A BOOK OF MAGAZINE

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JERRIE JOHNSON ON ‘HARLEM,’ HUSTLE, AND HOLDING SPACE FOR BLACK QUEER STORIES

JERRIE JOHNSON is bringing the heat in Harlem—both on-screen as the fearless, sharp-witted Tye Reynolds and off-screen as a powerhouse creator shaping culture on her own terms. From breaking barriers in tech to redefining queer representation, she teases what’s next: “Fans can expect to see Tye looking inward more deeply this season… which leads her closer to what she’s been seeking all along.”

RYAN GUZMAN: FUELED BY FIRE [IN PRINT]

RYAN GUZMAN reveals a deeply personal side in our Collectors Print Issue, sharing how his role on “9-1-1” and his real-life journey as a father intertwine in powerful ways. From exploring self-love to finding beauty in life's simplest moments, Ryan’s story will inspire you to embrace vulnerability and rediscover your own inner strength.

NATALIE MARTINEZ: FROM MIAMI TO BAD MONKEY – A JOURNEY OF WIT, WISDOM, AND WRY MYSTERIES

NATALIE MARTINEZ is bringing her Miami roots and Cuban flair to the screen in “Bad Monkey”, where she expertly balances the intensity of a medical examiner with the wit of a dark comedy. In this exclusive interview, she opens up about working alongside Vince Vaughn, embracing change, and finding creativity in both her career and motherhood.

TIM JO ON FINDING HIS GROOVE: FROM BASS RIFFS TO BOLD ROLES

TIM JO is not just a talented actor, but a bold storyteller who brings heart, humor, and depth to his role in Reasonable Doubt. In this exclusive interview, he opens up about breaking stereotypes, embracing his roots, and how his punk rock past influences his fearless approach to acting today.

THE ART OF IMAGINATION: Y'LAN NOEL BUILDS FERDIE PLATT’S UNWRITTEN STORY IN ‘LADY IN THE LAKE’

Y'LAN NOEL takes us behind the scenes of Lady in the Lake, where he masterfully brings the complex character of Ferdie Platt to life, navigating the tension of being an outcast cop in 1960s Baltimore. In this candid interview, Noel shares how his imagination, love for music, and deep character work helped him create a role that is both powerful and poignant—"I created an entire family that Ferdie had lost contact with… it helped me create a more fully fleshed out character."

NOSTALGIC NARRATIVES: HOW ADAM PALLY REVIVES THE PAST IN MR. THROWBACK

ADAM PALLY brings his signature humor and deep love for vintage culture to the forefront in his latest show, *Mr. Throwback*, a nostalgic comedy that’s as heartfelt as it is hilarious. In this exclusive interview, Pally opens up about the inspiration behind the series and why it’s his most personal project yet.

TOMER CAPONE: PASSIONATE PURSUIT [IN PRINT]

TOMER CAPONE, the charismatic star of "The Boys," opens up about his transformative journey and the profound impact of his role as Frenchie in an exclusive interview for A BOOK OF's Collector's Print Issue. Discover the secrets behind Capone's captivating performances and the challenges he faced breaking into Hollywood, in this must-read feature!

KAREN FUKUHARA: SILENT STRENGTH [IN PRINT]

KAREN FUKUHARA graces the cover of our Collector's Print Issue, revealing her journey from “Suicide Squad” to “The Boys” in an exclusive, heartfelt interview. Discover how she balances stardom with authenticity and the personal passions that keep her grounded—don't miss this inspiring read!

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MUSIC, MEMORY, AND MAKING A HERO: HOW RAVI CABOT-CONYERS BUILT WIM FROM THE GROUND UP

RAVI CABOT-CONYERS steps into the Star Wars universe with Skeleton Crew, bringing fearless energy and heart to a journey that reimagines the hero’s arc through a kid’s eyes. From crafting Wim’s emotional depth with a perfectly curated playlist to learning game-changing on-set lessons from Jude Law, he reveals, “It’s easier to always be ready than to have to try to get ready.”

