Here are some of the hottest, most buzzed-about books this week. Download them on your Kindle, read them on your iPad, or go to a bookstore if you like to keep things old-school.
Boomerang: Travels in the New Third World by Michael Lewis
Well-known and well-loved author Michael Lewis is back with a fascinating look at the before and after of the 2008 economic collapse. Before the collapse, Lewis paints a picture of cheap credit and irresistible temptation that millions of people bought into all over the world. The aftermath of the cheap credit that ran rampant from 2002 to 2008 isn’t so pretty. Lewis takes a look at what did people in and how they will recover. Countries greatly impacted by the crisis, like Iceland and Greece, are profiled in a way that will make it interesting to even the financial novice.
The Magic of Reality: How We Know What’s Really True by Richard Dawkins
Celebrated evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins attempts to answer many of life’s questions in this illustrated science book. Using substantiated science, Dawkins provides answers and illustrations to questions like: Why do earthquakes and tsunami’s happen? Why do the continents look like a jumbled puzzle? How old is the universe? The book is intended to appeal to younger readers, but the fascinating explanations will appeal to anyone with the faintest sense of curiosity at any age.
Seriously, I’m Kidding by Ellen DeGeneres
As one of our era’s most beloved and relatable comedians, Ellen DeGeneres releases a memoir of sorts that sees her meander from topic to topic with her usual wit and sass. The topics range from general life lessons, for example: avoid magnifying mirrors at all costs, humorous tidbits that everyone can related to, and more serious subjects like identity and gay marriage. The book is very loosely assembled around the idea of happiness and how DeGeneres herself got there, and anyone who enjoys her hilarious monologues will certainly find humor in the book.
If you’re looking to add to your movie collection, we’ve selected a few of the best titles coming out this week on DVD and Blu-ray.
Fast Five
While this movie wasn’t exactly gunning for any Oscars, it’s got just about as much testosterone and action as you could want in a Summer blockbuster, and according to our very own Ryan Fleming, it’s the best film in the series to date. Vin Diesel and Paul Walker lead the way with a reunion cast of other characters from the franchise in a story that lands them in exotic Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Friday Night Lights: The Complete Series
The much-loved drama series about a small town in Texas that loves nothing more than football has come to an end, but now fans and new viewers can buy the entire series on DVD. The Emmy-winning series follows the trials, tribulations, and drama of the small town of Dillon, Texas and the players, coaches, and families of the town’s beloved football players. Kyle Chandler stars as the team’s coach, who endures ups and downs and losses and victories, all under the scrutiny of the town’s eye.
Disneynature: African Cats
You might laugh at the title now, but if you’re a fan of the Discovery Channel or its Planet Earth series, you will enjoy this stunning documentary following two lion prides and a determined single-mother cheetah as they battle the harsh environment of the Serengeti. Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson (of course), the film follows the three families of animals as they interact with the wild and each other, trying to survive. The film delves deeply into the stories of each subject, and the quality of the film is exceptional and stunningly beautiful.
