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The 1985 photo shoot of Kenny Loggins riding a horse on the beach is one of those emblematic pieces of 1980s pop culture iconography. But then again, so is the soundtrack hit that helped cement his place in one of the decade’s most iconic movies.

Released in May 1986 via Columbia Records, Top Gun (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) features a ton of hits, from Loggins’ “Danger Zone” and Cheap Trick’s “Mighty Wings” to Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away” and Loverboy’s “Heaven in Your Eyes.” But another track is especially ripe for reflection right now.

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“Playing With the Boys,” Loggins’ other Top Gun song, got the single treatment in August 1986, following its feature on the soundtrack. The high-energy pop-rock track was actually the first song Loggins wrote for Tony Scott‘s action film; he co-wrote it with Peter and Ina Wolf, even before he was handed “Danger Zone.”

Loggins later recalled that at least 20 other acts were being considered to write or perform songs for the movie. After seeing an early cut, he and Wolf zeroed in on the volleyball sequence because they figured everyone else would be scrambling to write the main theme, he told The Washington Post.

The result was “Playing With the Boys,” and the scene it soundtracked—which involved stars Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, and others shirtless, sweaty, and bouncing through a testosterone-filled game of sand volleyball—became one of the ’80s most iconic scenes ever.

Interestingly, it’s also the scene that almost got Scott fired.

Paramount executives were reportedly furious that Scott burned an entire day filming a scene that was only a paragraph in the script, with production head Charlie McGuire threatening to fire him altogether. In the end, however, the scene survived, and we’re all still talking about it today.

As for the soundtrack, it became the bestselling soundtrack that year and one of the biggest of all time, earning nine-times platinum certification. “Danger Zone,” performed by Loggins, was one of the album’s biggest hits, while Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away” went to No. 1. But that doesn’t take away from the magic of “Playing With the Boys.”​

The track climbed to No. 60 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, despite its modest chart performance, it still became deeply associated with the film because of its placement in that unforgettable sequence. The song and scene also developed a substantial parody afterlife, with hilarious homages popping up in Family Guy, Futurama, Hawaii Five-0, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and Cougar Town.

Ahead of the long-awaited sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, Loggins released a new version of “Playing With the Boys” in 2021, this one a male-female duet featuring Australian singer-songwriter Butterfly Boucher, hoping to give the song a new perspective that echoed the sequel’s mix of male and female pilots.

“Over the course of my career, I’ve been fortunate to have a number of my songs included in some memorable movies,” Loggins said, per Grateful Web. “I’m honored that many of the films have since become iconic and I’m thrilled to have these soundtrack hits and the new track with Butterfly Boucher.”

Four decades later, “Playing With the Boys” has earned legend status. Thanks in large part to the sun, sand, and spectacle of the beach sequence that helped turn Top Gun into one of the decade’s greatest blockbusters.

Related: 1979 Rock Song, Overlooked for Decades, Ranked Journey’s No. 1 Greatest Deep Cut

Miss Virginia Justus Kelley made history on August 27 when she won the Miss USA 2026 title. The 31-year-old is the first mother and first married woman to win the crown in the pageant’s history. Kelley has two foster children and is the founder of the organization Foster Footprints.

While glitter and glam are staples of pageants, the gorgeous gowns and over-the-top outfits aren’t exactly inexpensive. And as any young parent knows, every penny counts. Kelley recently revealed that her winning look on Thursday came courtesy of former Miss Georgia USA, Savannah Miles. 

Miss USA 2026, Justus Kelley on stage during the 2026 Miss USA Final Competition and Coronation at Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts on August 27, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Ivan Apfel/Getty Images)

After her win, Kelley told PEOPLE, “I know within the secondhand and thrifting community, a lot of folks are talking about sustainable fashion, and that’s so important, but for me, another thing I like to bring into that space is accessibility and how shopping secondhand makes this stage, makes this space more accessible to women.” 

The newest Miss USA shared a few tidbits about her 2026 pageant outfit, adding, “So that was a piece that she had made that I was able to get from a sister queen…And I think that just makes it even more special when you know the story behind something, the life that it lived before you. I’m very sentimental, so I love things that can have another life, another use, and another purpose.”

The 2026 crown-holder also shared with Business Insider, “I had gone into the competition weekend wearing an all-thrifted wardrobe for each phase.” 

Was the 2026 Miss USA pageant the first time Justus Kelley wore a secondhand dress?

No, this wasn’t the first secondhand pageant ensemble for Kelley. She’s reportedly made thrifting for her looks a tradition, revealing to PEOPLE, “I wouldn’t feel comfortable telling people to compete if I knew you cannot be successful in competing unless you spend above your means. I want to be an example of what pageantry can be, and that’s accessible.” 

Justus Kelley, on stage during the 2026 Miss USA Final Competition and Coronation at Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts on August 27, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Ivan Apfel/Getty Images)

Kelley went on to explain: “No matter where you come from, no matter what your means are, that you can be creative in sourcing the things that you need, that you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on a gown.”

According to Business Insider, Kelley said (of her thrifting history), “I loved one of my first USA state pageants, walking in with a really special suit that I found in Goodwill, and as soon as I walked in, the judges said, ‘Oh, you look stunning.’ And I said, Thank you, $9.99 at Goodwill.’” 

More than 17 years after publishing her first novel, author Kathryn Stockett published her second novel, The Calamity Club, in May of 2026 to immense anticipation. The Calamity Club was an instantaneous bestseller, reaching number one on the New York Times list and remaining on the list in some capacity for the past 16 weeks with the likes of Theo of Golden and Yesteryear.

Readers have devoured Stockett’s sophomore novel, placing it on several “Most Read” and bestseller lists since May. On Goodreads, the novel is still ranked number two on its list of the “Most Read Books in the United States” as of this week, with over 25,000 users shelving it as read. So far on the platform, The Calamity Club holds a 4.62 average rating amongst 294,000 ratings. Users commend the novel in their reviews on the site for being a “masterpiece,” “intense,” and a “perfect storm.”

Stockett began working on the novel in 2013, but seven years and 800 pages later, in 2020, she found herself stuck and abandoned the project. After Stockett met Julie Grau, co-founder of the indie publisher Spiegel & Grau, the two began working on the book together for a number of years. Once Stockett’s original publisher canceled her contract, she agreed to publish the work with Spiegel & Grau instead. The Calamity Club was released in 2026, 17 years after Stockett’s smash hit debut, The Help.

