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Getting dressed in the spring can be tricky. The weather is often unpredictable, and while some days can feel like summer, others can feel like fall. So, it’s important to have cute and lightweight tops, dresses, and pants in your spring ensemble repertoire that you can layer or wear alone. The chic Christopher & Banks Raw Edge Y Neck Button Front Shirt is a great example of that. It’s on sale for just $10 — an incredible 83% markdown from its original $60 price. Plus, you can get it with $5 shipping for a limited time when you use the code FREERETURN. 

Christopher & Banks Raw Edge Y Neck Button Front Shirt, $10 (was $60) at ShopHQ The Christopher & Banks Raw Edge Y Neck Button Front Shirt.

Courtesy of ShopHQ

The top comes in four vibrant colorways: orange, green, blue, and fuchsia, and ranges in size to fit a variety of body types, from small to 3X and petite small to petite XL. With a deal this good, some of the size/color combos have already sold out, so don’t wait to grab one. We’re not surprised, since its lightweight 100% cotton gauze fabric works well for every season.

Use Code FREERETURN on Shop HQ to unlock $5 off shipping for a limited time.

The top has a relaxed silhouette complemented by a flattering Y-neck split neckline and a button-front design that creates an elongated look. Seam detailing throughout the shirt adds subtle texture, and the raw-edge finishes give the top a boho-inspired vibe. The shirt measures 26 inches long in small through XL, 25 inches long in petite small through petite XL, and 28 inches long in 1X-3X, making it easy to wear tucked, untucked, or layered.

Related: This Stylish Denim Jacket Will Go With Everything, and It’s On Sale for $30

Part of what makes the top so versatile is how easy it is to style. The breathable cotton gauze construction keeps it feeling airy so you’ll stay cool in the spring and summer, and the slightly relaxed fit makes it comfortable enough to wear every day. Pair it with denim or white jeans, or casual shorts and sandals for a casual daytime look. Or, wear it unbuttoned with a fitted tank or camisole underneath to switch things up. It’s also easy to clean. Just put it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle and tumble dry low. 

Shop More Deals

• Christopher & Banks Drawstring Waist Short Sleeve Shirt, $9,(was $45) at ShopHQ
• Christopher & Banks Relaxed Restyled Ribbed Detail Dolman 3/4 Sleeve Top $9 (was $45) at ShopHQ
• Christopher & Banks Wide Trim Perfect Tank, $4 (was $21) at ShopHQ

This classic button-up shirt is the perfect staple for your spring wardrobe in any color. Grab one or three while they’re just $10! Keep in mind that this is a clearance item, so it is final sale.

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While most of Prime Video’s subscribers are inevitably priming for The Boys’ Season 5 finale, the rest of them are hopefully catching up with another group of fellas. Namely, Smalls, Ham, Benny the Jet, Yeah-Yeah, and the rest of The Sandlot crew. 

Released in the spring of 1993, the somewhat-autobiographical film slid into theaters and has remained a nostalgic mainstay for generations of ’80s and ’90s kids ever since. Case in point: The film is firmly planted in the Amazon platform’s Top 10, according to FlixPatrol. 

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For days, David Mickey Evans’ film has shared the ranking list with some new cinema heavyweights, including the Colleen Hoover adaptation Regretting You, Bart Layton’s fun thriller Crime 101, and Edgar Wright’s remake of The Running Man. That’s some stiff competition for the little flick that could. Of course, it’s nothing these boys from the mean, well, suburban streets of L.A.’s San Fernando Valley can’t handle. As long as The Beast stays leashed.

Set in the summer of 1962, the film unfolds through the eyes of the new kid in town, Scotty Smalls, a scrawny baseball-clueless outsider who more than lives up to his name. But when he falls in with the neighborhood sandlot crew, he stumbles into the biggest and most unforgettable adventure of his life. 

In addition to blissfully capturing the sights and scenery of childhood, friendship, and America's favorite pastime, the film has a stellar soundtrack for the ages. Featuring a mix of ’50s and ’60s rock ‘n’ roll hits, with some R&B and Doo Wop tracks, including “This Magic Moment” by The Drifters, “Green Onions” by Booker T. & the M.G.’s, and “Tequila” by The Champs, the sound part of the equation is just as timeless as the story itself. 

According to Roger Ebert, who said The Sandlot is like a summer version of A Christmas Story,  the film “seduces with its memories of what really matters when you are 12.” And he is so right on. Grossing $33 million worldwide on an estimated $7 million budget, the film was a hit, but it became even more of a beloved cult classic through the years. Every time we queue up this classic, it’s like the best summer of our heyday never ended. 

The Sandlot is streaming on Prime Video.

Related: 1961 Island Classic Behind One of Music’s Greatest Love Ballads Ranked Among Best Rock Movies

Alexa Havins Bruening brought Lulu Spencer back to the cast of General Hospital in November 2024. Now, 17 months later, the actress is opening up about who she sees as her character's “end game.”

Bruening spoke with Soap Opera Digest about her experience returning to ABC Daytime, having formerly appeared on All My Children as Babe Carey from 2001 to 2007.

During the conversation, the subject of Lulu’s love life came up, as the character appears to be falling for her best friend's recently back-from-the-dead husband, Nathan West (Ryan Paevey), who is really Nathan’s evil twin brother, Cassius Faison.

But despite the storyline's current direction, Bruening shared that she always believed Lulu’s ex-husband, Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna), was her true love. “I assumed that them getting back together was kind of the end game,” she explained to the outlet.

The actress added that, despite some of the more complicated storylines she has had thus far, she always tries to play into the connection Lulu and Dante share when they interact, believing that is the ultimate “goal” and finish line for her character.

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As the daughter of General Hospital super-couple Luke (Anthony Geary) and Laura (Genie Francis), Lulu’s life has been complicated from birth, as she developed aplastic anemia as a child, needing a bone marrow transplant from her brother, Nikolas Cassadine, to survive.

In later years, the character has found herself kidnapped multiple times, been cryogenically frozen and had her eggs harvested by her father's arch enemy, Stavros Cassadine, had her children kidnapped, and was rendered comatose following a traumatic brain injury, amongst many other stories.

Lulu has had many romances over the years, from her affair with Dillon Quartermaine to falling in love with Jonny Zacchara, but it was her relationship with Dante that defied the odds and proved popular with fans.

The pairing began in 2011 with Julie Marie Berman in the role; it continued in 2013 with Emme Rlyan, and the pair have remained in each other's orbit to this day.

Fans will have to stay tuned to see if Lulu and Dante are endgame or if the pair will actually find love again with someone else.

General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC and episodes stream weeknights on Hulu.

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If having overnight guests means turning your main couch into a makeshift bed, Walmart has a better backup plan on sale right now. The Zafly Folding Sofa Bed is currently marked down as low as $220 (originally $370) in the black colorway. It also comes in four additional hues, including gray, green, orange, and pink, all listed at around $230. 

It measures 82 inches wide by 39 inches deep by 26 inches high, and it weighs 90 pounds. It features a modern floor sofa shape with an iron frame, 100% corduroy upholstery, high-density sponge filling, and removable guardrails. No assembly is required — it folds from a floor sofa into a chaise lounge or bed, so it can stay out as regular seating too.

Zafly Folding Sofa Bed, From $220 (was $370) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

A folding sofa bed is a super practical fix when you don’t have a guest room, or when the “guest room” is also your office, storage area, laundry pile zone, and everything else. This one could work in a living room, an apartment, a finished basement, a playroom, or a spare room. It also gives people a place to stretch out for movie nights without permanently taking over your space.

“This is a really nice, very large, very sturdy, and thick cushioned futon bed,” one shopper wrote. Another said, “It's the perfect sturdiness and cushioning at the same time. Perfect couch for the family.” Others called it “very comfortable” and “soft.”

Related: Target Is Selling a 'Comfortable' $128 Foldable Sofa Bed That’s Great for Small Spaces

Since it’s foldable, you don’t have to worry too much about it matching the rest of your decor perfectly — but if you are keeping styling in mind, the black color is the most versatile option. The gray style would fit well in a lighter room, while the green and orange are more playful. The pink option would work in a bedroom, reading corner, office, or dorm-style setup, and you could even add a throw blanket and a few pillows to make it look more like a lounge spot.

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If you need something that can handle guests, lounging, and everyday use, the Zafly Folding Sofa Bed is worth considering. The corduroy fabric, foldable shape, and convertible design make it a practical pick for rooms with limited space, especially if your backup sleeping setup still involves an air mattress or the main couch. Be sure to get yours now while it’s still on sale at Walmart. 

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There are seemingly infinite types of celebrity projects: wine labels, clothing lines and—increasingly—audiobook narration. Though there are still certainly many professional audiobook narrators working (and occasionally becoming celebrities in their own right), it's not uncommon to see a famous actor's name attached to a book project—even if it's not in a more traditional format like the celebrity's own memoir. With so many options to choose from, Parade asked seven librarians for the 27 best celebrity-narrated audiobooks worth checking out. And there's something for every reader—from those who love engaging memoirs to readers looking to stay on top of the trending fiction lists.

If you've been curious about the uptick in celebrities narrating books, a lot of it comes down to publicity.

