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Michael J. Fox Is A Proud Dad After Praising Son Sam In A Rare Red Carpet Photo

Wed, 03/04/2026 - 7:51pm

Michael J. Fox had a proud dad moment to share with fans this week—and he did it with a rare red carpet photo featuring his eldest son.

On Wednesday, March 4, the Back to the Future star took to Instagram to post a snapshot from the 2026 Screen Actors Guild Awards, which took place Sunday, where he attended alongside Sam, 36. 

In the photo, Michael and Sam posed together on the red carpet, both smiling as they enjoyed the big night together. The beloved actor kept the caption simple but heartfelt, writing: “sam fox- Helluva guy...and such a good sport.”

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The post came just a few days after Michael made a memorable—and unexpected—emotional speech during the ceremony itself. The beloved actor helped open the SAG Awards with a surprise appearance that quickly earned applause from the crowd. Before hostKristen Bell took the stage, Michael shared a personal story about how his acting career ultimately led him to meeting his wife, Tracy Pollan.

“Before I left school, and moved from Canada to LA to try and make it as an actor, a teacher of mine told me, ‘Fox, you’re not going to be cute forever,’” he joked. “I didn’t know what to say to that so I said, ‘Well maybe just long enough sir.’”

READ MORE:Michael J. Fox Reflects on ‘Drinking A Lot’ and the ‘Tailspin’ That Followed Parkinson’s Diagnosis

The 5-time Emmy Award winner then reflected on landing his role on Family Ties, which introduced him to Pollan, who played his girlfriend on the show.

“After a few years of dumpster diving I ended up on Family Ties where I received the biggest gift of my career, my wife Tracy Pollan, who played Ellen, my girlfriend, and she gave me four gifts, our kids Skyler, Aquinnah, Esmé, and Sam,” he said. “Sometimes I like to remind them if it wasn’t for acting they wouldn’t be here.”

Michael and Pollan married in 1988 and welcomed Sam on May 30, 1989. Sam is the couple’s only son and has followed a creative path of his own in the entertainment world. Over the years, he has worked behind the scenes producing projects such as Ben Barnes’ “11:11” music video, the short film Good Grief, and the documentary Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, which focuses on his father’s life and career.

Fans have also long noticed that Sam bears a striking resemblance to his famous dad, something Michael has jokingly acknowledged in past birthday tributes.

1979 One-Hit Wonder Took Just 15 Minutes to Write

Wed, 03/04/2026 - 7:48pm

While no band or musical artist sets out to be a one-hit wonder, there are worse things to be. After all, it's better to be known for one super-successful song than no songs at all, right?

Not only was "My Sharona" the Knack's debut single, it was also their biggest (and only) hit. When the catchy tune debuted in 1979, it peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for five weeks, an achievement that made it the longest running rock single of the '70s.

Plus, at the time, was Capitol Records' fastest-selling single since The Beatles' "I Want to Hold Your Hand," and it's sold over 10 million copies since, according to Loudwire. Not bad for a song that apparently only took 15 minutes to write.

As American Songwriter reported, frontman Doug Fieger claimed to have written "My Sharona" in just 15 minutes...and it only took 15 minutes to mix, too.

So what got Fieger so fired up that he was able to pen a hit song in just a matter of minutes? Well, the lyrics pretty much tell the story: "Never gonna stop, give it up, such a dirty mind / I always get it up for the touch of the younger kind."

According to the BBC, Fieger had a habit of writing "nasty songs about girls I know."

The real Sharona appeared on the 'My Sharona' record cover

Fieger was 27 when he met Sharona Alperin, a 16-year-old student at Los Angeles's Fairfax High (interestingly enough, Fieger was introduced to Alperin by his then-girlfriend). "She had an overpowering scent," Alperin said in 1994, adding, "and it drove me crazy."

Alperin posed for the photo on the "My Sharona" sleeve, after which the Knack went on tour. Fieger took the opportunity to send Alperin a ticket to join him on tour in Hawaii, and the couple stayed together for "a long time after that" with Fieger writing "a lot of songs" about his younger girlfriend (no other hits, apparently).

While music critics weren't super impressed with "My Sharona," it did earn the Knack a permanent place in pop culture...even Weird AlYankovic turned the song into a major hit with his parody "My Bologna."

Related: 1976 No. 1 Hit Voted 'Worst Song of the '70s'

Walmart's 'Gorgeous' Rattan Sideboard Cabinet Is Over $100 Off Just in Time for Spring Cleaning

Wed, 03/04/2026 - 7:45pm

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Spring cleaning season is almost here, so there’s no better time to invest in smart storage. A well-designed sideboard cabinet can instantly make a space feel more organized while adding warmth and style. It’s one of those pieces that works in nearly any room, helping you hide clutter without sacrificing aesthetics.

One especially great deal right now is the Arkantos Rattan Sideboard Cabinet. It’s currently up to 52% off at Walmart, dropping the price from $210 to just $100. For such a simple yet impactful home upgrade, saving over $100 feels like a win.

Arkantos Rattan Sideboard Cabinet, From $100 (was $210) at Walmart 

Courtesy of Walmart

This sideboard measures 31.4 inches wide, 13.7 inches deep, and 32.7 inches tall, making it compact but functional. The top supports up to 110 pounds, and each interior shelf holds up to 22 pounds. It’s crafted from medium-density fiberboard with thick 1.4-inch boards for added durability, and it comes with clear step-by-step instructions for straightforward assembly.

Design-wise, it blends natural textures with clean lines. It’s available in light oak, natural oak, and classic walnut, so you can choose what fits your space best. The rattan-style doors give it that airy, boho-inspired feel, while the square silhouette and integrated finger-pull handles keep it looking mid-century-modern and minimalist. One reviewer called it a “very beautiful piece,” adding that it’s “not hard to put together” and that the “quality is very good.”

Related: Walmart Has a ‘Cute’ and ‘Sturdy’ Scalloped Farmhouse Wood Sideboard on Sale for 60% Off

It’s also incredibly versatile. Use it as a kitchen sideboard, dining-room buffet, entryway organizer, or living-room accent cabinet. It even works as a compact TV stand in smaller spaces. If you need more storage, it’s available in sets of two or three to line up side-by-side. One shopper who purchased three for their dining room described them as “gorgeous, durable, and affordable,” adding, “They fit my air fryer, instant pot, crock pot, and lots of other miscellaneous items that I don't want crowding my kitchen cabinets.”

No matter where you place it, the storage flexibility stands out. The interior shelf features a three-level adjustable height, so you can easily customize it for taller kitchen appliances, stacks of linens, or craft supplies. It keeps everything tucked away but still within reach.

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If you’re looking for a storage piece that feels both stylish and practical, the Arkantos Rattan Sideboard Cabinet is a smart choice. With Walmart’s current 52% discount, you can bring this versatile cabinet home for just $100 and enjoy a clutter-free space without overspending.

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

JoJo Siwa Reveals ‘Another Siwa’ Joined the Family in Exciting Update

Wed, 03/04/2026 - 7:41pm

Jojo Siwa, who many people know as a dancer and singer, had a major reason to celebrate on March 4, as she revealed that someone new officially joined the Siwa family.

The 22-year-old shared a bunch of photos in the exciting new post as she marked the special milestone, starting with a snap of her posing in a stunning, sparkling silver dress with a low back.

She declared in the caption, "And just like that, there’s another Siwa added to the family🤍. Congratulations to my brother @jaydensiwa and @abbie_siwa on the most perfect wedding 💍✨."

More photos gave fans an inside look at the happy celebration, with the second image showing Jojo and her brother Jayden posing together at the wedding. For the big event, Jayden wore a peach-colored suit with a dark tie.

Jojo also included a snap with their parents and photos with the bride, Abbie, as well as pictures with her boyfriend, Chris Hughes. There were a couple of snaps of Jojo and her brother with cake on their faces as well from the fun party after the ceremony.

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Related: Voice Behind Massive ’80s Hit Breaks Silence Over Controversial Singer’s Cover With Cryptic Message

Fans loved the photos and celebrated the exciting news with Jojo, with one writing, "Congratulations!!! 🫶🏼✨ a moment for YOU in that DRESS tho."

Other happy comments included, "Such a beautiful family! Congratulations," and "Ahhh!!! Congratulations!!!! I'm so incredibly happy for you & your family!!! You look Gorgeous!!"

A lot of Jojo's fans also couldn't help but gush over how great she looked in the photos, writing things like, "You are UNREALLLLL," "The dress is everything!!!" and "JOJO! This is the best look I’ve seen you in ❤️🔥."

Others wondered if Jojo might be the next one in the family to walk down the aisle. The Dance Moms star started dating Hughes last year after they starred on Celebrity Big Brother UK together. The two have been very lovey-dovey since debuting their romance, and they will soon celebrate their first anniversary as a couple.

Related: JoJo Siwa Changes the Lyrics of Iconic '80s Song in the 'Cutest Hard Launch Ever'

Who Is Pangolin on ‘The Masked Singer’? ‘1000 Miles’ Clue Sparks New Guesses

Wed, 03/04/2026 - 7:28pm

Another episode of The Masked Singer brought more emotional performances and mysterious clue packages as the remaining contestants continued their quest to avoid elimination. During Ozzfest Night, one singer delivered a heartfelt ballad while sharing clues about a difficult early career and a breakthrough moment that changed everything.

RELATED: Rock Legend Ozzy Osbourne Arrested at the Alamo 44 Years Ago Today

Who Is Pangolin on ‘The Masked Singer’?

Pangolin took on “Mama, I’m Coming Home” by Ozzy Osbourne, delivering a vulnerable performance that leaned heavily into storytelling and emotion.

The stripped-down vocal highlighted a softer side of the contestant and matched the reflective tone of the clue package, which suggested a long journey before achieving success.

