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Authors and Readers Share Their Favorite Reads of May In a recent article, The Guardian shared recommendations from writers and readers on the books they enjoyed in May. The list includes a diverse range of titles that have captured the hearts of readers. Recommendations from Madeleine Thien Madeleine Thien, author of 'The Book of Records', shared her favorite reads, including: Dorothy Tse's 'City Like Water', a novel translated from Chinese by Natascha Bruce Karen Hao's 'Empire of AI' Hsiao-Hung Pai's 'Scattered Sand: The Story of China's Rural Migrants' Hannah Lillith Assadi's 'Paradiso 17' Michael Ondaatje's selected poems, 'The Distance of a Shout' Stephen's Recommendation Stephen, a Guardian reader, recommended: Francis Spufford's 'Nonesuch', a mystical and captivating read set in early wartime London Sufiyaan Salam's Recommendations Sufiyaan Salam, author, shared his favorite reads, including: Monika Radojevic's 'Strangerland', a story about immigrant parents' love story in pre-smartphone London Alan Moore's 'From Hell', a graphic novel weaving together London's past, present, and future The Oxford Shakespeare, for its insight into the playwright's life and times Sue's Recommendation Sue, a Guardian reader, recommended: Lisa Ridzén's 'When the Cranes Fly South', a moving story about love, friendship, and the end of life

Russell's Confidence Amidst Championship Battle George Russell remains confident in his world championship ambitions despite taking a serious blow with a mechanical failure at the last round in Canada. In Monaco, the British driver insisted that he felt no pressure, with the Formula One title his rival and teammate Kimi Antonelli's to lose. The Event Details Russell suffered a battery failure while leading in Montreal, after taking pole position and having enjoyed a hard-fought contest for the race lead that ebbed and flowed with his teammate. With Antonelli going on to win, he extended his lead in the world championship to 43 points. The 19-year-old Italian has now won four races in a row to establish a strong advantage, although 17 rounds remain including this weekend's meeting in Monaco. The Mental Approach Russell had been the pre-season favourite but, after winning the opening round in Australia, he has been surpassed by Antonelli, who is in only his second season in F1. The British driver has endured something of a run of bad luck: alongside the failure in Canada he had two technical problems in qualifying in China that were costly as Antonelli took pole and the win. The Impact Analysis However, the 28-year-old was calm and assured in Monaco as he insisted he would not change his approach as he attempts to chase down Antonelli. 'I don't think I've got anything to lose, really. I feel I'm still going with that same mindset, that if I look at it from my competitor's [Antonelli's] position, you're kind of in a position now that you've got such a buffer, it feels like you can only keep it, or you can only lose it. I think it's his to lose.' The Prediction Russell maintained he was unaffected by the setback in Canada, which was beyond his control. 'My mindset is enjoy every single race, try and win every single race, the same as I've done this whole season. I'm going to fight the same. I'm not going to change my mentality at all, nor am I going to let this put any more pressure on to me.'

The Final Bow for Football's GreatestThe FIFA World Cup 2026 could be the final act for some of football's finest talents. Although some of this tournament's players will set a men's football record by appearing in their sixth World Cup, age is catching up, and other players have struggled with injuries.Cristiano Ronaldo - Portugal's Ageless WonderAlthough fitness has been one of Ronaldo's biggest strengths during his illustrious career, at 41, the Portugal forward knows his playing days are numbered. Numbers have always been on the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward's side, though, and he fired in 30 in 37 matches for Al-Nassr this season, while his tally for Portugal currently sits at 143 goals.The second-oldest player at this year's tournament, only behind Scotland's 43-year-old Craig Gordon, Ronaldo heads to his record sixth World Cup, well aware it could be his final chance to lift the coveted golden trophy: the only one missing from his glittering cabinet.Lionel Messi - Argentina's Final ChapterLike Ronaldo, Messi is also off to his record sixth finals appearance, one where he will lead Argentina's defense of the title they won in Qatar four years ago. Argentina's all-time leading scorer and appearance holder, Messi, has struggled with injury in the build-up to the tournament, raising doubts about whether he will feature in each game and if his body can keep up with the gruelling demands of an expanded World Cup.The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's impact and talent, however, are such that, even at 38, he remains the