BOLD AND BEATRICE: BROOKE LENA JOHNSON REDEFINES JUSTICE IN CRUEL INTENTIONS

Brooke Lena Johnson commands the screen as Beatrice in the bold new revival of Cruel Intentions, delivering a performance brimming with fire, humor, and raw vulnerability. In this exclusive interview, she opens up about embracing rejection, navigating moral grey areas, and why she believes, “It’s not about being perfect—it’s about showing the spark of madness and authenticity that connects us all.”

BASED ON A TRUE STORY’S LIANA LIBERATO ON FINDING HUMANITY IN THE FLAWS OF FICTIONAL WOMEN

LIANA LIBERATO brings depth, charm, and an irresistible honesty to both her role in Based On A True Story and her creative ventures behind the scenes. From exploring the messy, beautiful complexities of flawed characters to finding freedom in writing, she shares, "Sometimes, you just need to remember why you fell in love with storytelling in the first place."

1992 AND NOW: CHRISTOPHER AMMANUEL SEES PARALLELS BETWEEN PAST RIOTS AND PRESENT MOVEMENTS

CHRISTOPHER AMMANUEL dives deep into the emotional complexities of his role in 1992, navigating a story set against the backdrop of the LA riots with raw authenticity and passion. From redefining Black narratives in Hollywood to breaking stereotypes on screen, Ammanuel’s journey is one of resilience, purpose, and thought-provoking storytelling.

NO STEREOTYPES ALLOWED: ZOEY LUNA TALKS TAKING CONTROL OF HER NARRATIVE

ZOEY LUNA is here to break boundaries and redefine what it means to be a trans actress in Hollywood. In this exclusive interview, she dives into the creation of SLAY, her personal horror story-turned-film, and how Hauntology became a transformative, cathartic experience.

HOW JORDAN L. JONES BROUGHT HEART AND DEPTH TO AN ICONIC ROLE IN BEL-AIR

JORDAN L. JONES brings undeniable swagger and depth to his portrayal of Jazz in "Bel-Air", a role he almost turned down but ultimately made his own. In this exclusive interview, Jordan reveals the personal experiences that shaped his performance, from his Inglewood roots to navigating love and loss on screen, offering fans a glimpse into the heart of a character—and an actor—who refuses to be boxed in.

OLLY SHOLOTAN ON ART, ANXIETY, AND THE AUDACITY TO DREAM BIG

OLLY SHOLOTAN is redefining what it means to bring depth, vulnerability, and joy to an iconic character like Carlton Banks in Bel-Air all while balancing his rising music career. In this exclusive interview, Olly dives into his creative process, the personal challenges he’s faced, and how his Nigerian heritage fuels his relentless pursuit of excellence.

STEPPING INTO CINDERELLA’S SHOES: MALIA BAKER’S RISE IN 'DESCENDANTS

MALIA BAKER takes us behind the scenes of her rise from "The Baby-Sitters Club" to Disney royalty in "Descendants: The Rise of Red," sharing how she brought Chloe Charming to life with passion and purpose. Dive into our exclusive interview where Malia reveals the challenges, triumphs, and personal growth that define her journey as a young actress.