RELATED: 55 Years Ago Today, ‘Greatest Metal Album of All Time’ Hit the Billboard 200

🔍 New Clues This Week

This week’s clue package focused on the singer’s early struggles and eventual rise to fame:

  • A kettlebell with a heart on it
  • “When I started out, I was living and working out of my van, on the brink of giving up.”
  • Fame suddenly hitting and being pulled in many directions
  • Knights with swords at a Renaissance fair
  • “I found my powerful song. It became my armor to stand up for myself.”
  • A tip jar
  • A horse with “1000” on its blanket
  • Extra clue: “Diamond.”
  • “I’ve hit plenty of milestones, but this one truly shimmered.”

The “1000” clue immediately caught the panel’s attention and sparked some familiar song references.

RELATED: Meet the Cast Competing on ‘The Masked Singer’ Season 14

🎤 What the Panel Is Saying

Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg theorized that Christina Perri might be pulling double duty this season after performing as a guest earlier, suggesting the emotional vocal style matched her.

Rita Ora connected the “1000” clue to “A Thousand Miles” and guessed Vanessa Carlton.

Robin Thicke floated another singer-songwriter possibility, Michelle Branch, noting that she won a Grammy and rose to fame with hits like “Everywhere.”

The panel clearly believes Pangolin could be a singer-songwriter who broke through with a powerful emotional anthem—but the clues haven’t narrowed it down just yet.

RELATED: ‘Masked Singer’ Panel Reveals Favorite Performers of All Time—and the Answers Might Surprise You (Exclusive)

🕯 Previous Clues So Far

Earlier clues tied Pangolin’s story to sports roots and a halftime-show-style breakthrough moment. She also referenced proving someone wrong after being told she’d never succeed and described becoming a “halftime queen,” suggesting a career performing on some of the biggest stages.

RELATED: ‘Masked Singer’ Panel’s Dream Cast Includes a Few Truly Wild Ideas (Exclusive)

Who’s on ‘The Masked Singer’ Season 14?14 Karat Carrot
Calla Lily
Cat Witch
Crane
The Croissants
Eggplant
Galaxy Girl
Googly Eyes
Handyman
High Voltage
Le Who Who
Owl
Pangolin
Pugcasso
Queen Corgi
Scarab
Snow Cone
Stingray

The Masked Singer airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX. Episodes will also be available to stream the next day on Hulu.

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'Beyond the Gates' Scores Another Major Awards Nomination

Wed, 03/04/2026 - 7:27pm

The CBS daytime drama Beyond the Gates has received another honor during awards season. On March 4, the series was nominated for the Essies’ Choice Awards, part of Essence Black Women in Hollywood, according to an announcement from Essence.

Beyond the Gates is one of four nominees in the category. The series is up against Tyler Perry’s Beauty In Black, Forever and Reasonable Doubt, which recently won Best Drama at the NAACP Image Awards.

Now in its 19th year, Essence Black Women in Hollywood celebrates Black women who are shaping the future of television and film through their work both in front of and behind the camera.

This year’s ceremony will also honor several prominent figures in entertainment including actress and producer Kerry Washington, actress and director LaTanya Richardson Jackson, creative executive Zinzi Coogler and entrepreneur Chase Infinitie, along with the cast of Sinners.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

In recent days Beyond the Gates was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Best Drama, as well as earning a nomination at the 2026 Writers Guild Awards for Daytime Drama against fellow soap opera General Hospital and The Young and the Restless.

Unfortunately, the 2026 Writers Guild Awards ceremony was cancelled, with Beyond the Gates creator and head writer sharing her disappointment on X writing, “This hurts. I was really looking forward to it.”

This hurts. I was really looking forward to it.https://t.co/NalijR074t

— Michele Val Jean (@MicheleValJean) March 1, 2026

Fans can vote for their favorite series by casting a ballot once per day through midnight ET on March 8, 2026 via the official voting page on the Essence website.

The Essence Black Women in Hollywood ceremony will stream live later this month officially on YouTube.

Beyond the Gates airs weekdays on CBS with episodes premiering weeknights on Paramount Plus. Viewers can catch all of the drama from the beginning of Beyond the Gates on Paramount Plus or on Pluto TV’s dedicated 24/7 FAST Channel. The series also will be replaying from the beginning Thursday's on BET's T.G.I.G. block.

Will Beyond the Gates be getting your vote? Share your thoughts on the nomination in the comments section above.

Who Is Eggplant on ‘The Masked Singer’? Sharon Osbourne Clue Sparks Rock Star Guesses

Wed, 03/04/2026 - 7:19pm

Another week of The Masked Singer means more cryptic clues and another batch of panel guesses flying in every direction. During Ozzfest Night, one contestant leaned heavily into a rock-and-roll backstory — and the clues suggested a career that spans far beyond just music.

RELATED: Rock Legend Ozzy Osbourne Arrested at the Alamo 44 Years Ago Today

Who Is Eggplant on ‘The Masked Singer’?

Eggplant turned up the intensity with a performance of “One Step Closer” by Linkin Park, delivering a gritty rock vocal that hinted at a long history with guitars and live stages.

The performance matched the rebellious energy of the clue package, which painted a picture of someone who once lived fast and loud in the music world.

RELATED: 55 Years Ago Today, ‘Greatest Metal Album of All Time’ Hit the Billboard 200

🔍 New Clues This Week

This week’s clues suggested Eggplant has deep ties to rock music and Broadway:

  • “Back in the day, I lived large — from Billboard to Broadway.”
  • “I even shared the spotlight with Sharon.”
  • Admitting fame went to his head and he once dated a famous rocker’s girlfriend
  • A phone call from “Heart”
  • A giant cheese grater
  • A large wagon wheel
  • A pile of firewood
  • “Nowadays, I’ve mellowed out. Sorry, gals, this veggie’s off the market.”
  • Extra clue: “Classic guitar.”

Between the Sharon reference, the rock romance drama and the guitar clue, the package pointed strongly toward someone with serious rock credentials.

RELATED: Meet the Cast Competing on ‘The Masked Singer’ Season 14

🎤 What the Panel Is Saying

Robin Thicke focused on the guitar clues and suggested Slash, noting that the contestant could be a legendary guitarist rather than a lead singer.

Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg looked at the wagon wheel imagery and wondered if it pointed to REO Speedwagon, guessing frontman Kevin Cronin.

Ken Jeong tied the romantic drama storyline to Rick Springfield, referencing his hit “Jessie’s Girl.”

Guest panelist Kelly Osbourne said two names came to mind for her: Richie Sambora and Alice Cooper.

The panel clearly believes Eggplant is someone deeply connected to the rock world—but whether he’s a guitarist, frontman or Broadway crossover star remains a mystery.

RELATED: ‘Masked Singer’ Panel Reveals Favorite Performers of All Time—and the Answers Might Surprise You (Exclusive)

🕯 Previous Clues So Far

Earlier clues connected Eggplant to the legendary “We Are the World” recording session, referencing Quincy Jones and music icons like Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan. He also hinted at major chart success, with imagery tied to the Billboard Hot 100 and a long career surrounded by music legends.

RELATED: ‘Masked Singer’ Panel’s Dream Cast Includes a Few Truly Wild Ideas (Exclusive)

Who’s on ‘The Masked Singer’ Season 14?14 Karat Carrot
Calla Lily
Cat Witch
Crane
The Croissants
Eggplant
Galaxy Girl
Googly Eyes
Handyman
High Voltage
Le Who Who
Owl
Pangolin
Pugcasso
Queen Corgi
Scarab
Snow Cone
Stingray

The Masked Singer airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX. Episodes will also be available to stream the next day on Hulu.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

Who Is Galaxy Girl on ‘The Masked Singer’? Lilith Fair Clue Sparks New Guesses

Wed, 03/04/2026 - 7:11pm

A new week of The Masked Singer means another round of mysterious clues, nostalgic song choices and panelists scrambling to figure out who’s behind the mask. During Ozzfest Night, one contestant delivered a performance that hinted at a long-hidden musical dream.

RELATED: Rock Legend Ozzy Osbourne Arrested at the Alamo 44 Years Ago Today

Who Is Galaxy Girl on ‘The Masked Singer’?

Galaxy Girl slowed things down with a moody performance of “Drive” by Incubus, showing off a soft, controlled vocal that sounded far more intimate than some of her earlier performances.

The performance felt reflective and personal—and the clue package suggested that music may not have been her original path to fame.

RELATED: 55 Years Ago Today, ‘Greatest Metal Album of All Time’ Hit the Billboard 200

🔍 New Clues This Week

This week’s clues hinted at someone who spent years around music before stepping into the spotlight herself:

  • Sitting in a conservatory-style room with a grand piano
  • “My first concert was Lilith Fair.”
  • A tarantula crawling across the piano
  • “For years, I was lost in the background. I wasn’t the one who sang.”
  • Practicing secretly at the piano when no one else was home
  • A toy gondola sitting in a fountain
  • A vinyl record labeled “Dream” floating in clouds
  • An old-fashioned alarm clock set to 10:10
  • Extra clue: “Halo”
  • “Not everyone earns a halo in life, but in my lifetime, this girl sure did.”

Between the Lilith Fair reference and the “background” comment, the clues suggest someone who grew up close to the music industry before pursuing singing herself.

RELATED: Meet the Cast Competing on ‘The Masked Singer’ Season 14

🎤 What the Panel Is Saying

Guest panelist Kelly Osbourne said the voice sounded familiar and guessed Ashlee Simpson, explaining that they knew each other years ago.

Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg focused on the golden alarm clock clue, theorizing it could reference Goldie Hawn and guessing Kate Hudson.

Ken Jeong went in a different direction entirely, suggesting Gwen Stefani, pointing to the “Halo” clue and her early solo career.

The panel clearly believes Galaxy Girl has a connection to music that goes back years, but whether she’s a pop star, an actress or someone who grew up around the industry remains a mystery.

RELATED: ‘Masked Singer’ Panel Reveals Favorite Performers of All Time—and the Answers Might Surprise You (Exclusive)

🕯 Previous Clues So Far

Earlier clue packages suggested Galaxy Girl has spent much of her life in front of cameras, referencing a news desk, shopping bags and a book titled “New York Time.” She also hinted at a major career moment when she drastically changed her appearance before a huge project, shocking everyone around her. Previous panel guesses have included Dixie D’Amelio, Anne Hathaway and Hilary Duff.

