Epoch Booklist: Recommended Reading for April 25–May 1
Non-Fiction
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By Jeffrey W. Barbeau
Theologian Jeffrey Barbeau examines connections linking C.S. Lewis to English Romantic literature and modern theology, all in the hope of gaining a better understanding of Lewis's views on the relationship between truth and personal experience. The result is an engaging journey ranging from British poets to Lewis's autobiographical writings. Impressive as well are the gracious critiques by three scholars of Barbeau's essays, which offer readers a shining example of academic civility at work.
IVP Academic, 2025, 176 pages
Science Fiction
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By John Scalzi
One fine day, the Moon turned into cheese. It happened overnight, perhaps instantaneously. All of a sudden the moon's diameter is 300 miles larger and its albedo higher. It's larger in the sky and bright enough to see during the day. This humorous science fiction novel follows the first lunar month after the Moon becomes effectively green (fresh) cheese. It tracks the madness and downright lunacy that results on Earth. A lighthearted, thought-provoking, and thoroughly entertaining book.
Tor Books, 2025, 336 pages
Ancient History
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By Josiah Osgood
One of today's leading scholars on Ancient Rome takes readers through the final years of the Roman Republic before it became the Roman Empire. In a brilliant narrative, Osgood uses a number of trials involving Marcus Tullius Cicero, as either prosecutor or defender. Written in chronological order, the parallels between Rome's political structure and Cicero's major career cases are striking. Witness, like never before, the rise and fall of some of ancient history's mightiest figures.
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Basic Books, 2025, 384 pages
Naval History
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By David R. Leick
USS Princeton, CVL-23, known to its crew as the 'Sweet P,' was one of nine World War II light aircraft carriers built on the hulls of ships originally designed as light cruisers. This book is a ship biography of the Princeton, telling the vessel's story from its inception to its loss at the Battle of Leyte. A standard, yet well-presented ship biography, it follows the pattern Edward P. Stafford set in his 1964 work 'The Big E.' This is a book for those interested in WWII-era naval history.
Osprey Publishing, 2024, 304 pages
Classics
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By Charles Dickens
Unlike many other novels, we don't read a Dickens novel; we live inside it, wrapped up in its descriptions and characters. So it is with this story, which is set primarily in London and revolutionary Paris. Released at last from a Paris prison, Dr. Manette joins his angelic daughter Lucie in England. The exiled aristocrat Charles Darnay and drunken lawyer Sydney Carton vie for her affections during this age of turmoil and cruelty. A grand novel of ideas, justice, and redemption.
Penguin Classics, 2003, 544 pages
For Kids
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By Patricia MacLachlan and Mike Wimmer
Every illustration in this book is a gorgeous work of art, but that doesn't overshadow the tender narrative. A young boy describes the cherished places and beloved people in his life. Poignant and delightful, this simple book is a treasure and a delight to read, celebrating the beauty of the natural world and the love of family. Exquisite.
HarperCollins, 1994, 32 pages
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Los Angeles Times
2 hours ago
- Los Angeles Times
‘And Just Like That' is finished. We discuss the good, the bad, the pie and the poop
'And Just Like That,' it's over. Earlier this month, showrunner Michael Patrick King informed the world that the long-awaited, highly anticipated and then almost universally hated sequel to HBO's groundbreaking series 'Sex and the City' would end. Mere weeks later, it did just that and rather abruptly, with two Thanksgiving-themed episodes, which felt a bit odd in these dog days of summer. But at least it allowed the writers to box up and tie off all the various storylines as if they were the medley of pies Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) picks up and delivers to all her friends during the show's finale. If you think those pies denote happiness, you would be right. The main feast at Miranda's (Cynthia Nixon) apartment falls far short of perfection — loads of no-shows, the appearance of chef Brady's (Niall Cunningham) passive-aggressive baby mama, an undercooked turkey and a toilet disaster — but in the end, every character is left wallowing in peace and satisfaction. Miranda lowers her defenses enough to tell Joy (Dolly Wells) that she is a recovering alcoholic, to which Joy responds with deep understanding. Prostate cancer survivor Harry (Evan Handler) becomes fully, er, functional again and in the afterglow, Charlotte (Kristin Davis) finally surrenders the girly expectations she once had for her nonbinary daughter Rock (Alexa Swinton). After fleeting concern that her crunchy gardener lover Adam (Logan Marshall-Green) doesn't believe in big weddings or even marriage, Seema (Sarita