IN PRINT: SASHA COLBY

RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE SEASON 15 WINNER

IN PRINT: DANIEL DAE KIM

AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER

IN PRINT: BEN BARNES

SHADOW & BONE

IN PRINT: CHACE CRAWFORD

THE BOYS

IN PRINT: DAVID HARBOUR

STRANGER THINGS

IN PRINT: TOM ELLIS

LUCIFER

IN PRINT: PAUL KLEIN

LANY

IN PRINT: STEPHANIE HSU

EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE

IN PRINT: ALASKA THUNDERFUCK

RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE ALL STARS 2 WINNER

IN PRINT: OLIVER STARK

9-1-1

IN PRINT: KAREN GILLAN

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

IN PRINT: YUNA

IN PRINT: G-EAZY

TULIPS & ROSES

IN PRINT: TRIXIE MATTEL

DRAG SUPERSTAR

IN PRINT: JUSTIN H. MIN

THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY

IN PRINT: DAVID CASTAÑEDA

THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY

MAYMAY IS A DREAM IN MOTION

UPSAHL IS A FORCE

THÙY'S CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM AND CONFIDENCE

ALOK'S IMPACT ON MUSIC & THE WORLD

ALL EYES ON BLU DETIGER

CATCH 'POW' IN REAL LIFE

REINTRODUCING BRADLEY SIMPSON

SNOW WIFE OUR NEW POP PRINCESS

THE RAW POWER AND IRONIC GENIUS OF ALLIE X

KACY HILL BLOSSOMS IN HER NEW ERA

HENRY MOODIE’S REFLECTIVE ROAD

JASMINE CEPHAS JONES AND HER PHOENIX WITHIN

IN MOTION

EMANCIPATION OF EDDY

IMAGINARIUM

VAMPIRE CHINESE

I (SEE) RED

BURST YOUR BUBBLE

CHAINED + HEARTLESS

LOVEFOOL

SKY UNAVAILABLE

EBB & FLOW

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ALL OF HER

GEMINI

TEXTURES

OUTLINES

WICKED

SHADES OF THE SEASON

UNDER THE SCARLET MOON

SPECTRUM

BANDIT

SOLSTICE

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THE BEAUTIFULLY ORGANIZED CHAOS OF EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE

My take on why Everything Everywhere All At Once belongs to my “Favorite Films of All Time” list

THE BOY WHO LEFT

On managing the inevitable feelings you get whenever you encounter another close encounter with death

CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND THE LEGACY OF THE LATE FILIPINO FASHION DESIGNER ROCKY GATHERCOLE: THE UNDERRATED FILIPINO FASHION GENIUS

WHY PAUL C BUFF’S DIGIBEE IS THE BEST STROBE LIGHT TO KICKSTART YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO

Review of Paul C Buff’s DigiBee Flash Strobe

PLANTING OUR OWN SEEDS AS CREATIVE INDIVIDUALS

20/20 blog post about planting our unique seeds as individuals

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ALBUM REVIEW: PARIS PALOMA'S CACOPHONY

Paris Paloma's debut album Cacophony is a powerful testament to her ability as a songwriter and artist, showcasing her distinctive voice and thematic boldness. Emerging from the quiet landscapes of Derbyshire, Paloma has crafted an album that refuses to be overlooked. Cacophony isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a deeply personal, intricately woven narrative that challenges, provokes, and ultimately resonates on multiple levels.

THE OLIVE TAPE: A MIXTAPE RAISING AID & BUILDING COMMUNITY

Curated and produced by actor Rosaline Elbay (Judy Goodwin on Netflix’s Kaleidoscope, Amani on th 3X Emmy-nominated Hulu/A24 film series Ramy, Sara on MBC’s Qabeel), actor Dario Ladani Sanchez (Sam in Dear Edward on AppleTV+, Lucas in Netflix’s forthcoming The Life List), and Brooklyn-based experimental indie-pop artist Blood Cultures.

ALBUM REVIEW: ENOUGH OF THE SWEET TALK

Over the last several years, Lime Cordiale, led by Australian brothers Oli and Louis Leimbach, have managed to bring some excitement back into the indie pop genre which has long suffered from oversaturation. Their meteoric rise began in 2017 with the success of their debut album Permanent Vacation, which garnered them celebrity status not only amongst their fellow Aussies, but would also grab the attention of mainstream stars such as Post Malone who would reach out for an official partnership with the group.

ALBUM REVIEW: THE MARIA'S SUBMARINE

The Marías have returned with their second full-length album, "Submarine," and it's a substantial step forward from their previous release, "Cinema." In this new record, the band explores themes of solitude, isolation, and personal reflection, crafting an atmospheric soundscape that feels both familiar and refreshingly evolved. The three-year gap between albums has allowed the band to refine their style, resulting in a project that feels more cohesive and mature.

ALBUM REVIEW: CAMILA CABELLO'S C.XOXO

After the mainstream appeal she’s garnered over the course of the last decade with singles such as Havana and Señorita, Camila Cabello has made the decision to come forth into her own platinum blonde spotlight with her latest album C, XOXO.

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I Love FX's “English Teacher”

And it isn’t because I had a phenomenal English teacher in high school who kind of looks like Brian Jordan Alvarez.