RELATED: ‘Masked Singer’ Panel’s Dream Cast Includes a Few Truly Wild Ideas (Exclusive)

Who’s on ‘The Masked Singer’ Season 14?14 Karat Carrot
Calla Lily
Cat Witch
Crane
The Croissants
Eggplant
Galaxy Girl
Googly Eyes
Handyman
High Voltage
Le Who Who
Owl
Pangolin
Pugcasso
Queen Corgi
Scarab
Snow Cone
Stingray

The Masked Singer airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX. Episodes will also be available to stream the next day on Hulu.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

Nordstrom Rack Has Floral Hunter Rain Boots on Sale for $50 Just in Time for Spring Showers

Wed, 03/04/2026 - 7:10pm

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

April showers bring May flowers, but March is really when you need to get ready. Between soggy sidewalks, leftover winter mud, and the first drizzles of spring, your footwear can take quite the beating. Since your feet are on the front lines, navigating unpredictable weather, they deserve something cheerful, reliable, and completely ready for whatever the season throws their way. A splash of color and a sturdy, waterproof design can make outdoor time feel a lot more fun and a lot less messy, which is why we’re eyeing the Hunter Tabitha Floral Rain Boots.

Right now, these gorgeous galoshes are on sale for $50 at Nordstrom Rack, marked down from $89. Whether you’re preparing for weekend walks, park trips, or those first springtime errands, these 43%-off Hunter boots that social media is going crazy over are the perfect way to step into the season with dry toes, bold style, and a little extra springtime cheer.

Hunter Tabitha Floral Rain Boots, $50 (was $89) at Nordstrom Rack

Designed to make rainy days feel a little brighter, these floral rain boots blend charm with serious functionality. The waterproof rubber and foam upper keeps your feet dry through puddles, slush, and surprise spring showers, while the recycled textile lining and cushioned sole add comfort and sustainability — perfect for the season during which Earth Day is held. 

A pull-on design with dual elastic gore insets and a back tab makes slipping these boots on effortless, and the one-inch heel with 5.5-inch shaft provides just enough lift and coverage for soggy sidewalks or muddy paths. A grippy rubber sole, finished with the brand’s logo, keeps every step secure so you can splash through spring weather with confidence and a little extra flair.

Related: Amazon's Bestselling $28 Floral Rain Boots Are 'Perfect for the Spring Rain and Mud Season'

The green, yellow, white, and pink wildflower print on these boots strikes the perfect balance between cheerful and subtle, with muted tones that blend seamlessly into nearly any outfit. That means you can rock them on your morning commute, pair them with a casual skirt or jeans, and still look polished enough for work before swapping into your everyday shoes. Available in women’s whole sizes 6 through 11, all sizes are currently still in stock. 

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Spring showers don’t have to be dreary. Grab the Hunter Tabitha Floral Rain Boots at Nordstrom Rack for $50 and make every rainy day a stylish one.

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Taylor Swift Gifted Selena Gomez This Handmade Gift — And No, It's Not Bread

Wed, 03/04/2026 - 7:07pm

Selena Gomez is offering fans a glimpse into one of the most thoughtful gifts she’s ever received—and it came from her longtime best friend, Taylor Swift.

During her Tuesday, March 2 appearance on the Friends Keep Secrets podcast, Gomez, 33, revealed that Swift, 36, once surprised her with a handmade painting for her 30th birthday. And according to the Only Murders in the Building star, the gift was far more detailed—and sentimental—than anyone might expect.

“She did it on an actual cloth, and she painted a beautiful lake,” Gomez explained. “It was at night, and the moon was there and in the stars… she painted our exact star signs. So for hers [Sagittarius] and mine [Cancer], and she said, ‘Here’s to the next 30 years,’ hand sewn, ‘From Taylor to Selena,’ and it was all sewn by hand, so she had it painted or she painted it.”

Rather than simply writing a message on the artwork, Swift took the time to embroider every word herself. Gomez emphasized just how personal the gesture was.

“It’s just, instead of writing, ‘Here’s to the next 30 years,’ or printing it, she sewed every letter,” she said. “It was the sweetest gift.”

Swift also added another layer to the present by including handwritten lyrics to a song she wrote about Gomez. While the former Disney star didn’t reveal which lyrics were included, she did share that Swift’s evermore track “Dorothea” was inspired by their friendship, along with an unreleased vault track titled “Family.”

Gomez’s husband and the podcast’s host Benny Blanco said he was stunned when he first saw the artwork. “She pulls out this piece of art, and I’m like, ‘Ah, this is perfect for the living room,’ and I said, ‘Who made this painting?’ It’s like one of the best paintings I’ve ever seen,” he recalled.

READ MORE: Taylor Swift’s Latest Gift to Friends Is Very On Brand — and Very Homemade

And while some fans might be disappointed Swift’s homemade gift had nothing to do with her other well-known hobby of baking, bread still came up in the conversation.

Blanco recalled that Swift once made “fresh sourdough bread that looked like it was from a professional baker,” something that clearly impressed him. Gomez added that Swift even had a pun ready for the occasion, joking about the loaf by calling it “a loaf story.”The two pop stars have been close friends for nearly two decades, first meeting in 2008 while Swift was dating Joe Jonas and Gomez was dating Nick Jonas.

'Traitors' Winner Makes Admission About Luxury Purchase for Maura Higgins

Wed, 03/04/2026 - 6:59pm

The Traitors winner Rob Rausch has confirmed details regarding his luxury apology purchase for co-star Maura Higgins.

For several weeks, Peacock audiences tuned in to watch the star-studded season four cast of The Traitors. Throughout the season, strong alliances were formed, with one of the most notable bonds developing between Love Island stars Rausch and Higgins.

After months of watching the pair's close relationship grow, the shocking season finale betrayal—where Rausch was revealed as a traitor—left fans outraged on Higgins' behalf. Thankfully, at the season reunion, Rausch extended an olive branch, or rather... a Birkin branch. Higgins revealed that despite her broken trust, she had chosen to forgive Rob, but only after he promised to buy her a Hermès Birkin bag.

"Leap of Faith" Episode 411 with Tara Lipinski, Johnny Weir, Rob Rausch, Maura Higgins, Eric Nam.

Euan Cherry/Peacock via Getty Images

In an interview with People, Rausch confirmed that the purchase has indeed happened, reporting that Higgins would receive the bag tonight. Rausch admits that he recruited Lisa Rinna—Beverly Hills Housewife and fellow season traitor—to set him up with the luxury purchase.

"As soon as I told her about it, she was like, 'I will help you,'" he said. "She's a very well-connected woman, and she did it. She gave me all her resources and originally I was going to get it from a guy in Paris. I was going to actually have to go to Paris, which I was going to do. But now we got someone in New York City, and it's going to be great."

Rausch revealed that the specific bag was an easy decision for Higgins. The Traitors finalist told Rausch that the bag made up for her not winning the grand prize.

"She told me immediately she wanted burgundy with gold accent, size 30," he said. "I should have a Birkin in my possession, and I'm gonna give it to her tonight. She thinks she basically won because she's getting a Birkin."

As for the $220,800 prize money, Rausch hasn't seen a dime of it yet. The Love Island star admits that Maura's Birkin was bought with the pennies he could scrape together, making the gesture all the more endearing.

"I don't have the [prize] money," he says. "Luckily, I have enough pennies to scrap together for Maura's Birkin."

When the checks do clear, Rausch reveals the money will go toward providing financial stability for his family.

Related: Alan Cumming Teases Season 4 of 'Traitors'

Who Is High Voltage on ‘The Masked Singer’? Ozzy Osbourne Clue Changes Everything

Wed, 03/04/2026 - 6:59pm

A new week of The Masked Singer means another round of cryptic clues, powerhouse vocals and wild theories from the panel. For the show’s Ozzfest Night tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, one contestant leaned fully into rock history — and possibly revealed the story of a band that went their separate ways.

RELATED: Rock Legend Ozzy Osbourne Arrested at the Alamo 44 Years Ago Today

Who Is High Voltage on ‘The Masked Singer’?

High Voltage embraced the heavy-metal spirit of the night with a gritty performance of “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath.

The performance showed off a raspy rock tone and confident stage presence, suggesting someone who’s no stranger to performing live in front of massive crowds. But the clue package hinted that the singer’s biggest career move may have come when he stepped away from a group and struck out on his own.

RELATED: 55 Years Ago Today, ‘Greatest Metal Album of All Time’ Hit the Billboard 200

🔍 New Clues This Week

This week’s clues focused heavily on bands, breakups and going solo:

  • A yellow duffel bag
  • “I grew up listening to Ozzy. He and I both know what it’s like to break out from a group and go solo.”
  • A 95¢ sign
  • A jar labeled “JAM”
  • “I had my own band of brothers. We went through everything together—the practice, the victories and the defeats.”
  • “If I wanted higher stakes in the game, I’d have to do more than just play it. So I cut the cord and went out on my own.”
  • A ticket with a cowboy hat on it
  • “I don’t believe I’ve hit my final destination yet.”
  • Extra clue: “Bandwagon”
  • “Let’s just say that because of me (and others), some people jumped on the bandwagon.”

Between the 1995 reference, the band breakup story and the Ozzy comparison, the clues suggest a musician who transitioned from a successful group into a solo career.

RELATED: Meet the Cast Competing on ‘The Masked Singer’ Season 14

🎤 What the Panel Is Saying

Ken Jeong connected the green jam clue and the 1995 reference to Billy Joe Armstrong of Green Day, noting that the band won a Grammy around that time.

Rita Ora said the voice reminded her of John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls, whose breakthrough hit “Name” arrived in 1995.

Guest panelist Kelly Osbourne took the cowboy clue in a completely different direction, guessing Tim Allen, referencing the cowboy character Woody in Toy Story, which premiered in 1995.

The panel clearly agrees on one thing: High Voltage likely built his career inside a band before eventually stepping into the spotlight alone.