"The main thing a celebrity can do for a book, aside from being excellent at acting and reading the text, is attention," says Diana Platt, the virtual resources librarian at the Kansas City Public Library. "When a celebrity attaches their name, it may bring attention to a work from people who might otherwise have skipped it."

But the best audiobooks read by celebrities aren't just the ones that make a big sales splash; they're the ones with performances so engaging that you want to tune in and stick around.

"A good narrator is someone who can not only read well but also imbue the story with the personality behind the words," Platt states. These 27 audiobooks achieve that.

Related: 11 Best Audiobooks on Spotify, According to Librarians

What Makes for a Good Audiobook Narrator?

There's a lot that goes into being a good audiobook narrator beyond just being able to voice the words on the page. Rose Waldman, library supervisor at the Menlo Park Public Library, says that she looks for "a voice that is pleasant to listen to," as well as someone who's "a good fit for the story being told," especially if the characters have accents or come from a specific background.

"The best audiobook narrators do that job full-time," she adds, noting that it takes "a sophisticated enough understanding of spelling, punctuation and pronunciation that they can accurately interpret the author's intent."

Lucy Donnelly, the readers' services librarian at the Kansas City Public Library, adds that a good narrator is "able to create an immersive listening experience."

"I love when I am listening to a solo-narrated book and forget that one voice actor is crafting each unique character," she shares.

An increasingly popular category of audiobook narrators is celebrity performers.

"There are basically two types of [celebrities] who end up narrating audiobooks: actors... and the people who write the books," says Waldman. She adds that the latter category encompasses most celebrity memoirs and is particularly successful when the author is also a celebrity performer and "already well-versed in performing the written word."

"I personally love a self-narrated memoir and have listened to several celebrity ones that were very engaging," says Donnelly. She adds that it gets slightly trickier for fiction. "The challenge for a celebrity is for them not to be 'insert celebrity's name' reading a book; the focus should be on the book and not the celebrity who is narrating," she tells Parade.

She adds that "actors are generally fantastic," and celebrities with podcast or journalism experience, aka "crafting stories in a variety of fashions," can also be successful narrators.

Related: Bestselling Author’s Novel Ranked Among ‘Best Audiobooks’ of All Time

27 Best Audiobooks Narrated by Celebrities, According to Librarians1. 'The Dutch House' by Ann Patchett, narrated by Tom Hanks

Amazon

As Platt describes, this book follows "a brother and sister... exiled from their beloved family home after the death of their father." She adds of the narration, "Tom Hanks has such a distinctive, identifiable voice, but he simply disappears into the role of narrator here, a vessel for a beautiful novel."

This book was mentioned by several of the librarians Parade spoke with, including Marisa Bateman, children's librarian at the DC Public Library. She adds that the high praise for Hanks’ narration is "rightly so" deserved.

2. 'The Testaments' by Margaret Atwood, narrated by Ann Dowd, Bryce Dallas Howard and Mae Whitman

Amazon

Now a Hulu series, this sequel to The Handmaid's Tale is narrated by several stars—including Ann Dowd, who reprises her role of Aunt Lydia in the show as well.

"These three powerful female performers bring an authenticity to The Testaments that made it hard to stop listening," says Donnelly.

Platt agrees, adding, "Howard and Whitman are also excellent, but Dowd really is Aunt Lydia, now and forever."

3. 'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe' by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, narrated by Lin-Manuel Miranda

Amazon

A queer coming-of-age story about two Mexican-American teens, this book was recommended by two of the librarians Parade spoke with. Waldman praises Lin-Manuel Miranda for "[tapping] into the bittersweet hopefulness of this book so beautifully."

4. 'I’m Glad My Mom Died' written and narrated by Jennette McCurdy

Amazon

"Jennette McCurdy narrates the abusive way she was raised by her emotionally volatile mother in a deadpan narration style," says Jenny Zbrizher, the senior adult services librarian at Maplewood Memorial Library. She adds that the Nickelodeon star's narration has a degree of emotional removal that seems "necessary in order to overcome the complicated feelings she was forced to unpack in the aftermath of her mother’s death."

This memoir was also recommended by Amanda Epperson, the adult services librarian at the DC Public Library.

"Jennette McCurdy has such a unique voice, and reading her story in her voice is moving and incredibly powerful in how it forms a connection between you as the reader and her as a human being," she says.

5. 'As You Wish' written and narrated by Cary Elwes

Amazon

The Princess Bride star Cary Elwes narrates this book that delves into the behind-the-scenes of making the film.

"Come for the on-set stories, stay for the guest appearances by friends from the film," says Jessica Pryde, the adult fiction selector in the Pima County Public Library's collection development office.

6. 'Margo’s Got Money Troubles' by Rufi Thorpe, narrated by Elle Fanning

Amazon

This fiction book is about a college dropout who subsidizes her new life as a single mom through OnlyFans, and it's recently been made into an AppleTV show. The audio version comes recommended by Zbrizher, who appreciates the rare synergy of Elle Fanning playing Margo in the show and also narrating the book.

Related: 11 Books Like ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles,’ According to Librarians

7. 'Tom Lake' by Ann Patchett, narrated by Meryl Streep

Amazon

Another Patchett book to make the list is the COVID-era novel, Tom Lake. As the mother, Lara, tells her daughters about a youthful romance she had with a now-famous actor, her children are able to see their mom in a new light.

"Meryl Streep nails the voice of middle-aged Lara," says Zbrizher.

8. 'Finding Me: A Memoir' written and narrated by Viola Davis

Amazon

"[Actress] Viola Davis has an incredible voice, and she uses it to great effect to tell her highly personal, wrenching story about her origins growing up in poverty and journey to finding herself as an individual," says Zbrizher. She adds that "listening to the audiobook is the best way to experience this story."

Related: 13 Best Audiobooks Narrated by Julia Whelan, According to Librarians

9. 'Lincoln in the Bardo' by George Saunders, narrated by Nick Offerman, David Sedaris and more

Amazon

This ghost-filled historical fiction novel spins a tale about Abraham Lincoln's grief following the death of his son. The narration is led by Nick Offerman and David Sedaris, who are joined by an all-star cast of 166 narrators—including Julianne Moore, Susan Sarandon, Lena Dunham, Rainn Wilson, Ben Stiller and more.

Zbrizher calls it "an audiobook gateway into George Saunders' work, for those who may otherwise be intimidated by it."

10. 'The Third Gilmore Girl: A Memoir' written and narrated by Kelly Bishop

Amazon

For Gilmore Girls fans, this memoir takes you back through Kelly Bishop's life—including her pivotal Broadway days—long before she landed the role of Emily Gilmore.

"She is wise and funny and self-assured and a pleasure to spend time with," Zbrizher says of the audiobook, which Bishop narrates.

11. 'Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators' written and narrated by Ronan Farrow

Amazon

In this nonfiction book, Mia Farrow and Woody Allen's son Ronan Farrow powerfully reports on the systemic abuse in Hollywood and beyond. He narrates the audiobook as well, with Waldman praising his "intellect and determination... with the Hollywood pedigree and dramatic flair to narrate his own book with aplomb."

12. 'The Woman in Me' by Britney Spears, narrated by Michelle Williams

Amazon

Britney Spears' long-awaited memoir was not read by the author herself, but instead by actress Michelle Williams. Waldman says it's a great "example of a star actor using her skillset to not just read, but to embody."

13. 'How To Be Perfect: The Correct Answer to Every Moral Question' by Michael Schur, narrated by Michael Schur and the cast of The Good Place

Amazon

"This is a great book, regardless of your interest in [or] knowledge of the television show that inspired it," says Waldman.

Penned by The Good Placecreator Michael Schur and narrated by the cast—including Kristen Bell, D'arcy Carden and Ted Danson, to name a few—the humorous philosophy book makes readers ponder what it means to be good and how to approach ethical dilemmas, much like the characters in the show had to.

14. 'Beloved' written and narratedby Toni Morrison

Amazon

"[Toni] Morrison does not shy away from challenging subjects, and Beloved has some particularly harrowing aspects—slavery and its repercussions—that make it a difficult, but important read," says Waldman. She adds that she recommends the audio version "because Morrison's narration carries the [reader] along like a patient but persistent friend saying, 'You must not look away from this.'"

15. 'City of Thieves' by David Benioff, narrated by Ron Perlman

Amazon

Written by Game of Thrones showrunner David Benioff, City of Thieves is a World War II novel. It chronicles two prisoners' desperate search for supplies to make a wedding cake for a Soviet colonel in hopes of being pardoned. Platt praised the audiobook for actor Ron Perlman's "wry" narration that "perfectly portrays the horrors and the humor of the war-torn Russian landscape."

16. 'The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science' written and narrated by Kate McKinnon

Amazon

This book series follows three oddball sisters who find refuge in a school for mad scientists, and it's both written and narrated by Saturday Night Live's Kate McKinnon. Donnelly calls her "a chameleon of an audiobook narrator, creating compelling and unique voices for each character" to keep listeners engaged the whole time.

