A Cool Girl's Guide To Bird Watching

a guide to bird watching

Retirement is totally en vogue right now. In case you haven't been keeping up with TikTok over the last couple of years, a lot of its lifestyle trends have taken inspiration for life after 60. The Coastal Grandmotheraesthetic, overall Grandma vibes, and now, bird watching.

In such a fast-paced, internet-focused world, this is one activity that seems to appeal to Gen Z because it allows us to enjoy nature without feeling rushed the way that so many other hobbies do. Bird watching videos — from calming videos showing off hungry birds to hilarious face-to-face interactions — have amassed hundreds of millions of views on TikTok. But bird watching is more than just a passing trend. It's a life-giving hobby that allows you to connect with the world around you in a really beautiful way.

How do I become a bird watcher?

www.tiktok.com

Everyone’s looking good this morning. #fyp #foryourcat #birdnerd #birdwatching #birds #nature #pretty #redbelliedwoodpecker #bluejay #cardinals

There are a variety of resources to help you start off on the right foot. The only things that we'd consider non-negotiables are bird watching binoculars, a birding guide, and patience, because this is definitely a hobby that requires you to wait and watch instead of acting as an active participant! You can also grab a bird feeder for some at-home watching if you WFH but still want to take part.

The National Audubon Society works to protect and preserve birds and their habitats, and offer a ton of different opportunities to get involved, from Seasonal Tips for a Bird-Friendly Backyard to kids' activities and photography.

If you're someone who's always on-the-go, and want to make sure you have the birding info you need at your fingertips, download an app like Merlin, which lets you identify birds both by how they look and how they sound.

Can birds tell if you're watching them?

Image via Brett Sayles/Pexels

Yes, birds can tell if you watch them — a study from the University of Bristol actually found that they're also watching us! Some might be wary of you if they're not familiar with humans, while others will be curious.

Why is birdwatching good for you?

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A real life bird whisperer. 🤯✨ #hummingbird #birdwatching #birdsoftiktok

Being in nature in general can improve your overall body and brain health, and birds specifically can help even more. Studies show hearing birdsong can help ease anxiety and a study from King's College London reveals that being around birds can provide an immediate mental boost that can last for eight hours.

Plus, speaking from experience, it adds another layer of fun when the same bird comes back to your window over and over. It feels like you become friends!

What is the difference between birding and bird watching?

Image via A. G. Rosales/Pexels

Birding and bird watching are very similar. In fact, birding falls under the umbrella of bird watching. But while bird watching is more relaxed, birding is a more specialized or more focused version of the hobby.

Everything You Need To Start Bird Watching

National Geographic Backyard Guide to the Birds of North America ($17)

This is a great bird watching guide because it's geared towards beginners and experts — so multiple people in the family can share it! It features 150 different species of birds *and* tips for attracting + feeding birds in your own backyard.

Nikon Trailblazer ATB Waterproof Bird Watching Binoculars ($70, was $90)

We'd recommend finding a good, durable pair of binoculars. This pick comes with multi-coated lenses, meaning they're waterproof and fogproof. Here's another pair at a lower price point!

Image via B+C

Snacks + Water

Like any good hobby, snacks are essential! Trail mix, fruit, veggies — anything portable that you can eat with your hands will be a great option.

3-Piece Cable-Knit Scarf, Hat & Gloves Set ($6, was $27)

Morning is one of the best times to bird watch, and once temps drop, it'll be more difficult to stay comfortable during your expeditions. This scarf, hat, and glove set will keep you cozy!

One-Way Mirror Window Mount Bird Feeder ($35)

Instead of hanging this bird feeder in the garden or leaving it on your deck, you can attach it right to any window in your home!

Have you tried bird watching before? Leave us your best tips in the comments and on Twitter!

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Anne Hathaway — you know, the Queen of Genovia herself — just officially joined TikTok, and it's so Mia Thermopolis-coded. We've already been lucky enough to witness her fun and flirty press tour for The Idea of You, where she stars opposite Nicholas Galitzine and says iconic things like "I'm a Scorpio; I know how I am on a Saturday night." Now, she's giving us a glimpse into the last four years of her life from her perspective. Take a look!