RELATED: ‘Masked Singer’ Panel Reveals Favorite Performers of All Time—and the Answers Might Surprise You (Exclusive)

🕯 Previous Clues So Far

Earlier clues tied High Voltage to an immigrant father who loved science, a poet mother and a childhood steeped in American pop culture—from Van Halen to MTV. He also referenced becoming a “national icon” and hinted at a career that spans radio, movies and even kids’ shows.

RELATED: ‘Masked Singer’ Panel’s Dream Cast Includes a Few Truly Wild Ideas (Exclusive)

Who’s on ‘The Masked Singer’ Season 14?14 Karat Carrot
Calla Lily
Cat Witch
Crane
The Croissants
Eggplant
Galaxy Girl
Googly Eyes
Handyman
High Voltage
Le Who Who
Owl
Pangolin
Pugcasso
Queen Corgi
Scarab
Snow Cone
Stingray

The Masked Singer airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX. Episodes will also be available to stream the next day on Hulu.

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Valerie Bertinelli Reveals What She Regrets About Her Relationship With Eddie Van Halen

Wed, 03/04/2026 - 6:58pm

Valerie Bertinelliis sharing her candid thoughts about her late ex-husband,Eddie Van Halen.

Entertainment Weekly reported that Bertinelli spoke about her and Van Halen's dynamic while making an appearance on a March 2026 episode of Sophia Bush's podcast, Work in Progress. During the podcast interview, Bertinelli referenced that Van Halen, who died in 2020 following a battle with cancer, had substance abuse issues. The Van Halen frontman decided to get sober a year after his and Bertinelli's 2007 divorce, per Entertainment Weekly.

While recording Bush's podcast episode, Bertinelli said she regrets not fully understanding that Van Halen's trauma.

"You know, it was crazy in a personal way because the frustration of wanting him to get well, you know, and me not being mature enough to know how to deal with that. And, because knowing what I know now about trauma and how it affects people, I would be much more compassionate with Ed and his journey that he needed to take," said Bertinelli, who shares her 34-year-old son, Wolfgang Van Halen, with her late ex-husband.

She clarified that she and Van Halen were close before he died.

"I’m incredibly grateful for where we ended up the last year of his life, but I’m kicking myself that I wish I had learned what I know now earlier, so I could have been a better friend to him," said Bertinelli on the podcast interview. "If I couldn't have been a good partner — because that was over — I could have been a better friend. I was the best friend I could be near the end of his life. But it's so frustrating to know what I know now and not be able help someone I love so much."

Valerie Bertinelli Shared What She Learned From Eddie Van Halen's Death

In a 2022 interview on The TODAY Show, Bertinelli shared what she learned following Van Halen's death.

"Love always wins. No matter what. Even when they're gone there's still that love there to be grateful for that you had," said the One Day at a Time actress.

She also said while she and Van Halen "had [their] bumpy moments," they enjoyed each other's company before he died. Bertinelli said she believes "no matter what you go through, you can always find your way back to love and forgiveness."

"We were able to do that, gratefully," said Bertinelli in the 2022 interview.

She also said that she wished she could have more time with Van Halen after they mended their friendship.

"I wish he hadn't had died after that," said Bertinelli with a small laugh. "It would have been nice to spend more time with him. I was grateful that we had that."

2010 Hit Ranked ‘Best Sitcom Episode of All Time’

Wed, 03/04/2026 - 6:53pm

Ask 10 people to name the greatest sitcom episode ever, and you’ll probably get 10 different answers. But when it comes to IMDb ratings, viewers appear to be in rare agreement.

On the movie and TV database, where fans rate episodes individually, one sitcom installment stands clearly above the rest. According to IMDb users, the top-rated sitcom episode is Community Season 1, Episode 23, “Modern Warfare,” which holds an impressive 9.8/10 rating from more than 16,000 viewers.

While sitcom favorites like The Office and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia appear on many “best episode” lists, only eight different shows account for the 15 highest-rated sitcom episodes on IMDb. NBC leads the pack, showcasing the network’s long history of producing beloved comedies.

Of course, the list isn’t meant to represent every great sitcom episode ever made. Instead, it highlights the installments that viewers repeatedly rank among the very best — many of which became standout moments for their series.

Leading the list is “Modern Warfare,” the Community episode that critics have also included among the “Greatest Stand-Alone TV Episodes of All Time.”

The show stars Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, Danny Pudi, Alison Brie, Donald Glover, Yvette Nicole Brown, Chevy Chase and Ken Jeong, a mismatched group of students navigating the absurdities at Greendale Community College.  

The episode was written by Emily Cutler, who later became a co-executive producer on A.P. Bio and Fresh Off the Boat. It was directed by filmmaker Justin Lin, best known for his work on the Fast & Furious franchise, and aired a year before the release of his 2011 film Fast Five

When it originally aired near the end of Community’s first season, “Modern Warfare” turned the fictional campus into a battlefield during an “official” paintball game. 

Students and faculty abandon their usual routines to compete for a valuable prize — priority registration for next semester’s classes. (“You could schedule all your classes on a Monday and take a six day weekend!”). 

Cutler and Lin go all out with some of the series’ most ambitious cinematic nods, taking inspiration from movies like Scarface, Die Hard, 28 Days Later and The Matrix. Even amid the over-the-top action, the episode still tells a complete story while advancing the season’s main plotlines. 

Although “Modern Warfare” and much of Community’s first season were snubbed at the 62nd Emmy Awards in 2010, the episode’s influence on the show proved lasting. 

‘Love Is Blind’ Season 10 Star Accused of Cheating Ahead of the Reunion

Wed, 03/04/2026 - 6:49pm

Viewers finally found out who made it to the Love Is Blind aisle, who got married, and who said no. There is usually drama that happens between the time filming ends and the reunion. We're already getting a taste of it for season 10.

Someone who wasn't a participant on the Netflix show made a public statement accusing one of the stars of cheating. Here is what the person said and how it'll affect the reunion.

Love Is Blind Season 10 Reunion Might Have a Shocking Reveal View this post on Instagram

A woman named Taylor Carr posted on Instagram on February 3 before the season finale. "I've been trying to mentally prepare myself for when I find out who my ex was cheating on me with when he announces it on the reunion," the post started. She revealed she dated the cast member for five months starting in July, which is after the season stopped filming. "I was his 'AZ travel,'" she claimed.

Related: ‘Love Is Blind’ Season 10’s Christine and Vic: Where Are They Now?

Taylor appeared on the Reality Receipts podcast and revealed she dated Devonta Anderson after he moved to Arizona. She claimed that he tends to date single moms. Taylor claimed Devonta said the woman he proposed to on Love Is Blind was "too clingy" and said he never dated a Black woman before on the podcast. She said she had to take down pictures with him to avoid spoilers. Taylor questioned if Devonta truly moved to Arizona because he was living with Alex Henderson, whom she didn't see the one time she visited his place.

She said Devonta went to Ohio weeks after they started dating and tried to break up with her. Taylor questioned whether he was cheating because he kept finding ways to avoid her. She was supposed to see him on Thanksgiving, but he canceled. Devonta will reportedly announce he's expecting a baby with another woman in Ohio at the reunion, which makes Taylor suspect he was cheating.

Devonta responded to the accusations to The Tab. "This is the girl who keeps running her mouth about me, the one who texted me over 200 times in 3 days begging for me back," he said. "She is a miserable single mom who works at Chilis and thought I was her out and every time I tried to leave her, she’d blackmail me."

Related: ‘Love Is Blind’ Season 10’s Jordan and Amber: Where Are They Now?

The reunion will be available to stream starting Wednesday, March 11 at 9 p.m. ET on Netflix.

1997 Classic Ranked 'Best Seinfeld Episode' of All Time

Wed, 03/04/2026 - 6:48pm

Over the course of its nine unforgettable seasons, Seinfeld produced a whopping 180 episodes...and as any fan can tell you, literally every single one is pretty great. It's one of the few sitcoms in history that never went through an unfunny, or even less funny, phase.

That said, some episodes stand out as particularly hilarious...which is why the iconic show is still inspiring everything from memes to merch over 35 years after it premiered. Indeed, when Variety ranked the "20 best Seinfeld episodes of all time," most of the installments that made the cut contained some of pop culture's most beloved catchphrases.

Coming in 16th place, for example, was "The Hamptons" (Season 5, Episode 21), which famously coined the term "shrinkage," while "The Conversion" (Season 5, Episode 11) introduced the world to the concept of "kavorka." And who hasn't done their own impression of Jerry's "Helloooo! La la la" from "The Voice" (Season 9, Episode 2)?

The top 10 started with "The Switch" (Season 6, Episode 11), in which Jerry tries to figure out how to get away with dumping his girlfriend for her roommate (with George's help) and Kramer's first name — Cosmo — is revealed for the first time. Up next, in the ninth spot, was "The Race" (Season 6, Episode 10), which includes Jerry facing off against his high school rival in a race, Elaine dating a communist and George meeting Fidel Castro, while "The Strike" (Season 9, Episode 10) nabbed eighth place, and with good reason...it began an actual holiday tradition that people still celebrate to this day: Festivus.

Number #7 on the list was "The Outing" (Season 4, Episode 17), which will always be remembered as the "not that there's anything wrong with that" episode, while one of the most infamous and boundary-pushing episodes, "The Contest" (Season 4, Episode 11), took sixth place.

Kicking off the top five was perhaps one of the most relatable TV episodes of any series ever, "The Parking Lot" (Season 3, Episode 6) — R.I.P., Elaine's goldfish — followed by "The Chinese Restaurant" (Season 2, Episode 11) at #4, another groundbreaking installment about "nothing" (but really, everything). Coming in third was "The Library" (Season 3, Episode 5), which ends with George getting an atomic wedgie: "Can't stand ya!" Taking second place — and deservedly so — was "Soup Nazi" (Season 7, Episode 6), because...no soup for you.

So which of the unforgettable 180 Seinfeld episodes was crowned the very best of all? That honor went to "The Comeback" (Season 8, Episode 13). Is it really any better than the rest? That's up for debate, but it is definitely one of the most memorable — and it's the episode that armed countless fans with the timeless comeback: "The jerk store called, and they're running out of you!"