heartbeat of the football-crazy South American nation.Luka Modric - Croatia's Midfield MaestroAfter playing a key role in Croatia's run to the 2018 final and a third-place finish in 2022, Modric is ready for his fifth and final appearance at the World Cup. As the 40-year-old heads to the tournament after undergoing cheekbone surgery, the veteran knows the team still relies heavily on him for his playmaking prowess.The ageing midfielder, also the Balkan nation's captain, still enjoys a hero's status within a side that has often defied expectations on the global stage. Enjoy his magic in midfield before he bows out.Neymar Jr - Brazil's Comeback KingAt 34, Brazil's all-time leading scorer Neymar is much younger than Messi or Ronaldo, but unlike the two greats of the game, his place in the national team is not guaranteed. Neymar's comeback in the Brazil squad after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus electrified football fandom, and only time will tell whether it was a gamble or a tactical masterclass by coach Carlo Ancelotti.With a history of fitness issues, a series of injuries and mounting age (he would be 38 by the 2030 World Cup), what looks more certain is that this could be Neymar's fourth and final act at the tournament.Manuel Neuer - Germany's Goalkeeping LegendSuch is the "aura" of Neuer, as coach Julian Nagelsmann said last month, that the 40-year-old came out of retirement to be named Germany's first-choice goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup. Back in the squad after nearly two years, fans will have a final chance to see him at the World Cup.Widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers, Neuer has played at four World Cups, most notably having a key role in Germany's 2014 World Cup triumph on Brazilian soil.Mohamed Salah - Egypt's African StarArguably Africa's greatest player of all time, Salah became a global superstar on the back of his success at Liverpool, where he won nine trophies. At 33, and no longer at the peak of his powers, this could be the forward's second, and possibly final, World Cup.An underwhelming season and his subsequent departure from Liverpool may have tempered expectations. Yet Egyptians continue to place their faith in their beloved number 10, hoping he can inspire the nation and help deliver something it has never experienced before: the joy of celebrating a World Cup victory.Kevin de Bruyne - Belgium's Playmaking EngineA big part of Belgium's "golden generation" between 2014 and 2022, playmaker De Bruyne continues to flourish in his duties for club and country. Age, however, is starting to catch up with the playmaker, who turns 35 later this month.The Napoli midfielder's performance is central to Belgium's odds of a deep run at the 2026 World Cup, and he will be eager to drive them to a memorable finish in what will be his fourth and presumably final appearance at the tournament.Virgil van Dijk - Netherlands' Defensive LeaderExperienced centre-back van Dijk is not quite the force he was a few years ago, when he won the Champions League and Premier League in back-to-back seasons with Liverpool. The Netherlands captain turns 35 next month, and the Dutch could move on with a younger defensive core by the time the 2030 edition comes around.After reaching the 2022 World Cup quarterfinals and Euro 2024 semifinals, van Dijk will hope to take the team one step further in what will be his third finals.Sadio Mane - Senegal's Inspirational CaptainWidely regarded as one of the world's best wingers, Mane heads to the World Cup seeking to make up for the disappointing leg injury that denied him a shot at Qatar 2022. At 34, the Senegal international is far from the peak of his career, which saw him enjoy trophy-laden spells at Liverpool and Bayern Munich.Despite his mounting age, Mane remains the team's source of inspiration and creativity, and he was an integral part of the side that beat Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final – only for the result to be overturned due to Senegal's mid-game protest.Mane will feature in his third, and likely final, World Cup, given that the Teranga Lion has said the last AFCON was his last, although the coaching team have said they have not given up on changing his mind.Guillermo Ochoa - Mexico's Record-Setting GoalkeeperPart of an esteemed group which includes Messi and Ronaldo, Ochoa is also set to play at a record sixth World Cup. The goalkeeper, who will turn 41 next month, had not been part of the national squad in recent years, but was picked for the tournament, which is being co-hosted by his country, Mexico.Known for being a formidable figure in Mexico's previous World Cup campaigns, Ochoa will retire at the end of the team's run at the tournament.The FIFA World Cup begins on June 11. You can follow the action on Al Jazeera's dedicated World Cup 2026 page with all the latest news, match build-up and live text commentary, and keep up to date with group standings, real-time match results and schedules.