17. 'Love, Loss and What We Ate: A Memoir' written and narrated by Padma Lakshmi

Amazon

Recommended by Bateman, this memoir from Top Chefhost Padma Lakshmi tells her life story through the lens of her favorite foods. Bateman says the story is so engaging, "you won’t want to stop listening."

18. 'Heartburn' by Nora Ephron, narrated by Meryl Streep

Amazon

Meryl Streep won an outstanding audiobook narration award in 2014 for her Heartburn performance. The audio version of the semi-autobiographical Nora Ephron book is recommended by Bateman. The story follows a cookbook writer and the end of her seemingly perfect marriage.

19. 'You Can’t Be Serious' written and narrated by Kal Penn

Amazon

Another Bateman recommendation is this memoir by comedian, actor and former White House aide Kal Penn.

"His infectious cadence and storytelling style will have you hooked as he takes you from his childhood, to Hollywood, to the Oval Office," Bateman says.

20. 'We’re Going to Need More Wine' written and narrated by Gabrielle Union

Amazon

"[Gabrielle Union's] series of autobiographical essays tells the story of her life and struggles infused with a lot of humor," says Bateman, adding that listening to it is sort of like having happy hour with a friend.

21. 'It' by Stephen King, narrated by Steven Weber

Amazon

This audiobook is nearly 45 hours long and read by actor and comedian Steven Weber.

"This classic [Stephen] King novel is worth the read, especially when you get Steven Weber to read it to you," says Epperson, who adds that "Weber delivers on each terrifying note" of the novel.

22. 'Becoming' written and narrated by Michelle Obama

Amazon

"Michelle delivers such a beautiful look into her life, and being able to listen to her actually tell it is a gift," says Epperson about the former First Lady's memoir.

23. 'The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy' Series by Douglas Adams, narrated by Stephen Fry and Martin Freeman

Amazon

When Earth is abruptly destroyed, Arthur Dent is thrust into the confusing universe, trying to navigate its absurdity without much of a plan. Epperson recommends the whole series, noting that books two through five are narrated by Martin Freeman, who adds "an extra layer of humor and wit with his delivery," she says.

Related: 50 Books Every Woman Over 50 Should Have on Her Bookshelf, According to Librarians

24. 'Music Is History' written and narrated by Questlove

Amazon

Told through the lens of one song per year, this book examines American history over the last 50 years.

"The excitement of every discovery and the incredulity at every wrong are both perfectly expressed by Questlove, who also has the perfect voice for narration," Pryde raves.

25. 'In Spite of Myself' written and narrated by Christopher Plummer

Amazon

This memoir from The Sound of Music actor Christopher Plummer is "a film gossip's dream," says Pryde, who adds, "Captain von Trapp sure did some things in his heyday."

26. 'Passing' by Nella Larsen, narrated by Tessa Thompson

Amazon

"Passing is an incredibly intense classic about life in segregated Harlem, but Tessa Thompson in your ear for a few hours makes the tragic beautiful," Pryde says of this historical fiction novel. It's about two light-skinned Black women in the 1920s, navigating class, culture and identity.

27. 'Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert' written and narrated by Bob the Drag Queen

Amazon

This historical fiction book imagines if Harriet Tubman decided to create a hip-hop album and an accompanying show in modern times. Pryde says the narration will make you "laugh so hard... at least when the horrors of the past and present aren’t making you cry. Either way, get ready for some intense emotions all around."

Up Next:

Related: How To Read All of Freida McFadden’s Books in Order

Sources:

• Jenny Zbrizher is the senior adult services librarian at Maplewood Memorial Library.
• Rose Waldman is the library supervisor at the Menlo Park Public Library.
• Lucy Donnelly is the Kansas City Public Library's readers' services librarian.
• Diana Platt is the virtual resources librarian at the Kansas City Public Library.
• Marisa Bateman is a children's librarian at the DC Public Library.
• Amanda Epperson is an adult services librarian at the DC Public Library.
• Jessica Pryde is the adult fiction selector in the Pima County Public Library's collection development office.

Tom Clancy’s novel Clear and Present Danger was only improved upon when it made the transition from page to screen.

The 1994 movie adaptation of Clancy’s 1989 political thriller is on The Atlantic’s list of “films better than the books they’re based on.”

“Clear and Present Danger the book is the size, shape and weight of a brick; [director] Phillip Noyce’s bureaucratic thriller slims Tom Clancy’s nearly 1,000 pages into a svelte 141 minutes,” Atlantic senior editor Evan McMurry noted. “The action takes place on the sea, in the jungle, at a drug lord’s mansion and in the streets of Bogotá—the latter setting the scene for an ambush sequence so memorable that the Jack Ryan series restaged it. But the film is most gripping in hallways and offices, culminating in Henry Czerny and Harrison Ford brandishing dueling memos at each other like light sabers.”

McMurry continued, “And although the character of Jack Ryan can sometimes blur into a cipher in Clancy’s novels, Ford embodies him with a Beltway Dad gravitas—never more so than when he announces to the lawbreaking president of the United States, ‘It is my duty to report this matter to the Senate Oversight Committee!’ Such a Boy Scout.”

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Released in August 1994, Clear and Present Danger is the second and final film in which Ford, now 83, portrayed Jack Ryan following 1992’s Patriot Games. As the newly appointed CIA acting deputy director in Clear and Present Danger, Ryan learns his colleagues are keeping him in the dark about a covert war against a drug cartel in Colombia, with the apparent approval of the president to conduct the mission.

In addition to Ford, the cast includes Willem Dafoe as John Clark, Anne Archer as Cathy Ryan and James Earl Jones as Admiral James Greer.

Clear and Present Danger earned critical acclaim and raked in more than $215 million at the global box office. The film was also nominated for best sound and best sound effects editing at the 1995 Oscars.  

Clancy’s novel was a hit upon its August 1989 publication too, debuting at No. 1 on the New York Times Best Seller list. Clear and Present Danger was the fourth Jack Ryan book written by Clancy. The author penned a total of 12 Jack Ryan novels solo between 1984 and 2003 before collaborating with other authors on five more books between 2010 and 2013.

After Clancy’s 2013 death, Mark Greaneytook over writing the character in four books from 2014 to 2016. Marc Cameron succeeded him with seven novels from 2017 to 2023, followed by Andrews and Wilson with three from 2024 to 2025. New Jack Ryan books by Ward Larsen and M.P. Woodward are set to be released later this year.  

Like the book series, the film and TV franchise lives on. Over the years, multiple actors have embodied the role of Jack Ryan, including Alec Baldwin in 1990’s The Hunt for Red October, Ben Affleck in 2002’s The Sum of All Fears, Chris Pine in 2014’s Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit and John Krasinski in the Jack Ryan TV series—which aired on Prime Video for four seasons from 2018 to 2023—and the upcoming movie Jack Ryan: Ghost War.  

Trader Joe's newest sweet treat is going viral for making people, well, go.

Fans are buying up the beloved grocery chain's new sugar-free Sweet and Sour Gummy Worms after learning that the tangy candies have a whopping 14 grams of dietary fiber (about half of the recommended daily value) per serving, which seems to be helping encourage regular bowel movements.

Related: Trader Joe’s Striped Mini Totes Are Officially Coming

"The new sour gummy worms at Trader Joe’s have 14g of fiber in every 8 pieces. That's an unholy amount of fiber in CANDY," one Threads user shared shortly after the new product was released in May 2026.

Others pointed out that the fiber content rivaled even intentional laxative gummies, with one writing, "8 gummies for 35 calories and 14g fiber is impressive! MiraFiber gummies are 30 calories for 4 and only 8g of fiber! Metamucil only has 5g per serving of 3 gummies."

Trader Joe's New Sweet and Sour Gummy Worms Go Viral

Trader Joe's

A third pointed out that other ingredients in the gummies could also motivate bathroom breaks, saying, "Between the dextrin and the erythritol, these will clean you out better than a colonoscopy prep."

According to Cleveland Clinic, erythritol can have a laxative effect "because your stomach can’t absorb sugar alcohols, which can cause them to linger in your intestines and ferment," while dextrin, an ingredient in Benefiber, can "serve as a prebiotic, providing nourishment to the gut microbiota," according to Tufts.

Now, fans are rushing to stores to try for themselves. "You just never know what will bring people together as a community," a Threads user joked. "Props to Trader Joe’s for uniting the Chronic IBS sufferers in an effort to stockpile these admittingly terrible tasting sour gummy tapeworms. May we all feel their power move in our lives/intestines."

Related: Trader Joe’s ‘Tasty’ New Korean Snack Has Fans ‘Obsessed’

While shoppers are giving the actual flavor of the gummies mixed reviews, TJ's describes the snack as "fruity flavored Worms [that] rely on a blend of allulose, organic erythritol, and monk fruit extract for their sweetness (and citric acid for their sour “zing”), creating a zero-grams-of-sugar-per-serving candy that still seriously satisfies a sweet tooth."

They also share that the product gets "their colors from fruit and veggie juices, and their fruity flavor from strawberry juice concentrate and natural flavors."

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The last decade has seen its fair share of incredible movie releases. Collider recently shared a list that showcased some of the best Hollywood has to offer since 2016. The March 2026 ranking of the "10 most perfect movies of the last 10 years" featured acclaimed recent films like 2019's Parasite, Moonlight from 2016, The Lighthouse released in 2019, and 2016's Arrival.

