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Rosie O’Donnell is back behind a late-night desk, and she has a message for Donald Trump: “Buckle up.” Taking over Jimmy Kimmel Live for the week, O’Donnell wasted little time reviving her long-running feud with the president, joking that viewers should expect an even more combustible show now that Kimmel is away.

The guest-hosting stint marks O’Donnell’s return to the talk-show desk nearly 30 years after The Rosie O’Donnell Show premiered. But her comeback quickly became political, with O’Donnell revisiting her decision to move to Ireland with her child before Trump’s second inauguration. She said she read Project 2025 and decided she had to “get myself out of here.”

O’Donnell joked that she knows Trump is white-knuckling her return to television. “It’s great to be back. They said you can’t come home again, but here I am,” she said. “And if you thought the president hated Jimmy Kimmel Live when it was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, buckle up, people. Buckle up.”

She then pivoted to explaining why she moved to Ireland “because of Mango Mussolini,” recalling how her then-11-year-old child explained the move to classmates: “I’m being forced to move to another country because the president of the United States hates my mother. But in all fairness, I believe my mother hates him more.”

That’s when O’Donnell taunted Trump directly, adding, “Hi. I know you’re watching.”

But beneath the jokes, O’Donnell also reflected on what the move meant to her and how Ireland became her “refuge and salvation” during a turbulent period. She recalled being welcomed by strangers and finding a sense of community she said she desperately needed after leaving the U.S.

“And to the people of Ireland, I send my love,” she said. “I’ll be home soon.”

Of course O’Donnell couldn’t help but stick it to Trump at the end of her monlogue by saying, “And you know, right now he’s in the White House crying cuz I haven’t mentioned him.” 

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Sometimes a single piece of furniture emerges as the room’s real MVP. If you’re looking for a workhorse that not only adds style to the room but also helps you maintain a clutter-free living space, the Frylr End Table makes a beautiful choice. It’s versatile enough to set up in a living room, bedroom, or any other spot that could benefit from extra storage.

The three-tier table is currently an excellent deal at Amazon, too. While it’s normally $100, the rustic brown version is on sale for just $25 — a full 75% off the original price and the lowest it’s been in the past year. There’s also a greige color marked down to $32 and an inky black reduced to $36. 

Courtesy of Amazon

It’s structurally unique, making the table a smart addition if you’re looking to breathe some new life into a room. The “S” configuration lends it a modern feel, while the open shelves offer plenty of room to stash books and magazines or put artwork or photos on display. A spacious top tier accommodates beverages, snacks, and anything else you’d like to keep within easy reach.

The design is where the table really shines. Combining wood-grain with a reinforced metal frame, it stands 19.8 inches tall by 11.8 inches wide by 15.7 inches deep. Each tier supports up to 44 pounds, so you can comfortably use it to store a variety of items in any room. With those dimensions and capacity, it can even be useful in hallways, home offices, and other spaces where clutter might accumulate.

A person who purchased two wrote that they “make my room look fancier than it really is,” praising the “elegant” design. Another shopper commented that it’s “well made and looks more expensive” than it really is. Several reviewers also noted that the assembly process is straightforward and took just a few minutes.

• Mikkagu Coffee Table, $28 (was $40) at Amazon
• Plhxfr Floral Area Rug, $59 (was $79) at Amazon
• Edishine Arc Floor Lamp, $24 (was $40) at Amazon

Related: Amazon’s ‘Sleek’ Farmhouse-Style Storage Cabinet Offers ‘Plenty of Storage Space’ for Under $100 

At this price, you could pick up four for the original price of one! Whether you’re adding a matching pair to the room or you just need one to pull the space together, you’ll appreciate the way the Frylr End Table comes through without breaking the bank. Pick it up while it’s 75% off at Amazon for a limited time.

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If your idea of the ultimate European getaway involves winding coastal highways, dramatic ocean vistas, and zero bumper-to-bumper tourist traffic, your dream itinerary has officially arrived.

In a study by rental car company Avis, researchers analyzed 40 European islands across nine data points—including tourist density, terrain diversity, elevation changes, EV charging infrastructure, and full-circuit drive times—to find the continent’s most peaceful drives.

Claiming the No. 1 spot with an impressive seclusion score of 80.3 out of 100 is El Hierro, the smallest and most remote of Spain’s Canary Islands.

Covering roughly 104 square miles (268 square kilometers) in the Atlantic Ocean, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve welcomes just 25,000 visitors annually—making it the least crowded destination in the entire analysis.

Related: 5 Mediterranean Islands You Can Only Get to by Ferry

Because of its compact size, travelers can complete a full loop around the island in approximately 3.5 hours. Along the way, the scenic route passes through some of the most striking, untouched terrain in Europe:

• Natural Volcanic Pools: Crystal-clear seawater lagoons like Charco Azul and La Maceta, carved directly into rugged black lava rock for peaceful afternoon swims.
• Ancient Forests: The wind-twisted, centuries-old juniper trees of El Sabinar, whose surreal, bending trunks create an otherworldly landscape.
• Cliff-Top Panoramas: Jaw-dropping ocean lookouts like Mirador de la Peña, perched high above the El Golfo Valley.

Related: 5 ‘Secret’ European Islands to Add to Your Bucket List

Even better for eco-conscious road-trippers: El Hierro generates virtually 100% of its electricity through renewable wind and hydro energy, making it an easy, sustainable drive for electric vehicle rentals.

Rounding out the top tier of Europe’s most secluded road-trip islands are Lesvos, Greece (No. 2), home to one of the world’s largest fossilized petrified forests, and Samos, Greece (No. 3), famous for its tranquil waterfalls and ancient ruins. Other quiet coastal escapes featured in the top 10 include La Gomera, Spain; Gotland, Sweden; Korčula, Croatia; the Faroe Islands; Brač, Croatia; the Isle of Skye, Scotland; and La Palma, Spain.

Whether you’re looking to escape the summer crowds of Europe’s busier tourist hotspots or simply craving the pure freedom of an open island road, El Hierro proves that the quietest journeys often offer the biggest views.

Related: The Ultimate ‘Euro Summer’ Escape Is This Italian Island Where You Can Sip Wine, Soak in Thermal Pools and Sleep in a Castle

Alice in Chains’ breakout song is back on the charts. More than 35 years after its release, “Man in the Box” has re-entered Billboard’s Hard Rock Streaming Songs chart for the week ending August 22. The re-entry marks the song’s overall 43rd week on Billboard after previously reaching No. 18 on the chart in 1991.