Anne Hathaway's First TikTok Post Is Too Perfect

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⏰⏰⏰⏰ 😳🫢🫡🤗

While many of us probably don't like to reminisce on 2020 itself (though I do sometimes miss the days of Tiger King and Tiktok being oh-so-new), Anne starts her journey right in the middle of the pandemic. Throughout the video, she gives us a sort of retrospective on her life...very similarly to Mia Thermopolis at the beginning of Princess Diaries 2. (I'll never forgive them for writing Michael out in the intro 😭) Here's what she detailed, with my own commentary on what she's referring to in parentheses. 😘

  • Made a movie about a lockdown in a lockdown (Locked Down)
  • Tapped into my Scorpio energy and became a witch (The Witches)
  • (We)Crashed (starring alongside Jared Leto)
  • (We)Met Again (running into Jared Leto at the Met Gala)
  • Wore pink in Rome (yes, THAT outfit)
  • Wore white in Cannes (the film festival)
  • Emerged from the Venice Canals dripping in Bulgari (yes, that OTHER outfit)
  • Tasted the rainbow (another fab 'fit)
  • CALMA, CALMA, CALMA (all the times she told paps to chill out)
  • Not calma (iconic dancing YAS)
  • Definitely nor calma (more The Witches realness)
  • Met Monique Eastwood (come on, exercise!)
  • Chopped my hair off (french girl bob goodness)
  • JK no I didn't (ok long hair slay)
  • Cried a lot (that's a water sign if I ever saw one)
  • Became besties with Donatella (oh, casual)
  • Gave cupcake eating lessons (this is the only way to actually eat a cupcake, TBH)
  • Got the world to primal scream (it's giving Claire Danes in Fleishman is in Trouble)
  • Went skiing with Moncler (I can barely walk in snow, let alone look good)
  • Kept being this person (HERSELF 🥹)
  • Had a Devil Wears Prada reunion (oh, we KNOW!)
  • Produced The Idea of You — and acted in it (everyone say, "Thank you, Annie!")
  • Went to SXSW (the outfits, again!!!)
  • Premiered The Idea of You in NY (cue 1989)
The video ends with her saying she forgot to join Tiktok — clearly because she was so dang busy with everything else! Needless to say, if this is the kind of content she's serving, I'm so in! (Especially if it ever entails showing off Princess Diaries 3updates!!!!!)

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Header image by Cindy Ord/Getty Images

When I sit down with Bridgerton's Claudia Jessie, Jessica Madsen, and Hannah Dodd over Zoom, it's immediately clear that they LOVE each other. The three women talk so quickly and overlap so much that it's easy to believe they play friends and sisters onscreen. And when I ask for their go-to confidence boosters, Claudia can barely explain why she's "just accepted that it's probably not gonna happen" before Jessica and Hannah jump in.

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‘Bridgerton’ Stars Claudia Jessie, Jessica Madsen, and Hannah Dodd On Keeping Secrets & Season 4

"Ultimately I could love myself, or I could just be like, 'Here I am,'" Claudia Jessie says. "Most of the time, none of us know what we're really doing anyway. So I think I'm just letting go of any attachment of trying to feel confident."

"You should be confident because everybody loves you," Hannah Dodd counters. "Everybody's obsessed with you! I think, if you surround yourself with the right people as well, like my friends give me confidence, the right people, like your team and you guys."

"'How are you so confident to be so different?' I say at one point to Eloise," Jessica Madsen says. "And when I read that in the script, it was just like [how] I feel about you, and I really mean it...I remember saying it and really feeling like that was 100 percent true from me to you, [Claudia]."

The love is totally reciprocated, and when I ask what the three women would write in their own Lady Whistledown column, Claudia hypes up Jessica's love of music.

"I love music. I love making playlists," Jessica says. "I went through a little stage where Spotify was my everything. I wanted to be a DJ."

"You'd look great as a DJ," Claudia adds. "I don't know your DJ'ing skills yet, but you'd look amazing behind the deck like that."

Hannah adds that they talk a lot about their dogs, and books. "I do love books," Claudia, who just finished Travis Baldree's Legends & Lattes, agrees. "I'm a big reader. Basically I like things that don't mean I have to leave the house. I could talk about the inside of my flat thoroughly. I could write about that, my four walls."

Image via Netflix

Bridgerton season 3 opens after Eloise's discovery that Lady Whistledown is actually her best friend Penelope Featherington. The middle Bridgerton child has had to keep it a secret all this time, and Claudia Jessie admits she's a good secret keeper, just for a different reason: "I'm good because I forget them immediately," she says.

"I'm like the grave," Jessica Madsen promises.

"I wouldn't say I'm a grave," Hannah Dodd adds. "I just have a group of people that I'm like, 'They don't count.' I will not tell anybody. But like, except for these...one or two very trustworthy people."

In the show, multiple characters' trust in one another is threatened — learning about Penelope's secret identity challenges Eloise's trust in Penelope, and Colin's remarks that he'd never court Pen threaten her trust in him. While we see these relationships evolve in unexpected ways, we also see new sides to characters we thought we knew. Namely, Cresside Cowper.