The publication named 2019's French romance Portrait of a Lady on Fire the top movie that came out following 2016. According to Collider, artist Marianne (Noémie Merlant) and Héloïse's (Adèle Haenel) painful and profound liaison makes for a compelling watch.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire has a score of 97 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and a 95 on Metacritic.

Noémie Merlant & Adèle Haenel Shared Their Thoughts About 'Portrait of a Lady on Fire' in a 2020 Joint Interview

In a 2020 interview with HeyUGuys, Merlant and Haenel shared their thoughts about starring in Portrait of a Lady on Fire. Merlant said she was immediately drawn to Céline Sciamma's script.

"I was like, "Oh, my God. This is an incredible love story, and in a vision, it tells it in a new way, and this way is something we've missed. It's [the] female gaze, and [the] female gaze is what? It's something we need more [of]. It's our story, our stories, and this film is all about that. It's all about love and all about art," said Merlant in the 2020 interview.

Merlant also shared that she knew the film was an important project before its production. Haenel agreed with her co-star about the importance of Portrait of a Lady on Fire, which was also directed by Sciamma.

"I was very excited to work on this film because I think, 'Okay, our goal is very high, so we have a lot of work ahead to actually fulfill it.' It's more like, 'Okay, now you go, you are on board, now you have a lot of responsibility because this could be great actually,'" said the actress.

Jack Douglas, the Grammy-winning producer behind such classic Aerosmith albums as the band’s 1975 breakthrough Toys in the Attic, as well as John Lennon’s chart-topping comeback album and titles by Cheap Trick, has died. He was 80.

The news was shared on the producer’s social media accounts on May 12. No cause of death was revealed.

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“A note from Jack’s family. He passed away peacefully on Monday night. As many of you who follow him know, he produced great music, and lived a colorful life. We know that he touched many of your lives; we would love to hear more about that in the comments. He will be missed. Jack Douglas (1945-2026),” reads the post.

Douglas began his career as a janitor at the legendary Record Plant studio in New York but soon worked his way up the ladder to become an engineer who worked on numerous projects by such artists as Miles Davis, the James Gang, Alice Cooper, the Who, and most notably, Lennon’s 1971 album Imagine, which led to a long-time working relationship with the former Beatle. He later produced Lennon’s comeback album with his wife Yoko Ono, Double Fantasy, which not only topped the album chart but won a Grammy for Album of the Year. He also worked on the Lennon posthumous release Milk and Honey.

After being encouraged to become a producer by Bob Ezrin, he produced Aerosmith’s second album, Get Your Wings (1974), Toys in the Attic (1975), Rocks (1976) and Draw the Line (1977). On the latter album, he also received a co-writing credit with the band’s members on the song “Kings and Queens.”

Tributes to the Legendary Producer

At least a few music industry insiders paid tribute to Douglas in posts on Instagram.

Former David Letterman band leader Paul Schaffer posted in the comments of Douglas’s Instagram account, “Here’s to the Liverpool Set, Jack’s first band from Saint Catherine’s Ontario who played Thunder Bay in 1968. I’ve been a fan since then. RIP.”

“Rest in peace record producer Jack Douglas. He produced some of the very best records that shaped careers. I once had a mindblowing chat with him about how he found Cheap Trick. Also his albums with Aerosmith made them the biggest American rock band of their era. Not to mention Album of the year Grammy with John Lennon on Double Fantasy. He was a very very nice man with a big heart. Thanks Jack for getting those songs on tape,” posted Alice in Chains member and former Ozzy Osbourne bassist Mike Inez.

Former MTV personality and current radio host Matt Pinfieldalso shared a tribute on Instagram. “We lost one of the greatest rock producers of all time last night the great @unkleremix Jack Douglas. His work with @aerosmith @cheaptrick and John Lennon was some of the greatest recordings in music history Jack and I became friends in the 1990s when he stopped me on the street on Broadway outside of MTV. I had already been his fan since I was a 12-year-old boy. He helped me through some difficult times which we both got to the other side of.. spent quite a bit of time together in the 90s I saw him shortly before my stroke It was always so great to see him-we actually went to see Joe Perry do a solo show at the Roxy together a few years back. We will miss this amazing man,” he wrote. “Thank you for the music Jack.”

In the spring of 1973, Elton John sat at a piano in the dining room of the Château d'Hérouville in Paris, composing music for his Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album while others ate breakfast. One of the songs he was writing — a quieter, more sincere and introspective departure from his signature theatrical rock hits — would later become one of his biggest songs ever.  

“Candle in the Wind,” a hidden gem on the rocker’s epic double album, was originally written as a tribute to legendary starlet Marilyn Monroe. Once described as “quite magical” by album engineer and musician David Hentschel, the classic rock ballad features Bernie Taupin’s lyrics elevated by John’s simple piano melody. But even though the song has Monroe in mind, Taupin has since explained that the song is really about any doomed icon.

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“It’s not that I didn’t have a respect for her; it’s just that the song could just as easily have been about James Dean or Jim Morrison … Kurt Cobain. It’s a beauty frozen in time,” Taupin said, per the Elton John official website.

Released as a single in the U.K. in 1974, the track peaked at No. 11. But in 1997, “Candle in the Wind” became another kind of juggernaut entirely.

When Diana, Princess of Wales, was killed in a car wreck on August 31, 1997, the public were plunged into arguably the darkest time in British royal history. Paying tribute to his longtime friend, John reworked the lyrics of “Candle in the Wind” and performed his lament at the funeral for the People’s Princess. “Candle in the Wind 1997,” also known as, “Goodbye England’s Rose,” became a national anthem of mourning. 

Related: Elton John’s ‘Candle in the Wind’ Turned 52 Today — and Twice Changed Music History

In the U.S., “Candle in the Wind 1997” kicked off its record-breaking chart run, spending 14 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the longest-running song of the 20th century, according to Far Out magazine. Nearly three decades later, it remains the U.K.’s best-selling single of all time.

“It’s interesting because I very much did that remake literally in about five or ten minutes — no time at all,” Taupin shared, per American Songwriter. “And if you asked me to this day to recite the lyrics, I wouldn’t be able to remember a word of it. I did it very much as a favor to Elton because he was very close with Diana.”

Sales for “Candle in the Wind 1997” soared, with more than 33 million copies sold worldwide, making the single the second highest-selling physical single of all time behind Bing Crosby’s "White Christmas," according to Guinness World Records. Still, despite the track’s massive success, John refuses to play the Princess Diana version live, out of respect. 

“The only way I’ll ever sing it again is if the children [Princes William and Harry] ask me,” he told The Los Angeles Times. “Otherwise, it would be totally inappropriate.” He added, “To me, that’s a totally different song, but it may be that the [feelings] will be too closely connected. I think I’m just going to put it to one side now.”

Related: 1981 Iconic Ballad Became the Longest-Running No. 2 Hit in Rock History

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Spring cleaning is in full swing, and many of us are craving a fresh, organized space to match the brighter days ahead. Whether you're tackling laundry piles after a busy winter or simply hoping to bring a little more order to your home, the right storage solutions can make all the difference. That's why Amazon's Lifewit 2-Piece Hamper Set, currently 40% off and available in seven chic color combos, feels like the perfect upgrade for this season of renewal.

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Before it became one of the biggest songs of 1972, Mac Davis’s “Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me” started as a joke inside a recording studio.

The soft rock-country crossover hit climbed to No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Easy Listening charts in September 1972, staying at the top for three weeks. The song later ranked as Billboard’s No. 8 song of the year and sold more than one million copies, earning a gold certification in the United States.

But while the song dominated radio, it also sparked backlash. According to Ed Osborne of Top 40.com, women’s groups criticized the lyrics, calling the track arrogant and chauvinistic during a period when the women’s rights movement was gaining national attention.

Mac Davis appears in Episode 4 of Midnight Special.

Photo by Frank Carroll/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Despite the controversy, “Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me” became the biggest hit of Davis’ career and remains one of the defining soft rock songs of the early 1970s.

According to accounts from Davis and music historians, the song was written after producer Rick Hall challenged him to come up with a stronger “hook” song, a tune built around a memorable phrase listeners could not forget.

At the time, Davis was already respected in the music industry as a songwriter. Before launching his solo breakthrough, he had written major hits for Elvis Presley, including “In the Ghetto,” “Memories,” “Don’t Cry Daddy” and “A Little Less Conversation.”

Hall reportedly complained that Davis kept giving his best hook songs to other artists while leaving softer ballads for himself. Davis reacted by quickly writing what he believed was a simple, almost sarcastic hook.

The phrase “Baby, don’t get hooked on me” became the centerpiece.

Davis later explained that the track was never meant to be taken too seriously. He reportedly walked upstairs at FAME Recording Studios, wrote the hook on a legal pad and showed it to Hall while joking with the musicians nearby.

Instead of laughing, Hall immediately believed it was a hit.

The song was recorded before the rest of the lyrics were even finished. Davis later returned to his hotel room to complete the track.