Written by Jerry Cantrell and Layne Staley, “Man in the Box” appeared on Alice in Chains’ 1990 debut studio album Facelift. Highlighted by Cantrell’s ominous guitar riff, a talk box, and a lumbering, thumping beat, the Seattle rockers’ song featured lyrics about censorship and control. “Man in the Box” was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance in 1992.

Staley, who died in 2002, once told Much Music Canada that he wrote songs based on his feelings.

“Not that we’re dark or depressed,” he said. “Other bands choose to write about things they don’t know s— about, like babes and cars, parties and going out on a Saturday night and getting in a fight. … ‘Man in the Box’ is kind of loosely based on media censorship, but only my theory. So it’s not a fact or a statement. Plus I was really stoned when I wrote it, so it meant something different then.”

There’s no doubt that “Man in the Box” helped pave the way for Seattle’s mainstream grunge explosion that took place in the early 1990s. “Man in the Box” had already hit Billboard’s charts before Mudhoney’s Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge, Pearl Jam’s Ten, Nirvana’s Nevermind and Soundgarden’s Badmotorfinger were released later in 1991.

Alice in Chains band members also shot scenes for the movie Singles around the same time that the Facelift album was released. While they didn’t perform “Man in the Box” in the Cameron Crowe film, the song was breaking on radio and MTV at the time of filming.

“Somewhere around the time we were finishing the movie. ‘Man in a Box’ was a hit,” Crowe recalled in an interview with Rolling Stone. “[Alice in Chains] were the first band to score a hit out of Seattle in that generation.”

Thirty-five years after its release, “Man in the Box” remains a defining song of the ‘90s grunge revolution—a timeless classic that helped propel Alice in Chains from Seattle’s underground scene to international stardom.

Related: 1990 Grunge Track Featured in ‘Singles’ Had an Iconic Guitar Riff That Started Out as a Joke

Before Bruce Springsteen became a rock superstar, one music writer was already paying close attention.

Dave Marsh, who died Aug. 14 at 76, became known as one of the foremost chroniclers of 76-year-old Springsteen’s career. But his connection to “The Boss” began long before Springsteen was filling stadiums or appearing on the covers of Time and Newsweek.

Marsh was an editor at Creem when he became an early champion of Springsteen. In 1974, he was also the person who took fellow music writer Jon Landau to see Springsteen perform in Boston. That night would become a pivotal moment in Springsteen’s career.

Landau went on to write his famous review declaring, “I saw rock and roll future and its name is Bruce Springsteen.”

The review helped draw widespread attention to the then-rising musician, and Landau soon became Springsteen’s manager and producer.

Marsh continued documenting Springsteen’s career as it took off.

He wrote about Springsteen for Rolling Stone, including a major feature about the singer’s 1978 tour. That year, Springsteen appeared on the magazine’s cover, a sign of just how far he had come since those early club performances.

Marsh eventually turned his close knowledge of Springsteen into his 1979 book Born to Run: The Bruce Springsteen Story. He later wrote Glory Days, chronicling another crucial period in Springsteen’s rise, and remained closely connected to the singer’s career for decades.

The relationship between the writer and musician was unusually close. Marsh had access to Springsteen at a level few other rock journalists did, including spending time with him on the road and interviewing him extensively.

Springsteen’s transformation from a relatively obscure New Jersey musician into one of America’s biggest rock stars took years, but Marsh was there early, and helped tell the story as it happened.

And while Landau’s famous prediction became part of Springsteen mythology, Marsh’s contribution was different: he was one of the writers who recognized the significance of Springsteen before the rest of the mainstream music world caught up.

RELATED: Bryan Adams Brings Pat Benatar Onstage for Surprise Stevie Wonder Cover

Tame Impala has made one of the biggest moves on the latest Billboard Global 200, as “Loser” jumps from No. 51 to No. 5 on the chart dated Aug. 22, 2026.

The five-place finish gives the song a new career high on the global chart and marks a massive 46-position jump from the previous week. The song is now sitting inside the Billboard Global 200’s top five alongside major hits from Ariana Grande, Shakira and Burna Boy, Ella Langley, Justin Bieber and Olivia Rodrigo.

“Loser” is the work of Australian musician Kevin Parker, who performs and records music under the Tame Impala name. Parker created Tame Impala as a home-recording project in Perth in 2007, later turning it into one of the best-known names in modern psychedelic rock.

Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images

The song’s new Billboard Global 200 peak comes nearly a year after its release and follows a boost from its appearance in the 2026 film Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

“Loser” was released on Sept. 3, 2025, as the second single from Tame Impala’s fifth studio album, Deadbeat. The song had already built a strong chart record in several countries, but its latest Global 200 result puts it on a much bigger stage.

Before reaching No. 5, “Loser” was sitting at No. 51 on the Billboard Global 200. Its 50-place rise brings the song to its highest position on the chart.

The track has also reached No. 1 on India’s International chart and has posted strong results in several other markets. It peaked at No. 11 in Australia, No. 14 on the U.K. Singles Chart and No. 22 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. It also reached No. 4 on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart.

The song’s rise has also come after it was featured in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The film’s soundtrack includes “Loser” along with songs from artists such as Chaka Khan, Cannons, Bad Bunny and Steve Lacy.

Tame Impala’s connection to the movie gave the song another path to listeners beyond the usual music channels. The track appears among the songs used in the latest Spider-Man movie, which stars Tom Holland as Peter Parker.

The latest achievement comes as Tame Impala continues its strong run following the release of Deadbeat.

The album arrived in 2025 as the fifth studio album from the project. “Loser” was one of its early singles, followed by “Dracula,” which later received a remix featuring Jennie.

That “Dracula” remix became Tame Impala’s first song to reach the top 10 of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard Global 200.

“Loser,” meanwhile, has continued to find new audiences. The song was nominated for Song of the Year at the 2026 APRA Music Awards and has been performed during Tame Impala’s Deadbeat Tour.

Tame Impala became known for blending psychedelic rock with electronic sounds. Parker writes, records, performs and produces the project’s music in the studio, while a group of musicians joins him for live performances.

Related: Country Star Approaching Billboard Chart History With No. 1 Hit Song Lasting 18 Weeks

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If your book collection has officially outgrown your nightstand, Walmart has a simple $70 fix. The Walsunny 6-Tier Farmhouse Bookcase is currently $50 off, down from $120, with six open shelves for books, decor, photos, and more. The black version is on sale for just $70, while the brown color is $85, and both options are also available in sets of two.

