Summer may be the season of outdoor fun (hello, beach days and barbecues!), but there’s nothing wrong with staying inside for a day to escape the heat. While you relish in the glory of air conditioning, check out one of these new books, television shows, or movies with ties to Northern Virginia. With captivating entertainment like a documentary on an unsolved crime right in Virginia and a biopic of a basketball legend, you won’t even miss the great outdoors.
TV SHOW
Burden of Proof
A four-part HBO docuseries takes a close look at the 1987 disappearance of Jennifer Pandos, 15, of Williamsburg. It follows her brother Stephen as he looks for the truth and whether his parents played a role.
BOOK
Halcyon by Elliot Ackerman
Al Gore is president in this novel that blends alternative history and science fiction. The protagonist, who lives at a Virginia estate, learns scientists have discovered a cure for death and must grapple with its implications on life, history, and humanity.
BOOK
Life B: Overcoming Double Depression by Bethanne Patrick
This NoVA author, diagnosed with depression in her early 50s, presents an intimate account of life with depression — from the generational cycle of trauma to breaking down the stigma around mental health.
MOVIE
Shooting Stars
This new feature film takes a look at the early life of basketball legend LeBron James and the bonds he had with his best friends. Alexandria-born actor Dermot Mulroney plays a prominent role as James’ coach.
BOOK
Wild Asana: Animals, Yoga, and Connecting Our Practice to the Natural World by Alison Zak
Ever wondered what inspired the poses you use in yoga? This new book from a NoVA yoga teacher compares the asanas with the animals that influenced them, demonstrating the ways our bodies and minds can connect to the natural world.
Feature image courtesy Counterpoint Press (Life B); HBO (Burden of Proof); and Penguin Random House (Halcyon)
This story originally ran in our July issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