"Other than, obviously the really sad passing of the Bridgerton dad, Eloise comes from an incredibly sheltered, privileged, happy, nourishing environment where they can all be themselves," Claudia says. "So I think it is really important to see just how different it is [from the Cowper household], cause it also informs us a bit more about how difficult the situation is for Cressida and why she might be colder or a bit closed off."

"[She's] very lonely as well," Jessica adds. "She's got nobody. Not her mum, and definitely not her dad. It's opposite ends of the spectrum."

Image via Netflix

And while season 3 of Bridgerton is just about to debut, Jessica Madsen, Hannah Dodd, and Claudia Jessie already have dreams for Bridgerton season 4.

"I'd love for Eloise to get political, do you know what I mean?" Claudia says. "I'd love that because there's so much room for Eloise to go there."

"She could be the first Prime Minister!" Jessica chimes in.

"I don't know for Francesca," Hannah says. "I'm so excited to see what the writers come up with. I just hope she steps into herself a little bit more and kind of goes after things that make her happy, and knows that she's deserving of that. But I'm new here. So, like anything they give me, I'm gonna be happy with."

Brit + Co Rapid Fire With The Bridgerton Cast

Image via Netflix

Brit + Co: We've talked so much about books, what are you all reading?

Claudia Jessie: I just finished a book called Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree. And it literally says on the cover "Low stakes, high cozy vibes"...It was beautiful. Really comforting. It was like a big hug.

Hannah Dodd: I'm reading Yellowface at the moment, and I just finished Lessons in Chemistry. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo [was] good. And that really took me a while to find another book that filled that hole.

Jessica Madsen: I have Dopamine Nation...I love audio books. So I actually have Viola Davis reading to me every night her autobiography, which is amazing.

B+C: What music is on repeat for you at the moment?

CJ: I'm listening to a band called Say She She. They're like three sexy, beautiful girls doing like funk, disco pop. Beautiful, cool stuff. And they're really, really cool.

HD: I'm less cool and very generic. Beyonce's new album and Ariana Grande's new album, and I'm obsessed with Noah Kahan at the moment as well.

JM: I'm a mixed bag. I've got a lot of different stuff that I love. Yeah, I've, I've been listening to a lot of Fat Freddy's Drop cause they've got a great summer vibe. Two Feet I really enjoy...I like jazz. Disco.

Image via Netflix

B+C: Bridgerton is our next watch, what's the last thing you binge watched?

CJ:Barry, which I think is the best comedy that's ever been written, ever. I know I'm gonna re-watch it as well cause it's just unbelievable. The amount of respect they show that comedy is so beautiful.

HD: I haven't binged anything in a while, but I'm really excited to watch Ripley. And I think the last thing I binged was One Day as well, which left me heartbroken.

JM: I just binge watched — I say binge gently — Yellowstone, so I want to be a cowgirl now, really badly. I want to live in denim for the rest of my life, in cowboy boots, badly. And then I just I always put Schitt's Creek on. I've watched it 10 times now, which is embarrassing. I love it. We need laughter. We need fun.

B+C: What's on your summer 2024 bucket list?

JM: I would love to get on a beach. I wanna be on a beach for a bit and just feel the sand and the sea.

HD: I'd just like to get through this part of my life, which is quite exciting and new for me and I don't know. I wouldn't say no to a beach either.

CJ: Just a load of iced coffees. That's great when that season comes around, you can have iced coffee. That's like my favorite cause I kid myself into thinking it's not the same amount of caffeine as a hot coffee, so I'm like 'I can have three!' and then I'm rattling.

What are you most excited to see in Bridgerton season 3? Check out Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan & Luke Newton Got The Best Advice From Their Co-Stars for more!

Lead image via Netflix

Olivia Rodrigo's Guts is the sonic equivalent of a no-holds-barred burn book, its pages crying out to be plastered on lockers and bathroom walls, to be seen by everyone. This sophomore album is even more relatable than the singer's first, and seamlessly touches on every half-written, heartbroken rant lying dormant in our notes app, transforming them into electrifying lyrics you can't help but belt.

Unlike its predecessor, Sour (the 2021 chart-topper that truly launched Rodrigo from High School Musical star to global sensation), Guts delves deep into the duality of heartbreak — and the existentialism we all feel, no matter our age. "It's SO GOOD, social lead Mallory Levy said after the drop. "I'm not in this age group but I feel [their experience] and am instantly transported. The perfect mix of Taylor [Swift]-level lyrics + Paramore-level angst that I never knew I needed."