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Set in the era of the Great Depression, The Calamity Club follows three women in 1933. Meg, an orphaned 11-year-old living in an asylum in Lafayette County; Birdie, an outspoken 24-year-old who is trying her best to keep her family afloat; and Charlie, Meg’s mother, who was deemed unfit to care for her and is desperate to find her daughter. The novel follows the ways the three protagonists’s lives converge and explores the meaning of sisterhood, bravery, and what it means to control one’s life.

The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett is out now and available wherever books are sold.

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Related: Best-Selling Novel by Kristin Hannah Ranked a ‘Most Read Book of 2026’ by Goodreads

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Dune: Part 3 is one of the most highly anticipated films of 2026. The third in a series of adaptations of Frank Herbert’s science fiction novels, the movie promises to deliver an explosive finale to the story of Paul Atreides when it hits theaters Dec. 18, 2026. But Dune is more than just a blockbuster movie starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya—it’s a sci-fi phenomenon.

Dune, the novel by Frank Herbert, was originally published on Aug. 1, 1965—61 years ago this month—and it has since become a genre-defining classic. The book itself kicked off an original trilogy (now a six-book series) and has since inspired an expanded Dune universe book series, including over 15 books co-authored by Herbert’s son, Brian Herbert, alongside Kevin J. Anderson. Before it was adapted into the current box office hit series by director Denis Villeneuve, the novel was first brought to the big screen by David Lynch, whose 1984 epic was, sadly, a flop—but a cult classic. In 2000, it was also adapted into a miniseries, Frank Herbert’s Dune, on Syfy.

So, how does a science fiction novel published in 1965 become a universally read and beloved classic? In celebration of the novel’s 61st anniversary, Parade is digging into the history of Dune by Frank Herbert and its legacy to find out.

Related: 45 Best Nonfiction Books of All Time, According to Librarians

The Desert Masterpiece: Why ‘Dune’ Is the Novel That Changed Sci-Fi Forever

Dune‘s place in literary history has been debated, but it is generally regarded as one of the first major science fiction epics. As reported by The Guardian, prior to Dune’s release in 1965, the sci-fi genre was mostly comprised of short stories, and Dune is anything but short. Perhaps as a result of its length, the novel is also credited as being the first sci-fi novel to do such extensive world-building and bring in more literary themes, such as social hierarchies, war and religion.

It’s not surprising, then, that Dune won the first-ever Nebula Award for Best Novel in 1965. It also won the Hugo Award in 1966 for Best Novel, which recognizes the best of science fiction (it tied with the book …And Call Me Conrad by Roger Zelazny).

The book is also frequently compared to Lord of the Rings because of its scope and detail. In fact, per The Guardian, when it was first published in 1965, the book featured this quote from science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke: “I know nothing comparable to it except The Lord of the Rings.”

Rejected 20+ Times: The Bizarre History of How ‘Dune’ Was Finally Published

Dune may be a classic of science fiction literature now, but it wasn’t always as celebrated. Actually, at the time Herbert originally wrote the novel, no one wanted to publish it. According to The Guardian, Herbert started pitching Dune in 1963. It was first published in Analog magazine, where it was released as a serial that same year, but no one wanted to publish it as a novel. The manuscript was rejected by at least 20 different publishers. It wasn’t until 1965 that Chilton Books, a publisher known for auto repair manuals, decided to enter the fiction market and publish Dune.

Despite the book’s current status as a classic, audiences in 1965 weren’t immediately convinced. The book was far from a bestseller, but was successful enough to warrant a sequel, Dune Messiah—published in 1969—and a third book, Children of Dune, was released in 1976.

Related: We Asked 4 Librarians, ‘What’s the Best Murakami Book?’—And They All Said the Same Thing

Ecology, Spice and Power: What Makes ‘Dune’ Universally Timeless?

In the 61 years since its release, Dune has proven itself to be a timeless hit, in part because of how it incorporates ecology and science. As JSTOR Daily reported, Herbert put in his Dune dedication page that he wrote this book for “the people whose labors go beyond ideas into the realm of ‘real materials’—to the dry-land ecologists, wherever they may be, in whatever time they work, this effort at prediction is dedicated in humility and admiration.”

The novel takes place in an intergalactic future and follows the rise of Paul Atreides (played by Chalamet in the recent films), a young nobleman, son of Duke Atreides, who is sent to rule over Arrakis, a desert planet whose value lies in its “spice,” a substance native to the planet that can alter consciousness and extend life. Everybody in the galaxy wants to own the “spice” and the means of production, which makes the Atreides family a prime target for intergalactic power struggles. Already, just in the premise, Herbert is exploring themes of resource scarcity and war.

He also comments on colonialism, as Arrakis’s natives, the Fremen, fight the colonizers for control over their resources and their “spice.” The planet is also inhospitable to human life—so dry and hot that water is a luxury—a plot point which has only gained in relevance with the growing threat of climate change.

Herbert was also inspired by religion, specifically Islam, and how faith can be used to transform a man into a messianic figure.

Related: There’s a New ‘Dune’ Book Coming — and Film Buffs Should Take Note

‘Dune’ Books in Order: How To Tackle Frank Herbert’s Chronicles

Luckily, Herbert’s original series was published in chronological order, so you can start with Dune and head straight to his last work, Chapterhouse: Dune, and read the Dune books in order of publication while also following the chronology of the story.

1. ‘Dune‘ (1965)

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2. ‘Dune Messiah‘ (1969)

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3. ‘Children of Dune‘ (1976)

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4. ‘God Emperor of Dune‘ (1981)

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5. ‘Heretics of Dune‘ (1984)

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6. ‘Chapterhouse: Dune‘ (1985)

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That said, if you want to get the full, expanded Dune experience, with the addition of the new spinoff novels and stories, you can look to this official Dune novels reference guide for how to read it all in chronological order.

Up Next:

Related: 23 Years Ago, This Popular Novel Stayed #1 on Best-Seller Lists Throughout the Entire Month of August

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There’s no need to wait for guests to arrive before using the dishes you love. A pretty bowl can make a bowl of cereal feel a little nicer in the morning, just as easily as it can dress up the table when you’re hosting friends and family for dinner. Whether you’re entertaining this fall or just want to make a regular weeknight dinner feel a little more special, Walmart has a gorgeous option worth considering. 