TV: SHOW, DON'T TELL: X-MEN '97'S MASTERY OF SUBTLE STORYTELLING

Discover why X-Men '97 is reviving the superhero genre with its masterful blend of drama, complex characters, and exceptional storytelling in our latest review

FILM: WIM WENDERS’ PERFECT DAYS AND PUBLIC TOILETS: THE UNSEEN SPLENDOR OF SIMPLICITY

Step into the serene world of Wim Wenders’ 'Perfect Days,' where Koji Yakusho's portrayal of a Tokyo toilet cleaner transcends the mundane, inviting viewers to find magic in the minutiae of everyday life.

FILM: QUIZ LADY ANSWERS SOME LIFE QUESTIONS

Dive into the quirky world of "QUIZ LADY" on Hulu, where Jessica Yu's creation turns the spotlight on embracing our oddities through the laugh-filled yet touching journey of sisters Jenny and Anne. Starring Sandra Oh and Awkwafina, this film isn't just about finding laughter in the chaos of life—it's a heartfelt exploration of family, fame, and finding oneself amidst the madness.

FILM: SURREAL STRUGGLES: 'PROBLEMISTA' EXPLORES IMMIGRANT IDENTITY THROUGH ART

Opinion piece on Julio Torres’ directorial debut- PROBLEMISTA, a surreal, magic realism piece (written, directed and acted by him) is definitely not for everyone, and that’s okay. Some may get it, some won’t, and that’s the beauty of it.

BOOKSHELF

THE ART OF FANTASY, SCI-FI AND STEAMPUNK

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THIRTEEN REASONS WHY Recommended by JENNA ORTEGA

WHEN YOU FIND OUT THE WORLD IS AGAINST YOU

Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System as a Path to the Self by Anodea Judith

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas

House of Versace: The Untold Story of Genius, Murder, and Survival by Deborah Ball

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard by Rick Riordan

Other Words for Love by Lorraine Zago Rosenthal

The Story of the Human Body by DANIEL E. LIEBERMAN

The Woman I wanted to be by Diane Von Furstenberg

The Unbearable Lightness of being by Milan Kundera

The Beautiful and Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés

Y: The Last Man Book One by Brian K. Vaughan

You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by JEN SINCERO

TALENT INDEX

JOE ABOUD

JoOE ABOUD, the visionary founder of 444 Sounds, is redefining the music industry with his bold, artist-first approach to storytelling and development. From elevating queer voices to crafting dynamic campaigns for stars like JORDY and Enrique Iglesias, Aboud opens up about building immersive worlds for artists, the power of authenticity, and what it takes to create lasting impact in music.

JAZZIE YOUNG

JAZZIE YOUNG is carving her own path in the indie music scene, blending confessional storytelling with lush, cinematic sounds that leave a lasting impact. From her haunting new single "Lux" to her deeply personal reflections on growth, love, and creativity, Jazzie invites listeners into a world where vulnerability becomes a powerful form of connection.

SAINT HEART

SAINT HEART is breaking boundaries with her fearless journey in music and film, from starring in over 20 films to releasing her empowering new single "GIRLS" that’s already turning heads. In this exclusive interview, she opens up about her bold career moves, embracing her LGBTQ+ identity, and her unstoppable drive to inspire the next generation.

ACHIENG AGUTU

ACHIENG AGUTU is redefining beauty and breaking boundaries as the first-ever bald, Kenyan Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie. In this exclusive interview, the confidence queen talks about shattering stereotypes, her upcoming confidence tour, and why being herself is her ultimate power move.

GABRIELLA PESSION

GABRIELA PESSION takes us behind the scenes of her captivating role in Peacock's Those About to Die, revealing the bold and complex woman she's waited years to portray. In this exclusive interview, she opens up about her love for travel, motherhood, and the powerful lessons she's learned from history and life on set—don’t miss it!

ARTS, CULTURE, SOCIETY

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MODEL MENTOR: MARINA ROMASHINA’S IMPACT ON THE NEXT GENERATION

Marina Romashina's journey from a Kate Moss-inspired model to an influential artist is nothing short of captivating. In our exclusive interview, she reveals the inspirations, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped her unique path in the vibrant world of Los Angeles.

