Written by Kotori Tayama-Gannon
As we settle into the holiday season, IMPACT has rounded up a fresh selection of this year’s standout books, shows, and podcasts to keep you entertained. Whether you’re in the mood for drama, history, self-help or romance, we’ve curated plenty of content to dive into while you unwind this summer.
BOOKS
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
A reflective family novel set over one summer, where a mother recounts her youthful love story to her daughters, exploring memory and identity.
Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney
A contemporary literary novel set in Ireland, examining love, friendship and disconnection in a digital world through the lives of four young adults.
One Hundred Years of Betty by Debra Oswald
A historical fiction novel that follows Betty as she looks back on a life shaped by poverty, war, friendship, love and social change from pre-war London to modern Australia.
Murder in the Cathedral by T.S. Eliot
A poetic historical play exploring themes of power, faith and moral choice, centred on the assassination of Archbishop Thomas Becket.
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
A self-help book centred on letting go of control and expectations, encouraging readers to focus on what they can do to reduce stress and build confidence.
Let’s Just Say It Wasn’t Pretty by Diane Keaton
A candid memoir reflecting on ageing, motherhood, creativity and independence, offering personal insights from Keaton’s life and career.
Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton
A memoir chronicling friendship, heartbreak and growing up, blending humour and vulnerability with sharp cultural observations.
Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry
A raw and deeply personal memoir from the late actor, sharing his journey through fame, addiction and recovery.
He Would Never by Holly Wainwright
A psychological thriller that delves into obsession, manipulation, and betrayal, following a woman who discovers that the person she trusts most may not be who they seem.
The Intruder by Freida McFadden
A psychological thriller about a woman whose seemingly perfect life is disrupted by a dangerous outsider, packed with twists and suspense.
FILM AND TELEVISION
That Christmas (available on Netflix and Binge)
An animated holiday film telling interconnected stories about families, friendships and love during a snowy Christmas season.
Girls (available on Apple TV and HBO Max)
A sharp, witty dramedy following four young women in New York navigating friendship, love, career struggles, and the chaos of early adulthood.
The Studio (available on Apple TV)
A comedy series about a newly appointed Hollywood studio head struggling to balance artistic integrity with corporate pressure while keeping the film business afloat.
House of Guinness (available on Netflix)
A historical drama chronicling the rise of the Guinness family empire and the personal costs of legacy and ambition.
Malice (available on Amazon Prime Video)
A suspense thriller that follows deception and moral ambiguity as dark secrets come to light.
Landman (available on Apple TV and Paramount+)
A drama series centred on the oil industry, exploring wealth, power and ethical dilemmas in a high-stakes corporate landscape.
Severance (available on Apple TV)
A dark, thought-provoking series about work-life balance taken to the extreme, blending mystery, suspense and corporate satire.
Stranger Things (available on Netflix)
A sci-fi horror series set in the 1980s, following a group of kids as they uncover supernatural forces threatening their small town.
Keeping Up with the Kardashians (available on Disney+ and Apple TV)
An iconic reality TV series documenting the personal lives, relationships and businesses of the Kardashian-Jenner family.
Wicked: For Good (in cinemas now)
The second installment of the Wicked film adaptation, continuing the story of Elphaba and Glinda as their choices shape their futures and the land of Oz.
PODCASTS
A long-form interview podcast hosted by Steven Bartlett, featuring entrepreneurs, athletes, creatives and experts sharing honest insights on success, mental health, money and modern life.
A behind-the-scenes podcast unpacking how the entertainment industry really works, from TV commissioning and ratings to celebrity culture and media power.
A conversational podcast focused on relationships, communication and emotional wellbeing, offering practical advice through real-life discussions.
Wrong Turns with Jameela Jamil
An interview podcast where Jameela Jamil speaks with high-profile guests about failure, reinvention and the unexpected paths that shaped their careers.
An intimate podcast exploring grief, creativity, resilience and personal growth through deeply human conversations with authors, artists and thinkers.
IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson
An engaging podcast hosted by Michelle Obama and her brother, exploring life lessons, family, culture and current events with warmth and humour.
A conversational podcast in which Bill Nighy explores listeners’ real-life dilemmas, offering thoughtful, humorous reflections on modern life rather than straightforward advice.
A weekly podcast where former politicians Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart unpack current political events with insider insight, candid debate, and a focus on how power really works.
Go to Insights