At the end of the day, every Seinfeld episode is a winner.

Related: Beloved '90s Actress Ranked Best 'Friends' Guest Star Ever

'60s Rock Legend Announces Departure From Tour After 61 Years

Wed, 03/04/2026 - 6:23pm

Bruce Johnston, the celebrated 60s rock musician and longtime member of the Beach Boys, has officially announced he is leaving the band’s touring lineup after more than six decades of performing. 

Johnston, who joined the iconic group in 1965 when Brian Wilson stepped away from touring, has played approximately 6,000 concerts and contributed timeless songs like “Disney Girls” and “Tears in the Morning.”

“It’s time for Part Three of my lengthy musical career!” Johnston told Rolling Stone. “I can write songs forever and wait until you hear what’s coming! As my major talent beyond singing is songwriting, now is the time to get serious again.”

Bruce Johnston attends the World Premiere of Disney+ Documentary "The Beach Boys" at TCL Chinese Theatre.

Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Johnston, 81, shared that his next focus will be on songwriting and public appearances. Inspired by classic Hollywood stars like Cary Grant, he is developing a series of speaking engagements with guidance from actor John Stamos. 

“I’ll be doing appearances and events of my own. I might even sing Disney Girls and I Write the Songs,” Johnston added.

Despite leaving the touring band, Johnston assured fans this is “not goodbye, it’s see you soon.” He plans to join the Beach Boys for special performances, including a July 4th show at the Hollywood Bowl celebrating the United States’ 250th birthday.

To fill Johnston’s spot on the road, the Beach Boys are bringing in Chris Cron, the lead singer of the tribute band Pet Sounds Live. Cron has already begun performing with the group in select shows and is known for faithfully recreating the vintage Beach Boys harmonies that fans love.

Johnston’s departure marks the end of an era: for the past 28 years, except the 2012 reunion tour, he has been the only original member touring alongside Mike Love. His influence on the band extends beyond performance; during a brief hiatus in the 1970s, Johnston wrote the hit song I Write the Songs for Barry Manilow” and released a solo album titled Going Public.

The Beach Boys, formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California, are legendary for pioneering the “California sound” with lush vocal harmonies and surf-inspired pop music. Johnston joined the band as Brian Wilson shifted his focus to studio work, contributing his voice and songwriting to some of the group’s most memorable tracks.

While Johnston exits touring, the band continues under Mike Love’s leadership with dates scheduled across the United States, including major shows in Orlando and at the Hollywood Bowl. 

Meanwhile, founding member Al Jardine tours separately with the Pet Sounds Band, celebrating the 1977 album The Beach Boys Love You and reviving rare tracks like Let’s Put Our Hearts Together with Brian Wilson’s former backing musicians.

Related: 1965 Hit Ranked 'Greatest Song of the '60s'

Barbra Streisand's Robert Redford Plan for Oscars Revealed

Wed, 03/04/2026 - 6:16pm

Barbra Streisand is planning to honor her The Way We Were co-star Robert Redford in the most beautiful way at this year's Academy Awards.

According to reports from Variety and Page Six, sources are saying that the "Tell Him" singer is in talks to perform at the Academy Awards on March 15 during the "In Memoriam" segment of the ceremony. Details are still being discussed, and it hasn't been reported whether Streisand will be singing by herself or with other artists.

Redford passed away in his sleep on Sept. 16, 2025. The two both starred in The Way We Were back in 1973, which followed the tumultuous relationship of Kate Morosky (Streisand) and Hubbell Gardiner (Redford), from college through the post-WWII Hollywood blacklist era, highlighting how their opposing political ideologies and personalities ultimately made their romance fail. After the movie was released, Redford and Streisand remained close friends and kept in touch for decades.

The last time Streisand sang at the Oscars was in 2013, when she performed “The Way We Were” to honor late composer Marvin Hamlisch, also a part of the In Memoriam section of the award show. Back in 2002, Streisand also presented Redford with an honorary award.

Robert Redford and Barbara Streisand share a scene in "The Way We Were."

Bettmann via Getty Images

The same day of Redford's passing, Streisand honored her late co-star on social media, writing that he "was charismatic, intelligent, intense, always interesting— and one of the finest actors ever."

"Every day on the set of The Way We Were was exciting, intense and pure joy. We were such opposites: he was from the world of horses; I was allergic to them! Yet, we kept trying to find out more about each other, just like the characters in the movie," Streisand shared. "He was one of a kind and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him."

View this post on Instagram

The Academy Awards will be taking place on March 15 at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. Hosted by Conan O'Brien, the ceremony will be televised on ABC and Hulu.

Related: Scarlett Johansson Reflects on Robert Redford’s Routine from 26 Years Ago

56 Best Sad Books That Will Definitely Make You Cry, According to Librarians

Wed, 03/04/2026 - 6:10pm

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Sometimes, you just need a good cry. And, similar to movies, books have a way of reaching deep into your soul and stirring up a range of emotions, including sadness. That's because the written word can cut deeply, but it also has a way of healing you and making you see the world differently. In other words, sorrow and grief can sometimes be beautiful and leave a lasting impact. So, if you're on the hunt for sad books that will make you cry, you've come to the right place.

Parade loves an emotional read, so we reached out to librarians who know their way around a bookshelf to get their picks for the 56 best sad books out there.

Whether you're craving a historical piece that sheds light on a trying time in history, or a devastating story about love and loss, this list includes a range of genres that have one thing in common: they will all give you the feels.

Not sure where to start? Peruse the librarians' selections below to see what adventure you want to embark on. But first, a word of advice: be prepared to shed a few tears. And grab a tissue box (or two).

Related: The 44 Best Greek Mythology Books of All Time, According to Librarians

Is There a Name for a ‘Sad’ Book Genre?

Any genre can have sad books. But is there a specific genre for those emotional reads that make you tear up? We asked Amanda Hunt, better known as @thenextgenlibrarian on Instagram, to weigh in.

In recent years, the librarian has noticed the term "Sad Girl Fiction" used, largely on social media.

"Books that fall under the umbrella of 'sad girl fiction' include classics like Sylvia Plath and Joan Didion—although the latter would likely have rolled her eyes at the designation," she tells Parade. "Simply put, 'sad girl fiction' centers around a protagonist, usually female, who’s going through something difficult. The subgenre is often marked by mental health struggles, self-destructive behavior, inner turmoil, unfulfilling or otherwise lacking relationships and an overall sense of melancholy."

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

When Is a Good Time To Read a Sad Book?

This one depends on personal preference, but generally, sad books are intended to make you feel emotional. With that in mind, if you're in a negative state of mind, it might not be the best time to read a sad book. Conversely, if you're feeling euphoric, a sad book might kill your vibe.

Generally, the best time to read a sad book is when you're fully aware of the emotional impact that the book might have on you and are prepared to process the emotions that come along with reading the book.

Related: 11 Best Audiobooks on Spotify, According to Librarians

56 Best Sad Books To Read for a Good Cry, According to Librarians1. ‘The Color Purple' by Alice Walker

Amazon

Hunt calls this classic book "devastating and beautiful."

"This novel turns profound suffering into a story of resilience, love and self-discovery. It’s sad, yes, but also deeply affirming and empowering," she shares.

The Color Purple explores the lives of African American women in early 20th-century rural Georgia.

"Separated as girls, sisters Celie and Nettie sustain their loyalty to and hope in each other across time, distance and silence. Through a series of letters spanning nearly thirty years, first from Celie to God, then from the sisters to each other, the novel draws readers into a rich and memorable portrayal of Black women—their pain and struggle, companionship and growth, resilience and bravery," the book description reads.

2. ‘The Leaving Room' by Amber McBride

Amazon

Tara Gold, a high school librarian who is known by the TikTok handle @literallytara, calls this young adult novel "haunting and beautifully told."

The book centers around a Keeper named Gospel, who "hosts a Leaving Room for children passing between life and death." When Gospel meets a Keeper named Melodee, their "souls become entangled," per the book description, and they form a romantic connection.

"The small details McBride artfully places in her poetry absolutely devastated me," Gold shares. "I think I cried more in the first half of this book than in any book that I’ve read for the past decade."

3. ‘Saga' by Brian K. Vaughan (author) and Fiona Staples (artist)

Amazon

Boston Public Library Community History Supervisor Dory Klein calls this comic series "heavy hitting" and "gorgeously illustrated."

"It's a tragic space opera about star-crossed lovers trying to survive and build a better world for their kiddo, and it is rough. This series is silly, violent, tender, hopeful and utterly, utterly devastating," she explains. "It's also still in production, so I can't tell you how it ends (not that I would). The creators have a knack for repeatedly lulling readers into a sense of sweetness and safety, only to abruptly shatter the moment with jarring and violent tragedy. It's destabilizing and very affecting."

4. ‘Crying in H Mart: A Memoir' by Michelle Zauner

Amazon

"Crying in H Mart is a memoir of the author’s grief journey after the loss of her mother," Gold says. "I read this one just weeks after a similar devastating loss, and I found Zauner’s descriptions of the complexities of grief hit very close to home. It was a very cathartic read for me during a very hard time."

5. 'The Book of Love' by Kelly Link

Amazon

Wilmington Memorial Library Teen Librarian Sara Rottgeris a fan of this 2024 Los Angeles Times Book Prize winner. The novel follows Laura, Daniel and Mo, who have been presumed dead for almost a year after disappearing from their hometown. They are, indeed, dead, but their high school musicteacher suddenly offers them a way to regain their lives and return to their families if they complete a series of magical tasks. But everything comes with a price.

"I am a huge sucker for magical realism books where the world-building feels fast and loose at first but comes together into something devastating by the end. The love and cruelty between people close to each other [are] beautifully and tragically depicted," she says.

6. ‘There There' by Tommy Orange

Amazon

Adam Vorobok, a librarian at the Cincinnati Public Library, recommends this book for "the fantastic cast of diverse characters" and says you'll root for them "as the story hurls them towards a gut-wrenching tragedy."

The book introduces readers to 12 characters from Native communities who are traveling to the Big Oakland Powwow and "connected to one another in ways they may not yet realize," per the book description.