Lead: A veteran actor opens up about the magic behind the magicMark Williams reflects on the highs and lows of shooting the Harry Potter series, highlighting long hours, cherished camaraderie, and the unexpected joy of leafing through a tractor‑sales magazine with Robbie Coltrane. Backstage banter and unexpected reading materialWilliams describes the set as a hub of storytelling: Michael Gambon – “the king of stories”, whose jokes evolved backstage. Richard Griffiths – a “great raconteur” with unpublishable anecdotes. Robbie Coltrane – shared a quirky habit of browsing Plant Trader, a magazine for cranes and tractors. He also recalls a humorous encounter with Maggie Smith at a premiere and the surreal moment of recognizing an accountant among extras on the Ministry of Magic set. Data Analysis: Numbers are scarce, but anecdotal richness is abundantThe interview contains no financial or viewership figures; its value lies in qualitative insights that illuminate the collaborative spirit of the franchise. Impact Analysis: Why these behind‑the‑scenes stories matterWilliams' recollections reinforce the cultural mythos of Harry Potter by humanising its stars and showcasing the informal bonds that shaped the films. Such anecdotes fuel fan engagement, inspire retrospective documentaries, and sustain interest in related attractions like the studio tour’s new “Fluffy’s paw” animatronic. Future outlook: From wizarding worlds to maritime heritageLooking ahead, Williams expresses interest in presenting a series on Britain’s maritime history, exploring ports such as Chatham and Hartlepool. He also hints at potential collaborations with costume designers and a continued presence in British TV, leveraging his “Fast Show” legacy while embracing new storytelling formats.

Iran's football team is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup while the nation remains embroiled in an active conflict with the United States and Israel, a scenario unprecedented in tournament history.Iran's World Cup Campaign Amid Ongoing US‑Israel ConflictThe war between Iran and the US‑Israel coalition began on 28 February 2026 and a tentative cease‑fire has been in place since 8 April 2026. Despite the uneasy pause, sporadic flare‑ups keep the end of hostilities uncertain, casting a shadow over Iran’s participation in a tournament hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.Logistical Hurdles and Visa DelaysTeam preparations have been disrupted by a series of practical obstacles:More than two weeks of training in Antalya, Turkiye, with occasional trips to Ankara for US‑embassy visa applications.Visa approvals finally obtained from the Mexican embassy in Ankara, allowing travel to Mexico this weekend.Training base shifted from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, after US‑entry permit issues.First two group matches scheduled near Los Angeles, a city with a large Iranian diaspora.These logistical setbacks have forced the squad to adapt quickly while maintaining focus on on‑field performance.Psychological Impact on Players and Fan ExpectationsMidfielder Saeid Ezatolahi (29) acknowledged the mental strain: “It is not easy… the political situation can affect the mind of the players.” He added that the large Iranian community in Los Angeles will bring heightened pressure, but also motivation to “make them proud.”Young forward Mohammad Ghorbani (24) echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the team’s role in bringing joy to a nation “going through a lot of difficulties.” The dual burden of representing a war‑torn country and meeting diaspora expectations creates a unique psychological landscape for the squad.Future Outlook: Performance and Regional RepercussionsIran is placed in Group G with New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt. The team’s first match against New Zealand is set for 14 June 2026 at the Los Angeles Rams’ stadium in Inglewood, followed by Belgium on 21 June and Egypt on 26 June in Seattle.Success on the pitch could serve as a symbolic rallying point for Iranians at home and abroad, while continued conflict may amplify scrutiny on the nation’s diplomatic stance. Observers will watch whether the squad can translate resilience off the field into competitive results, potentially reshaping perceptions of Iranian sport amid geopolitical tension.