Y2K-inspired pop punk guitars echo throughout the album, adding an extra layer of intensity to Rodrigo’s rage-fueled confessions. Guts undeniably provides the soundtrack to those earth-shattering breakups that propel every girl into womanhood, those gut-wrenching moments when it's hard to let go, even when you know it’s for the best. It’s a collection of anthems for identity crises, and a musical odyssey through female fury and adolescent heartbreak.

Is there a music video for Obsessed by Olivia Rodrigo?

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Olivia Rodrigo - obsessed (Official Music Video)

Yes, the "Obsessed" music video debuted on March 22, and it's giving major Wednesday and The Summer I Turned Prettyvibes! The song is all about being, well, obsessed with your partner's ex. You can just *feel* Olivia's anxiety through the lyrics. And the music video is a super fun take on a beauty pageant/cotillion situation, with all of her partner's exes prepping to compete against each other. While all the other women are in white, Olivia wears an edgy black dress Wednesday Addams would approve of, with her socks adding Guts' signature red to the outfit.

Is there a deluxe version of GUTS?

Image via Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ABA

Yes, during her Oliva Rodrigo's tour, the singer announced the Guts deluxe edition, which she's calling Guts (Spilled)! The new edition will be released Friday, March 22. In addition to the songs we already have from the original album, Olivia Rodrigo is releasing the fan-favorite “Obsessed,” as well as “Girl I’ve Always Been,” “Scared of My Guitar,” “So American,” and “Stranger.”

What song did Olivia Rodrigo sing at the Grammys?

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

At the 2024 Grammys, Olivia Rodrigo sang "Vampire" in a red silk dress. The purple virtual background featured some red flowers, but as Olivia sang, the flowers started to bleed. And the longer the song went on, the gorier the scene got (including some fake blood makeup Olivia smeared on her face). I love this approach to the "Vampire" music video because it captures its chaotic energy but feels much more sophisticated. Plus Olivia sounded amazing!!

Ranking Every Track On Olivia Rodrigo's "Guts," A Nearly Impossible Task

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Olivia Rodrigo - vampire (Official Video)

Making The Bed

Most Relatable Lyric: “Every good thing has turned into somethin' I dread // And I'm playin' the victim so well in my head”

Now that dreaming about fortune and fame is in Rodrigo’s rearview, "Making The Bed" walks us through the bittersweet reality of getting everything you’ve ever wanted. After all, we can probably all relate to putting our desires on a pedestal and then feeling confused when the reality of those dreams isn't what we expected.

Vampire

Most relatable lyric: "I tried you help you out, now I know that I can't // 'Cause how you think's the kind of thing I'll never understand."

What could be considered the only power ballad on the album, the lyrics in "Vampire" remind us of the “Driver's License"-esque emotions we’ve come to love (and expect) from Rodrigo. She's proven she can fuse anger and regret while still empowering listeners, and "vampire" sinks its teeth in, a theatrical roller-coaster ride worth the repeat.

Lacy

Most relatable lyric: "I feel your compliments like bullеts on skin // Dazzling starlet, Bardot reincarnate // Wеll, aren't you the greatest thing to ever exist?"

Reminiscent of classic green-eyed songs before it, like Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” "Lacy" is a portrait of the other woman. Rodrigo doesn’t outright beg Lacy not to steal her man, but instead details her own flaws through Lacy’s perceived perfections. For Rodrigo, “lacy” is but a characterization of unrealistic expectations that she’s made real.

Ballad Of A Homeschooled Girl

Most relatable lyric: "Everythin' I do is tragic // Every guy I like is gay // The morning after I panic // Oh, God, what did I say?"

Rodrigo reckons with her fear of being seen and of saying the right things. From constantly missing social cues to speaking just to have something to say, "Ballad Of A Homeschooled Girl" mirrors the life of a girl who spends her time twiddling her thumbs one minute and over-analyzing literally everything the next. SO RELATABLE.

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Olivia Rodrigo - bad idea right? (Official Video)

All-American B*tch

Most relatable lyric: ”And I am built like a mother and a total machine // I feel for your every little issue, I know just what you mean”

Leading the already iconic tracklist, "All-American B*tch" foreshadows the growing pains and base level of dissatisfaction young women often endure. Caring so much about other people who don't return the favor — even when you wish you didn't — can be really uncomfortable, and whether you're shouldering the emotional baggage of an unattached partner or struggling to maintain the cool girl image, "All-American B*tch" hits the nail on the head.

Bad Idea Right?

Most relatable lyric: ”And I'm sure I've seen much hotter men // But I really can't remember when”

If the saying “rose-colored glasses” existed as a lyric, this would be it. In her second single following “Vampire,” Rodrigo falls into the trap of reconnecting with her ex. “Bad idea right?” It’s a tale as old as time. Do we really need to explain more?

