binge a good mystery thriller. Thankfully, Prime Video came through, because the streaming service has dropped its new series 'We Were Liars,' and I can confidently say it's a twist-filled treat. 'We Were Liars' is based on E. Lockhart's bestselling 2014 novel, and if you're an avid Tumblr or BookTok user, you know this story has had a grip on people ever since its publication. The story follows a tight-knit group of teens who spend every summer together on their family's exclusive island. After a mysterious and traumatic incident, the oldest of the group is left with gaps in her memory and a deep sense that something is being hidden. As you can tell, it's a pretty gripping premise. I love reading books, and after watching the show, I'm now convinced to pick up the novel. There are plenty of twists sprinkled throughout, leading to an ending that will either shock or surprise you, depending on whether you pick up on the clues. So, if you need something to binge-watch now that we're approaching the first official day of summer, here's why 'We Were Liars' deserves a spot on your Prime Video watchlist. 'We Were Liars' centers around 17‑year‑old Cadence Sinclair Eastman (Emily Alyn Lind), who returns to her family's private island off Martha's Vineyard after a traumatic accident wiped out her memories of the previous summer. Raised within the wealthy Sinclair clan, Cadence spent childhood summers in the company of three close friends — her cousins Johnny (Joseph Zada) and Mirren (Esther McGregor), and their longtime friend Gat (Shubham Maheshwari) — together known as 'the Liars.' When she comes back, two years have passed, and everyone is tight‑lipped about the incident that left her injured and confused. Determined to piece things together, Cadence reconnects with Johnny, Mirren and Gat, retracing their final days before the accident. As she follows the trail of fragmented flashbacks, she uncovers shocking details about that summer, including romantic entanglements, hidden emotions, and family secrets that challenge everything she believed about her loved ones. If you've watched your fair share of teen dramas about wealthy families hiding ugly secrets, 'We Were Liars' might feel like very familiar ground. But fortunately, it still manages to rise above the crowd. Prime Video's latest series drops us into the lavish, picture-perfect world of the Sinclair family, where one traumatic event shatters everything. The story unfolds through the eyes of their granddaughter, Cadence, who returns to the family's private island, desperate to piece together what really happened during a summer she can't fully remember. We're essentially in the same position as her, with no idea what's going on, especially when the show slips into sudden, eerie montages of water and blonde hair floating on the surface. While those moments felt a little jarring at first, they start to make sense as the story progresses since they're visual cues tied to Cadence's fractured memories coming back to life. The show leans hard into mystery, shifting between timelines to slowly peel back layers of denial and long-held resentment. And while I usually roll my eyes at the 'rich people problems' genre, I have to admit: the mess is juicy. I'm sure anyone who loves teen dramas like 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' will find themselves hooked by every episode. However, the real standout is the dynamic between the older generation, especially the three sisters, played brilliantly by Mamie Gummer, Candice King and Caitlin FitzGerald. Their tension is so obvious, their history brutal, and honestly, I found them more compelling than the younger characters. With so many characters, though, I'm impressed that 'We Were Liars' managed to mirror the past and present without ever feeling confusing, and the family still got enough screen time even when the majority of the plot centers around Cadence and her friends. Throughout the show, you watch as these kids admire the island like it's some kind of fairy tale getaway, completely blind to the sexism and racism woven into its foundation. As the truth comes out, the illusion starts to crack, and each episode does a good job of showing how inherited trauma doesn't just fade but festers. Some storylines get more attention than others (which feels inevitable), but I respect the attempt to tackle weightier topics like privilege, patriarchy, and grief within the framework of a YA mystery. Not every twist lands, and yes, the wigs are a little distracting (had to be said), but it's still a satisfying binge. If you like messy family secrets, moody beach settings, and emotional gut-punches, this one's worth your time. Just be prepared for a final scene that veers off-book in a way that might leave you scratching your head. Feels like Prime Video is keeping the door open for a second season, just in case. 'We Were Liars' earns its place on your must-binge list not just for the mystery, but for the way it slowly pulls you into a world that seems polished on the surface yet unravels in deeply uncomfortable ways. The pacing might be slow and especially long-winded at times, but the emotional payoff and final reveals make the ride worthwhile. The performances, especially from the older cast, bring enough emotion that cuts through the gloss, giving the story a much-needed weight. And while the series doesn't land every swing, it does enough to keep you watching, theorizing, and feeling unsettled in the best way. You can stream 'We Were Liars' on Prime Video now. For more streaming recommendations, see what else is new on Prime Video in June 2025.