The bookcase measures 23.6 inches wide, 9.3 inches deep, and 70.9 inches high. It’s crafted from particle board, and each of its six shelves can support up to 66 pounds. The H-shaped construction and slotted back panel add stability, while an included anti-tip device lets you secure the unit to the wall. The surface is also waterproof and easy to wipe clean, which is always a plus.

Courtesy of Walmart

The six open tiers give you plenty of room to style and display your belongings. You can dedicate a couple of levels to books and use the others for baskets, framed photos, candles, small plants, or other decorative objects. Its narrow 9.3-inch depth also makes it a great option for smaller rooms where you want to use vertical space without adding a bulky piece of furniture to an already-crowded space.

One shopper said the bookcase was “very easy to put together” and “very sturdy and sleek-looking.” Another called it a “great product” and liked that it came with hardware to help keep it secure. Other reviewers also praised the simple assembly, with one noting that the instructions were easy to understand.

Related: Walmart’s ‘Beautiful’ $90 Farmhouse Shoe Cabinet Is a Clever Fix for Crowded Entryways

If you really want to lean into the farmhouse look, you can style the shelves with wooden accents, ceramic vases, woven baskets, and cute framed artwork. You can also mix in books, storage boxes, plants, and keepsakes to make the piece feel both decorative and practical.

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If you’ve run out of places to put your books and decor, now is a great time to snag the Walsunny 6-Tier Farmhouse Bookcase while the black version is down to $70. The six open shelves offer tons of styling possibilities, while its slim footprint makes it easier to fit into smaller spaces. And at $50 off, it’s an affordable way to refresh an empty wall ahead of fall.

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In early 1973, radio listeners couldn’t get enough of the Tony Orlando & Dawn song, “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree.”

Within weeks, the track evolved from a catchy AM radio pop tune into an unstoppable global phenomenon. It sold over 3 million copies in less than a month, and cemented its status as the No. 1 single of the year.

But behind the song’s cheerful vocals about a return home to a loved one lay a high-stakes battle over where its iconic story actually originated. The feud nearly disrupted one of pop music’s greatest success stories.

The song, ranked among the best of the decade in the album-oriented rock category by U Discover Music, was written by L. Russell Brown and Irwin Levine. Its lyrics were said to be based on a traditional oral tale and a story Brown read in Reader’s Digest, as reported by American Songwriter.

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While Tony Orlando & Dawn performed the sunny song for millions of fans across the country, a quiet conflict was brewing behind the scenes, one that had nothing to do with the band itself.

The drama originated after journalist Pete Hamill sued Brown and Levine for copyright infringement. He claimed the songwriters took the tune’s idea from his 1971 newspaper column, as reported by History.

Ultimately, the columnist dropped his lawsuit after it was discovered that there were many versions of the same story circulating for decades before the song was written. Because the central narrative belonged to traditional folk history, no single writer could claim sole ownership of the idea.

“Probably the story is one of these mysterious bits of folklore that emerge from the national subconscious to be told anew in one form or another,” Hamill said, as reported by History.

Brown later told The Tennessean how he came up with the idea to write “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree.” He began, “I was reading the Reader’s Digest. I read it from front to back. There was an article about a soldier coming home from Andersonville Prison in the Civil War, and he was going to Pennsylvania.”

The story continued, as the soldier wanted to know if the woman he loved felt the same way. He asked her to tie a yellow handkerchief on the oak tree in their town to show her devotion.

Brown concluded, “He couldn’t bear to look at it himself. So he told the other people in the stagecoach and the driver to please look. When they got to the big oak tree, everybody yelled and screamed. He looked out the window, and it was covered with yellow handkerchiefs. A chill went up my neck. I said, ‘My God!’ I said, ‘Boy, that would make a great song.’”

As the years progressed, “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree” became a national symbol for hope in times of crisis. It quickly outgrew the airwaves, inspiring millions of families to tie ribbons around trees in their front yards every time service members were deployed.

The legal fight over the song eventually quieted down, but its legacy endured. It gave Tony Orlando & Dawn the biggest record of their career and became a lasting cultural touchstone for anyone waiting for a loved one to return home.

Related: 1970 Tony Orlando and Dawn Smash Named One of Their Most Popular Songs of All Time by Fans

In 1976, Dennis Elliott became the original drummer for a new rock band called Foreigner. Within a year, the group was rocketing up the charts with songs including “Feels Like the First Time” and “Cold as Ice,” beginning a run that would make Foreigner one of the biggest rock bands of its era.

Now, Elliott is celebrating another milestone. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer turns 76 on Aug. 18.

But long after helping power Foreigner hits including “Hot Blooded,” “Double Vision,” “Urgent” and “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” Elliott traded his drumsticks for an entirely different creative pursuit: sculpture.

Born in London on Aug. 18, 1950, Elliott started playing drums remarkably young, performing with his family’s band when he was just 5 years old.

By 16, he was playing professionally with The Shevelles. He later joined the Ferris Wheel and, at 19, became a member of jazz-rock band If, recording several albums with the group.

Another important opportunity arrived when Elliott played on former Mott the Hoople frontman Ian Hunter’s self-titled debut solo album, including “Once Bitten Twice Shy.”

But after that recording, Elliott found himself unemployed in New York and took a job as a mechanic to make ends meet. At a jam session, he met guitarist Mick Jones, who was also in New York following the dissolution of the Leslie West Band.

“A few weeks later,” Elliott recalled to Modern Drummer in 2018, “I got a call from Mick saying that he was forming a new band, and would I care to come down to Manhattan to play some songs and see what happens.”

What happened was Foreigner.

Elliott remembered playing “Feels Like the First Time” at his audition and immediately sensing that something was different.

“The songs were so good that I just felt comfortable with them,” he said. “It felt like we’d been playing together for years.”

Foreigner’s self-titled debut arrived in 1977 and climbed to No. 4 on the Billboard 200. The band’s follow-up, 1978’s Double Vision, went even higher, reaching No. 3.

Elliott remained behind the drums as Foreigner’s success continued through albums including Head Games, 4, Agent Provocateur and Inside Information. He also played on some of the band’s most enduring hits, from “Hot Blooded” and “Double Vision” to “Urgent” and “Waiting for a Girl Like You.”

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After 17 years with Foreigner, Elliott left the band in 1993.