The Grudge

Most relatable lyric: “We both drew blood, but, man, those cuts were never equal // I try to be tough, I try to be mean // But even after all this, you're still everything to me”

Seeing the end of any relationship that once meant a lot to you is so, so painful — especially when you still care about the person. Grudges usually have a purely negative connotation, and we love to see how Rodrigo emphasizes how her grudge is one of love as much as it is hate, making it extra bittersweet.

Logical

Most relatable lyric: "Said I was too young, I was too soft // Can't take a joke, can't get you off"

"Logical" is for every woman who has ever been infantilized by someone she adored. Gaslighters beware. Rodrigo’s merry-go-round storytelling highlights the emotional tension between the love she felt for her ex and their emotional manipulation.

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Olivia Rodrigo - get him back! (Live From The Today Show / 2023)

Get Him Back!

Most relatable lyric: "I wanna kiss his face with an uppercut // I wanna meet his mom and tell her her son sucks!"

This song bares the consequences of not immediately hitting the block button when your ex calls. While some of the slower songs on Guts highlight the way love and regret coexist, “Get Him Back!” takes a more upbeat, funny approach that also touches on Rodrigo's frustration.

Love Is Embarrassing

Most relatable lyric: “God, love's f*ckin' embarrassin'”

Another running theme throughout Olivia Rodrigo's Guts? Confusion. But instead of just talking about a partner, Rodrigo's confusion in "Love Is Embarrassing" is also directed towards the nature of romance itself, as well as the lengths we're willing to go for people we tell ourselves we shouldn't care about. In short: yes, love is very embarrassin'.

Pretty Isn't Pretty

Most relatable lyric: "I could change up my body and change up my face // I could try every lipstick in every shade // But I'd always feel the same // 'Cause pretty isn't pretty enough anyway"

Social media, photo editing, and the like have taken a serious toll on the way we see ourselves (after all comparing yourself to the people you see on social media can literally make you more unhappy with your appearance). In what feels like an indirect sequel to Sour's "Jealousy, Jealousy," "Pretty Isn't Pretty" is a reminder that external beauty isn't the end-all-be-all.

Teenage Dream

Most relatable lyric: "When am I gonna stop being a pretty young thing to guys? // When am I gonna stop being great for my age and just start being good? // When will it stop being cool to be quietly misunderstood?"

Rodrigo comes out swinging on Guts' finale (the title of which calls back to a lyric from Sour's opening number "Brutal"). She worries that her glory days are already behind her, and like so many of us, craves to be known, chosen, and loved for exactly who she is — and not for her talent, or her looks, or her brain — whether or not that makes her the ultimate "teenage dream."

What songs are on Guts?

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We first got the Guts tracklist thanks to an Instagram video:

  1. "All American B*tch"
  2. "Bad Idea Right"
  3. "Vampire"
  4. "Lacy"
  5. "Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl"
  6. "Making The Bed"
  7. "Logical"
  8. "Get Him Back"
  9. "Love Is Embarrassing"
  10. "The Grudge"
  11. "Pretty Isn't Pretty"
  12. "Teenage Dream"

Are there any music videos?

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Olivia Rodrigo - vampire (Official Video)

Yes! We've gotten three music videos so far: "Vampire," "Bad Idea Right?," and "Get Him Back!" The "Vampire" music video emphasizes the scrutiny Olivia Rodrigo feels in the spotlight.

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Olivia Rodrigo - bad idea right? (Official Video)

The "Bad Idea Right?" music video totally feels like a scene out of Euphoria — which helps highlight how youthful and chaotic the song actually is.

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Olivia Rodrigo - get him back! (Official Video)

The music video for "Get Him Back!" is genius for one reason: by adding multiple Olivia's throughout the video, she highlights how it feels like there are multiple versions of herself because of how many different things she wants.

When did Guts come out?

Image via Olivia Rodrigo/Geffen Records

Olivia Rodrigo's Guts dropped on September 8 and we cannot tell you how many time we've listened to the whole thing.

When did Vampire come out?

"Vampire" began streaming on all music platforms June 30, while the follow-up single "bad idea right?" was released on August 10.

Who is Olivia Rodrigo?

Image via Emma McIntyre / Staff

Olivia Rodrigo, 20, rose to fame during her role as Nini on High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. A talented singer and actress, Rodrigo was launched into the public spotlight thanks to Sour and fans' speculation that it touched on a suspected love triangle between her, her (now ex) BF and HSMTMTS co-star Joshua Bassett and singer Sabrina Carpenter.