Choudhury) accepts that true, and committed, love comes in all shapes and sizes. As do Anthony (Mario Cantone) and Giuseppe (Sebastiano Pigazzi). Whether Lisa's (Nicole Ari Parker) renewed devotion to husband Herbert (Christopher Jackson) counts as a happy ending is open to debate, but at least he seems to be letting go of his 'humiliating' loss in the New York City comptroller race. As for Carrie, well, after her renewed romance with Aidan (John Corbett) became blighted by mistrust, she had a lovely brief affair with Duncan (Jonathan Cake), the British biographer living in the basement of her townhouse. But in the end, she decides, via the novel that served as this season's voice-over, that life in a fabulous Manhattan apartment with a closet that looks like it was shipped from 'The Devil Wears Prada' costume department and a group of fine faithful friends (including a cantankerous baker who allows her to order pies long past the pie-ordering deadline), does not require a man to be complete. Culture critic Mary McNamara, staff writer Yvonne Villarreal and television editor Maira Garcia compare notes on the end of one of the most discussed, if not beloved, reboots in television history. Mary McNamara: When I wrote about 'And Just Like That' a month ago, I expressed my hope that Season 3 would be the last, so I feel nothing but relief (though had I known the universe was in listening mode, I would have also mentioned wanting to win the lottery and a few other things). I am not worried, as others appear to be, about the legacy of 'Sex and the City,' which is all around us in series as disparate as 'Broad City,' 'Fleabag' and 'Insecure.' Nor do I think that the failure of 'And Just Like That' has anything to do with the current political climate or the rise of the trad wife or whatever hot takes seem handy. It was simply and consistently a very bad TV show. I tuned in initially because, like many, I was excited to see how these characters were coping with late middle-age life — by apparently not experiencing menopause for one thing (an early indication that female authenticity had fallen by the wayside) or developing any sort of interior life. Real crises — Carrie losing Big and 'dealing' with Aidan's troubled son, Miranda discovering her queerness and alcoholism, Charlotte struggling to cope with her daughter's gender fluidity and her husband's cancer — were treated performatively, as plot twists to underline, apparently, the resilience of each character and the core friendship. Not a bad objective, but the hurdles, which increasing felt like a whiteboard checklist (podcasts! pronouns! prostate cancer!), came and went so fast they quickly became laughable (and not in the comedic sense), culminating with Lisa's father dying twice. I kept watching, as many did, not because I loved hating it, but because there was a good show in there somewhere and I kept waiting for it to emerge. When it didn't — well, the Thanksgiving/pie finale was a bit much — I honestly didn't care how it ended, as long as it did. Maira Garcia: Mary, after you wrote your column, I decided to take a break from the show because it summarized some of my frustrations with the reboot that seemed to come to a head this season — Aidan's unrealistic expectations for his relationship with Carrie, the perfunctory way it addressed ADHD, the lack of rugs on Carrie's floors. Of course my break didn't last long because I caught up and now I'm here wondering what it was all about and what it could have been. While the line from King and Parker is that this season felt like a good place for the show to end, based on the number of developing storylines, like Brady becoming a father, I have a very hard time believing it. But the problem of how to fix this show was too big — it was better that they ended on this chapter (whether or not that decision was made by them). I think like many viewers, I just wanted to enjoy spending some time with these ladies again at a later stage in life after a couple of decades with them through reruns and the films. But this was something else and while the addition of new characters seemed well-intentioned, they either lacked dimension, meaty storylines or were plain annoying (ahem, Che) — except for Seema. I love Seema. Please get Sarita Choudhury a spinoff. Yvonne Villarreal: Uh, is it sad that I'm sad? I know, I know. But, look, I feel like the girl who cried 'Che?!' too many times and now it's real and it's like I've been mentally placed in that insane DIY mini foyer of Carrie's old apartment trying to emotionally find my way out. Like you, Mary, I've been frustrated endlessly by the series and have long felt like it needed to be put out of its misery, but I still dutifully watched every episode with a weird mix of enthusiasm and dread — and the community that grew (in my TikTok algorithm and in my group texts) from that shared experience was oddly one of the bright spots. So for HBO Max to call my bluff by actually ending it still feels like a breakup as flabbergasting — albeit, necessary — as Berger's Post-it note peace-out. I came in ready to approach this stage of my relationship to these characters the same way I approach the friendships I've maintained the longest — excited to catch up once our schedules aligned, trying to fill in the blanks from the long