“All in all, it was a wonderful time, but very hectic,” he told Modern Drummer of his years with the group. “It takes a toll. I just felt I’d had enough, and it was best for me to stay home.”

By then, however, Elliott had already developed another artistic passion.

He began working with wood in 1972 and taught himself the craft, eventually focusing on large burl wood vessels, wall sculptures and interactive orbital pieces. His work has incorporated carving, burning and sandblasting, along with materials including alabaster, metal, exotic woods and semi-precious stones.

Elliott’s sculptures have ultimately found their way into 21 museum collections across the United States, according to his official website.

For Elliott, the transition from musician to sculptor wasn’t necessarily as dramatic as it might appear. Both allowed him to create, but he saw an important distinction between the two art forms.

“In creating music, you’re creating out of thin air,” Elliott explained on his website. “When you’re working with a solid object like a piece of a tree, you can only do it once.”

Elliott hasn’t completely left Foreigner behind, either. He has reunited with his former bandmates for performances over the years, including Foreigner’s 40th anniversary reunion shows in 2017.

And in 2024, Elliott’s place in the band’s history received its biggest recognition when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Foreigner.

From pounding out the beat behind some of the biggest rock songs of the late ’70s and ’80s to creating works of art held by museums decades later, Elliott has now spent more than half a century creating in one form or another.

Related: Retiring Original Lead Singer Rejoins ’70s Rock Icons for New Version of Iconic Hit

Finding the right travel bag can make or break a trip—and after more than 10 cruises, endless theme park days, and non-stop island hopping this year, I’ve officially pledged my allegiance to the sling-style crossbody.

Honestly, they’re total game-changers. Slings hug your body to keep your wallet and passport safe, leave your hands completely free for a morning latte or a quick photo, and somehow fit way more than you’d expect. (Yes, you can actually stash your sunscreen, a cute souvenir, and a light layer without blowing out the zipper.)

Forget the ugly, hyper-fanny-pack designs of the past, too. Brands like Vera Bradley, Quince, and Calpak are making ridiculously chic options that effortlessly tie an outfit together. After a full year of putting these through the ultimate travel wringer, these are the 8 stylish, hassle-free slings I refuse to pack without.

Related: 8 Quince Carry-On Essentials Every Woman Over 50 Needs

Quince

I am totally obsessed with the Quince Transit Quilted Belt Bag, and it’s easily become one of my most-used travel staples. It is ridiculously soft, lightweight, and so comfortable to wear all day that you practically forget it’s there. Don’t let the sleek silhouette fool you, either—it holds way more than you’d ever expect, easily fitting sunscreen, sunglasses, and all your daily essentials without looking bulky. The three built-in pockets are a total lifesaver for keeping your phone, passport, and lip balm perfectly organized so you aren’t blindly digging around at security. Plus, the water-resistant quilted finish gives it that high-end, modern look that elevates even the most basic travel outfit, whether you’re pacing the cruise deck or catching a flight.

Vera Bradley

I keep both the rich camel leather version and the classic black nylon Vera Bradley Sling on constant rotation, and they’ve easily become two of my most-used travel bags. They are total workhorses for theme park days and cruise port stops, but their sleek, low-profile silhouette means they transition seamlessly to business meetings or dressy dinners, too. If you’re an overpacker who always wants an extra option on hand, these take up virtually zero space in a suitcase—or you can easily tuck one inside your larger personal item to keep your carry-on light. The adjustable strap lets you wear it snug across your chest for hands-free security while walking around, or lengthened over one shoulder depending on your outfit. Combined with the lightweight durability and smart zip pockets that keep everything organized at security, it’s a bag I catch myself reaching for on almost every single trip.

Related: I Went on a Mediterranean Cruise With Just a Carry-on—These 8 Quince Pieces Let Me Blend in Like a Local

Baggallini

The Baggallini Securtex Jet Set Anti-Theft Crescent Sling completely blew me away with its smart design and high-end security features. It’s equipped with built-in RFID-blocking technology and clever locking zipper closures, giving you total peace of mind in crowded markets or busy transit hubs. Because it sits sleek and almost flat against your body, you can easily tuck it under a jacket or layer for an extra level of protection. Don’t let the low-profile shape fool you, though—it holds an impressive amount of gear without feeling heavy or bulky. Combined with that rich plum shade that adds a gorgeous pop of color to any travel outfit, it’s the ultimate mix of functional security and effortless style.

CALPAK

If you’re heading out on an active excursion or tackling water-ride-filled theme park days, the CALPAK Terra Sling Bag is the ultimate do-it-all companion. The water-repellant finish handles splash zones with ease, while the breathable mesh backing is an absolute lifesaver during ultra-hot, humid summer months. You can adjust it to wear around your waist or diagonally across your front or back, giving you total flexibility when slipping into tight ride vehicles. I love the easy-access exterior zips for grabbing lip balm or phone quickly on the go, but my favorite feature has to be the side compression straps—they cinch the whole bag close to your body so it stays completely stable and never flops around, even when packed to the brim.

North Face

The North Face Isabella Sling is my absolute go-to whenever I need to carry heavier gear—like multiple portable chargers or a full water bottle—without straining my shoulders. I’ve even managed to pack a small laptop inside, and thanks to the exceptionally padded, ergonomically designed strap, it distributes the weight so evenly across your back that you barely feel it. It delivers that sporty, rugged durability needed to handle active port excursions, day hikes, or theme parks where your bag might take a beating, all while maintaining a surprisingly sleek, low-profile look.

Related: I’m a Travel Writer Who Practically Lives on Planes—These Are the 7 Quince Pieces I Rely On

Quince

The Quince Revive Nylon Crescent Shoulder Bag is a recent discovery that I have a feeling is going straight into heavy rotation. It’s wonderfully simple and minimalist, making it effortless to throw on with just about anything while still holding a surprising amount of gear. Lately, I’ve been loving minimalist, ’90s-inspired travel capsules built around simple black cardigans, straight-leg jeans, and classic white tees—and this bag’s sleek silhouette and fun pop of color pull that whole nostalgic, Calvin Klein-esque vibe together perfectly. Clean lines keep it sitting flat and low-profile against your chest or back, so you can effortlessly transition from a daytime walking tour to a casual dinner without ever feeling weighed down.