The Vancasso Malacasa 6-Piece Pasta Bowl Set is currently on sale for $34, down from $66 — that’s 48% off. The colorful ceramic bowls feature an embossed bohemian design that gives them a charming, decorative look. Shoppers were smitten with this bowl set, with reviewers saying the set made their table look “vibrant” and noting that it’s the “perfect size for pasta or salad.” 

Vancasso Malacasa 6-Piece Pasta Bowl Set, $34 (was $66) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The set includes six ceramic pasta bowls that hold up to 42 ounces each, giving you plenty of room for generous servings of pasta, salads, soups, and other hearty meals. They have curved edges which help keep food from spilling over the sides. They’re also stackable, making them easy to store in your kitchen cabinet without taking up unnecessary space. The bowls are dishwasher-, microwave-, and oven-safe as well.

Related: Drew Barrymore’s Satiny $8 Stoneware Loaf Pan Is ‘Remarkably Effective’ for Bread Baking

Walmart shoppers are impressed by how stylish the bowls look in person. “They are just as beautiful in my kitchen as they are in the photos,” one reviewer wrote. Another said they’re the “perfect” dish set to eat Ramen, salads, or whatever “bowl” meal you heart desires, adding that it makes dining at home feel “elegant and comforting all at once.” A third shopper said they’re “so pretty you almost don’t want to eat off them!” 

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At just $34, the Vancasso Malacasa 6-Piece Pasta Bowl Set  is an easy way to add color and personality to your table without spending a lot. Don’t miss out on the chance to give your table a pretty refresh, and snag the set at Walmart while it’s still in stock!

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Forty-nine years ago, country star Johnny Paycheck released “Take This Job and Shove It,” a song that dominated the Hot Country Singles chart and has since gone down as a staple of the genre.

Released on October 14, 1977, as the lead single and title track of his seventeenth studio album, “Take This Job and Shove It” quickly became Paycheck’s biggest mainstream success. Upon its release, the song climbed up the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, peaking at No. 1 on January 7, 1978, for two weeks. In total, the song spent 12 consecutive weeks on the tally.

“Take This Job and Shove It” not only achieved major chart success, but it also experienced significant commercial triumph. Since the song dropped, it has earned a Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling over 1 million copies in the U.S. alone. On a global scale, it has moved over 2 million units.

Johnny Paycheck and Mickey Gilley at the PBS Chicago Studios for a taping of Soundstage in Chicago, Illinois, on January 8, 1980.

Paul Natkin/Getty Images

Written by fellow country singer-songwriter David Allan Coe, “Take This Job and Shove It” is a quintessential blue-collar anthem. The song tells the story of a fed-up narrator who quits his grueling job following a breakup. The narrator reckons his ex-lover was the only reason he kept showing up to the thankless job, so he dramatically quits, telling his boss to “shove it.”

Paired with Paycheck’s gritty vocals that bring out pure blue-collar frustration, its lyrics struck a chord with working-class Americans. Its persistent resonance with hard-working individuals took it the distance, making it a timeless piece of country music history.

Nearly five decades after Paycheck released the single, “Take This Job and Shove It” remains a culturally significant track. Music experts with Sirius XM have even ranked it among the greatest country tracks of all time, taking the No. 33 spot out of 100 beloved songs on the list. On Spotify, the single proves its lasting relevance and ability to bridge generational gaps, raking in over 73.6 million streams.

Related: 1968 Hit, Written by Bob Dylan, Became One of the Greatest Country Rock Songs of All Time

While some of the most popular rock bands are better known for their livelier hits, the genre does have its fair share of beloved songs seeped with sorrow. For instance, the publication Far Out magazine released a ranking of “the 10 most depressing rock songs ever.”

The list, published in April 2026, featured several sad songs by well-known rock bands like Pearl Jam‘s “Black” from 1991, 1975’s “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd, Johnny Cash‘s cover of “Hurt,” released in 2002, and 1979’s “All My Love” by Led Zeppelin.

“All My Love,” off the record In Through the Out Door, was co-written by John Paul Jones and Robert Plant, in tribute to the latter’s son, Karac Pendragon Plant, whom he shared with his ex-wife, Maureen Wilson. Far Out magazine reported that Karac, who only lived to be five years old, died in 1977 following “a stomach illness.”

Plant discussed co-writing “All My Love” in a 2024 interview with Dan Rather. According to Plant, now 78, the song “was just paying tribute to the joy that [Karac] gave us as a family.”

“In a crazy way, still does, occasionally,” said the British vocalist, who divorced Wilson in 1983.

In addition, Plant said while memories of Karac and his and Wilson’s other son, Logan, born in 1979, “are blurred,” he remembers that Karac “was a little nature boy” and “was a mountain man.”

Plant also told Rather that it was difficult navigating his grief while in the spotlight. However, he and Wilson received “good support” from their “strong families” and the band’s drummer, the late John Bonham, and his wife, Pat Phillips.

“It was anything but conducive to a normal family life, but we pulled tight together,” said Plant during the 2024 interview.

Plant also said that while he didn’t have any advice for those going through a similar loss, he recommends to “just love everything around you as much as you can really.”

Some songs are good for a season, and then there are the ones that are basically immortal. You can hear the opening notes three decades later and suddenly you’re 12 again, singing into a hairbrush, riding around in the backseat while your parents’ favorite station is blasting through the speakers, or screaming along with your friends at a school dance. These are the complete bangers—the songs that survive every musical trend, questionable fashion era and changing definition of what’s “cool.”

And really, what makes them timeless is the memories associated with those songs. You know every word, you know exactly when that guitar riff is coming and you will absolutely be singing louder than the person next to you when the chorus hits. Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” is practically the patron saint of this category. It’s been getting people to belt out that chorus for generations, whether they discovered that jam on the radio, at a bar, in a movie or thanks to The Sopranos. So naturally, wearing your love for the song on your shirt feels less like fashion and more like a public service.

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Journey Don’t Stop Believin’ Graphic Tee, $5.55 at Five Below Journey Don’t Stop Believin’ Graphic Tee

Five Below

Five Below’s Journey “Don’t Stop Believin'” graphic tee is basically a wearable excuse to keep one of rock’s most enduring anthems in heavy rotation. It has that classic graphic-tee feel that works especially well with jeans, shorts or layered under a denim or leather jacket. The Journey branding and instantly recognizable “Don’t Stop Believin'” message do most of the talking, so you don’t need to overthink the outfit. Plus, it comes in the loveliest pastel purple. It’s the kind of shirt that feels nostalgic without requiring you to actually dig through your closet for something from 1981 when the song was originally released).