While the public has (mostly) moved on from the rumors, Rodrigo’s talent shined and the singer sent TikTok spiraling with the release of “Driver's License,” followed by Sour in 2021.

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Olivia Rodrigo - drivers license (Live From Saturday Night Live/2021)

Today, the three-time Grammy winner is besties with pop culture power players Iris Apatow, Conan Grey, Billie Eilish, Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, Charlie D’Amelio, Maddie Ziegler, and more. She's also shared the stage with celebrity icons such as Avril Lavigne, Paris Hilton, and Billy Joel.

What are your thoughts on Olivia Rodrigo's Guts? Stay updated on all of the latest music releases with Brit + Co.

Lead image Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Spotify

This post has been updated, with former reporting done by Olivia Taylor and Kaitlyn Ingram.

Calling all BookTok, bookstagrammers, and leisurely readers: the Amazon Book Sale has landed! I can barely contain myself because there’s so many great titles — including more than a few picks from Reese Witherspoon’s book club — that Amazon is discounting for it’s special reading crowd.

I know I’ve been stuck on romantasy books for a while (sorry, not sorry!), but there’s so many other great picks you’ll be able to snag on sale. And if you’re a Kindle type of woman, you’re not being left out.

Amazon isn’t leaving any stone unturned with this sale so let’s jump right into what to expect and which books are on sale right now!

When is the Amazon Book Sale?

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The Amazon Book Sale runs from today until May 20, so you’ll have six full days to plan your (very discounted) TBR list.

What should I expect from the Amazon Book Sale?

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The Amazon Book Sale will feature titles from different genres that you can save up to 50% on. Not only that, but Kindle users can save up to 80% on books! In case you’re wondering, you're not dreaming — this is really, really good.

The best news about the sale is that you can start shopping deals NOW. So, what are you waiting for! Take a peek at our picks!

Are Kindle books included in the Amazon Book Sale?

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Yes! You'll be able to find a plethora of discounted kindle books during the Amazon Book Sale. The best news is that you can access three months of Kindle Unlimitedfor $0!

Shop Book Editors' Picks During the Amazon Sale

None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell

Alix Summer and Josie Fair quickly become friends after a chance meeting on their birthdays. They seem to have things in common which leads Alix to feature Josie on her podcast. But the closer they get, the more Alix feels conflicted about her new friend.

Before she can piece together her concerns, Josie has found her way into every part of Alix's life and it's only after she disappears that Alix realizes how much danger she's in.

Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum

Jen Weinstein and her friend Lauren Parker are ever popular in Salcombe, Fire Island during the summer season. They seem to have a hold on anyone that comes in contact with them, including their husbands. However, there's no denying that grudges have been steadily building over the years due to things unspoken. And Rachel Woolf? Well, she's just there to have a great time even if it's at someone else's expense.

However, who knows more than they're willing to share and who would be so angry that they'd commit a murder?

Weyward by Emilia Hart

Weyward is a moving novel that alternates between various timelines and involves a family's mystical powers.

In the present time of 2019, Kate takes refuge at her great-aunt's cottage that's worlds away from the person she's afraid of. She's not entirely sure, but she can't shake the feeling that there was more to her great-aunt than was outwardly presented.

The timeline of 1619 is then introduced and readers get to know Altha, a woman who's accused of having something to do with a farmer's death. The thing is Altha truly does know magic associated with the world around her, but people are on edge and will do anything to have a witch trial.

Then in 1942, we meet young Violet who feels trapped in more ways than one. She wants nothing more than to live a life that's not confined by hiding behind society's expectations of women. Her only connection to her mother and her past is finding the word 'weyward' in her bedroom, thus setting off a chain of events that lead back to 2019.

Stock Up On #BookTok Favorites

It Ends With Us & It Starts With Us Box Set by Colleen Hoover

For the first time ever, get your hands on the limited edition box set of Colleen Hoover's finest, It Ends With Us and It Starts With Us!

It Ends With Us begins with Lily believing that Ryle couldn't be more perfect for her despite his tendency to be rough around the edges. There's also the fact that he's not 100% open to dating. But, they somehow form a sort of love dance that becomes a romantic relationship. However, this is challenged when her first love Atlas comes back into her life.

It Starts With Us finds Lily and Ryle divorced, but they still communicate on friendly terms. But when Atlas comes into the picture again, Lily doesn't hesitate to let him into her world. It shouldn't feel complicated, but she knows that Atlas is the last man Ryle wants around. The ending is just as shocking, poignant, and beautiful as It Ends With Us.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Still excited that the movie adaptation of Red, White & Royal Blue is getting a sequel that'll premiere on Amazon Prime? Me too, but we'll have to wait for more news to drop about it! Until then, we can revisit our favorite couple by Casey McQuiston's book that's on sale for $15!