Ironically, the joke song became his only No. 1 single as both a writer and performer. However, the success of “Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me” came with intense criticism.

Many listeners viewed the lyrics as dismissive toward women. The controversy grew so large that the song was reportedly labeled Ms. Magazine’s “chauvinist pig song of the year” in 1972.

Even Davis admitted he initially felt uncomfortable with the message.

Still, the singer defended the song’s meaning. In response to criticism from women’s groups, Davis explained that the male character in the song believed he did not deserve the woman’s love, rather than trying to insult her.

The debate reflected the changing cultural climate of the early 1970s. As conversations around feminism and gender equality became more visible in popular culture, songs and films increasingly faced public scrutiny for their messages.

“Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me” became part of that discussion while continuing to dominate radio stations across pop, adult contemporary and country formats.

The song also crossed over internationally, charting in countries including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland and the United Kingdom. Although “Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me” became Davis’ signature hit, his career stretched far beyond one chart-topper.

Born in Lubbock in 1942, Davis first found success behind the scenes in the music business before becoming a recording artist. He worked with Nancy Sinatra’s publishing company and became known for writing songs recorded by stars such as Presley, Kenny Rogers, Tom Jones and Dolly Parton.

His 1972 album Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me became his breakthrough release. Davis later expanded into television and acting, hosting The Mac Davis Show and appearing in movies including North Dallas Forty.

He also guest-starred on The Muppet Show, where he performed “Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me” for a new audience.

Davis died on Sept. 29, 2020, at age 78 following complications from heart surgery in Nashville. Even years later, his music continues to be remembered as part of the era when country storytelling blended with soft rock and pop radio success.

Related: 1984 Classic Pop Song, Banned by Some Radio Stations, Became a No. 1 Hit

Hayden Panettiere'sdaughter Kaya Evdokia Klitschko may not live with her, but that doesn't mean that they aren't close.

The Nashvillestarlet and her then-fiancé, UkrainianboxerWladimir Klitschko, welcomed Kaya in December 2014. When the couple broke up in 2018, Klitschko brought Kaya to Europe, leaving Panettiere devastated, despite knowing deep down that it was the best decision for the family as a whole.

"That was incredibly difficult. The fact that my child wasn't going to be with me all day, every day was ... you can't put words to it," Panettiere said on On Purpose With Jay Shetty in May 2026. "It's just a really intense feeling, or multiple feelings, really, layered together."

Panettiere was battling crippling anxiety, postpartumdepression and substance abuse, leaving her unable to parent in a healthy way. She sought treatment to be the best mom she could be, and today the family's situation is a stable, happy one.

"[She] knows that she's got two parents that love her and I know in my heart that she feels supported," Panettiere said.

What exactly happened with Hayden Panettiere's daughter and why? It's complicated.

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What happened to Hayden Panettiere's daughter? Hayden Panettiere in "Nashville"

Photo by Mark Levine on Getty Images

Panettiere revealed on Red Table Talk in 2022 that she made what she thought at the time was a temporary custodial arrangement for Kaya to live with Klitschko in Ukraine while she got treatment for her alcohol addiction, but it ended up being permanent.

"I was gonna go work on myself and I was gonna get better, and when I got better that things could change and she could come to me and I could have my time with her. But that didn't happen," she explained. "At first it was not because it wasn't a discussion," the actress explains of giving up custody. "If [Klitschko] had come to me and said, 'I think because of where you're at right now and your struggles that you're having, it would be good for her to be over here with me for a while'—which, if I had probably had enough of a conversation, I would've said, 'Okay that makes sense, I get it, I'll come there to visit and stuff like that.' [But] because of the way that it was done, it was very upsetting. I mean, it was the worst signing those papers—the most heartbreaking thing I've ever, ever had to do in my life."

"I felt horribly guilty but at the same time, I was trying to tell myself, 'If I'm not okay, if I'm not good then I cannot be the best mom to [Kaya],'" she said. "And I was going through such a hard time and I knew the most unselfish thing I could do was to make that hard decision and just try to work on myself."

Related: Hayden Panettiere Debuts 'Wild' New Look

Who has custody of Hayden Panettiere's daughter?

Klitschko maintains custody of Kaya, but Panettiere visits regularly. She said that by the time she felt safe enough to raise Kaya, Kaya had friends, family and a healthy routine in Europe.

"I felt like it would have been unfair of me to—and selfish of me—to try to pull her out of this life that she had been [creating], this life that she had been living," she said on On Purpose. "An incredible life."

View this post on Instagram Did Hayden Panettiere have a baby while on Nashville? Hayden Panettiere in "Nashville"

Photo by Mark Levine on Getty Images

Panettiere welcomed Kaya in December 2014, and her pregnancy was written into the series: Her character, Juliette, was also pregnant at the same time. Her co-star Jonathan Jackson told Taste of Country of working with an expecting Panettiere, "The only thing that’s changed is she has to lay down more often. Her feet are hurting. She brings it every day, so we have a good time working together."

Related: Why Hayden Panettiere Says Filming Nashville Was 'Traumatizing'

How old was Hayden Panettiere when she gave birth?

Kaya was born on Dec. 9, 2014. Panettiere's birthday is Aug. 21, 1989, making her 25 when she gave birth to her daughter.

Why did Hayden Panettiere give up custody of her daughter?

Panettiere didn't originally intend to give up custody of Kaya, but by the time she felt healthy enough to be a good mom to her, Kaya had an "incredible life" in Europe that Panettiere felt guilty disrupting.

She said on the On Purpose podcast, "I have an incredible relationship with her. I go travel as much as I can. I see her. I do spend a lot of time on FaceTime with her, but we talk about really deep things. We have a really intense, incredible bond and I'm very grateful for that."

What is Hayden Panettiere diagnosed with?

Panettiere had a difficult pregnancy and delivery with Kaya, which she detailed in an excerpt of her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, for The Cut.

"I labored with Kaya for 14 hours and was in surgery for three hours after she was born. My blood wouldn’t clot during my C-section, so doctors had to close the blood vessels in my uterus to prevent me from bleeding out," she wrote in part. "I had seven transfusions and ran a fever the entire time. My uterus had become infected, and the antibiotics I’d been given during labor hadn’t been strong enough to lower my temperature. When I woke up in the recovery room, I was exhausted, disoriented and racked with pain."

When she returned home after Kaya's birth, she developed "debilitating anxiety" and suffered from postpartum depression.

"I had always heard that mothers feel an instant rush of love the moment they lay their eyes on their baby, but I felt nothing," she admitted. "Kaya was just there, and now I had to figure out how to bond with her. It felt like an insurmountable task, and I was only on the first day."

Panettiere began drinking at night to try to ease her mental health symptoms and developed a dependency on alcohol.

Related: The 30 Best Movies About Addiction and Alcoholism

Is Hayden Panettiere clean and sober?

Panettiere's recovery journey is ongoing.

In a 2022 interview with PEOPLE, she revealed that she first began using drugs unwittingly when she was just 15 years old, with people on her team giving her "happy pills" before red carpet appearances.

"|They were to make me peppy during interviews," she said. "I had no idea that this was not an appropriate thing, or what door that would open for me when it came to my addiction."

She said that when she was working on Heroes, it was easier to stay on the proverbial straight and narrow, but that downtime and parenthood during her stint on Nashville brought out her demons.

Hayden Panettiere and her onscreen daughter in "Nashville"

Photo by Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images/Mark Levine

"Those were really tough years. I could relate to a lot of those storylines like the alcoholism and postpartum depression," she said. "They hit close to home."

Panettiere developed a dependency on alcohol and opioids, and it contributed to her split from Klitschko in 2018.

"He didn't want to be around me. I didn't want to be around me," she admitted. "But with the opiates and alcohol I was doing anything to make me feel happy for a moment. Then I'd feel worse than I did before. I was in a cycle of self-destruction."

Panettiere was eventually hospitalized for jaundice, and doctors told her that her liver would be damaged beyond repair if she kept drinking. She went to rehab for eight months, which she said helped her "get over the hump" of her addiction.

Related: Why Hayden Panettiere and Wladimir Klitschko Didn't Get Married

Are Hayden Panettiere and Wladimir Klitschko still together? Wladimir Klitschko and Hayden Panettiere in November 2016

Photo by Sean Zanni on Getty Images

Though they're quite amicable co-parents and friends, Panettiere and Klitschko split in 2018.

Where does Hayden Panettiere's daughter live now?

Kaya lives with Klitschko and his family in Europe.

"We are fortunate that we can travel a lot," she told PEOPLE in 2022. "She's a happy kid open to a huge world. And she has more love than anybody I've ever met. She has a beautiful life. I was just with her. She's just an amazing child. She's smart and she's funny and for whatever reason, she still loves me."

Related: Like Mother Like Daughter—40 Meaningful Tattoos for Mom-Daughter Duos

Sometimes the most famous songs in rock history begin in the least glamorous way imaginable.

In the early morning hours of a day in early May 1965, Keith Richards woke up just long enough to grab a cassette recorder beside his bed and play a rough guitar riff that had suddenly come to him in his sleep. Then he promptly fell back asleep again.

That riff eventually became “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” the Rolling Stones classic that was recorded 61 years ago today—May 12, 1965—and would soon turn the band into international superstars.

