It’s easy to table more traditionally “fun” types of media during the school year. Though I’m self-indulgent and believe there’s no true season to chip away at your “content plate,” increased leisure time during the summer offers the perfect opportunity to defrost the ability to be a commentator on something a little lighter than philosophical theory or statistical findings. In the name of both rotting and engaging your intellectual side while decompressing academically, here are 6 content recommendations that don’t necessarily have anything to do with summer. These 3 audiobooks, 2 books, and 1 tv show may just become large contributors to your personality- or you might forget about them in 5 seconds flat! Either way, in the name of Summer House’s Kyle Cooke, “summer should be fun!”
3 Audio Books (use Libby for this!)
- Down the Drain by Julia Fox
I’m ashamed to admit that before listening to this memoir, I had absolutely no idea of the Julia Fox lore outside of her brief involvement with Kanye West and her viral soundbite over-ennunciating “uncut gehhhhmmmmms.” It is genuinely unbelievable that the totality of this book was experienced by a singular person. Fox experiences parental and relational trauma, battles addiction in the life of herself and others, travels the world, sets and defies trends, and evolves personally through it all. The audiobook is read by Fox herself, adding an extremely personal and emotional touch.
- How to Murder Your Life by Cat Marnell
This memoir is another read that is far from fluffy, yet is presented with humor and honesty that kept me wide-eyed the entire time. Marnell’s account of working in the fashion and magazine world might be the perfect compliment to the revival of “The Devil Wears Prada” cultural fascination. Listening to this audiobook, my newcomer fascination and amazement at NYC itself was quickly renewed. While Marnell makes light of her various professional and personal mishaps, she also grapples with conversations around addiction to food, alcohol, and drugs.
- Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten
Somewhat of a lighter read, but transparent and touching all the same! I’m certainly not a cook, but I was absolutely captivated listening to Ina recount her stories of craftiness, business savvy, and general adoration of food. As a public figure, Garten has forefronted her relationship with her husband through her book “Cooking for Jeffrey” and the catchphrase “Jeffrey’s gonna love this!” While the memoir’s love story was a highlight, Garten is far from a doe-eyed Suzy Homemaker. Her tale of charging the cookbook and cooking show industry with unwavering style and attitude was both comforting and inspiring!
2 Books
- Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed by Maureen Callahan
If you’re prepping for the upcoming The Crown inspired Kennedy family tv show, still recovering from the Love Story JFK CBK fever, or just generally curious, I found this to be the most palatable “history book” I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. No spoilers, but the book explores figures who became Kennedy collateral both inside and outside of the family tree. I did end up crying at parts and also felt very knowledgeable post-read.
- Just For the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Sometimes I feel a little bit silly reading popular romance novels. The tropes are overdone, the language is too simplistic, it would be better as a show, etc. I found this book to encapsulate the sweetness and light-hearted nature of a summer read while also touching on more profound themes of trauma and healing. It’s a fresh take grounded in a modern backdrop- a book I finished quickly and enthusiastically.
1 T.V. Show
- Love Island UK
Picture me in 70 years, in a retirement home, ranting to a nurse about how I was on the Love Island train before the rest of the bandwagon pulled up. Though I will of course be watching the US season for community purposes, I additionally recommend watching Love Island UK when it rolls out a little bit later in the summer. The terminology -cracking on, punching up, pied off- is flawless. The series has introduced me to gems like Maura Higgins (yeah, before she was on traitors US), the entertaining dynamic of Molly Mae and Tommy, the controversial yet somehow relevant again Ekin-su… the list goes on and on. Love Island UK has killer one-liners and is truly the blueprint for the franchise’s evolution.