YOUR CULTURE FIX

FROM A VIRTUAL LITERATURE FESTIVAL TO BOOK ADAPTATIONS GALORE, BRYONY FIRTH-BERNARD PICKS THIS MONTH’S HOTTEST ENTERTAINMENT

VIRTUAL FESTIVAL EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL

Attention literature lovers: one of the UK’S biggest book festivals is back. This time, though, it’s going virtual, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy it from the comfort of your sofa, bed, or wherever takes your fancy. With a lineup of more than 100 live and pre-recorded events from leading writers, novelists and poets, there’s sure to be something for everyone. The best bit of all? Each event is free. 15th to 31st August, edbookfest.co.uk

TV LOVECRAFT COUNTRY

Matt Ruff’s fantasy horror novel, which delves into racism during 1950s Jim Crow America, is being adapted for the small screen. Executive produced by Jordan Peele of Get Out fame, the 10-part drama series follows Atticus Freeman (Jonathan Majors), a young African American who embarks on a road trip across America with his uncle, George, and friend, Letitia, in search of his father who mysteriously went missing. On their journey, the trio will have to contend with both the racist terrors of white America and some pretty unsettling supernatural forces. Will Atticus find his dad? You’ll have to watch and see. From 17th August, Sky Atlantic

FILM HOW TO BUILD A GIRL

The highly anticipated film adaptation of Caitlin Moran’s bestselling novel of the same name has finally landed. Beanie Feldstein (Lady Bird, Booksmart) brings her magic touch to the character of Johanna Morrigan, a bright 16-year-old who dreams of leaving her working-class life far behind. So, she reinvents herself as Dolly Wilde, the ballsy rock critic who rains on the parade of British musicians. But is this the character she wanted to build? Hilarious, moving and tender, How to Build A Girl is bound to be the coming-of-age comedy of the summer. Out now, Amazon Prime

PODCAST SPINNING PLATES WITH SOPHIE ELLIS BEXTOR

She may be renowned for making people get up and dance with her hit tracks like Murder On The Dancefloor, but now Sophie Ellis-bextor is bringing us a weekly dose of career inspiration in her sparkling new podcast, Spinning Plates. Each episode, the mum-of-five talks to a different successful, high-profile woman who is experienced in the field of raising a family at the same time as building a career. We’ll get the lowdown on how they make it work, the challenges they face and what balance looks like to them. Guests include everyone from Fearne Cotton to Myleene Klass – and we’re all ears for their words of wisdom. Out now, Acast and all major podcast providers