7. ‘The Poppy War' by R. F. Kuang

Amazon

Klein recommends reading this first book in a "devastating epic fantasy trilogy."

"At its core, it's about the human cost of empire and dominion. Over the course of the trilogy, you get to know the traumatized and deeply flawed Rin as she grows into her power at tremendous cost," she explains. "This is a vivid, imaginative, violent and transportive series that I found unforgettable. And when I tell you I only recommend this series with every single content warning, I am really not kidding. I read these books six years ago, and my heart still hurts. This is a sincere compliment."

8. ‘The Women' by Kristin Hannah

Amazon

Melissa Davis, a librarian at Cincinnati Public Library, says this is a sad book but a "good story with a powerful ending about the women who served in Vietnam and the effects of PTSD."

"It also shows how veterans were viewed once they were back in the States," she shares.

Hunt is also a fan.

"This novel captures the emotional cost of war on women who are often erased from history. It’s tragic, powerful and a necessary act of remembrance," she states.

9. ‘They Both Die at the End' by Adam Silvera 

Amazon

Rachael Welsh, a librarian who goes by @rachaelreads on Instagram, enjoyed reading this novel from Adam Silvera.

"What if you got a phone call telling you that you were going to die that day? What would you do?" she states. "In this book, Mateo and Rufus both get that call, and the book follows their day as they go from strangers to friends and navigate their last day of life."

10. 'Angela’s Ashes' by Frank McCourt

Amazon

Author Frank McCourt's powerful memoir about his life has captivated readers for several decades.

"McCourt recounts extreme poverty and loss with honesty and unexpected humor," Hunt says of this well-known book. "The sadness is real, but so is the resilience and sharp wit that make it unforgettable."

Throughout the book, McCourt details his childhood in the slums of Limerick, Ireland.

"Frank endures poverty, near-starvation and the casual cruelty of relatives and neighbors—yet lives to tell his tale with eloquence, exuberance and remarkable forgiveness," the book description reads.

11. 'Hamnet'​​ by Maggie O'Farrell

Amazon

"This beautifully written and moving novel speculates on the inspiration for William Shakespeare's play Hamlet," Nathalie Harty, Director of the Wilmington Memorial Library, says.

In the novel, O'Farrell "delivers a deeply moving novel about the death of Shakespeare’s eleven-year-old son, Hamnet, and the years leading up to the production of his great play," the book description reads.

Related: Kate Middleton Was in a ‘Flood of Tears’ Watching This 2026 Oscar Nominee, Prince William Reveals

12. ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower' by Stephen Chbosky

Amazon

Vorobok says this book "captures the loneliness and self-discovery of growing up with humor and a healthy dose of tears."

Worcester Public Library Manager of Adult Services Tara Jankowski is also fond of the book.

"I experienced feelings of nostalgia that were both wistful and melancholic," she shares. "Things that I wished had happened, and things that I wished didn't happen."

In the novel, "wallflower" Charlie "charts a course through the strange world between adolescence and adulthood," per the book description.

13. ‘Lila' by Marilynne Robinson

Amazon

Wilmington Memorial Library Library Associate Rebecca Lowe calls this a "gorgeously written novel about the power of love after lives marked by hardship and tragedy."

The book shares the story of a "girlhood lived on the fringes of society in fear, awe and wonder," per its description. Readers get to know Lila, who is homeless and alone when she visits a church in a small Iowa town. After marrying a minister named John, Lila "begins a new existence while trying to make sense of the life that preceded her newfound security."

"The well-developed characters show us strength through their vulnerability," Lowe says.

14. ‘Never Let Me Go' by Kazuo Ishiguro

Amazon

American Library Association President Sam Helmick calls this a "quiet, haunting novel" and says it "unfolds with such restraint you almost don’t realize your heart is breaking until it’s too late."

"Its power lies in what’s unsaid within the tenderness, the longing and the inevitability woven through ordinary moments. It’s devastating in the most human way," they share.

The book follows Kathy, Ruth and Tommy, who previously attended a boarding school with "mercurial cliques and mysterious rules," per the description.

"Now, years later, Kathy is a young woman. Ruth and Tommy have reentered her life. And for the first time, she is beginning to look back at their shared past and understand just what it is that makes them special—and how that gift will shape the rest of their time together," the description reads.

15. ‘A Little Life' by Hanya Yanagihara

Amazon

"Unrelenting in its sorrow, this novel is also a profound exploration of friendship, trauma and love. It’s emotionally brutal, but masterfully written and deeply human," Hunt tells Parade.

The book follows four college classmates who move to New York "in search of fame and fortune," per the book description. Over time, the men are "held together by their devotion to the brilliant, enigmatic Jude, a man scarred by an unspeakable childhood trauma."

Helmick also suggests adding this one to your reading list.

"It’s undeniably hard to read at times, but it’s also a profound meditation on chosen family and the complicated ways we try to care for one another," they say.

16. ‘Saving Noah‘ by Lucinda Berry

Amazon

"Saving Noah might be in the thriller section, but the story itself is more about a mother facing her worst nightmare," Gold shares. "It is about a son committing an unspeakable act and the family left in the wake of that. Emotions are high and decisions are tough here, and the ending of this book absolutely wrecked me."

Readers get to know Noah, an all-star student and athlete who confesses a truly terrible crime. When he's sentenced to 18 months in a juvenile sexual rehabilitation center, his mother, Adrianne, vows to stay in his life, but her husband won't allow Noah back in their home.

Worcester Public Library Community Relations & Communications Manager Linnea Sheldon calls the novel an "unsettling and emotionally devastating tale that confronts the strength of maternal love."

"It explores grief, guilt and impossible choices, leaving you with a lingering sadness and a heavy sense of heartbreak that will linger long after you turn the last page," she says.

17. 'Where the Red Fern Grows' by Wilson Rawls

Amazon

Welsh lists this story about "a boy and his two dogs in the Ozarks" among her personal list of go-to sad books.

"As a school librarian, I can report that this book is continuing to traumatize the next generation," she says.

The novel follows Billy, who has always wanted to own two dogs. When he saves up enough money for Old Dan and Little Ann, his two dogs, they become "the finest hunting team in the valley," per the book description.

"But tragedy awaits these determined hunters—now friends—and Billy learns that hope can grow out of despair, and that the seeds of the future can come from the scars of the past," the description reads.

18. ‘The Year of Magical Thinking' by Joan Didion

Amazon

"This stark memoir about grief captures the strange, disorienting logic of mourning. Didion’s clarity makes readers feel seen in their own losses, even as it quietly breaks their hearts," Helmick says.

In the memoir, Didion recalls how she and her husband witnessed their only daughter fall ill with septic shock a few days before Christmas in 2003. After their daughter was put into an induced coma, Didion's husband died of a heart attack a few days later. The powerful memoir shares Didion's reflections on grief, death, illness, marriage and other topics.

19. ‘My Brother’s Husband' Volumes 1 & 2 by Gengoroh Tagame

Amazon

Worcester Public Library Adult Services Librarian Amy Klein says this two-volume collection of manga is worth a read.

"A single Japanese father of a young girl comes to terms with the death of his estranged gay twin brother, when the brother’s white Canadian widower comes to visit. It's a beautiful book that looks at the gay community in Japan and finding family after loss," she says.

20. ‘A Monster Calls' by Patrick Ness

Amazon

Gold describes this book as a "spooky bedtime story" and says it shifts as readers realize "it is really a reflection of the main character’s grief as he processes his mother’s terminal illness."

"I sobbed through the last quarter of this book," she says. 

Related: 21 Books Like ‘Fourth Wing,’ According to Librarians

21. ‘The Travelling Cat Chronicles‘ by Hiro Arikawa

Amazon

"This is a sentimental tale of a young man named Satoru and his cat Nana, who travel across Japan to visit Satoru’s friends, mostly narrated by Nana," Klein says. "The story shows the unbreakable bond between man and cat as well as bonds between friends, even when Satoru seeks to find a new home for Nana."

22. ‘My Sister’s Keeper' by Jodi Picoult

Amazon

Hunt says this book is "emotionally wrenching and ethically complex."

"This novel forces readers to sit with impossible choices. The sadness lingers because there are no easy answers," she states.

Readers get to know Anna, a 13-year-old whose older sister, Kate, has had leukemia since childhood. In an effort to save their ill daughter, the girls' parents put Anna through "countless surgeries, transfusions and shots" to help Kate. In fact, Anna was conceived as a bone marrow match for her sister.

"Like most teenagers, Anna is beginning to question who she truly is. But unlike most teenagers, she has always been defined in terms of her sister—and so Anna makes a decision that for most would be unthinkable, a decision that will tear her family apart and have perhaps fatal consequences for the sister she loves," the book description reads.

23. ‘All My Rage' by Sabaa Tahir

Amazon

Gold calls this one of her "favorite books of all time," even if it made her cry.

"Salahudin and Noor both experience so many devastating setbacks that it was hard to read about how often things just did not work out for them," she says. "Though it is ultimately optimistic, I did find myself closing my book to stare at the wall in despair for a bit in the middle because the emotional impact just hit me that hard."

The book tells the tale of "young love, old regrets and forgiveness," per the description.

24. ‘The Lovely Bones‘ by Alice Sebold 

Amazon

"Told from beyond the grave, this story reframes grief as something both haunting and tender. It’s heartbreaking, yet strangely comforting in how it honors love and memory," Hunt says.

Welsh is also a fan of the novel, which was adapted into a movie.

"Susie Salmon is narrating the book as she watches her family deal with the aftermath of her murder. She struggles to accept her death, and so does her family as they try to find out what happened to her," she explains.

25. ‘The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini

Amazon

Gold says this book is an "emotional rollercoaster."

"It's set across many years in Afghanistan as the main character, Amir, comes of age. There are several scenes in this book that absolutely ripped my heart out. The content is dark at times, so check trigger warnings," she shares.

Per the book description, The Kite Runner tells the story of "the unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father’s servant, caught in the tragic sweep of history." 