House of Ash and Shadow by Leia Stone

Fallon Bane spends a great deal of her life being untouched because of a lethal curse she was born with. Despite her acceptance, she still yearns for intimacy. To make matters worse, her father's own health becomes comprised which leads her to seek out help from a healer fae — Ariyon Madden.

He not only begins helping her, but he always touches her in a way she's never experienced before. Fallon is shocked that she's still ver much alive and things finally seem to look bright for her. That is until Ariyon tells other powerful fae about her.

From there, Fallon learns the truth about who her family is and why her curse exists..

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Young Feyre commits an offense agains the immortal and very powerful fae that sends her to their magical world. Though she's away from a life of poverty and tension, she misses her family.

Still, she resides in the home of the 'beast' who allows her to live in his home — Tamlin. What she quickly realizes is that he's actually one of the powerful faes and that she's not the kind of prisoner she thinks she is. Even more, she begins questioning everything she'd learned about the Fae world because it's not quite like what mortals say it is.

As the hostility between Feyre and Tamlin dies down, an ancient evil continues spreading through his world and it'll be up to Feyre to help stop it.

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The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

Anna Fox has agoraphobia so she spends time by herself at home by herself and fills her days with drinking, watching comfort movies, and being a nosy neighbor. That's how she knows a new family — The Russells — have moved across from her.

She continues her usually nosy activities and finds herself witnessing something that seems horribly wrong. As she frantically tries to piece together the mystery of what happened, it becomes clear that the lines of her imagination and reality have become blurred.

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

Kate Mularkey was never the popular girl until she met her best friend Tully. Their lives are polar opposite, but there's no denying how tight their bond is. Over time we learn that Tully has abandonment issues and looks for anyone — especially men — to love her. Her journey takes her to the big apple where she achieves all the glitz and glamour that life has to offer.

Kate goes on to become a wife and mother, two things she believes she wants, but it becomes clear that she's missing something. That something is what begins to burn a hole in her being and the more she watches her best friend Tully live a successful life, the more she wants that for herself too.

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Elena Richardson and Mia Warren go to warn in this moving novel about classism. It dares to ask readers who deserves to be seen as a shining example of a mother as both women eventually face how far they're willing to go to protect those they love.

For Elena, Shaker Heights is all she's ever known. She's married, has four children, and is well-loved in her community. She believes that she's been able to achieve everything she has because she knows how to be the woman who doesn't color outside of the lines.

On the other hand, Mia is an artist who knows all about creating masterpieces with elements that are otherwise seen as messy. She and her daughter Pearl become a little too close to the Richardsons, finding their lives dangerously intertwined with them.

When a custody battle ensues that involves the young daughter of Mia co-worker, she finds herself willing to dismantle the pretty facade of not only Shaker Heights, but Elena as well.

Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed (Only 2 Left in Stock)

Cheryl Strayed has spent over 10 years dishing out advice as 'Dear Sugar' has touched people with her columns, podcast Dear Sugars, and Substack. Deciding to compile all of the best things she's ever told people, Cheryl Strayed pieced together Tiny Beautiful Things so that readers around the world won't have to look far for her empathetic wisdom.

Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn

Georgia Mulcahy is the ultimate people-pleaser and her career is the epitome of it. She'd probably always be that way had it not been for a unexpected career change that sends her packing back home. Begrudgingly, she goes and soon discovers a diary where she once wrote down all of her heart's desires.

This inspires her to start checking things off her life's to-do list so that she can really start living. It's just that Levi Fanning is somehow her unexpected roommate while she's at her parents' home and his offer to help her complete her list feels like something she didn't know she'd encounter.

The more they spend time together, the more Georgie feels like there's more to life than checking off things on a list.

The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict

The Mitford sisters have always been the talk of the town, but nothing is as shocking as when one of the sisters decides she'd rather devote herself to a fascist leader. Another sister decides it's worth following her and this leads people to whisper salacious things about her alleged relationship with Hitler.

As the war between Great Britain and Germany threaten to spill over, their sister Nancy can't help but wonder what her sisters have gotten themselves into. She'll have to decide where her own allegiance lies.

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle

Daphne Bell has always known how long she'll be with a man before moving on to the next one. It's not that she's flighty, but more so that the universe literally tells her what to expect. These little nudges have been in her life for over two decades and it's something she's learned to accept.