Vera Bradley

As someone who spends plenty of time at Disney, I’m always on the hunt for sleek bags that incorporate Mickey branding without feeling over-the-top, and this Vera Bradley Disney Sling is easily one of my favorites. It hits the absolute sweet spot for capacity—it’s not too bulky, but effortlessly holds a wallet, phone, cooling fan, portable charger, sunblock, and still leaves room for a light layer or souvenir. It’s lightweight, breathable, and just plain cool-looking, giving you all the classic, long-wear comfort you’d expect from Vera Bradley with a subtle, magical twist that brings a fun touch to any park day.

Nordstrom

I am a huge fan of MZ Wallace’s ultra-well-designed travel staples, and this quilted, asymmetrical sling-style shoulder bag is no exception. Its unique crescent shape fits perfectly and comfortably under your arm, holding everything you need for a full day out with plenty of room to spare. Inside, you’ll find a super handy mini zip pouch that keeps essential items like your wallet, lip balm, and keys secure and easy to grab. The craftsmanship and heavy-duty quilted material feel wonderfully high-end, making this a durable, timeless investment piece you’ll keep reaching for on every trip for years to come.

Related: The 9 Best Bags for Every Type of Disney Park Day

Out of New Jersey, the rock band Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show began gaining traction in the 1970s when they released “Sylvia’s Mother,” written by acclaimed writer Shel Silverstein.

Not many may know that Silverstein’s published works go far beyond childhood favorites like The Giving Tree, Where the Sidewalk Ends, and A Light in the Attic. The acclaimed writer and cartoonist was also a musician and songwriter who penned the track “Sylvia’s Mother” for Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show.

The track would end up becoming the band’s first hit single, which landed them at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on Cash Box. It was also an international success at No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and in South Africa, New Zealand, Ireland, and Australia. Behind “Sylvia’s Mother” was a very real story of heartbreak that Silverstein experienced between him and a close friend.

Top 2000 a gogo released an interview with Louisa Pandolfi, Sylvia Pandolfi’s mother. She described the inspiration behind the track as having been based around a phone call. Mrs. Pandolfi recalls Silverstein calling their home to talk to her daughter, and Sylvia having broken the news to Silverstein that she was leaving for Mexico to get married. Her daughter ultimately implied that “their friendship was more or less over, and so forth.”

The following day, Mrs. Pandalfi remembers Silverstein calling again and admitted in the interview that she thought the writer “was very much in love” with her daughter. In 1972, Silverstein spoke with Rolling Stone and revealed the story in “Sylvia’s Mother” is exactly as it happened in real life, but with some tweaks.

“I just changed the last name, not to protect the innocent, but because it didn’t fit. It happened about eight years ago and was pretty much the way it was in the song. I called Sylvia and her mother said, ‘She can’t talk to you.’ I said, ‘Why not?’ Her mother said she was packing and she was leaving to get married, which was a big surprise to me. The guy was in Mexico and he was a bullfighter and a painter,” he explained.

For Silverstein, the moment was heartbreak and recalls her saying, “Shel, don’t spoil it,” and thinking, “For about ten seconds I had this ego charge, as if I could have spoiled it. I couldn’t have spoiled it with a sledge hammer.”

When the Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show track was released in 1972, many wondered who Sylvia was. According to SongFacts, Dutch public television producer named Arjan Vlakveld found Mrs. Pandolfi by accident thanks to an acquaintance. He found Sylvia’s phone number and asked if she was the woman in “Sylvia’s Mother,” which led to the interview in the same room where the original phone call occurred.

“A surprising number of people thought it was a parody, but I always saw it as a truly heartbreaking story, and I did my best to portray the anxiety and sadness that I knew that poor guy in the phone booth would be feeling,” said singer Dennis Locorriere.

Related: 1973 Blues Song, With Lyrics by Bob Dylan and Bette Midler, Became a Pop Culture Staple

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Delicate, dazzling, and versatile enough to go with just about anything, diamonds are a jewelry box classic for a reason. These luminous stones can require quite an investment in some cases, though, unless you make a point to shop for them during big sale events. Right now, Macy’s is giving customers the chance to save big on diamonds with its ongoing jewelry sale, offering up to 70% off on pieces the Black & White Diamond Interlocking Circle Drop Earrings.

The earrings initially cost $240, but have been reduced to $84. The piece features 0.10 carats in black diamonds and 0.10 carats in white diamonds set in sterling silver. The round diamonds are arranged in overlapping circles, which features a more modern and simple look that allows you to sport them everyday or for special occasions. 

Courtesy of Macy's

The earrings have a traditional push back closure that allows you to take them on and off with ease. We recommend taking them off when in contact with water, like when you’re swimming or showering, to ensure that they keep their quality. It’s also advised to avoid sleeping on them because they are a drop earring — you don’t want them to get caught on something or warped throughout the night.

“Since they’re black and white, they complement just about any outfit,” one reviewer said. “They can be shown off while dressing up for a night on the town, or casually worn with a T-shirt and jeans for everyday wear.” The shopper continued that necklaces with similar colors that also feature a circular shape go perfectly with these drop earrings. 

Other customers described the earrings as “elegant,” adding that they offer an “impressive sparkle.” Plus, they’re “very lightweight,” so you don’t have to worry about them weighing down your ears throughout the day. Due to the classic design, you can easily wear them all year-round. 

Related: Macy’s ‘Sparkly’ Diamond Bracelet ‘Looks More Expensive Than It Is,’ Now 65% Off

This is an exclusive Macy’s item, so you can’t get these stunning circle earrings anywhere else. Shop them now while they’re still marked down to only $84.

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More than five decades after its release, “Ramblin’ Man” by The Allman Brothers Band remains one of the most recognizable songs in Southern rock and the biggest Billboard Hot 100 hit of the band’s career. 

Released in August 1973, the Dickey Betts-written song reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the group’s only Top 10 single.

The song spent 16 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 after making its chart debut on Aug. 25, 1973. It reached its No. 2 peak on Oct. 13, 1973, and was held from the top spot by Cher’s “Half-Breed.”

In 2026, “Ramblin’ Man” is 53 years old, but its central message still connects with listeners. The song tells the story of a man who keeps moving, works to make a living, and accepts that life on the road is part of who he is.

Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Before “Ramblin’ Man,” The Allman Brothers Band had already built a strong name through its mix of blues, rock, jazz and Southern musical styles. However, the group had struggled to find major success with singles.

According to Billboard, “Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More,” “Melissa,” and “One Way Out” each charted below the Top 40. “Revival (Love Is Everywhere)” peaked at No. 92, while other singles also failed to make a major impact.

“Ramblin’ Man” also reached No. 12 on the U.S. Easy Listening chart. In Canada, it reached No. 7 on the RPM Top Singles chart.