Related: Costco Is Selling a Chic Pair of Clarks Boots That Are Pure Comfortcore

Now you might be wondering, “If the song came out in ’81, why does the t-shirt say ’73?” Easy explanation: The band formed in early 1973, hence the ’73. It’s harkening back to Journey’s roots rather than when the song debuted. For a little more of the band’s history, Steve Perry, whose vocals you hear on “Don’t Stop Believin'” didn’t join Journey until 1977, four years after these guys first started making music together.

Related: Five Below’s $5 Throwback Disney Channel Movie Tee Will Make You ‘Strut Like You Mean It’

More than four decades into their career, one of alternative rock’s loudest bands is staying on the road.

Dinosaur Jr. has expanded its North American tour with 17 new concerts scheduled for February and March 2027. Starcrawler will serve as the special guest at 14 of the upcoming shows.

The new run begins with two nights at Brooklyn Steel in New York on Feb. 11 and 12. From there, the band will visit cities including Philadelphia, Orlando, Nashville, Chicago, Detroit and Toronto before returning to its home state of Massachusetts for a final performance in Boston on March 13.

The announcement coincides with the Aug. 28 release of Dinosaur Jr.’s 13th studio album, There Near. The record marks the group’s first full-length project since Sweep It Into Space arrived in 2021. Its release was led by the singles “Several Got Away” and “Everything At Once.”

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“I’m not always sure what a song is ‘about’ when I’m writing it,” frontman J Mascis said in a statement shared by Pitchfork. “I guess the meaning will present itself at some point.”

Mascis formed Dinosaur Jr. with bassist Lou Barlow and drummer Murph in Amherst, Massachusetts, during the 1980s. The group helped shape the sound of alternative rock by placing tuneful songwriting and sprawling guitar solos inside layers of distortion.

Neil Young was among the classic rock artists who influenced that approach. His raw guitar playing and willingness to stretch solos across a song can be heard in Mascis’ own style, while the band’s heavier side also drew from Black Sabbath and the energy of punk.

The original lineup separated near the end of the 1980s, though Mascis continued recording under the Dinosaur Jr. name. Barlow and Murph eventually rejoined him in 2005, beginning a reunion that has now lasted more than 20 years.

Before the 2027 dates begin, Dinosaur Jr. will complete a fall 2026 tour featuring special guest Stef Chura. Tickets for the newly announced shows are on sale now.

Related: ’60s Rock Legend From Kentucky Turns 85 Today

In 1992, Kurt Cobain was hunkered down in the closet of his Fairfax apartment working on the riff for “Heart-Shaped Box.” Interrupted by his wife, Courtney Love, he famously told her to get lost (though with more colorful language) and continued his work.

“We had this huge closet, and I heard him in there working on ‘Heart-Shaped Box,’” the Hole frontwoman told Rolling Stone in 1994. “He did that in five minutes. … He was trying to be so sneaky. I could hear that one from downstairs.”

Though the song’s central riff came together in minutes, its meaning has been debated and pored over for decades. Cobain said he was deeply affected by documentary films about children with terminal cancer, which he said inspired the famous lyric: “I wish I could eat your cancer when you turn black.”

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“Every time I see documentaries about little kids with cancer I just freak out,” Cobain told Michael Azerrad, author of the 1993 book Come As You Are: The Story of Nirvana, to explain the intense feelings and raw vulnerability that helped inspire the song. “It affects me on the highest emotional level, more than anything else on television.”

However, biographers and critics have also connected the song to Cobain’s relationship with Love, reading its lyrics as explorations of physical and emotional dependency, sexuality, and even female anatomy.

Charles R. Cross, author of the 2001 Cobain biography Heavier Than Heaven, described the same “cancer” lyric not as a reference to children, but as “the most convoluted route any songwriter undertook in pop history to say ‘I love you.’”

Released Aug. 30, 1993, as the first single from In Utero, “Heart-Shaped Box” was intentionally harsher and more aggressive than 1991’s Nevermind, making the track a curious choice for the album’s lead single. But after producer Craig Montgomery heard the song during a soundcheck in São Paulo, he knew its melodic sound and killer riff made it lead material.

“Even then Kurt knew this was the single,” Montgomery said, via Nirvana’s In Utero, by Gillian Gaar. “All the other [new] stuff they had was way more noisy and abrasive than this. Even the other sound guys that were out there on the platform with me were going, ‘Yeah, this is a good song.’”

And they were all right. “Heart-Shaped Box” reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Modern Rock Tracks chart and became a Top 10 hit in several international markets, including Portugal, the U.K., Ireland, Finland, and New Zealand. Although DGC Records did not release a physical commercial single in the U.S., the song received substantial airplay on American radio.

Beyond acclaim for the song’s lyrics and soaring melody, “Heart-Shaped Box” was praised for its haunting, cyclical guitar riff—the same one Cobain crafted in that closet. In fact, Rolling Stone ranked its guitar solo No. 70 on its 2026 list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time.

“The solo itself has a journey of its own: After noise-rock stalwart Steve Albini produced In Utero, R.E.M. producer Scott Litt was enlisted to remix ‘Heart-Shaped Box’ and ‘All Apologies.’ Litt’s commercial-friendly reworking removed the buzzy guitar effect on the solo, resulting in a cleaner, more concise pocket of fuzzed-out glory,” RS explained.

“But if you want a happy medium of the two, check out Nirvana’s early live renditions of it, like their January 1993 performance in Rio de Janeiro—blistering and blissful, all at once,” the outlet added.

Further critical acclaim included: “I’ve always considered ‘Heart-Shaped Box‘, with its elliptical guitar figure and explosive choruses, to be one of Cobain’s most accomplished compositions,” Pitchfork wrote, with The Daily Beast calling it “as close as Cobain ever got to a perfect song,” with “a perfect music video to match.”

Amplifying the song’s uneasy atmosphere, the surreal music video directed by Anton Corbijn featured crucifixes, a surgical heart, umbilical cords as nooses, and more disturbing religious and medical imagery. Mental? Maybe. But it won two MTV Video Music Awards: one for Best Alternative Video and the other for Best Art Direction.