"A powerful story of friendship, it is also about the power of reading, the price of betrayal and the possibility of redemption; and an exploration of the power of fathers over sons—their love, their sacrifices, their lies," the description reads.

26. ‘The Book Thief ' by Markus Zusak

Amazon

"Set against the horrors of Nazi Germany, this book balances immense grief with humanity, humor and the power of words," Hunt says. "It hurts because it’s so tender and full of hope."

Gold has read the novel three times but still finds herself crying each time.

"The fact that it’s narrated by Death himself makes this story about the brutality of World War II that much more impactful, especially because the impact here is on children who are first learning how cruel (and unfair) the world can be," she shares.

Helmick also recommends the book and says the story "balances beauty and brutality with remarkable grace."

"It’s heartbreaking, but it’s also a celebration of language, resistance and the small, luminous acts that sustain us in impossible times," they state.

27. ‘Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck

Amazon

"This novella is utterly devastating in how it distills friendship and shattered dreams into a story that lingers long after the final page," Helmick says. "Its simplicity makes the heartbreak all the more powerful."

The iconic story follows California laborers George and Lennie, who dream of purchasing an acre of land and a shack of their own.

"When they land jobs on a ranch in the Salinas Valley, the fulfillment of their dream seems to be within their grasp. But even George cannot guard Lennie from the provocations of a flirtatious woman, nor predict the consequences of Lennie's unswerving obedience to the things George taught him," the book description reads.

28. ‘Before the Coffee Gets Cold' by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Amazon

"This quiet work of speculative fiction set in a time-traveling café takes a look at the mistakes we make and the regrets we have in life that we wish we could undo. The book feels like a warm hug overall, but with several moments along the way that made me cry," Gold says.

In the book, a café in Tokyo offers visitors the opportunity to travel back in time. Readers meet four characters who have different motivations for turning back time.

"But time travel isn’t so simple, and there are rules that must be followed. Most important, the trip can last only as long as it takes for the coffee to get cold," the book description reads.

29. ‘Bridge to Terabithia' by Katherine Paterson

Amazon

"Often read in childhood, this novel reveals new depths when revisited as an adult. It honors imagination and friendship while confronting loss with honesty and grace," Helmick shares. "Few books have captured the ache of growing up so poignantly."

When Leslie Burke joins a new school, she meets Jess Aarons. They become friends and spend lots of time in the woods, inventing an imaginary land named Terabithia.

"One morning, Leslie goes to Terabithia without Jess, and a tragedy occurs. It will take the love of his family and the strength that Leslie has given him for Jess to be able to deal with his grief," the book description reads.

30. ‘Wild' by Cheryl Strayed

Amazon

"Grief fuels this journey, but healing drives it forward. It’s heartbreaking because it’s raw, and great because it shows how brokenness can still lead to growth," Hunt says.

In this memoir, which was adapted into a movie, the author details the journey she went on at 26 years old, four years after the death of her mother and the dissolution of her marriage.

"With no experience or training, driven only by blind will, she would hike more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State—and she would do it alone," the book description reads.

31. ‘The Awakening' by Kate Chopin

Amazon

"I have read this book at various times throughout my life and cried each time for different reasons. It’s a story about futility, feminism and freedom that feels like a punch in the gut every time I turn the final page," Gold says.

In the book, the author introduces readers to Edna Pontellier, a young mother and wife who becomes romantically involved with a young man at a seaside resort. Her infidelity "allows her for the first time to imagine a freer life," per the book description. 

"Upon her return to New Orleans, Edna leaves her husband’s home for her own cottage, pursues her artistic ambitions, and begins an affair, only to discover that the constraints of social custom are more powerful than she had thought," the description reads.

32. ‘Flowers for Algernon' by Daniel Keyes 

Amazon

"Charlie was born with a low IQ and undergoes an experimental treatment that has only ever been performed on a mouse named Algernon, and it is an amazing success," Welsh explains. "But when Algernon starts deteriorating, Charlie worries about what that means for him. If someone tells you that they've read this book and they didn't cry, do not trust them."

Helmick is also a fan of the "speculative sci-fi novel."

"It's presented through progress reports that evolve as the protagonist’s intelligence rises and then tragically declines. Its intimate exploration of dignity, belonging and what it means to be seen as fully human makes an emotional impact that builds steadily and lands with extraordinary force," they say.

33. ‘Code Name Verity' by Elizabeth Wein

Amazon

Klein says this historical young adult novel is "heart-wrenching."

"Set during World War II, it features the stories of two young women who serve in the war, one of whom is a spy and the other is a pilot," she says. "Heroism, loyalty and the love of friends will make up for all the tears that you may shed while reading this story."

34. ‘Kindling‘ by Traci Chee

Amazon

Trix Gebele, a librarian at Cincinnati Public Library, recommends this book, but suggests reading the trigger warnings first.

"It's a YA dark fantasy with tragic characters who are carefully crafted to reflect the horrors and consequences of war. While being incredibly sad, the journey for these teens to find a community in spite of their trauma is very heartfelt," they say.

35. ‘The Road' by Cormac McCarthy

Amazon

"This book is cold and unrelenting. A father and son drift through a burned-up America where hope is choked out, but love is the tether to find the courage to keep walking," Vorobok says.

The Road envisions a future where "no hope remains," per the book description, but finds the father and son "sustained by love."

"Awesome in the totality of its vision, it is an unflinching meditation on the worst and the best that we are capable of: ultimate destructiveness, desperate tenacity, and the tenderness that keeps two people alive in the face of total devastation," the book description reads.

36. ‘Ravensbrück: Life and Death in Hitler's Concentration Camp for Women‘ by Sarah Helm 

Amazon

"Before reading this book, I didn't know about Ravensbrück, which was a concentration camp that was solely for women," Welsh says. "This book is both fascinating and horrifying as you learn about the atrocities the Nazis committed against the women, including medical experimentation. It's an important but heartbreaking read."

Related: The 19 Best Books on Kindle Unlimited Right Now, According to Librarians

37. ‘A Visitation of Spirits' by Randall Kenan

Amazon

Vorobok appreciates this book's "authentic voice and haunting imagery."

"It's certainly not an easy read with its themes of suicide and sexuality conflicting with spirituality; however, the novel is a masterclass in storytelling that will leave you breathless," he says.

The novel follows Horace Cross, a 16-year-old boy who "wrestles with the guilt of discovering who he is, a young man attracted to other men," per the book description.

"Raised on stories of prophets, revelations and dreams, his internal struggles take shape in his mind as demons and angels battling for his soul, culminating in one night of horrible and tragic transformation," the description reads. 

38. ‘Sing, Unburied, Sing' by Jesmyn Ward

Amazon

Vorobok says this novel will pull at your heartstrings.

"It's a generational Southern tale about legacies, the effects of violence on families and love. There is a reason why this book won or was nominated for so many awards," he states.

The book follows three generations of a family and an "epic tale of hope and struggle," per the book description. Readers get to know Jojo, a 13-year-old with a Black grandfather, Pop, and an absent white father, Michael.

Jojo's Black mother, Leonie, isn't around much and struggles with drug abuse. When Jojo's father is released from prison, Leonie drives to the prison with her children. In the prison, the ghost of a 13-year-old dead inmate "has something to teach Jojo about fathers and sons, about legacies, about violence, about love," per the description.

39. ‘49 Days' by Agnes Lee

Amazon

"In the Buddhist tradition, a person must travel for 49 days after death until they can move on and cross over. This graphic novel follows Kit as she travels for 49 days, but also the family left behind grieving her loss," Gold shares. "It is slow, gentle and moving, but also beautiful and thought-provoking."

40. ‘You've Reached Sam‘ by Dustin Thao

Amazon

"Julie and Sam plan to spend the rest of their lives together but then Sam dies. In her grief, she calls his cell phone, and he answers. My school's student book club read this and I had to fan my eyes to keep the tears at bay," Welsh says.

Readers meet 17-year-old Julie, who plans to move out of her small town with her boyfriend Sam and attend college. Then, tragedy strikes and Sam dies. When Julie reads a message Sam left for her in her yearbook, she calls Sam's cell phone to listen to his voice mail recording.

"And Sam picks up the phone. The connection is temporary. But hearing Sam's voice makes Julie fall for him all over again and with each call, it becomes harder to let him go," the book description reads.

41. ‘The Nickel Boys' by Colson Whitehead

Amazon

"Systemic racism and abuse are never anyone’s idea of a happy read, but this meaningful but gut-wrenching book about a pair of Black boys’ experiences in a corrupt Florida reformatory will stick with you long after you read the last page," Klein says.

The book is based on the real story of a reform school that "warped the lives of thousands of children," per the book description.

42. ‘When Breath Becomes Air' by Paul Kalanithi

Amazon

"Written by a neurosurgeon facing terminal cancer, this memoir wrestles with mortality and meaning with remarkable grace," Helmick says. "It’s quietly and profoundly moving. This read feels like a meditation on what makes a life worthwhile."

The author was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer at the age of 36. The book details Kalanithi's journey "confronting his own mortality," per the book description.

43. ‘Dear Martin' by Nic Stone

Amazon

"Justyce McAllister is a good kid who is Black, and his Blackness is all the police officer sees when he puts Justyce in handcuffs when he sees Justyce trying to help a drunk girl who's leaving a party," Welsh explains. "Justyce begins writing journal entries to Martin Luther King Jr. as he navigates the world that is determined to judge him by the color of his skin and not the content of his character."

One day, Justyce is driving with his best friend Manny. With their windows rolled down and music turned up loud, they encounter an angry off-duty police officer.

"Words fly. Shots are fired. Justyce and Manny are caught in the crosshairs. In the media fallout, it's Justyce who is under attack," the book description reads.

44. ‘The Beekeeper of Aleppo' by Christy Lefteri

Amazon

Stephanie Cooper, a librarian at Cincinnati Public Library, appreciates the way this book "presents the horrors of war-torn Syria, the nightmare of trying to get out, the quest to get somewhere safe and the residual effects of living through such catastrophic trauma."

"Anyone with empathy is sure to feel ripped apart while reading this one," she says.