The Growing Nature Divide in EnglandA new report commissioned by wildlife and environmental NGOs reveals that proposed changes to England's planning laws will further deprive the country's poorest communities of access to green spaces and biodiversity. The findings highlight how exemptions to biodiversity net gain rules will disproportionately affect areas already suffering from "nature poverty," with over 7.4 million people, including 1.4 million children under 15, living in areas completely devoid of immediate biodiversity.Loopholes in Biodiversity ProtectionBiodiversity net gain rules, introduced in 2024, mandated that most new developments in England deliver at least a 10% increase in biodiversity value. This policy was considered world-leading and was referenced at international climate talks. However, the Labour government has introduced exemptions for housebuilders after lobbying from the sector, including exemptions for sites of 0.2 hectares and under, and a proposed exemption for brownfield sites up to 2.5 hectares.The Economic Impact of Green Space LossThe report quantifies the potential biodiversity loss from the small sites exemption alone, estimating it could mean the loss equivalent to nearly 11,000 mature trees or 400 football pitches of wildflower meadow over one year. In the most deprived areas, four in five (82%) planning applications are for small sites under 0.2 hectares, making these communities particularly vulnerable to the exemptions.Environmental Inequality Across EnglandThe research reveals stark disparities in access to nature across different socioeconomic groups. In the most deprived 20% of neighborhoods, almost a third of people have highly restricted biodiversity access – nearly three times the rate of the most affluent communities. Four times as many potential brownfield homes are concentrated in the poorest fifth of England's population compared with the richest fifth.London's Extreme Nature DivideIn London, Croydon shows the most extreme inequality in access to nature, with its most affluent neighborhoods enjoying 73% biodiversity access against just 24% in the most deprived – a 49-percentage-point gap within a single local authority. This pattern of environmental inequality is not driven by rural-urban divides but by extreme disparities within towns and cities.Future of Environmental Protection in EnglandThe coalition of charities is calling for the brownfield site exemption to be scrapped and for the government to enact a legally binding five-year policy lock-in to protect biodiversity net gain from further detrimental changes. Environmental experts warn that weakening these rules not only harms the environment but also undermines the government's own housing ambition of providing safe and decent homes for all, as nature-integrated development reduces flood risks and brings positive health outcomes.

The Hollywood Critique from a Master Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino has launched a scathing attack on contemporary Hollywood, describing it as "a flavourless sausage factory" in a recent article for Sight and Sound magazine. The renowned director, famous for films like Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill, expressed his disillusionment with modern cinema, stating that since the pandemic, he finds it almost impossible to enjoy new releases. A Director's Disillusionment with Modern Cinema In his candid assessment, Tarantino noted that "flaws, implausibilities, audience pandering, miscast performers or just plain stupid shit usually torpedoes every new movie coming out of the flavourless sausage factory that used to call itself Hollywood." He contrasted this with his experience of 1980s cinema, which he found forgivable because he "loved going to the movies," whereas today's films "inspire contempt in me than generosity." The Rare Exceptions in Contemporary Film Despite his harsh criticism, Tarantino did acknowledge a few recent films he enjoyed. He highlighted Joe Carnahan's "The Rip" (currently on Netflix), Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story," and Kevin Costner's "Horizon: An American Saga" Chapters 1 and 2 as examples of cinema that still holds his interest. However, he lamented that he has seen "nothing that really held me in its grip and swept me away to the magical land of enjoyment that I used to visit regularly." The Industry Implications of Tarantino's Critique Tarantino's criticism carries significant weight in the film industry, given his status as an acclaimed director whose films have grossed over $2.5 billion worldwide. His comments reflect growing concerns about formulaic storytelling, risk-averse production, and the prioritization of franchise films over original content in contemporary Hollywood. The director's preference for books over modern movies suggests a deeper cultural shift in how audiences are engaging with storytelling mediums. Tarantino's Future Projects and Hollywood Legacy While expressing disillusionment with current Hollywood output, Tarantino remains active in the entertainment industry. He is currently developing "The Popinjay Cavalier," a "swashbuckling" play scheduled to open in London's West End in 2027. His most recent film release was the 2019 hit "Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood," and a follow-up directed by David Fincher is currently in production. Notably, Tarantino scrapped plans for his supposed final film, "The Movie Critic," in 2024, leaving his legacy as a filmmaker still evolving.

The Bantersphere: A Football Final's Wider Reaction The world of football is abuzz with opinions, and the Champions League final between Arsenal and PSG was no exception. The match sparked a heated debate about Arsenal's approach, with some hailing it as a masterstroke and others criticizing it as overly cautious. Arsenal's Approach: A Tactical Masterstroke? Mikel Arteta's decision to defend after taking the lead was seen as a sensible move, given PSG's attacking prowess. However, this approach was not without risks, and PSG came close to scoring on several occasions. The article argues that Arsenal's strategy was not about playing it safe, but about adapting to the game's circumstances. The Data Analysis: A Close Match Arsenal took the lead after just six minutes, with Kai Havertz scoring against Matvey Safonov. PSG equalized, and the match went into extra time and eventually penalties. PSG's project and team quality ultimately made the difference. The Impact Analysis: A Divided Fandom The article highlights how football fans have different opinions and expectations from matches. Some fans enjoyed the tactical battle, while others craved a more attacking display. This diversity of opinions is what makes the 'bantersphere' so lively, with fans engaging in debates and discussions on social media and beyond. The Prediction: More of the Same The article concludes that the 'bantersphere' will continue to thrive, with fans passionately expressing their views on social media and in discussions. As the World Cup approaches, fans will likely be eager to share their opinions on England's chances and the tactics employed by Thomas Tuchel.