A song steeped in lore, “Heart-Shaped Box” also holds one bittersweet historical fact: It became the final song Nirvana ever performed, closing the band’s concert in Munich on March 1, 1994, just weeks before Cobain died by suicide in April 1994.

Looking back, that bittersweet tone reverberates throughout, from the song’s origin, to its lyrics, to its legacy. What began with a riff Cobain reportedly hammered out in a closet in five minutes became a song that would outlive the band that made it.

Related: ’90s Alternative Rock Legends Make History With ‘Greatest Hits’ Spending a Decade on the Charts

ERNEST has announced plans to step back from touring for a couple of weeks to focus on his personal life and well-being. The country music singer-songwriter took to social media on Friday, Aug. 28, sharing that the road life has been wearing him down. 

ERNEST has been serving as a supporting act on Ella Langley’s The Dandelion Tour, which kicked off its second leg on Aug. 20 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, alongside Laci Kaye Booth. However, fans planning to see ERNEST perform over the next few weeks will now have to wait, as he will be off the road for at least half a month. 

RELATED: Country Star Cancels Shows, Announces Touring Break to Seek ‘Professional’ Help

“Hey y’all. The road has been dragging me down in a bad way, from mental to physical health,” ERNEST wrote in an Instagram Story over a simple black backdrop. “I am going away for a couple of weeks to get myself and my priorities back in order.”

It is currently unclear who will fill ERNEST’s remaining dates of The Dandelion Tour, but the “Would If I Could” singer made a point to express his gratitude to the “Be Her” singer for having him on the trek, which included a moment (shown in the YouTube video below) where the two stars join forces onstage for “Loving Life Again,” which they co-wrote together alongside Devin Dawson. 

“I want to thank Ella for having me out on tour and wishing her the best in Auburn tonight and the rest of the tour,” ERNEST captioned, highlighting the next stop of the trek, which takes place in Langley’s home state on Friday, Aug. 28 in Auburn, Alabama. 

In taking a much-needed break, ERNEST shared his optimism for the near future. 

He wrote, “I look forward to coming back better and stronger. I owe it to myself and those affected by my actions. That starts now. Love y’all.”

RELATED: 2004 Country Hit, Reimagined by Ella Langley, Is Still as Iconic as Ever 22 Years Later

ERNEST’s spot on Langley’s trek was scheduled to continue through Sept. 12, while the tour runs through Oct. 31, with supporting acts Kameron Marlowe and Gabriella Rose. Outside of Langley’s tour, ERNEST has a stacked calendar of scheduled performances for the remainder of 2026, but it remains uncertain exactly when he will return to the stage. 

For more information and a full listing of concert dates, visit his official website. 

Related: Country Icon Chris Stapleton, 47, Discusses Early Retirement: ‘I’ve Done Enough’

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GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound have transformed how millions of people approach weight loss. But alongside the dramatic results, a growing number of users are reporting an unexpected side effect: hair thinning.

For a long time, this was largely anecdotal—something people discussed in online forums and Reddit threads but rarely saw addressed by their doctors. But in July 2026, a major study published in The BMJ examined nearly 40,000 patients and found that people taking GLP-1 drugs were significantly more likely to experience hair loss than those taking other diabetes medications.

The researchers pointed to rapid weight loss and changes in nutritional status as the most likely culprits, since both are established risk factors for a common, typically temporary form of hair shedding called telogen effluvium.

Women appear to be more vulnerable than men according to an earlier study that found women on semaglutide had twice the risk of hair loss compared to their male counterparts. And for women over 50 who may already be dealing with some degree of hormonal hair thinning, the effect may be even more pronounced.

The good news is that GLP-1-related hair loss is not typically permanent, and there are concrete steps you can take to minimize it. To understand what’s happening and what actually helps, we spoke with William Gaunitz, FWTS, certified trichologist and founder of Advanced Trichology.

Related: Dermatologist Says This Is the Biggest Mistake People Make When Trying To Fix Ozempic Face

Does Taking a GLP-1 Drug Actually Cause Hair Loss?

The relationship between GLP-1 drugs and hair loss isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. “Taking a GLP-1 for weight loss can exacerbate existing hair loss, and in some cases I have seen it trigger new hair loss,” Gaunitz says.

Hair loss isn’t an officially listed side effect of GLP-1 drugs by the FDA. But the emerging research and the experience of trichologists like Gaunitz suggests that for many users, it’s a very real phenomenon. The key is understanding why it happens, because that helps to determine how to address it.

Related: This Simple Nightly Scalp Trick May Boost Hair Growth After 50

Is GLP-1 hair loss permanent?

If hair loss is going to happen from a GLP-1, Gaunitz says to expect it relatively quickly, explaining, “Typically, if you’re going to lose hair, you could see it as early as three months after beginning a GLP-1 medication.”

But it’s usually reversible.

“Hair loss from a GLP-1 is not typically permanent,” he says. However, “people who are already suffering from male or female pattern hair loss will often see an exacerbation of the balding areas. Untreated, that could be permanent. Additionally, if there are long-term underlying issues, such as inflammation or nutritional deficiencies, that will also need to be treated for the hair to return completely.”

Related: This Common GLP-1 Dosing Mistake Can Backfire Fast, Doctors Warn

What nutritional deficiencies make GLP-1 hair loss worse?

“Nutritional deficiencies created by rapid weight loss are often related to low iron or ferritin, low fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D3, or minerals such as zinc or copper,” Gaunitz tells Parade.

These deficiencies don’t just affect hair—they affect overall health. But hair is often one of the first visible signs that something is depleted, because the body deprioritizes hair growth when resources are scarce.

Related: Hairstylists Say This In-Shower Step Helps With Shedding and Scalp Issues While Encouraging Stronger, Longer Hair

What Is Telogen Effluvium—and Why Do GLP-1 Drugs Trigger It?

Telogen effluvium is the type of hair loss most commonly associated with GLP-1 use. “It is a type of hair loss typically triggered by a stressful event or trauma, either physical or emotional,” Gaunitz says.

“Almost anything can be a trigger—childbirth, starting a new medication, losing a job,” he explains. “Essentially, a stressful event forces a large volume of hair that is typically in the anagen phase, or growth phase, into the resting phase simultaneously. This can affect up to 33% of the hair growing on the scalp and create extremely dramatic shedding.”

