The record-breaking "Dark Knight" wasn't the only A&E highlight this summer. From Coldplay to "Mamma Mia!" to "Breaking Dawn," Eleni Yannelis gives her choices of the best music, movies, and books that summer '08 had to offer. Some are sure to become classics, and a few are just right for that much-needed brain chill. Ah, the summer break — 'twas all too short!

Summer Music Picks

"Konk"
The Kooks
The Kooks just keep getting better! Their first album, "Inside In/ Inside Out" (2006), had some amazing songs, such as "Ooh La" and "She Moves In Her Own Way." On the other hand, some songs just did not do it for me, such as "Got No Love." But I swear by "Konk"! This is the best album I have ever heard. "Always Where I Need to Be" and "Shine On" can put a smile on my face any day. This is the perfect album for summer with its upbeat melodies and cheery lyrics.

"At Mount Zoomer"
Wolf Parade
Unlike 2005's "Apologies to Queen Mary," Wolf Parade's most recent album has an upbeat feel. "At Mount Zoomer" sounds like a cross between a 1970s rock band and Hot Chip's album "The Warning." With songs such as "Soldiers Grin" or "Bring Your Drum" you get a perfect fusion between rock and pop. This album is a must for any fans of Spoon's "Gimmie Fiction." The album has a perfect blend of mellow songs or just everyday feel-good tunes, and it is amazing. One song, "Kissing the Beehive," is almost 11 minutes long, but it was still able to keep my easily wandering mind captivated!

"Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends"
Coldplay
This album is a must for any Coldplay fan. I was completely blown away when I first heard "Death and All His Friends." Coldplay never disappoint when they experiment with different styles. The criticized 2005 album "X&Y" made me fall in love with this band. "Viva la Vida" is a nice blend of "X&Y" and their 2002 album "A Rush of Blood to the Head." I especially love the songs "Lost?" and "Lost!" Both songs have the same lyrics but are completely different tunes. Things like this make Coldplay irresistible, not to mention the intricate lyrics of every song.

"Oracular Spectacular"
MGMT
No matter where I went or what I did this summer, I could never escape "Time to Pretend," a song that caused a sensation. The song was featured on American TV in the season finale of "Gossip Girl," and it was even played on the British TV series "Skins." When I was in France I heard "Time to Pretend" played at two different clothing stores! I immediately looked into this band and found yet another song of theirs that I was consistently hearing: "Kids." This was the band of summer in the U.S. and Europe. (Note: H/t to Rachel Hyman for the title correction.)

Summer Movie Picks

"Mamma Mia!"
Rated PG-13, dir. Phyllida Lloyd
I loved "Mamma Mia!" The film is not artistic or intellectual, and to the contrary, is completely ridiculous, but it is great fun. Based on the Broadway musical and featuring the songs of Abba, "Mamma Mia!" is about a bride-to-be named Sophie, who was raised singlehandedly by her mother on a little Greek island. Before the wedding, Sophie discovers a journal her mother kept while pregnant with her. In the journal she learns that her father could be one of three men. Sophie invites all of her potential fathers to the wedding in an attempt to find the true one. The film stars Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, and Colin Firth — who sing, dance, and are utterly ridiculous! This film should not be missed.

"The Dark Knight"
Rated PG-13, dir. Christopher Nolan
I am not a "Batman" fan, but this film changed my mind. The late Heath Ledger did a fantastic job as the Joker, the movie had terrific special effects, and I was never bored. Indeed, Ledger's performance generated early Oscar buzz and brought favorable comparisons to Jack Nicholson's 1989 portrayal of the same character. "The Dark Night" received good reviews and set box-office records, but I had hesitations because I generally dislike comic book movies. "The Dark Knight" is a definite exception. The film is visually pleasing and interesting to watch. Anyone who loves comics will love this film. Even if you do not particularly care for comics, this film is not to be missed; it should be a classic!

"Sex and the City: The Movie"
Rated PG-13, dir. Michael Patrick King
I enjoy the "Sex and the City" TV series, but the movie was disappointing. We catch up with Carrie, a writer, and her three best friends, who all seem to have found a place in life. Carrie’s love life was tumultuous in the series, but she is now in a stable relationship with Big, her on-and-off boyfriend whom she finally decides to marry. Of course, the film has great fashion, just like the TV show. There is a whole scene of Carrie going through her closet to try on clothes from the '80s, and a Vogue wedding photo shoot that are fun to watch. Yet something is missing. Still, I recommend this film if you are in the mood to watch frivolous girls in a chick flick, but the strong friendships from the series are absent.

Summer Book Picks

"As You Were Saying: American Writers Respond to Their French Contemporaries"
Fabrice Rozié, Esther Allen, Guy Walter (eds.)
This summer, while browsing in the Shakespeare & Co. bookstore in Paris, I stumbled across the lovely little book "As You Were Saying." I was searching for the "Before Sunrise & Before Sunset" screenplay and was initially disappointed it was out of stock. But this collection of short stories by both American and French authors is even better! For each story, a French and an American writer were given the same plot and complete freedom to write as they saw fit. The result is a fascinating book. No two stories are the same, and we see how culture influences style. The book will change the way you think about French and American writing, expose you to some very interesting styles, and it’s a fun read.

"Breaking Dawn"
Stephenie Meyer
I admit it; I am a huge fan of the "Twilight" series, even if it is about vampires and werewolves! In Meyer’s latest book, the fourth and final installment in the extremely popular series, 18-year-old Bella Swan has decided to marry vampire sweetheart Edward Cullen, much to the dismay of her werewolf friend Jake. Edward and Bella are set to go to college at Dartmouth and start their life together. But Bella must become a vampire first! Read the book and find out how it goes. Can she still have children? Will she still go to college? What about Jake, whose fellow werewolves are the sworn enemies of vampires? The book is a captivating and incredible read. Stephenie Meyer just keeps getting better and better!

"Merde Happens"
Stephen Clarke
This is the latest book in a hysterical series about an Englishman named Paul West, who decides to open an English tea saloon in Paris. In “Merde Happens,” West commits a grave sin and gets into trouble with the French government. The offense? His menus are written only in English; there is no French translation. West is fined an astronomical amount, so he enters a British tourism contest in hopes of winning money to pay off his fine. He wins and sets off for the United States with his Parisian girlfriend. The book is highly entertaining because it pokes fun at all things American.*
*WARNING: Do NOT read if you cannot take a joke!