A Radical Vision for Global JusticeImagine a future in which everyone enjoys high levels of wellbeing; where 90% of the world's population doubles their income but works half the hours we work today. A world in which the bottom half of humanity sees its share of global wealth rise from just 2% today to 30%; a world where we consume enough, but nobody over-consumes. And imagine achieving this on a planet that can comfortably sustain human life without its climate breaking down.Against the bleak techno-authoritarian futures now being sold to us, a radical new vision for global progress in the 21st century feels urgently needed. The most credible vision is one in which the habitability of the planet is a precondition for human development and equality.Our new report examines the conditions required for the world to progress towards this ambition on an economically and ecologically compatible path, by the end of the century. Its conclusion? A global transformation that reconciles planetary habitability and high standards of wellbeing for all is possible – as long as three conditions are simultaneously met.The Three Pillars of Sustainable TransformationFast decarbonisation of energy systems is necessary. But we also need a major shift away from overconsumption towards "sufficiency." This would involve a sharp reduction in labour hours and the use of raw materials, along with big changes in consumption patterns, food habits, land use and forest cover. Financing and politically sustaining decarbonisation and sufficiency will require a drastic reduction in inequality of income, wealth and power, between countries and within them.The Global Justice Report is the first attempt to propose a fully quantified plan for this transition. It combines four dimensions that today's debates often treat separately: redistribution at the world scale; a deep reform of the international financial and economic order; a radical transformation of energy systems; and substantial shifts in consumption patterns. Compared with most climate scenarios (including those of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), the main novelty is that we model all four dimensions together – and place inequality and sufficiency at the centre of the analysis.The Economic Transformation: Convergence and ProsperityWhat would this transition deliver? At its heart is convergence between countries. Average per capita national income, today separated by a 16-fold gap between the poorest (€290 a month in sub-Saharan Africa) and richest (€4,590 in North America/Oceania) regions of the world, would rise towards a common level of about €5,000 a month in all countries by 2100.But this convergence is not just monetary. Annual working hours per employed person would fall from roughly 2,100 to about 1,000, continuing the long shift towards shorter working time; while the share of global working hours devoted to education and health would rise from 11% to 43%. Women and men would converge on equal pay and on an equal share of economic and domestic labour.These shifts would be financed and governed through new institutions. A global justice fund would spend an average of 10% of world GDP a year from 2026 to 2060 on country dividends and investment, against the less than 0.4% that aid and the combined budgets of the UN, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank represent today. Its resources would come from a world sovereign fund holding 10% of the world capital stock, a global wealth tax rising to 20% a year on billionaires and a global income tax rising to 90% at the very top, each touching about 1% of the world's population.The Environmental Impact: Limiting Global HeatingAll of this would unfold within a habitable climate. Thanks to sustainable convergence and fast decarbonisation, global heating would reach 1.8C, against more than 4C on current trends.The result is not a transfer from many to few but a gain for almost everyone. Close to 90% of the world's population would double their income between 2026 and 2100, and once leisure and a habitable planet are counted, more than 99% come out ahead. The plan also redistributes power. Today, the richest regions hold four times as many votes at the IMF and World Bank as their share of the world's population would dictate; in the new order, every inhabitant would have equal voice, backed by an international clearing union and a new international currency to end the exorbitant privileges of the dominant powers and to address global trade imbalances.The Path Forward: Political Will and Coalition BuildingA habitable, equal and prosperous 21st century is materially possible. The carbon budget allows it and history offers precedents at comparable scales: universal suffrage, the universalisation of healthcare and education, the halving of working hours and the sharp compression of inequality over the 20th century. Technical impossibility is not what is standing in the way, but rather the absence of a shared vision of social progress, at once concrete and radical. What it will take instead is political choice, and the hard work of coalition-building behind it.Our report is part of a broader international agenda for planetary habitability, social justice and reform of the global financial architecture – including the Bridgetown agenda launched by Barbados in 2022, the Sevilla Commitment on development finance, the UN tax convention process, and G20 initiatives led by Brazil and South Africa on global inequality. The main contribution of this report is to place these proposals within a quantified institutional framework, modelling socioeconomic convergence, temperature change and distributional trajectories up to the year 2100.