Years later, Richards admitted he barely remembered creating it at all.

“I had no idea I’d written it,” Richards recalled in his 2010 memoir Life, according to the History Channel. When he listened back to the tape the next morning, he discovered roughly 30 seconds of the now-iconic riff followed by nearly an hour of snoring.

“When I woke up in the morning, the tape had run out,” Richards later said. “There’s this maybe 30 seconds of ‘Satisfaction’ in a very drowsy sort of rendition. And then suddenly the guitar goes ‘CLANG,’ and then there’s like 45 minutes of snoring.”

At the time, the Rolling Stones were still climbing toward mainstream success in America. They had scored attention with songs like “Time Is On My Side” and “The Last Time,” but “Satisfaction” would become something much bigger.

The very next morning after Richards listened to the riff, Mick Jagger added the lyrics, which were inspired by commercialism, frustration and the pressures of modern life. Richards originally imagined the famous riff being played by horns, not guitar, and even thought the song sounded too much like a joke to become a hit single.

“He really didn’t think it was single material,” Jagger later said. “And we all said, ‘You’re off your head.’”

The band first worked on the track at Chicago’s legendary Chess Studios before finishing the recording on May 12, 1965, during a marathon session at RCA Studios in Hollywood. It was there that Richards plugged his guitar into an early fuzz box, creating the distorted sound that transformed the riff into one of the most recognizable hooks in music history.

The effect changed rock music almost overnight.

Rolling Stone later ranked “Satisfaction” at No. 2 on its original 2004 list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” writing that the song represented “the crossroads” where early rock and roll evolved into something more rebellious and modern. On the revised list, Rolling Stone bumped the song to No. 31.

The single became the Rolling Stones’ first No. 1 hit in the United States and later topped the charts in the United Kingdom as well. Over the decades, it has remained one of the defining songs of the rock era, earning induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Library of Congress National Recording Registry.

Jagger later reflected on why the song connected so deeply with audiences.

“It was the song that really made the Rolling Stones,” he said. “It captures a spirit of the times, which is very important in those kinds of songs. Which was alienation.”

More than six decades later, it all traces back to a sleepy middle-of-the-night moment and a tape recorder left running beside Keith Richards’ bed.

Related: 1966 Rock Force That Changed Guitar Music Forever Is Returning 60 Years Later

When rapper Travis Scottappeared in the trailer for Christopher Nolan's upcoming summer blockbuster, The Odyssey, people were surprised.

The Odyssey, which is set to hit theaters on July 17 and stars Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Jon Bernthal, Charlize Theron and Elliot Page, follows Odysseus, the King of Ithaca (Damon), on a 10-year journey home to his wife Penelope (Hathaway) after the Trojan War, where he will face various mythical obstacles, monsters, and angry gods.

The "MY EYES" singer was quickly featured in the trailer playing a poet/bard — possibly Demodocus — in a supporting role, shouting lines during the Trojan War. This will mark Scott's first onscreen role.

In a recent interview with TIME published on Tuesday, the Academy Award-winning filmmaker revealed that he has been sitting with the idea of The Odyssey for more than 20 years, and explained his decision on why he cast Scott.

"I cast him because I wanted to nod towards the idea that this story has been handed down as oral poetry, which is analogous to rap," Nolan explained.

Over the past decade, Scott has become one of the biggest names in rap and music. He built his fanbase and broke out with albums like Rodeo, ASTROWORLD and UTOPIA. His 2018 song "SICKO MODE" helped cement his status as a mainstream star and is considered one of the defining rap songs of the decade. He is also known for turning his concerts into massive events, with fans drawn to the wild energy and visuals of his performances.

Despite his success, the 35-year-old rapper has faced several controversies throughout his career. The most serious came after the 2021 Astroworld Festival crowd crush in Houston, where 10 people died and hundreds were injured during a crowd surge at his performance. The tragedy led to lawsuits, widespread criticism and debates over concert safety and Scott’s high-energy show environment.

INDIO, CA - APRIL 16: Rapper Travis Scott performs on the Coachella Stage during day 3 of the Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival (Weekend 1) at the Empire Polo Club on April 16, 2017 in Indio, California.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Coachella)

The controversy sparked intense debate online, and many users had conflicting opinions on Scott's role in the film.

One fan wrote, "I love you Nolan, but I fail to see the correlation."

"I mean this sincerely," a user quote-tweeted. "Is Christopher Nolan trying to torpedo his own movie?"

"Every update I hear about this movie makes me want to watch it less," a user commented.

"am i the only one who remembers that people died at a travis scott concert bc he encouraged moshing after he was warned several times about the ratio between the audience and capacity of the venue? he also went to an afterparty after the concert," someone pointed out on X, referring to Scott's AstroWorld festival in 2021. "How does he still have a career?"

"I don’t mind this but why the [explicit] did he pick Travis Scott 😭😭😭😭," another quote-tweeted.

Travis Scott speaks onstage at the Fashion Scholarship Fund annual gala at the Glasshouse on March 23, 2026 in New York City.

Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Fashion Scholarship Fund

Despite the backlash, many of Nolan's fans have continued to support Scott and his decision to be featured in the movie.

"No joke, this might be one of [the] coolest things Christopher Nolan has ever said," a film critic quote-tweeted.

One commented, "maybe I’m in the minority but bizarre casting decisions like this always get me excited because it shows a director who has complete confidence in the vision he’s creating."

"People are losing their [explicit] minds about this and it makes no sense to me," a fan quote-tweeted. "This reasoning is cool as [explicit]."

Another fan said, "the stuff like this is really cool and people mad at it are lame-o's."

"Odysseus about to go on a rap battle with Poseidon to save his life," one joked.

Christopher Nolan speaks onstage during CinemaCon 2026 at The Dolby Colosseum at Caesars Palace during CinemaCon, the official convention of Cinema United, on April 15, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

David Becker/Getty Images for CinemaCon

Nolan is widely considered one of the most influential directors of the 21st century, thanks to his ambitious storytelling, large-scale filmmaking and commitment to practical effects. Known for acclaimed films like The Dark Knight, Inception, Interstellar and Oppenheimer, the 55-year-old director helped redefine what blockbuster movies could be by combining complex narratives with mainstream appeal. He also became one of Hollywood’s strongest advocates for watching movies in theaters and IMAX filmmaking, often pushing studios to prioritize cinema experiences over streaming releases.

The Odyssey will be out in theaters on July 17.

Related: Resale Tickets for Christopher Nolan’s 'The Odyssey' Are Already Skyrocketing One Year Before Release

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When it comes to the best Italian cookbooks of all time, the real question isn’t what’s out there, it’s which ones are truly worth adding to your kitchen.

During my years on The Rachael Ray Show culinary team, I worked alongside some of the most talented chefs in the world, but our go to Italian-American chef was always Scott Conant. We always were excited whenever he came to set. My mentor and former boss attended the Culinary Institute of America alongside him, so there was always a sense of familiarity, like welcoming back a friend.

An award-winning chef and restaurateur, "Scottie" has spent nearly four decades shaping Italian and American dining. Known for his soulful approach to food, his work spans restaurants, entrepreneurship and media.

Now, I’m lucky enough to call him both a friend and a colleague, and I’ve continued to admire the way he approaches Italian cooking, with restraint, intention and a deep respect for tradition. Whether through his restaurants or his growing line of pantry staples at Martone Street, his philosophy remains the same: great ingredients, treated simply, with soul.

When it came time to round up the best Italian cookbooks worth adding to your kitchen, I knew exactly who to ask, Chef Conant, who shares his picks for the titles that define Italian cooking: timeless, inspiring and rooted in authenticity.

Related: 41 Easy Pasta Meals to Feed a Crowd and Have Leftovers for the Week

Courtesy Scott Conant

Top Italian Cookbooks, According to Award-Winning Chef Scott Conant

• Best Overall:Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan, Italy by Ingredient by Viola Buitoni, The Silver Spoon by The Silver Spoon Kitchen and Le Ricette Regionali Italiane by Anna Gosetti della Salda
• Deep Dives Into Regional Italian Cooking:La Cucina Napoletana by Jeanne Caròla Francesconi and The Talisman of Happiness by Ada Boni
• For the Pasta Obsessed:Encyclopedia of Pasta by Oretta Zanini de Vita, The Pasta Book by Marc Vetri & David Joachim and Pasta Grannies by Vicky Bennison
• Specialty Italian Cookbooks Worth Owning:Italian Snacking by Anna Francese Gass, Classical and Contemporary Italian Cooking for Professionals by Bruno H. Ellmer and Italian Cuisine: Basic Cooking Techniques by Tony May

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Best Italian Cookbooks Overall

Below are Conant’s picks for the best Italian cookbooks of all time, books he’s leaned on for decades for inspiration, technique and a deeper understanding of authentic Italian cooking.

As he puts it, these are the titles that have helped shape his culinary perspective over the past 35–40 years, offering everything from foundational knowledge to regional deep dives.

1. Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan

Amazon

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The gold standard for learning authentic Italian cooking. Conant praises Hazan for teaching you how to think like an Italian cook, focusing on technique, restraint and precision rather than shortcuts.

