From sci-fi worlds to aliens, from space opera to space settlement, browse all the sci-fi books recommended in Five Books interviews: buff.ly/3LtxeF2

Today July 17 is #GBMDay, recognising the devastating disease #glioblastoma. Treatments and outcomes have barely changed in 20 years. Let’s raise awareness and funds for research, clinical trials and support. I’ve tagged some of the many great brain tumour charities here.

Looking for gorgeous picture books to read with the children in your life this summer, or new novels to get your kids off screens? Our children’s editor recommends the best books for kids of 2024 so far: fivebooks.com/category/best-…

Just voted for the first time. The vote was to lift the two child benefit cap. Sadly, Labour voted to keep it in place. This is the best way to lift children out of poverty. I hope there will be a change of course by Labour. Liberal Democrats

Daughter was surprised that so many Labour MPs voted with the government. I explained about whips etc. She was not impressed by a system where MPs can’t vote with their conscience.

"You may have the universe, if I may have Italy" Italian journalist and author Alan Rhode recommends books to better understand Italian politics, history and the Italians: buff.ly/3LAjYyw

Did you know that we have a dedicated Children's Books Editor who searches out the most informative and engaging books for all ages? buff.ly/3WpnPDP

Dystopian novels recommended on Five Books: buff.ly/4frgkVu

Some notable nonfiction books that are out now and perfect for your summer reading: buff.ly/46BCaS2 Books by Wildfire Books, Catherine Fletcher, Roger Crowley, Yale University Press, Erik Larson, Gregory Makoff, Dr Tabitha Stanmore, Adam Higginbotham, The Bodley Head, William Collins Books, Georgetown University Press

Lovely afternoon at the Cogges Manor Farm Beer & Cider Festival! On a hot day, you really can’t beat being in a cool barn with a fine pint and some fantastic local music…

I had a fascinating couple of hours this afternoon with Prof Dieter Helm CBE and Peter Hammond of @windrushwasp discussing Thames Water, the need for DEFRA and Ofwat to put it into Special Administration ASAP and what happens next. Many thanks both. #sewage

RIP Steve Silberman (1957-2024). His thoughtfulness shines through in our 2016 interview with him on autism books: buff.ly/4g7xXda

JRR Tolkien died #OTD in 1973. His books have been recommended many times on the Five Books website: buff.ly/3XqftNU

There is a real need to improve how the UK Parliament is formed (and operates). Step one is here👇 youtu.be/Ulzu7WJ7hHY?si…

We were very sad to hear that mathematician Nick Higham died earlier this year. His interview, on applied mathematics, is one of our favourites on the site. He was always so generous in sharing his knowledge: buff.ly/3ANa9eG

Where's the inquiry which will allow this project to be properly examined? Thames Water 💧 already has £18bn in debt, is on the verge of bankruptcy and the government's solution is to tee it up for a new £1bn+ project? bbc.com/news/articles/…

Some of the best novels ever written are also available in beautiful editions. Here we've selected five of our favourites: buff.ly/3Tlgrsn Penguin Classics UK, Oxford Classics, Harper Muse Books, Union Square & Co., Vintage Books