However, the universe decides to be cryptic by only clueing her in on the name of the next man she'll spend time with. It's odd because if Jake knew the things she did, there's a chance he could walk away from her forever and that's the last thing Daphne wants.

On a Quiet Street by Seraphina Nova Glass

Brighton Hills appears to be a picturesque place to live. It's a community that beautifully blends luxurious living with the gorgeous nature that surrounds it and the neighbors always have their eyes on each other.

However, Cora's desire to find out if her husband is having an affair leads her to form a partnership with Paige. She's the one neighbor that Cora knows keeps a watchful eye on what's going on in Brighton Hills after her son died.

The two women work together to discover what Cora's husband is really up to, but what they may stumble across will send a shockwave through Brighton Hills.

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Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalo

The Prince of Envy is struggling to save his demon court in Throne of the Fallen, but he's determined to find a way to do so. He's not afraid of the magic and mysterious people that keep crossing his path because nothing can stop his fierce desire to regain the control he once has.

Things are seemingly no different from Miss Camilla Antonius because she's facing blackmail by someone who literally makes her skin crawl. In order to change her fate, she reluctantly joins forces with The Prince of Envy and thus begins their dangerous journey through the Underworld.

It's the one place that may pull them together in more ways than one.

The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen

Hart spends most of his time patrolling Tanria, but the loneliness does nothing to keep him company. Things couldn't be any different for Mercy though. She's tasked with making sure things are running properly at Birdsall & Son Undertakers and doesn't have time for anyone's foolery.

Ironically, Hart and Mercy both have taken up writing mysterious letters to strangers who have become their friends. The thing is they're not aware they've been communicating with each other.

It's a classic enemies-to-loves fantasy novel that'll make you smile with glee.

The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose

Molly Gray is the Head Maid at the prestigious Regency Grand Hotel and runs a tight ship that makes sure the hotel maintains a flair that guests have become accustomed to. All is going well until successful author J.D. Grimthorpe suddenly collapses and is pronounced dead.

This lands Detective Stark — someone Molly doesn't exactly get along with — back on the scene as it's realized there's something terribly wrong going on. Anyone could be a suspect, including Molly. It'll be up to her to revisit things she's kept secret — like the trip she took to Grimthorpe's property long ago.

Happy Place by Emily Henry

Emily Henry knows exactly what it takes to write a moving novel that's filled with friendship, laughter, and romance. That's why it's not surprising that Happy Place is well loved by #BookTok and #Bookstagram.

It's all about how a once happy couple — Harriet and Wyn — find themselves embroiled in an interesting ruse so their friends don't suspect something's wrong with them. The fact is that they're no longer together and can barely stand being in the same room anymore.

It would be find if they weren't expected to happily show up to the cottage that's become the yearly hub for them and their friends. Still, they begrudgingly decide to make an appearance.

What's the worst that could happen?

For the first time, you'll be able to read Happy Place on Kindle for $5!

We can't wait to see what you snag during the Amazon Book Sale! Check out our storefront for more reading recs!

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Lead images via Amazon

This post has been updated.

Iconic American brand Gap and sister-founded fashion house Dôen (which miss Taylor Swift wears a ton of) are teaming up for something super exciting – a perfectly summery collection that amplifies "iconic essentials and California classics." Championing the collaborative effort are fashion-forward sisters Lily and Ruby Aldridge, who are already influencing me to snag something from the capsule!

The Gap x Dôen collection will launch this Friday, May 17 at 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT. It will host 51 pieces for women and kids that marry Gap's classic denim and khaki fabrications with Dôen's feminine florals. The capsule's pricing will range from $20 to $158.

The pieces are absolute wardrobe staples, but look like they'll be easily pair-able with other statement pieces you might already have in your closet!

The Gap x Dôen collection will include a white eyelet milkmaid dress, a gingham dress, a pinstripe button-down shirt, denim barn jacket, ultra-wide khaki pants, a dainty floral dress, baggy jeans, Mary Jane flats, a navy knit blouse, and so much more.

The sisters serving as the face of the new collaboration, Lily and Ruby Aldridge, were likely tapped by Dôen-founding Margaret and Katherine Kleveland for their shared love for Gap.

“Growing up, our mom was the quintessential Gap woman: Her classic style was formative in our own personal style and design ambitions from an early age,” Margaret told Vogue. “To be able to partner with an iconic brand that provides the same nostalgic feeling that we aim to create with our designs is truly surreal.”

“We’ve worn Gap since we were little,” Lily also told Vogue. “The quality and craftsmanship of this collaboration live up to the standard and it’s at Gap prices! We love Gap, and we love Gap prices!”

Subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on the new collection!

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Images via Gap.