Its success was especially important because the song sounded different from much of the band’s earlier work. “Ramblin’ Man” had a strong country influence, something that initially made the group unsure about recording it.

Dickey Betts wrote and sang the song, drawing from his own childhood and his love of country music. He had been working on the idea for years, and an early version could be heard during the band’s 1971 songwriting sessions, per Low Down and Dirty.

Betts later explained that his family moved often because his father worked in construction. That meant Betts attended different schools and spent a lot of time traveling.

“Ramblin’ was in my blood,” Betts said, according to American Songwriter.

The song was also inspired by Hank Williams’ 1951 song of the same name. Betts initially considered giving the song to a country performer, but it eventually became a major Allman Brothers Band recording.

The recording also marked an important musical step for the band. Guitarist Les Dudek worked with Betts on the guitar harmonies, while the finished recording used multiple guitar parts and an extended instrumental ending.

The band’s producer, Johnny Sandlin, also played a major role in shaping the final recording. Betts wanted the song to move faster, leading to changes in the tempo during production.

The song’s impact was not limited to its chart performance. In June 2026, CBS News included “Ramblin’ Man” on its list of 250 essential American songs from the past 250 years.

For a song about life on the road, that kind of staying power is fitting. The journey of “Ramblin’ Man” has simply continued long after its first radio play in 1973.

Related: 1971 Rock Song, Featured in ‘Family Guy,’ Ranked Among ‘Most Perfect Guitar Solos’ in Classic Rock History

Foreigner’s Double Vision was one of the biggest albums of 1978, featuring the back-to-back hit singles “Hot Blooded“ and “Double Vision.” But the third single from the  band’s iconic second album was also a hit—and an unlikely one.

“Blue Morning, Blue Day” was released in December 1978, and it quickly began a steady climb up the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song, written by Lou Gramm and Mick Jones, featured the band’s signature guitar and keyboard hooks as Gramm delivered lyrics about the emotional toll of a broken relationship. “Blue Morning, Blue Day” reached No. 15 on Billboard’s chart on March 3, 1979, giving Foreigner their third Double Vision smash in a row.

Gramm once revealed that “Blue Morning, Blue Day” wasn’t originally intended to be a single and came later in the Double Vision songwriting process.

“It came about a little later in the sessions,” he shared in a 2018 interview with AXS. “It was a dark horse track and the mood of it was dark, but the story of the song was so cool that it ended up being the third single from the album. We still play it to this day, both my band and Mick and his band.”

Jones once revealed that he was inspired by the progressive rock band Procol Harum when he co-wrote “Blue Morning, Blue Day” with Gramm.

“Blue Morning’ was one of my favorite tracks that we wrote,” he told AXS TV in a video interview. “I think I was going through a little phase of really digging Procol Harum, kind of almost semi-tragic, sad, blue. Blue morning, blue day,” he said.

The legendary Foreigner guitarist noted that he really leaned into the darker mood of the song.

“That was a little Procol Harum coming out in me, the period with the big orchestra and ‘Conquistador’,” Jones told In the Studio With Redbeard. “It was that mood. I felt very strongly that it was an inspiration in that song. And I was starting to experiment, I was getting clever (composing) on the piano!”

As for the lyrics, Gramm also shared insight into the meaning of the song, telling Songfacts, “It talks about a young musician that’s burning the candle at both ends. He has a lot on his mind, and walks the street at night.”

Nearly 50 years after its release, “Blue Morning, Blue Day” remains an essential part of Foreigner’s catalog—a powerful, emotionally charged rocker that showcases the band’s distinctive early sound at its best.

Related: 1977 Foreigner Classic Rock Hit, Written in Two Hours, Featured Lyrics Pulled From Real Life

If you’ve ever snorkeled the turquoise waters of The Bahamas, you know that vibrant coral reefs are the beating heart of the Caribbean’s marine magic. Beneath the surface, these living structures provide coastal protection, sustain local fisheries, and create the underwater wonderlands travelers fly from around the world to explore.

Yet rising ocean temperatures have put these vital ecosystems under unprecedented pressure, especially for elkhorn coral—a critical reef-building species that has seen population drops of roughly 97% across the Caribbean since the 1980s.

To help save the species, marine conservationists at the MSC Foundation’s Ocean Cay Marine Conservation Center are taking proactive measures to shield local reefs ahead of an incoming late-summer marine heatwave.

Related: MSC Cruises Is Opening a Brand-New Caribbean Beach Destination This Fall

Through its Super Coral Reefs Program, the team has outplanted 32 nursery-grown fragments of critically endangered elkhorn coral onto a natural reef near Browns Cay, bringing the program’s total to 285 corals returned to the wild.

Each coral fragment was harvested from parent colonies that demonstrated natural heat tolerance, boasting a 100% survival rate through the severe Caribbean marine heatwaves of 2023 and 2024.

With NOAA Coral Reef Watch predicting severe Level 2 bleaching conditions across the Northern Bahamas through September, scientists are adopting a tactical, cautious approach. Marine heat stress causes corals to expel the colorful, nutrient-producing algae living inside them, leading to bleaching and potential starvation. Rather than risking newly planted corals in scorching open water, the team has strategically paused further wild outplanting, keeping remaining fragments safe in specialized underwater nurseries where water flow and health can be closely managed.

Related: The Massive Cruise Line That Just Crushed a Global Environmental Target Five Years Ahead of Schedule

“Exceptionally warm ocean conditions are forecast this year, which could place corals under significant stress,” explained Emeline Bouchet, Marine Program Manager at the Ocean Cay Marine Conservation Center. “We therefore kept more fragments in our underwater nurseries, where the team can monitor and manage them closely. Restoration is not simply about planting more corals—it’s also about putting them in the best position to thrive.”

To track how both wild and nursery-grown corals hold up against peak summer temperatures, marine scientists will conduct monthly dives using advanced photogrammetry—a process that captures detailed photographs to generate precision 3D digital models of the reefs over time.

Once the late-summer heat subsides, the team plans to resume wild outplanting and replenish the nurseries with fresh cuttings, continuing a vital cycle designed to keep Caribbean waters teeming with life for future generations of ocean lovers.

Related: The New Megaship Delivering European Style and Big Value for the Whole Family

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Finding a pair of sneakers that both fits and provides support is basically like hitting the footwear jackpot. All too often, athletic shoes fall just short of checking all of those important boxes. Whether you wear yours to work out, walk the dog, or run errands, you can’t overlook the importance of comfort-forward details.