absence caused by life, but still recognizing the foundation of who they are and how they're choosing to navigate life's curveballs. But with each passing episode, it always seemed like I was at the wrong table, perplexed and trying not to be rude with all the 'But why?' questions. Miranda's quote from this week's finale, as she took in the most bizarre Thanksgiving dinner television has ever put onscreen, felt like the epilogue to my experience watching it all: 'I'm not sure exactly what's happening now, but let's all take a breath.' I will mourn the potential of what this series could have been. Like Carrie's playful tiptoe stride through the streets in heels, the show pranced around topics that, had it walked through them with intention, would have given the series traces of its former self. That friend moment between Seema and Carrie outside the hair salon in Season 2 — where the former is reluctantly but bravely expressing that she feels like she's being dropped now that Aidan is back in the picture — was such a genuine peek at the vulnerability between friends that so many of us valued from the original series. And that moment from this week's finale, where the women are gathered at a bridal runway show, sharing their varying feelings on marriage at this stage in their life — I just wanted to shout, 'MICHAEL PATRICK KING, this is what I wanted more of!' Though, I would have preferred if they were around a table, looking at each other as they shared and unpacked. I wanted an extended scene of that, not Carrie ordering pies! I don't like to be teased with goodness. And that's how it often felt. Also, I know it's a comedy, although the decision to lean into the sitcom style of humor remains perplexing (Harry and Charlotte, I'm looking at you), but I felt like there was a way to explore grief — the death of Mr. Big and Stanford, plus the strain on the group's friendship with Samantha — in a way that felt truer to the characters and the style of the show. Heck, even Miranda's drinking problem was squandered. I feel like the loss of a spouse (through death, divorce or emotional distance), the fading out of friendships and reconsideration of lifestyle habits are the most talked-about topics in my friend group at this stage in my life — sometimes the convos happen while we're huddled around a Chili's triple dipper, which is as bleak and real as it gets. And I'm sorry, but if I were to use one of those outings, when I'm in my mid-50s, to tell them an ex wants me to wait five years while he focuses on being a toxic parent before we can really be together, they'd slap me with a fried mozzarella stick — I will never forgive the writers for how lobotomized these characters feel. Mary and Maira, how did you feel about how the show handled its biggest absences? The show began in such a different place than where it ends — did it evolve in the right direction? Where did it go right for you? McNamara: Oh Yvonne, you are so much kinder than I am. I never felt it was going right — the writers seemed so determined to prove that women in their 50s aren't boring that they constantly forced them into all manner of absurd situations without much thought for what kind of actual women these characters might have become. Age was represented mostly by bizarre, grannified reactions to younger folk and their strange ways (up until the finale, which gave us that baby mama and her buddy Epcot), as if the women (and the writers) had been kept in a shoe box for 20 years. Looking back, the lack of Samantha, and Cattrall, feels like a deal-breaker. For all her campy affectations, Samantha was always the most grounded of the characters, able to cut to the heart of things with a witty line, biting comment or just a simple truth. Seema, and Choudhury, did her best to fill that void, but she never got quite enough room to work — her relationship was almost exclusively with Carrie for one thing and Carrie was, even more than in 'Sex and the City,' the driving force of the show. I agree that grief was given very short shrift, and the fact that no one seemed to miss Samantha very much, or be in touch with her at all (beyond the few exchanges with Carrie) was both bizarre and a shame — coping with the loss of a dear friend, through misunderstanding or distance, is a rich topic and one that many people deal with. As for the resurrection of Aidan, well, who thought that was going to work? Especially when it became clear that the writers thought it made perfect sense to keep Carrie and Aidan's children separate — so unbelievable, and demeaning to both characters. Carrie's final 'revelation' that a woman doesn't need a man to be happy would have had a much more meaningful resonance if Carrie had been allowed to explore her grief, fear, frustration and hope beyond a few platitude-laden conversations and that god-awful novel. Which, quite honestly, was the funniest thing about this season. When her agent went bananas over it, I literally walked out of the room. Garcia: Samantha, and Cattrall in turn, were sorely missed. And you're right, Mary, Seema filled some of that void, and you really need that connection across the different characters. Which leads me to my biggest gripe: Why did some characters feel so distant? Lisa's storyline this season was so disconnected from the rest — it seemed like she was with the core group only in passing. And it happened with Nya (Karen Pittman), who disappeared after Season 2, though that had to do with scheduling conflicts. As far as its evolution, I was glad to see the podcast group, with its overbearing members, whittled away — though we had to deal with Che for another season. Those overbearing characters kept getting replaced with other overbearing characters like Giuseppe's mother, played by Patti LuPone, and Brady's baby mama and her odd pals (if the writers were trying to get us to scratch our heads at Gen Z, they did it). While I'll miss being able to turn my brain off for an hour each week, along with the occasional shouts at my TV over some silly line or moment, I can't say I was satisfied in the end. At least when someone said or did something stupid in previous iterations of the show, it was acknowledged in a way that felt true the characters and there was some growth expressed. After the return of Aidan, I can't say that's true here. But now that we're at the end, I have to ask you both how this affects the SATC universe? Did this disrupt the canon? Was there something memorable you'll take away at least? A character, a moment, a ridiculously oversized piece of jewelry, hat or bag? Villarreal: Oh geez. There's no question — for me, at least — where this sequel falls in the SATC universe. The original series, even with its moments that didn't stand the test of time, will always be supreme; the first movie, while hardly perfect, gave us some memorable BFF moments — like Charlotte giving Big eye daggers after he left Carrie at the altar or Samantha feeding a heartbroken Carrie — that keep it in my rewatch rotation. I'd place 'And Just Like That …' after that, with the Abu Dhabi getaway movie dead last. What will I miss? For sure the fashion moments, especially the ones that broke my brain, like Carrie's Michelin Man snowstorm getup or her recent gingham headwear disaster that my former colleague Meredith Blake described as Strawberry Shortcake … and don't get me started on Lisa's jumbo balls of twine necklace. I'm curious, Mary, as someone who has watched your share of series finales, how you felt about this conclusion and whether it served that mission. This season had episodes that felt like wasted filler and didn't do much to move the plot forward. Last week's penultimate episode is what convinced me the wrapping up of this series was not planned. It was 28 minutes of huh? And what about Carrie's book? I would add it to my Kindle just out of curiosity. While I maybe would have seen all that's transpired as an opportunity for Carrie to write a memoir on love and loss à la Carole Radziwill, I did get a kick out of the excerpts from Carrie's take on a 19th century woman having an existential crisis. And look, maybe I'm schmaltzy, but I did sort of love the last line she tacked on in her epilogue: 'The woman realized, she was not alone — she was on her own.' Mary, are you judging me right now? I promise I didn't dance to Barry White's 'You're the First, the Last, My Everything' through the halls of my apartment after watching. But I would have loved more exploration of that thread sooner — I mean, aren't there studies about women being happier, or at least less stressed, later in life once their spouse dies? I believe it! It doesn't mean you can't have companionship in other ways. Anyway, what's the takeaway from what happened with this show? Hollywood isn't going to stop trying to find new life in established properties. So, what can be learned from what went wrong here? McNamara: Yvonne! I would never judge you! And the world would be a far better place if everyone danced around their domiciles more often. I think Carrie realizing that her life is full and happy without a partner is actually a perfect way to end this series. (She will certainly never want for romance — So. Much. Tulle.) I just wish it had felt less rushed and did not involve a weird giant plushie at a robot restaurant. Whatever sequence of events led to the final scene, I have to believe that was going to be Carrie's journey all along. I even liked the debate over the ending of her book — if only the book had not been so terrible! I will certainly miss marveling at Parker's Olympics-worthy ability to navigate nearly any surface in heels (and 'sell' outfits that seem more like Halloween costumes than style) as well as those rare conversations, like the one at the bridal show, that allowed a situation to be viewed from multiple points of view. As for the finale, it felt very much in keeping with the intention, if not the overall execution, of the series. I am not cold-hearted enough to want any of these characters to depart mid-crisis or accept less than a happy life. Sure, it was a bit pat, with everyone's story neatly boxed up like a Thanksgiving pie. But who doesn't like pie? Garcia: I love pie! But let's not forget, like the toilet that overflowed (with a few logs, to boot) in the final scenes, too much of something isn't always what we need. Villarreal: Is this a safe space to share that if the girls make up with Samantha/Cattrall in their 70s, I'll be ready for their return to my screen? Sorry, not sorry — I don't have time to set healthy boundaries with friendships that are no longer serving me.
