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You might say, “Wait, how can any movie that has Natalie Portman fighting herself as a mirror alien have a book version that’s better?” I might respond, “Sounds like you haven’t read Jeff VanderMeer’s mind-bending Southern Reach Trilogy!” BookPeople’s reading group focused on bringing attention to literary materials mined for film adaptations turns their sights to this eco-sci-fi thriller this month: Do the descriptions of Area X outclass cinematic depiction? Do the frightening transformations by the all-women investigative crew give better goosebumps on the page or onscreen? One thing’s for ding-dang sure: You’ll have to crack open the book to be sure. – James Scott

Hurrah! It’s the only good thing about summer – sorry to summer-enjoyers – come back once more. Austin Public Library’s summer reading program runs from June 1 until Aug. 10 and challenges readers of all ages to get 20 minutes of reading done a day. They’ve also got activity badges you can earn – fun biz like using APL’s seed library, making a DIY nature journal, attending any of APL’s free events. Finish 10 reading hours and three activity badges to earn prizes like a free book (kids 0-17) or a camping mug (adults). But isn’t the real reward the great books you read along the way? – James Scott