On GLP-1 drugs specifically, the trigger is usually the rapid shift in how the body processes nutrients. “This can impair iron absorption and increase the demand for other nutrients, too. Additionally, rapid weight loss alone can trigger TE,” Gaunitz says.

Related: 11 Best Hair-Growth Serums for Thicker, Healthier Locks, Tested by Trichologists

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How Much Protein Should You Eat To Protect Your Hair?

Protein is the building block of hair, and making sure you’re getting enough on a GLP-1 drug is key. “Protein can be helpful to ensure there’s enough supply for the body’s repair mechanisms,” Gaunitz says. “In my opinion, typically half a gram per one pound of body weight is sufficient daily.”

He also has a specific recommendation on protein sources. “I highly recommend against whey protein for these types of supplementation and lean more towards a wider spectrum of protein sources, including pea, hemp and lentils. Or if you are more animal-based, you can eat beef or egg protein.”

Related: 14 Best Scalp Serums for 2026, According to a Dermatologist

How To Stop or Minimize GLP-1 Hair Loss

The most effective approach, according to Gaunitz, is to be proactive rather than reactive. “If someone is taking a GLP-1 and wants to be thorough to prevent hair loss from the medication, they should get a full nutritional panel prior to beginning a GLP-1 and supplement if their vitamin D3, ferritin, zinc or B12 if it is not in the optimal range,” he explains.

For those who already have some degree of hormonal hair loss, he recommends addressing that before starting a GLP-1, sharing, “If some hormonally-related hair loss has already begun, they should be on a treatment protocol for that to prevent the exacerbation from taking place.”

He recommends a DHT blocker, either internal or topical, to help minimize the impact. DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, is a hormone derived from testosterone that can shrink hair follicles and shorten the hair growth cycle, contributing to thinning and shedding. Blocking it can help slow that process and support hair retention. Gaunitz’s own product is the DHT Blocker Maximum Strength by Advanced Trichology.

For general nutritional support, a multi-spectrum hair growth supplement containing methylated vitamins, minerals and anti-inflammatory herbs can also help. Look for formulas specifically designed for hair loss rather than general wellness supplements.

Related: Why Your Gray Hair Is Suddenly Frizzy—And the Free Fix Stylists Swear By

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When Should You See a Trichologist or Dermatologist?

Don’t wait too long if home interventions aren’t working. “If the hair loss has become dramatic within three to six months of beginning a GLP-1 and none of the treatments at home are helping, then it would be wise to see a trichologist or a dermatologist to make sure there is nothing inflammatory that is running out of control,” Gaunitz says.

He also notes that in-office and at-home treatments for regrowing hair after GLP-1-related shedding do exist, but they’re highly individual. “Each individual has to be treated as such, and blood work should be analyzed, and patient history should be considered,” he stresses.

Up Next:

Related: The One Question You Should Never Ask Your Hairstylist, According to a Celebrity Stylist

Source:

• William Gaunitz, FWTS, Certified Trichologist and Founder, Advanced Trichology

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If you’re the kind of person who lives in loungewear, you understand that hoodies aren’t limited to a particular season. However, there are times when wearing a hoodie outside of your house is more appropriate than others — namely, when the weather’s actually cool. As fall finally begins to make its presence known, wearing a sweatshirt will become less about comfort and more about actually staying warm. If you need to replace your go-to hoodie with a new model, a fan-favorite from Hanes is currently on sale at Amazon during the retailer’s massive Labor Day event. 

Normally $28, the Hanes Ecosmart Fleece Zip-Up Hoodie is generously marked down by up to 68%, dropping the price to as low as $9. The hoodie comes in 15 colors, though select colors are priced up to $13, which is still a steal for such a versatile piece. It’s available in men’s sizes small through 3X-large, though color availability and price vary slightly by size. 

Hanes Ecosmart Fleece Zip-Up Hoodie, From $9 (was $28) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Designed with the everyday comfort Hanes clothing is known for, this cozy fleece hoodie has a relaxed fit with a drawstring hood and roomy pockets, making it super practical and convenient to wear. The full zipper makes this piece great for layering because you can easily leave it unzipped when you need extra airflow or zip it up to help keep the chill out. 

Made from a blend of 50% cotton and 50% polyester, some shoppers mentioned that this sweatshirt did shrink slightly after being washed. However, if you skip putting it in the dryer, that could help the hoodie maintain its shape and size. 

Hanes Ecosmart Fleece Zip-Up Hoodie, From $9 (was $28) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

Boasting over 1,000 five-star ratings at Amazon, shoppers raved that this “lightweight” hoodie is “surprisingly warm,” “soft,” and “comfy.” Though it’s sized for men, many women mentioned purchasing the style, preferring the oversized fit. One female customer called it “fabulous for all types of activities.”

Shop More Deals

• Hanes Women’s Pajama 2-Piece Set, $15 (was $29) at Amazon
• Trendy Queen Oversized Zip-Up Hoodie, $20 (was $40) at Amazon
• Hanes Men’s Ecosmart Hooded Sweatshirt, $10 (was $27) at Amazon

Related: Walmart’s $3 Hoodie Is a ‘Soft’ and ‘Cozy’ Year-Round Staple Available in 24 ‘Rich’ Colors

With just the right amount of warmth for brisk days and comfortable enough to lounge in even before the weather fully cools down, you won’t want to miss this limited-time deal on a wardrobe staple you can wear year-round. Snag the Hanes Ecosmart Fleece Zip-Up Hoodie at Amazon for as low as $9 while you still can!

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According to Us Weekly, a judge granted Cartwright a temporary restraining order against Taylor on Friday, Aug. 28, one day after she filed the request. Court documents reviewed by the outlet reportedly allege that Taylor exhibited “coercive control, financial abuse, emotional and psychological abuse, gaslighting and even physical violence” throughout their relationship, along with claims of a specific threatening comment and a physical altercation during their marriage. Cartwright also alleged a tense, hostile interaction between the two at their son’s school orientation earlier this month.

Taylor addressed the allegations in a statement to E! News on Friday, acknowledging past struggles without directly confirming the specific claims. “I made a lot of mistakes and behaved in ways during that period of my life that I’m truly ashamed of and regret and take full responsibility for,” he said, referencing what he described as “the darkest time of my life and at the height of my addiction.” Taylor noted that he entered treatment and says he has been sober for one year and nine months, adding that he has “remained committed to treatment and therapy.”