KA'TEEN’S CULINARY PRIDE: A BRUNCH TO REMEMBER

Ka'teen and A BOOK OF Pride Brunch created an unforgettable celebration on June 9, 2024, combining exquisite Yucatan cuisine with vibrant sounds by Arno Diem amidst Hollywood's Pride Parade. Dive into the mouthwatering menu and festive atmosphere that made this event a highlight of Pride Month!

DEFYING DEFINITIONS: HENRY GOLDING’S PERSPECTIVE ON MIXED HERITAGE IN ACTING

Exclusive interview with actor HENRY GOLDING on Hollywood, acting, hsi Asian heritage and playing the character Freddy Alvarez in Guy Ritchie’s latest film, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

DRAG RACE PHILIPPINES’ PRECIOUS PAULA NICOLE AND HER PRICELESS MOMENTS

PRECIOUS PAULA NICOLE'S journey to being the first winner of Drag Race Philippines was not without challenges, although the adversities she faced proved to be very worthwhile

REVEALING RENDEZ-VOUS: CHALLENGING NORMS WITH SONIA SIEFF'S MALE MUSINGS

"Dive into the heart of SONIA SIEFF'S 'Rendez-vous!,' where each photograph is a revolutionary act of vulnerability, challenging perceptions of masculinity and art itself."

VIDEO ARCHIVES

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FILM: i (See) Red

FILM: AKER

Fashion film directed by Irvin Rivera starring model Aker

FILM: SOMEWHERE

Short fashion film by director Victoria Innocenzi and Cinematographer Sean Franklin Boyd

FILM: A WORLD ON FIRE

Short film by Victoria Innocenzi and Hunter Gulan for A BOOK OF

TV: UMBRELLA ACADEMY'S DAVID CASTAÑEDA ON ACTING, PLAYING DIEGO, AND MORE

Exclusive interview with THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY’s DAVID CASTAÑEDA

FLASHBACKS

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ROLLING LOUD CA 2025: A BIGGER, BOLDER, EXPERIENCE IN A SHORTER FORMAT

With a lineup this strong and a more accessible ticket price, Rolling Loud California 2025 is shaping up to be one of the best editions yet. Whether you’re a longtime attendee or a first-timer, this year’s festival promises an unbeatable mix of music, culture, and energy—proving once again why it remains one of my personal favorites.

OUR FAVORITE MOMENTS AT AUSTIN CITY LIMITS

The second weekend of the Austin City Limits Festival (ACL) has come to a close, leaving behind another epic chapter in the event’s legacy. Following an electrifying first weekend, music lovers were eager to return to Zilker Park, braving the relentless Texas heat once again for three more days of incredible performances, endless energy, and unforgettable moments.

DragCon LA 2024: Where Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve, and Talent Shine

RUPAUL'S DRAGCON 2024 dazzled Los Angeles with a two-day celebration of queerness, creativity, and community, featuring stunning performances and interactive events. From RuPaul's electrifying DJ set to exclusive live tapings and the iconic Queens Walk, this year's DragCon was an unforgettable extravaganza of drag culture.

EPIC EXPERIENCES AT ANIME EXPO 2024 : ODYSSEY FROM HOME TO CONVENTION

ANIME EXPO is the ultimate celebration of Japanese pop culture, where lifelong anime fans like myself gather to indulge in a weekend of excitement, discovery, and unforgettable experiences. Dive into my journey from watching anime on provincial TV to reveling in the vibrant, expansive world of Anime Expo!

JUST LIKE HEAVEN 2024 IS A COSMIC FUSION OF NOSTALGIA AND FRESH TUNES

Just Like Heaven 2024 brought together fans and artists for a nostalgic celebration of early 2000s indie rock at the picturesque Brookside at The Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Organized by Goldenvoice, the festival featured unforgettable performances from The Postal Service, Phoenix, Death Cab for Cutie, and more, blending past memories with present-day vibes.

BOOK REVIEWS

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Francesca Woodman: Portrait of a Reputation by Nora Burnett Abrams and Drew Sawyer

BETTY KUHNER: The American Family Portrait

RIHANNA BOOK

The Beautiful Flower is the World: Jerry Hsu's beautiful book of curated cellphone photos

Dear America, Notes of an Undocumented Citizen by JOSE ANTONIO VARGAS