Related: The 12 Best Italian Groceries To Buy at Costco (and 3 To Skip)

2. Italy by Ingredient by Viola Buitoni

Amazon

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One of Conant's personal favorites, this is a more modern, ingredient-driven book that highlights the beauty of high-quality Italian products while still respecting tradition.

3. The Silver Spoon by The Silver Spoon Kitchen

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Often called “the Italian bible,” this massive, comprehensive collection covers nearly every classic dish across regions. It’s not the most personal, but it’s an essential, reliable reference for traditional cooking.

4. Le Ricette Regionali Italiane by Anna Gosetti della Salda

Amazon

This is Conant’s most recommended Italian cookbook. It's a deeply authentic, scholarly collection of recipes from every region in Italy, with no American adaptations, perfect for those who want to truly understand regional Italian cuisine. It's a true regional encyclopedia that the chef says has helped settle culinary debates and deepen his understanding of Italian food over the years.

Related: 30 Easy Weeknight Meals To Save You When You're Hangry With Limited Time

Deep Dives Into Regional Italian Cooking5. La Cucina Napoletana by Jeanne Caròla Francesconi

Amazon

A personal favorite of Conant’s, this book offers a deep dive into traditional Neapolitan cooking, with hundreds of recipes spanning pasta, seafood, ragù and sweets.

6. The Talisman of Happiness by Ada Boni

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A classic “nonna-era” cookbook with more than 1,600 recipes, Conant describes it as an iconic, no-shortcuts guide that generations of Italian families have relied on.

Related: The Italian Way To Make Chicken Thighs 10x Better

For the Pasta Obsessed7. Encyclopedia of Pasta by Oretta Zanini de Vita

Amazon

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This offers the ultimate deep dive into pasta culture. While not a traditional cookbook, it’s a definitive reference for understanding shapes, regional variations and history.

8. The Pasta Book by Marc Vetri & David Joachim

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A technique-driven guide for anyone serious about pasta, Conant highlights its focus on doughs, shapes and sauces—modern but firmly grounded in tradition.

9. Pasta Grannies by Vicky Bennison

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A warm, personal look at Italian grandmothers making pasta the traditional way. Conant loves how it captures the heart of Italian cooking—simple, authentic and rooted in family tradition.

Specialty Italian Cookbooks Worth Owning10. Italian Snacking by Anna Francese Gass

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This one is a fun, entertaining-focused cookbook filled with sweet and savory bites, perfect for building a grazing-style spread or aperitivo moment.

Related: The Italian Way To Make Pasta Salad 10x Better

11. Classical and Contemporary Italian Cooking for Professionals by Bruno H. Ellmer

Amazon

This is a technique-heavy, professional-level resource that Conant has used for years for menu development and inspiration.

12. Italian Cuisine: Basic Cooking Techniques by Tony May

Amazon

A foundational guide to mastering the building blocks of Italian cooking, Conant credits this book as instrumental to his early development as a chef.

Related: The Sicilian Way To Make Eggplant Parmesan 10x Better

Final Takeaways

The best Italian cookbooks aren’t just about recipes, they’re about learning how to cook with intention, simplicity and respect for ingredients. Conant’s picks reflect decades of experience, offering a mix of foundational classics, regional deep dives and modern inspiration. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your skills, these are the books worth reaching for again and again.

Up Next:

Related: The Italian Way To Make Sausage 10x Better

Source:

Courtesy Scott Conant

• Chef Scott Conant, an award-winning chef and restaurateur, "Scottie" has spent nearly four decades shaping Italian and American dining. Known for his soulful approach to food, his work spans restaurants, entrepreneurship and media.

When he's not directing Oscar and Golden Globe-winning films, Martin Scorsese's been trying his hand on the other side of the camera in his 26-year-old daughter Francesca Scorsese's TikTok videos!

Related: Liza Minnelli Details ‘Passionate’ 1970s Affair With Martin Scorsese in New Tell-All

On May 11, the 83-year-old Hollywood legend got fans talking by showing off his acting chops in her funniest clip yet.

"Oh my god, she's coming," he lip-syncs to audio from The Kardashians alongside Francesca's bestie as the blonde beauty steps out of the house with a pair of sunglasses and a pink top while holding her fluffy white dog. "I don't understand the f--king attitude... I'm like, so afraid of her," he deadpans. Watch the silly video for yourself:

@francescascorsese

So afraid of her. #fyp #martinscorsese @Kikka Domeneghetti

♬ original sound - 👑KING OF REVIEWS👑

Fans are loving the silly clip, sharing their praise in the comments. "Martin Scorsese? The acclaimed TikTok Star?" one fan joked, while another added, "He’s surprisingly committed to the role" and a third wrote, "his acting was so good!" Another teased, "Christopher Nolan could never."

Inside Martin Scorsese's special relationship with his youngest child, Francesca

Followers have come to expect the The Departed director's fun appearances, though they usually show bits and pieces of their sweet father-daughter relationship and experiences rather than sketches.

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One video from 2024 follows them showing off unique film items around the house, like their in-home movie theater, some classic video cameras, and the legendary director's chair.

Others have shown their travels in Prague, the duo taking pics together in a photo booth, and Francesca reading her dad Letterboxd reviews for his films while he guessed which one they were about.

@francescascorsese

He taught me cinema, I taught him Letterboxd 😭🎥 ~ Watch Mr. Scorsese, the 5-part docu-series, out now on @Apple TV ! #mrscorsese #appletv #appletvpartner #fyp #martinscorsese

♬ original sound - Francesca

Following working together on an episode of Scorsese's The Saints, Francesca opened up about why she loves making social media videos with her dad.

“He’s performative, in a good way,” she told IndieWire in December 2025. “When the camera turns on he gets this look and a big smile and we have a great back and forth. I just love him with my whole heart.”

Unfortunately, some Perfect Match stars are faced with an ex from their past on the Netflix show. Season 4 is no different since Demari Davis and Brianna "Bri" Balram are in the cast after their breakup. Here is what the Too Hot to Handle alums said about their split.

Demari Broke up with Bri After 'Too Hot to Handle'

Bri, 28, and Demari, 29, met on season 6 of Too Hot to Handle. The season ended with them winning $100,000. Fellow Perfect Match contestant Katherine LaPrell was runner-up with her ex, Charlie Jeer.

Related: ‘Temptation Island’: Will Sydney and Xzavier Date After the Reunion?

Bri and Demari dated until February 2025. Bri made a TikTok and claimed multiple women sent her a "coming to me as a woman DM." That means the women claimed Demari wasn't faithful to her. She added that she "flew out seven hours across the country to get broken up with" after her grandmother's funeral.

Demari made a TikTok and said he refused to give a reason for ending the relationship. "Sometimes the hardest thing in life to do is when you love somebody, when you love any thing is to know when it's time to leave," he told the camera.

Demari said it "cut me deep" that Bri made some details of the breakup public. "I'm not this person ya'll think. I am just like nameste, peaceful, graceful, and understanding all the time," he said.

Bri later moved on and publicly made videos with LochanNowacki ofLove Islandin December. However, his ex, Whitney Adebayo, publicly accused him and his family of making racist comments throughout their relationship.

Bri wrote on her Instagram Story that Whitney's timing in making the accusations after they went public was suspicious. Their relationship seemingly ended not long after that.

Perfect Match Season 4 Episodes 1-5 drop on Wednesday, May 13, on Netflix.

On Wednesday, May 20, episodes 6 and 7 will be released.

The finale will be released on Wednesday, May 27.

Related: ‘Temptation Island’ Reunion: Why Kaylee and Summit Didn’t Move in Together

You aren't what you eat, but what you eat can decrease your likelihood of developing cancer. For that reason, oncologists say it's important to consider the items we regularly keep in our kitchens.

"A pantry stocked with whole grains, beans, nuts and spices makes it effortless to build meals rich in fiber and protective antioxidants, while a kitchen reliant on processed meats, refined flours and sugary snacks creates a foundation for chronic inflammation and increased cancer risk," explains Dr. Jamie Koprivnikar, MD, a board-certified hematologist oncologist at Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center.

Dr. Laeth George, MD, an oncologist for HonorHealth, agrees that it's crucial to focus on what we feed ourselves and loved ones. But food shouldn't be the only focus in our kitchens when it comes to lowering cancer risk.

"What we know less about are the pots, pans and tools we use to make these meals and whether this can introduce harmful chemicals into our bodies," Dr. George says. "Knowledge and understanding can help us make informed decisions that improve our health."

One oncologist cautions that this knowledge isn't about singling out one "toxic" product. It's about highlighting how repeated small exposures over time can affect cancer risk.

"Pantry staples and everyday cooking habits matter because they are accumulated exposures. That does not mean people should panic about every item in their kitchen," reveals Dr. Rachna Shroff, MD, a gastrointestinal medical oncologist at Banner – University Medicine Tucson/University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC). "The goal is to help consumers make informed, practical choices that reduce unnecessary chemical exposures without creating fear around cooking or eating at home."

One controversial kitchen item may be riskier than you think, but oncologists share that nuance is needed. Scroll on to learn more about a commonly used staple and its potential effect on cancer risk.