Regarding the specific allegations in the restraining order filing, Taylor said, “allegations are being made that I strongly dispute,” adding that “the full story, context and evidence will be addressed where it belongs – in court” and that he intends to respect the legal process.

Brittany Cartwright attends the Los Angeles Premiere Of Disney And Pixar’s “Toy Story 5” at Dolby Theatre on June 09, 2026 in Hollywood, California.

Amy Sussman/WireImage

Taylor and Cartwright, who share 5-year-old son Cruz, were married from 2019 until Cartwright filed for divorce in 2024. According to Us Weekly, the court ordered Taylor to stay 100 yards away from Cartwright, while her request for sole custody of Cruz was denied pending a future hearing. Neither party’s claims have been resolved in court, and the situation remains ongoing.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.

Dusty Springfield was already one of Britain’s biggest pop stars when she heard an Italian song at a music festival and became determined to record it herself.

The result was “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me,” a sweeping ballad that gave Springfield her only No. 1 single in the U.K. and became one of the defining performances of her career. Four years later, Elvis Presley put his unmistakable voice behind the song, extending its reach to another generation of record buyers.

Its journey began in Italy.

Springfield attended the Sanremo Music Festival in 1965, where she heard Pino Donaggio perform “Io che non vivo (senza te).” Although she didn’t understand the Italian lyrics, the melody made an immediate impression, and she wanted to record an English-language adaptation.

“My Italian is not good, but I’m deeply impressed when an audience stands up to applaud the instrumental, which they did in San Remo,” Springfield said in a 1995 interview. “That’s how I recognize songs. It’s not exactly difficult. It’s as if someone’s run a train through your stomach! It’s quite blatantly clear when something works.”

Songwriters Vicki Wickham and Simon Napier-Bell were enlisted to create new English lyrics. Rather than directly translating the Italian original, they wrote “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me,” turning it into a desperate declaration of devotion to someone who may not return that love.

“Vicki and I used to eat together, and she told me that Dusty wanted a lyric for this song,” Napier-Bell said in the book 1000 UK #1 Hits. “We went back to her flat and started working on it. We wanted to go to a trendy disco so we had about an hour to write it. We wrote the chorus and then we wrote the verse in a taxi to wherever we were going. It was the first pop lyric I’d written, although I’ve always been interested in poetry and good literature. We’d no idea what the English lyric said. That seemed to be irrelevant and besides, it is much easier to write a new lyric completely.”

Springfield brought plenty of drama to the recording.

Her powerful performance was matched by a grand orchestral arrangement that stood apart from some of her earlier pop hits. Springfield reportedly struggled to achieve the vocal sound she wanted in the studio and ultimately recorded her vocal while standing in a stairwell, where the acoustics provided the natural echo she was seeking.

Released in 1966, the record went straight toward the top.

“You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” reached No. 1 on the U.K. Singles Chart and crossed the Atlantic to peak at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Springfield her biggest American hit.

Then, in 1970, Elvis Presley revisited the song.

Presley recorded “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” during his celebrated Nashville sessions, and his version became another substantial success. It reached No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed even higher on Billboard’s Easy Listening chart.

“I like his version too,” Napier-Bell told American Songwriter. “It’s nicely masculine. As if he’s slightly embarrassed by all that romantic talk – ‘look, can’t we just not talk about all that lovey-dovey stuff? Just stay around and, you know, sort of live together.'”

Sixty years after Springfield’s recording first arrived, “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” remains a showcase for one of the most distinctive voices of the 1960s. Elvis may have brought his own commanding interpretation to it, but Springfield’s soaring original turned an Italian composition into an English-language classic that has endured for generations.

Related: 1975 Hit by Nazareth, Never No. 1 on Billboard, Ranked Among ‘Greatest’ Ballads in Rock History

A comedy legend is joining the judges’ table this coming Tuesday on America’s Got Talent when Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson fills the seat left vacant by Simon Cowell. Thompson will join regular judges Mel B, Howie Mandel and Sofia Vergara for the third night of Live Shows.

Cowell is out for several weeks of Season 21 due to back surgery necessary to repair remaining issues from a past injury that occurred in 2020 when he broke his back falling off of an electric bike near his home in Malibu.

Host Terry Crews broke that news announcing at the head of last week’s AGT telecast, “”He’s having an operation that cannot be postponed. It’s not an emergency, but it can’t be put off. Simon, we are sending you our very best wishes for speedy recovery, and we’re looking forward to seeing you back at the judges’ desk very soon.”

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As part of being a guest judge, Thompson will most likely be given the honor of pressing the Golden Buzzer for one of the 11 artists — Acro Canine Crew, Daniel Alvarez, Elsie, Guy Kelton Jones, Herwan Legaillard, Holland & Sienna, Isaac Atkins, Kameron Marshall, Lai Noelle, Maria, and Pynk Beard – competing that night, which will send them directly to the finale.

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Thompson previously filled in for Cowell during Season 15, when he filled in for Cowell for two Quarterfinals episodes at the time.

The six-time Emmy Award nominee is an award-winning actor, comedian and producer best known for his work on Saturday Night Live. He returns to the iconic late-night series for his 23rd season as the longest-running cast member. 

Thompson received two nominations in 2021 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his comedy series Kenan and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for SNL. He previously received two Emmy nominations in 2018 and 2020 in the supporting actor category for his work on SNL. He won an Emmy for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics in 2018 for the SNL song “Come Back, Barack,” and received a nomination in the same category in 2017 for co-writing “Last Christmas” from the popular “Jingle Barack” SNL music video. In 2022 Thompson hosted the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

Thompson joins AGT on Tuesday, September 1 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Streams next day on Peacock.

Next, Who Went Home on America’s Got Talent 2026 Tonight? Week 2 Live Show Results (Spoilers)

Hooters, the sports bar chain known for its servers’ revealing uniforms, is getting the big-screen treatment.

The independently produced film will follow the restaurant’s origins. It is set to be directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Jon Rosenbaum. Deadline was the first to break the news.

The Hooters: The Movie official description reads: “Ted and Lenny are two lifelong friends from a small town in Iowa who accidentally launch a national restaurant empire, only to find everything they built threatened by the federal government. The adventure begins when Ted becomes infatuated with Diane, whom he first sees from afar when featured in a spring break commercial. Determined to find her in real life, Ted talks a hesitant Lenny into joining him on a road trip to Clearwater Beach, Florida. Diane would later become the very first Hooters Girl.”  