Chicago Tribune
4 hours ago
- Chicago Tribune
Daily Horoscope for August 15, 2025
General Daily Insight for August 15, 2025 We may finally be ready to relax and let blessings flow our way. Perhaps good fortune is more about mindset than anything else! There's no need to overthink things as the nourishing Moon in sensual Taurus sextiles abundant Jupiter, and then, at 4:16 pm EDT, pleasure planet Venus. We should be able to trust what naturally feels comfortable. This effort might be focused on our personal lives rather than the larger world, but taking care of ourselves can ultimately strengthen us to address other issues. Aries March 21 – April 19 Making a fulfilling purchase is now possible. As the impulsive Moon in your materialistic 2nd house checks in with lavish Jupiter in your domestic zone, the item you're considering might cost more than you would normally spend. On the other hand, that's probably not the only factor worth evaluating. Higher quality may be enough of an advantage to justify a greater expense. No matter what you eventually decide to do, think of the long term, not just what seems convenient in this moment. Taurus April 20 – May 20 Your cheerful vibe has the potential to spread at present. As the nurturing Moon in your sign supports friendly Venus and confident Jupiter, with both planets in your 3rd House of Communication, you're likely to share your genuinely upbeat mood with the people around you. When you feel basically good about yourself, it's usually easier to have positive interactions with others. However, the feedback loop might go the other way, too — kind words from a companion can boost your confidence! Gemini May 21 – June 20 Finally doing something about a secret fantasy is an option. When the hungry Moon in your private 12th house notices fortunate Venus in your money zone, you might realize that you're able to afford a pleasure you'd assumed was out of your reach. This could shift your attitude toward the situation. You're not required to act on your desire just because you can, but knowing it's on the table should give you room to think through the rest of the pros and cons! Cancer June 21 – July 22 Helping a friend in need could feel unusually urgent. As the vulnerable Moon in your 11th House of Community dialogues with benevolent Jupiter in your sign, you're in a position to genuinely do some good. That being said, you'll have to be careful to stay attuned to the recipient of your care. It's easy to drift into feeding your ego by doing what makes you feel powerful or needed. Do what the situation truly calls for, but don't go beyond that! Leo July 23 – August 22 Bringing a private dream into the world could be worth the trouble today. As the vital Moon in your public 10th house nudges extravagant Jupiter in your 12th House of Secrets, you've probably been chewing on this thought long enough that you've developed a solid, coherent idea to offer. Perhaps your brainstorm isn't quite perfect yet, but you may need an outside perspective to help you see what's missing. Any feedback you're now receiving should be useful for shaping your next steps. Virgo August 23 – September 22 A vote of confidence from your friends could give you perspective on an adventure you're currently considering. While the fluctuating Moon in your expansive 9th house interacts with bombastic Jupiter in your social sector, you might be wavering on whether to pursue an opportunity before you. You may clearly see the disruption it would cause to your routines. Keep in mind that someone not locked into your web of responsibilities is likely to see the bigger picture — a little inconvenience is potentially worth it! Libra September 23 – October 22 You have room to go for a big goal at this time, but you don't have to go it alone. While the caring Moon in your 8th House of Shared Resources encourages optimistic Jupiter in your ambitious 10th house, picking the right collaborator can assist you in bringing a plan that's a bit of a reach to fruition. You still may be the person who is publicly seen as the face of this effort, but that might work well for everyone involved! Scorpio October 23 – November 21 Letting someone else lead you on an adventure you wouldn't have picked when left to your own devices could be a wise move today. While the spontaneous Moon in your 7th House of Relationships stimulates social Venus in your travel sector, you're likely to have plenty of fun. Although your companion might be very different from you on the surface, they potentially reflect a side of you that doesn't get to come out very often. This person is probably in your life for a reason! Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 Your efforts are likely to pay off today. As the devoted Moon in your responsible 6th house engages with helpful Venus in your sharing sector, someone else may notice that you're doing a great job attending to your duties. When they need a collaborator for a project of theirs, that could put you at the top of their list! The point isn't for this person to take advantage of you, though — whatever arrangement you agree to should be good for both of you. Capricorn December 22 – January 19 Opening up to a loved one could be rewarding today. While the candid Moon in your self-expression sector collaborates with cheerleader Venus in your relationship zone, you're likely to receive a supportive reaction in response to whatever you share. This doesn't have to be heavy news, though — maybe the current issue is that you're a little self-conscious concerning your playful side! It's fine for you to contain multitudes, so don't worry about this interfering with your ability to get things done when needed. Aquarius January 20 – February 18 Relaxing your approach to your responsibilities could be necessary right now. When the sensitive Moon in your 4th House of Nurturing reins in exuberant Jupiter in your productivity zone, you might have to be honest with yourself about your need for a break. Is anything truly bad likely to happen if you let most of the stuff on your to-do list sit for an extra day? In fact, you may eventually return to it with a clearer mindset after some time off! Pisces February 19 – March 20 You can probably get away with having more fun than usual in your conversations today. Of course, you'll have to read the room to know what's welcome. Thankfully, as the observant Moon in your communication sector keeps in touch with carefree Venus in your playful 5th house, it's probably safe to trust your perception that the people around you are ready for a little levity. Even if something difficult is going on, a hearty laugh could restore everyone's energy to keep pushing forward!
San Francisco Chronicle
4 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
'The Traitors' is opening its doors to everyday people. Here's how you can join the TV competition
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The U.S. version of ' The Traitors ' has brought a group of public figures to a castle in the Scottish Highlands for a game of deceit, with hundreds of thousands of dollars up for grabs. Now, the Emmy award-winning competition will open its doors to everyday people. NBC is now casting for a civilian version of the popular Peacock series, the network announced Thursday. The competition reality series, an American spin-off to its British counterpart, had only cast celebrities for its first three seasons, the last of which aired early this year. The new version will bring a group of everyday people together to play what the host, Alan Cumming, called his 'treacherous game' in a video announcing the public casting. Cumming is set to host the new version as well, with production for the show starting in 2026, according to the network. Those who are interested in participating can apply now on the show's website. The fourth season of the celebrity version is set to launch next year, and a fifth season has already been confirmed. The star-studded cast for season 4, announced in June, includes reality stars from 'Love Island,' 'Big Brother' and 'Survivor.' 'We're thrilled to be working with NBC to open up the experience to a new group of civilian players, whose stories and strategies will make the gameplay even more unpredictable – and, we hope, even more addictive for viewers,' Stephen Lambert, CEO of Studio Lambert, the producers of both the Peacock and NBC versions, said in a statement. The show features a group of contestants who participate in a murder mystery game similar to Clue or Mafia. A subset of the cast are secretly labeled as traitors and must work together to eliminate the other contestants, who are considered faithfuls. On the line is a prize fund worth up to $250,000. If the faithful manage to eliminate all the traitors, then they share the money. But, if a traitor makes it to the end, they take it all. The British version uses the same location and has used civilian contestants from the start. Casting everyday people will allow complete strangers to meet for the first time, a 'unique opportunity' that 'will be an incredible watch,' said Sharon Vuong, the executive vice president of unscripted programming at NBCUniversal Entertainment. "This new version for NBC offers a unique opportunity for the cast and audience to meet each other for the first time and we know it will be incredible to watch,' Vuong said in a statement. The psychological adventure has found reality TV gold, and its third season premiered as the No. 1 unscripted series in the U.S., according to a release by NBC. The show also recently received five Emmy nominations for season three and previously took home two of the awards for season two.