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This Kitchen Staple May Be Riskier Than You Think, Oncologists Say

Tatiana Maksimova/Getty Images

Oncologists warn that non-stick cookware, especially pots and pans made before 2013, can pose a cancer risk.

"Non-stick cookware refers to kitchen utensils, like frying pans and pots, that have a surface engineered to prevent food from sticking, which allows for cooking with less oil and easier cleanup," Dr. Koprivnikar says.

That sounds practical and convenient, but the materials used to prevent sticking in some cookware are where the problems can start.

"The most common type of coating is a synthetic fluoropolymer called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), widely known by the brand name Teflon, which is sprayed onto a metal base like aluminum," Dr. Koprivnikar explains.

However, Dr. Shroff points out that older non-stick cookware coatings may have been produced with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a PFAS (forever chemical). "PFOA is one type of PFAS chemical," she tells Parade. "It was historically used in the production of some non-stick coatings."

She warns that research has linked high levels of PFAS exposure, especially from industrial exposure or contaminated drinking water, to increased risks of certain cancers, especially kidney cancer and possibly testicular cancer.

The United States' "phase out" of PFOA concluded in 2015 because of health concerns. Still, Dr. Koprivnikar cautions that "modern non-stick pans still use PTFE, which belongs to the larger family of chemicals known as PFAS or 'forever chemicals.'"

Related: Oncologists Are Begging People To Stop Using This Common Cleaning Product

Why Non-Stick Cookware Can Affect Cancer Risk

Dr. Shroff says using a modern (made after 2013), intact non-stick pan isn't her main concern with these kitchen staples. "The bigger concern is overheating or damaging the coating," she reports. "When PTFE-coated cookware is heated above about 500°F, the coating can begin to break down and release fumes."

Dr. Shroff adds that some studies link higher PFAS/PFOA exposure to an increased risk of some cancers, but it's not conclusive. "While PFAS exposure matters, when using modern non-stick cookware correctly, the risks are relatively low," she explains.

Dr. George reveals that it's rare for a pan to actually heat up to 500°F. "From a practical perspective, the 'smoke point' for things like fats, butter, oils, etc. is typically around 400°F, so this is well below the danger zone," he explains. "The other thing to consider is that scratches in the coating of the pans can also make the release of these chemicals easier, so avoiding damaged pans may also be a good safety measure."

Another oncologist shares this concern, especially with "well-loved" non-stick pans. "As a pan ages, the PTFE lining becomes increasingly compromised and is all the more likely to decompose, creating polymer fumes and leaching unfavorable chemicals into the food you are eating," reports Dr. Adeel Khan, MD, MPH, MS, an academic hemoncologist and epidemiologist in Dallas, Texas.

Related: Oncologists Say This Is the #1 Cancer Risk Factor No One Talks About

Is PFOAS-Free Non-Stick Cookware Safe?

It's unclear. Some cookware tools get labeled "PFOA-free," but that doesn't mean safe. Consumer Reports cautions that people often mistake "PFOA-free" for "PFAS-free," but that's not the case. "'PFOA-free'...[is] a favorable step in the right direction, it is unclear if the newer non-stick chemicals being used are truly safer," Dr. Khan says.

Dr. Shroff also suggests exercising caution and taking practical steps to reduce the risk of cancer if you're using a PFOA-free pan. "While I would not panic over a modern PFOA-free pan, I would still avoid high heat, avoid scratches and replace it when the coating is damaged," Dr. Shroff advises.

Related: Oncologists Are Begging You To Stop Making This Microwave Mistake Immediately

3 Tips for Choosing and Using Safer Cookware To Lower Cancer Risk

The good news is that there are excellent alternatives to non-stick cookware that are durable and safe. You can also use and store cookware in ways that lower cancer risk.

1. Seek alternatives

"Cast iron and its lighter cousin, carbon steel, are prized for their ability to develop a natural, chemical-free non-stick surface through seasoning, making them perfect for searing and frying," Dr. Koprivnikar says. "Enameled cast iron provides the superior heat retention of traditional cast iron but with an easy-to-clean, non-reactive surface that doesn't require seasoning."

She adds that ceramic cookware has a modern, PFAS-free non-stick coating, but cautions it's less durable than traditional non-stick cookware.

"For a versatile and non-reactive workhorse, stainless steel is a professional favorite that excels at creating pan sauces, though it requires proper heating techniques to prevent food from sticking," Dr. Koprivnikar reports.

2. Prioritize what you replace

You may not have the time or budget to revamp your cookware collection completely, but Dr. Koprivnikar says you can take small steps toward a safer kitchen.

"Start with an immediate 'pan audit' to discard any items that are heavily scratched, peeling or warped, as this is the primary way to prevent microplastics and chemicals from entering your food," she adds.

Dr. George also suggests placing a high priority on replacing anything made before 2013, as anything made after this date should no longer contain PFOAs.

3. Use, handle and store cookware with care

How you treat the pot or pan before, during and after using it also matters.

"Always cook on low to medium heat, never preheat an empty pan and ensure you use a small amount of oil to protect the surface," Dr. Koprivnikar advises. "To prevent damage in the first place, exclusively use soft utensils made of wood or silicone, and always hand-wash your pans gently with a soft sponge, avoiding abrasive scrubbers and the dishwasher."

She suggests storing cookware by placing a paper towel or cloth between each pan to prevent scratches.

Up Next:

Related: Oncologists Say This Popular Air Fryer Mistake Could Increase Cancer Risk

Sources:

• Dr. Rachna Shroff, MD, a gastrointestinal medical oncologist at Banner – University Medicine Tucson/University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC) and the associate director of clinical investigations at UACC
• Dr. Laeth George, MD, an oncologist for HonorHealth
• Dr. Jamie Koprivnikar, MD, a board-certified hematologist oncologist at Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center
• Dr. Adeel Khan, MD, MPH, MS, an academic hemoncologist and epidemiologist in Dallas, Texas
• Serum concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and risk of renal cell carcinoma in the Multiethnic Cohort Study. Environment International.
• Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Exposure and Risk of Kidney, Liver, and Testicular Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. La Medicina del Lavoro Work, Environment and Health.
• Questions and Answers about Designation of PFOA and PFOS as Hazardous Substances under CERCLA. EPA.
• You Can’t Always Trust Claims on ‘Non-Toxic’ Cookware. Consumer Reports.

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Working with limited patio or deck space? Between planters, lounge chairs, and tables, small outdoor areas can get crowded quickly, making pieces that pull double-duty a real lifesaver. That's why we're so excited to see Walmart's deal on a picnic table with seating for four that converts into a bench for under $200.

Normally $315, Walmart has slashed the price of the Best Choice Products 2-in-1 Outdoor Interchangeable Wooden Picnic Table by over 40% to $180. This handy piece transforms from a table with seating for four to a two-seater bench, so you can use it in the way that best suits your needs. All eight colors are currently on sale, including natural wood, black, gray, harbor blue, pink, sage green, acorn, and walnut.

Best Choice Products 2-in-1 Outdoor Interchangeable Wooden Picnic Table, $180 (was $315) at Walmart

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For times when you want to host friends and family, a folding table and chairs can be a great space saver. But those pieces won't do you much good when it's time to lounge solo. That's where this handy, interchangeable picnic table and bench shines. It can take you from a dinner party for four to birdwatching on a bench in your backyard in just a few seconds. 

Despite its space-saving design, this piece offers a full-sized picnic table measuring 54 inches long and nearly 20 inches wide, with seating for four on the narrow benches on either side. There's also a 1.5-inch diameter hole in the tabletop where you can place a standard-sized patio umbrella to keep the table shaded. When in the table position, the tabletop can hold up to 100 pounds, and the seats on either side can support up to 200 pounds. 

To transform the table into a bench, simply lift the tabletop straight up, pulling one seat toward the other to create the bench seat, while the tabletop becomes the bench's back support. With the ability to support up to 380 pounds in bench mode, reviewers said the bench can comfortably accommodate two to three people, depending on how closely they're seated. 

Related: Walmart's $147 5-Piece Patio Table Set Is a 'Nice Size for a Small Porch,' and It's on Sale in 6 Colors

Made of solid fir wood, this piece is designed to last for years to come. Shoppers were impressed by its quality, noting that though this table-bench combo is light enough for one person to move from shape to shape, the seating felt stable in either position.

One shopper raved, "It is a very sturdy bench and picnic table, was very easy to put together, and even easier to change from table to bench and back." Another reviewer shared that this "convenient" 2-in-1 piece was a "perfect solution" for adding flexible seating to their small garden. 

Shop More Deals

• Costway 3-Piece Rattan Patio Furniture Set, $142 (was $160) at Walmart
• Arlopu Outdoor Table And Chairs Set, $165 (was $290) at Walmart
• Fenbeli 8-Person Square Picnic Table, $210 (was $260) at Walmart

If you're ready to make the most of your small deck or patio, this versatile convertible piece is an essential addition. Don't miss your chance to grab the Best Choice Products 2-in-1 Outdoor Interchangeable Wooden Picnic Table for over 40% off in eight colors while it's on sale at Walmart.

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