Readers meet Nuri, a beekeeper, and his wife Afra, an artist. When war hits Syria, the couple has to leave behind everything they love, but the journey is challenging as Afra lost her sight.

"As Nuri and Afra travel through a broken world, they must confront not only the pain of their own unspeakable loss but dangers that would overwhelm even the bravest souls. Above all, they must make the difficult journey back to each other, a path once so familiar yet rendered foreign by the heartache of displacement," the book description reads.

45. ‘Paco's Story' by Larry Heinemann

Amazon

"Paco is the only survivor of an attack on his base during the Vietnam War. The book follows his return to the United States as he works to recover his body and mind from the horrors of war and is haunted by the ghosts of his comrades. Heinemann himself was drafted into the Vietnam War and began writing when he returned from the war," Welsh says.

46. ‘The Song of Achilles' by Madeline Miller

Amazon

"This is the story of Homer's The Iliad through the eyes of Patroclus. As a self-respecting elder millennial, I watched the 2004 movie Troy many times, so while I knew the inevitable ending, what I couldn't predict was the depth of relationships and emotions in this book," Welsh shares. "It's so good!"

47. ‘Shuggie Bain' by Douglas Stuart

Amazon

"I couldn't put down this emotional story about an alcoholic working-class Scottish mother trying her best to keep her family afloat during the economic troubles of the 1980's. Best bring a box of tissues with you for this one," Vorobok says.

Readers get to know Hugh "Shuggie" Bain, a "sweet and lonely boy" who grows up in "run-down public housing" in Scotland. His Mother, Agnes, struggles with her drinking and spends money frivolously.

"Shuggie is meanwhile struggling to somehow become the normal boy he desperately longs to be, but everyone has realized that he is 'no right,' a boy with a secret that all but him can see. Agnes is supportive of her son, but her addiction has the power to eclipse everyone close to her―even her beloved Shuggie," the book description reads.

48. ‘Monday’s Not Coming' by Tiffany D. Jackson

Amazon

"This tale of friendship, adolescence and loneliness is heart-wrenching, but the truth is even harder to fathom. Claudia’s love for her friend, and her heartbreaking exploration of her grief and feelings of abandonment, capture the sadness of losing someone," Sheldon says.

When Claudia's friend Monday goes missing, Claudia is distraught, but Monday's family doesn't seem desperate to find answers.

"As Claudia digs deeper into her friend’s disappearance, she discovers that no one seems to remember the last time they saw Monday. How can a teenage girl just vanish without anyone noticing that she’s gone?" the book description reads.

49. ‘The Children on the Hill' by Jennifer McMahon

Amazon

"This is the kind of story that slowly breaks your heart without you even realizing it. The sadness of lost childhoods and buried secrets lingers long after you close the book," Sheldon says.

In 1978, psychiatrist Dr. Helen Hildreth worked with mentally ill patients. One day, she brings home a child named Iris to stay with her family. Helen's granddaughter Violet is excited to have a new friend, but Iris is "silent, hollow-eyed, skittish and feral," per the book description. Still, Violet and her brother Eric try their best to break her out of her shell and invite her to their Monster Club, where they "dream up ways to defeat all manner of monsters."

Flash forward to 2019, and the story follows podcaster Lizzy Shelley as she travels to Vermont to explore the case of a young girl who was abducted. Lizzy is the host of a podcast called "Monsters Among Us," and she heard that a monster was sighted in town.

"She’s determined to hunt it down, because Lizzy knows better than anyone that monsters are real—and one of them is her very own sister," the book description reads.

50. ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns' by Khaled Hosseini

Amazon

"This story is devastating because of its realism, but extraordinary because of the strength and love between women. The pain is immense, but so is the humanity," Hunt says.

The book tells the story of two women born a generation apart but brought together by war.

"As they endure the ever escalating dangers around them-in their home as well as in the streets of Kabul-they come to form a bond that makes them both sisters and mother-daughter to each other, and that will ultimately alter the course not just of their own lives but of the next generation," the book description reads.

51. ‘Notes on Grief' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Amazon

After losing her father during the COVID-19 pandemic, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie reflected on how the loss "shook her to her core" in this book.

"She writes about being one of the millions of people grieving this year; about the familial and cultural dimensions of grief and also about the loneliness and anger that are unavoidable in it," the description reads.

Jessie Ludwig, a librarian at Cincinnati Public Library, describes the book as "a good cry and thoughtful exploration of love lasting longer than grief, even in the worst situations."

52. ‘Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close' by Jonathan Safran Foer

Amazon

"Through a child’s eyes, grief becomes both overwhelming and oddly hopeful. This book's experimental structure mirrors the messiness of loss in a way that feels achingly real," Hunt says.

Readers follow the story of 9-year-old Oskar Schell, who is on a secret mission through New York's five boroughs.

"His goal is to find the lock that matches a mysterious key that belonged to his father, who died in the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11," the book description reads. Along the way, he will meet "survivors of all sorts" and experience a "healing journey."

53. ‘One of Our Own' by Lucinda Berry

Amazon

This novel follows a single mother named Felicia who works as a lawyer and volunteers at a crisis center. When she answers a call from a teenage girl who was a victim of sexual assault, Felicia goes against the rules and starts reaching out to the girl to keep her safe.

"But as she gets closer and closer to the truth, she can’t shake the feeling that she and the girl are connected by more than the phone call. As the girl shares more details, Felicia begins to think the unthinkable—someone close to her may be involved in this heinous crime," the book description reads.

Sheldon is a fan of the book and says it's an emotional read.

"The sadness builds as the cracks in a seemingly perfect family start to show, and by the end, you’re left sitting with that heavy, unsettled feeling that nothing will ever quite be the same again," she says.

54. ‘Demon Copperhead' by Barbara Kingsolver

Amazon

"This adaptation of Charles Dickens' David Copperfield is set in Appalachia. It will touch every inch of your heartstrings. Not only is it a great story of resilience and finding one's way through social systems, it's written so beautifully," Welsh says.

The book tells the tale of a boy who is born to a teenage single mother.

"Relayed in his own unsparing voice, Demon braves the modern perils of foster care, child labor, derelict schools, athletic success, addiction, disastrous loves, and crushing losses," the book description reads. "Through all of it, he reckons with his own invisibility in a popular culture where even the superheroes have abandoned rural people in favor of cities."

55. ‘That’s Not My Name‘ by Megan Lally

Amazon

"The sadness creeps in as the story unfolds, leaving you confused and hopeful. As you wish for a good outcome for all of the characters, the ending will leave you with mixed emotions," Sheldon shares.

When a teenager wakes up on the side of a road and can't remember how she got there or who she is, a police officer takes her back to the police station. Soon, a man shows up with her school ID, family photos and birth certificate and says he's been searching for her. He claims to be her father and says her name is Mary. Then the story becomes complicated.

"When Lola slammed the car door and stormed off into the night, Drew thought they just needed some time to cool off. Except Lola disappeared, and the sheriff, his friends, and the whole town are convinced Drew murdered his girlfriend. Forget proving his innocence, he needs to find her before it's too late. The longer Lola is missing, the fewer leads there are to follow…and the more danger they both are in," the book description reads.

56. ‘The Love Story of Missy Carmichael‘ by Beth Morrey

Amazon

"There is an epidemic of loneliness in the world, especially for older adults, but this heartwarming book is about finding purpose and friendship at any age," Klein says.

The book introduces readers to a woman named Missy Carmichael, who is "grieving for a family she has lost or lost touch with."

"Spiky and defensive, Missy knows that her loneliness is all her own fault. She deserves no more than this; not after what she's done. But a chance encounter in the park with two very different women and one lovable dog opens the door to something new," the book description reads.

Up Next:

Related: 25 Best Short Books You Can Easily Read in a Day, According to Librarians

Sources:

Costco's 4-Piece Cosmetic Organizer Set Has Shoppers Enamored: 'It's Worth the Price'

Wed, 03/04/2026 - 6:10pm

If you're a beauty lover, then you know the struggle of keeping all of your beauty items organized all too well. From your morning skincare regimen to your everyday makeup routine, there are tons of products to keep track of, and it's easy for everything to get out of hand. This is why organizers are key. If you don't have a good vanity set up right now, Costco has you covered with this sleek four-piece cosmetic organizer set for just $34.99.

iDesign's 4-Piece Cosmetic Organizer Set is a game changer for keeping your beauty items neat and tidy. The set comes with four pieces, including:

  • Two cosmetic cubes (4 by 4 by 4 inches)
  • One palette organizer (8 by 4 by 3 inches)
  • One 3-drawer organizer (8.25 by 8 by 7 inches)

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iDesign 4-Piece Cosmetic Organizer Set, $34.99 at Costco

Costco

The cosmetic cube organizers' vertical design helps you store beauty items like makeup brushes, mascaras, lip pencils and more upright. Meanwhile, the palette organizer offers divided storage for up to seven makeup palettes. Finally, the three pull-out drawers help you stow away essentials like makeup wipes, foundation bottles and more.

Together, these four organizers help corral all of your makeup and skincare items beautifully, making everything easy to access while looking chic, too. Plus, the clear construction of the containers makes it easy to see everything at once, helping you get ready faster.

Related: Costco Just Dropped Limited-Edition Logo Blankets, and Members Are Obsessed

Customers love this cosmetics organizer set, giving it an average rating of 4.8 stars on Costco.com. Fans appreciate it for how easy it makes it to find their beauty products.

"I just purchased this cosmetic organizer, and I'm so glad that I did. It's worth the price and good quality. My vanity stays neat and clean, and all my cosmetics. I'm enjoying the process of putting on makeup, because I can easily see my choices and find the cosmetic item that I need," said one person in a five-star review on Costco.com.

"I absolutely love the cosmetic organizer. It is the perfect size and I love that I can easily see what I have. This is a great product," said another happy Costco customer in a five-star review on Costco's website.

You can find this sleek cosmetic organizer set on Costco.com. It retails for $34.99.

Related: Costco's Chic New XL Serving Board Is an Unexpected Home Decor Upgrade

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