For thousands of people, a pair of Avia Elevate Sneakers is the answer. Sporty, cute, and supportive all at once, these kicks are available at Walmart in both medium and wide widths and whole and half sizes in assorted colors. Right now you can snag them in cream or silver for just $15, down from their usual $25. Other colors are also available for the regular price. 

Courtesy of Walmart

With a whopping 6,800 five-star reviews, these sneakers stand out with their classic style and cushioned feel. The memory foam footbed conforms to your natural shape, creating a comfortable landing pad that nestles your feet with every step. It even has technology to minimize odors and keep your shoes fresh.

The combination of polyester and polyurethane on the outside lends these sneakers both flexibility and durability. According to one shopper, they offer the most comfort and support of any sneaker they’ve tried, while another reviewer mentioned the kicks have “so much arch support” and feel “so sturdy.”

People with wide feet also weighed in, noting that while it’s normally hard to find shoes that provide enough wiggle room, these fit the bill. One person “walked all over Disney World for three days” and explained that the shoes were comfortable even with plantar fasciitis and tendinitis. Several people mentioned there’s no break-in period, either.

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Related: Walmart’s Comfortable $35 7-Piece Comforter Set Is So Cozy, It’s ‘Like Sleeping in the Clouds’

Whether you’re looking for a practical everyday shoe or footwear you can wear to the gym or while playing with the kids, these Avia Elevate Sneakers make an incredible buy at just $15. Don’t miss them while they’re discounted at Walmart in your preferred size and color combination.

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Allen Reynolds, the producer who played a major role in shaping Garth Brooks‘ early career, is celebrating his 88th birthday.

Reynolds was born Aug. 18, 1938, in North Little Rock, Arkansas, and went on to become one of Nashville’s most respected producers and songwriters.

His career included work with some of country music’s biggest stars, but he is perhaps best known for his longtime collaboration with Brooks, 64.

Reynolds produced virtually every album Brooks released during the early and defining years of his career, helping shape the sound that turned the singer into a household name.

Brooks’ rise in the late 1980s and 1990s helped transform the country music landscape, with albums including No Fences, Ropin’ the Wind and The Chase becoming massive commercial successes.

Reynolds’ work extended well beyond Brooks, too.

He produced Crystal Gayle’s 1977 hit “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” which became one of the singer’s signature songs and earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.

As a songwriter, Reynolds also contributed to Nashville’s country music tradition, writing songs recorded by artists including Waylon Jennings, Don Williams and Tanya Tucker.

His influence as a producer was particularly significant during country music’s commercial explosion in the 1990s. His work with Brooks helped establish the polished, arena-ready sound that allowed country music to reach an enormous mainstream audience.

At 88, Reynolds remains an important part of the story behind Brooks’ remarkable rise and one of the Nashville figures whose influence can be heard across generations of country music.

RELATED: Garth Brooks’ ‘Friends in Low Places’ Was Almost Someone Else’s Hit

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Vintage pieces are highly sought after — from hand-me-downs to antique store finds, these items have a unique charm. While some of the appeal comes from thrifting, rifling through piles and scouring through shelves can be overwhelming and exhausting, and these pieces are often expensive. Luckily, many retailers, like Amazon, offer many vintage-inspired products at a budget-friendly price, so you don’t even have to step foot out of your house to find something that looks antique. 

One of our favorite finds at Amazon is this Gogers Mosaic Glass Table Lamp. This kind of lamp is incredibly popular among the TikTok community, with its Turkish-inspired look and artisanal feel. 

While this mosaic lamp looks like an expensive antique shop piece, you can currently snag it on sale for less than $40. Normally retailing between $40 and $47, this table lamp is now marked down to just $37 in seven styles. This price is only available for Amazon Prime members, but if you aren’t a member, you can get a free 30-day membership trial here to snag the discount! 

Courtesy of Amazon

Crafted with a globe-shaped glass lampshade plastered with mosaic glass tiles and beads, this piece has major Turkish influence. This lamp comes in a variety of styles with different motifs, including circular designs, wavy patterns, six-point stars, and more. You can choose from various colorways like black and white, assorted blue tones, blue and orange, and pink and red. The neutral styles will complement the rest of your decor and furniture, while the vibrant versions add a pop of color to your space. 

The tiles are hand-cut and arranged by hand, giving this piece artisanal charm. Because of its handcrafted nature, each lamp is unique in its own way, which only adds to the vintage feel and makes it feel like a true antique store find. 

Just as stunning as the lampshade, the base and cap have an ornate design and a complex silhouette. The base is pedestal-like, boasting a wide base that tapers towards the body and flares back out at the top. Similarly, the cap tapers towards the top and is complete with a decorative ornament. The base and cap are made of metal and have a darkened bronze finish, adding to the vintage-inspired look. They’re engraved with decorative borders and details, and adorned with cutouts, offering some texture and dimension. 

Courtesy of Amazon

Equipped with an LED bulb, this lamp provides just the right amount of light to create a cozy ambiance, effortlessly blending form and function. The bulb emits a warm white light with a yellowish tone, making it ideal for movie nights, intimate dinners, and relaxing. Depending on the style you opt for, the light may have a colorful tint, which adds a bit of whimsy. 

One reviewer described the lamp as “majestic” and said that the light is “mesmerizing yet calming.” A second shopper commented that it’s “absolutely beautiful” and mentioned that it “creates a calming ambiance.” A third customer raved that it adds “very elegant beauty” to a room.

Measuring 5.3 inches wide and long, and 11 inches tall, this lamp will stand out wherever you put it and instantly elevate your room. You can keep it anywhere from your work desk to your bedside table. Just be sure to place it near an outlet, as it’s powered by a standard AC cord and fixed with an on/off switch. 

This lamp is also available in one more style without any mosaic tiles or beads. It features a cracked glass lampshade for a more streamlined look. You can grab this style at full price for $60. 

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You won’t want to miss the chance to score this heirloom-style lamp for just $40. Add the Gogers Mosaic Glass Table Lamp to your Amazon cart now, and don’t forget to sign up for a Prime membership if you don’t already have one to secure the lowest price.

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A major literary figure in the 20th-century, who has an adjective named after him, is Franz Kafka. He was a German-language Jewish Czech writer and novelist who is famous for his visionary, surreal and dreamlike narratives, and his influence is still felt throughout “contemporary discussions of identity and societal structures,” per EBSCO. His most popular works include The Trial (Der Prozess in its original German) in 1925 and The Metamorphosis (Die Verwandlung) in 1915. 