Hooters restaurant co-founder Ed Droste will be a producer on the film. He told Deadline how excited he is for audiences to see the story behind the chain.

“I think people are going to enjoy watching how we were really just some guys who didn’t know what we were doing, but had a great time doing it,” he said. “There’s a lot of drama, but a lot of heart and fun too. And of course, our world-famous Hooters Girls are the real stars. For over 40 years Hooters has been America’s oasis in good times and bad. It’s time to deliver a taste of our big-hearted culture and famous humor to the world.”

Rosenbaum revealed that once he learned of the Hooters story, he knew it’d make an “incredible movie.”

“It’s the perfect combination of a hilarious buddy comedy and an inspiring biopic for a beloved American brand: Two lifelong friends with no idea what they’re getting themselves into, a crazy idea they’re willing to bet everything on, and a wild journey that culminates in the creation of something bigger than they could ever have imagined,” he said. “It’s not at all what people will be expecting – and it’s mostly true! I can’t wait to bring this story to life.”

Production on Hooters: The Movie is expected to start filming in November in the Tampa/Clearwater area, where the first Hooters opened in 1983.

Fifty-eight years ago, country rock band The Byrds released “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere,” a beloved track written by massive folk star that would go down as one of the greatest works in the genre.

Released on April 2, 1968 as the lead single from the band’s sixth studio album, Sweetheart of the Rodeo, “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” quickly became a fan favorite. Despite the song’s lasting legacy, it experienced modest commercial success upon release, peaking on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 74 on June 8.

“You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” was originally written in 1967 by Bob Dylan. The songwriter penned the track in Woodstock, New York, following a major motorcycle accident that caused him to retreat from the public eye.

Bob Dylan performs with Roger McGuinn, David Crosby and Chris Hillman of the Byrds circa 1990.

KMazur/WireImage

During this period, Dylan withdrew into privacy and began writing and recording songs with a group that would later be dubbed The Band. Together, they created a massive collection of hundreds of Americana and roots-rock tracks intended to be covered by other musicians—songs that were easily digestible for a wider demographic of artists.

The first group to get their hands on a Basement Tape was none other than The Byrds, transforming Dylan’s “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” in a mainstream powerhouse with their polished, radio-friendly sound.

The Byrds utilized a clean acoustic arrangement that channeled an authentic Nashville country sound. Paired with lyrics about staying grounded amid difficult times, The Byrds’ spin on the song quickly captivated audiences—an appreciation that has only grown stronger over time.

Nearly six decades after its release, “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” has become a cornerstone of the country rock genre. In 2024, Ultimate Classic Rock listed their top 30 picks for the greatest country rock songs, with The Byrds’ single coming in at No. 5 alongside other legendary hits like “Desperado” by Eagles and “Heart of Gold” by Neil Young.

In the digital era, the song has proven its perseverance, bridging generational gaps on streaming platforms. On Spotify, the track has accumulated over 35.9 million streams.

Related: 1970 Rock Song, With 22-Year-Old Singer of Sugarloaf, Is Still a Major Hit 56 Years Later

Twelve years ago today, President Barack Obama sported his infamous tan suit.

On Aug. 28, 2014, Obama showed up to a press briefing at the White House in a light beige suit and a gray striped tie. His outfit immediately faced backlash and was criticized as “unpresidential” by many politicians, including U.S. Rep. Peter King of New York.

In 2024, the former president acknowledged the 10th anniversary of what he described as “Suitgate.” Obama posted on Instagram a photo of him side-by-side with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, also dressed in a tan suit, captioned “How it started. How it’s going. Ten years later, and it’s still a good look! IWillVote.com”

The fashion choice is one of the most memorable controversies during Obama’s two presidential terms. It is often acknowledged as a racial double standard that Obama faced as the United States’ first Black president.

There is no dress code or uniform that bans tan suits, although male politicians typically opt for dark-colored suits. Former Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton were seen in similar attire but did not face backlash.

Obama appeared in the final episode of Larry David’s Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Unhappiness in August to reimagine that controversy as David’s fault. The Seinfeld creator played a made-up presidential adviser who encourages him to wear the tan suit.

When Obama puts on the outfit, Davis tells him, “People are going to be talking about this for a long, long time.”

The recently opened Obama Presidential Center in Chicago is celebrating what they call “Tan Suit Day” by giving out free stickers to anyone wearing a tan suit on Friday, Aug. 28.

While British author Philip Pullman wrote his series His Dark Materials for any age, the fantasy novel has become a YA staple since its initial publication in 1995. The story, a somewhat retelling of Milton’s Paradise Lost, has been subject to controversy due to its criticism of organized religion and the idea of “original sin.” However, that has not halted its popularity whatsoever, with the series selling over 20 million copies in over 50 countries worldwide.

The first of the trilogy, The Golden Compass, has become beloved in the YA fantasy space over the last 31 years. It remains so popular that the reading platform Goodreads ranked it among the “Best Books of the 1990s.” On Goodreads, The Golden Compass holds a 4.04 rating among over 1.6 million ratings and has been reviewed over 31,000 times. Reviewers love the book, saying:

“This novel is an absolute work of pure genius, and is in my top ten reads of all time.”

“There aren’t words enough to describe what an important work of literature this is, not only for children, but also for thinking, feeling, dreaming adults as well.”

“Overall, it’s a truly magical, mystical, and totally enthralling. It’s about morality, spirituality, good versus evil and the saving of innocents from the corruption of adults.”

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The Golden Compass (also known as the title Northern Lights) follows 12-year-old Lyra Belacqua, who lives in a world where human souls exist with shape-shifting animal companions called dæmons. Lyra lives with her dæmon, Pantalaimon, at Jordan College. When her best friend Roger is kidnapped by “Gobblers,” Lyra sets off on a mission to save him from the horrific experiments that are being done on children to separate them from their dæmons. Along the way, she must also uncover the secrets surrounding a mysterious element known as “dust” and learn the truth behind the people she’s known her entire life.

The Golden Compass and its sequels are out now and available wherever books are sold.

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Related: Best-Selling Novel, Written by a 21-Year-Old From London, Ranked a ‘Best Book of the 21st Century’