Kafka was not famous while he was alive and didn’t live long enough to see his works resonate with others—many were published posthumously—but his stories focused on anxieties and feelings of alienation that many people in Europe and North America felt in the early 1900s, per Britannica. And our quote of the day features Kafka’s thoughts on how youthful wonder is imperative in being happy.

Born in the city of Prague in 1883, Kafka was the eldest child; his father was very strict and a “prominent” merchant, per EBSCO, and his domineering nature caused a very strained relationship between him and Kafka, which you can later see in Kafka’s works. The family lived in the Josefstadt, which was the Jewish ghetto section of the city. Kafka died of tuberculosis in 1924 at the age of 40, but his three younger sisters all died during the Nazi Holocaust. 

Kafka’s writings inspired the adjective “Kafkaesque,” which means something relates to his work, especially if it has “a nightmarishly complex, bizarre or illogical quality,” per the Merriam-Webster dictionary. The Metamorphosis is maybe the best example of this, because it tells the story of a man who wakes up one day as a bug. It is, of course, surreal and terrifying, but at its core the story deals with existential dread and alienation, which was very relatable at the time (and still is). 

Today’s quote by Kafka is from a book of conversations he had with a friend, and talks about the beauty of youthfulness and how it isn’t jaded by the world yet.

Related: Quote of the Day: ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ Author L. Frank Baum on the Power of Learning

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“Youth is happy, because it has the ability to see beauty.”

This quote is from the book Conversations with Kafka, by Gustav Janouch, a Czech poet and memoirist. He knew Kafka through his father and became “fascinated” by him, so he recorded and wrote down their conversations for “posterity,” per New Directions Publishing. According to Goodreads, Janouch and Kafka—who were about 17 and 37 at the time, respectively—would take long walks together through Prague, talking at length about things that Janouch found to be “amazing” and “incisive.” Some argue that these accounts aren’t fully accurate, while others admire how well it depicts Kafka.

The section this quote is in begins with Janouch talking to Kafka about Kafka’s story The Stoker and how “there is so much sunshine and high spirits” in it. Kafka then responds with why that is: children and young people—“youth”—are the subject, even if they are “not in the story.” He then says:

“Youth is full of sunshine and love. Youth is happy, because it has the ability to see beauty. When this ability is lost, wretched old age begins, decay, unhappiness.”

Janouch then asks, “So age excludes the possibility of happiness?” To which Kafka responds, “No, happiness excludes age… Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.”

Related: Quote of the Day: Julia Child’s Brilliant Reminder That There’s No Limit to What You Can Create

The one line of the quote that we’re highlighting today is meaningful on its own. But given Kafka’s whole sentiment, it’s an even more beautiful way to view the world.

When Kafka says, “Youth is happy, because it has the ability to see beauty,” he’s saying that childlike wonder and innocence give younger people and kids this innate capacity to see and embrace the beauty in this world. They can see the wonderfulness in the smallest things and aren’t jaded by society yet. Not that children don’t know pain or sadness, but they experience the lovely nature of things and see beauty all around them, to their core. 

He then says that “wretched” old age sets in, leading to unhappiness once they aren’t able to “see beauty” anymore, implying that the fatigue and hate of the world have finally gotten to them and they’ve “grown up” and out of their youth. Kafka clarifies that getting old doesn’t mean you can’t be happy, but rather “happiness excludes age.” He then finishes his thought with maybe the best line of his statement by saying that you can have a forever youthfulness if you keep your ability to see beauty.

Kafka’s point is that the soul can stay “young” and have a childlike wonder if you continue to see the good in things. If you can acknowledge the beauty in little things and not get bogged down and weathered by life, you can keep that youthful happiness. If we choose to lean into curiosity, awe and reverence for the beautiful aspects of life, we can stay forever young—in a way.

Related: Quote of the Day: John Green Perfectly Captures the Absurdity of Toxic Positivity

• “You can hold yourself back from the sufferings of the world, that is something you are free to do and it accords with your nature, but perhaps this very holding back is the one suffering you could avoid.”
• “I cannot make you understand. I cannot make anyone understand what is happening inside me. I cannot even explain it to myself.”
• “No one else could ever be admitted here, since this gate was made only for you. I am now going to shut it.”
• “So long as you have food in your mouth, you have solved all questions for the time being.”
• “How can one take delight in the world unless one flees to it for refuge?”
• “I made the remark that I don’t avoid people in order to live quietly, but rather in order to be able to die quietly.”

Up Next:

Related: Quote of the Day: Stoic Philosopher Epictetus on Embracing the Unknown and Letting Go of Control

American author Colleen Hoover has had a successful career that is nearly unparalleled. In 2018, she originally self-published her psychological thriller, Verity. However, in 2021, Grand Central Publishing republished the novel, helping it achieve even more attention and popularity. As of 2026, Hoover has sold over 35 million copies of her various books, a level of notoriety almost unheard of for a previously indie author.

Despite having been out for eight years in total, five years traditionally, Verity is still immensely popular among readers. In the current bestsellers from the online shopping behemoth Amazon, Verity is currently ranked number seven overall in their bestsellers for all of books.

Verity marked a departure for Hoover, who typically writes romance and not thrillers. Even so, readers devoured the book, with reviewers on the reading platform Goodreads shouting out its suspense, twists, ending, and calling it utterly unputdownable.

Verity follows Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer with essentially nothing to her name, who is equally lost in her career and next steps. Seemingly out of nowhere, Lowen is hired to ghostwrite injured author Verity Crawford’s bestselling series after the famous writer is left bedridden following a near-fatal car accident. Lowen moves into the Crawford home for the job and becomes enthralled with Verity’s husband, Jeremy. Lowen finds a hidden, disturbing manuscript titled So Be It detailing Verity’s dark, manipulative past and is drawn deeper into the sinister secrets within the Crawford family, which are nothing like what she could possibly anticipate.

In 2020, Amazon Studios acquired the rights to adapt the novel into a feature film. Four years later, Dakota Johnson, Anne Hathaway, and Josh Hartnett joined the cast as the primary trio of characters. The trailer of the film generated significant buzz, and the film is set to release in October of 2026.

Verity by Colleen Hoover is out now and available on Amazon and wherever else books are sold.

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Related: Best-Selling Classic Novel, Written By a 21-Year-Old, Became a ‘Most Loved Book’