By Staff
Whether you are hunting for your next binge-worthy tv show, beach read, windows-down soundtrack, or refreshing recipe (mocktails, anyone?) we got you covered with our round-up of summer recommendations. Check out what our staff is loving this season.
Books
Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice from Dear Sugar by Cheryl Strayed: Such a great summer read! This fast-paced compilation of Cheryl Strayed’s Dear Sugar advice columns features letters detailing deep, harrowing experiences of suffering (and some minor, humorous inconveniences). With every letter, Strayed crafts a brilliant, engaging response full of wisdom and guided by radical empathy. An absolute must-read!
– Arden Hitchcock ’24, Contributing Writer
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin:
The story follows 3 friends throughout their careers as game developers. I just loved this book. While I’m not by any means a gamer, I know how much games mean to players and developers. I literally felt like these games were my own, I would do actually anything to play their first game, Ichigo. The backdrop of this story, love, and disability, along with the political aspects, made this novel one of my favorites. I love a book that makes me feel something. It is unlike any love story I have ever known anyone looking for a unique take on love and friendship should give this a read.
– Emma Weber ’25
Fractal Noise by Christopher Paolini: A new sci-fi novel from Christopher Paolini of “Eragon” fame. Loved his first sci-fi venture “To Sleep in a Sea of Stars” so I was expecting big things. I just found out that this and “Stars” are supposed to exist in the same world, with this book serving as a prequel of sorts. Clever story but I want to know what someone else thinks about the pace. – McKenzie Golden ’25, Contributing Writer
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides: It’s a psychological thriller that will keep you turning the pages! Such a good read with unexpected twists! – Anika Willander ’25, Staff Writer
LGBTQ+ Books: I’ve read so many amazing books by queer authors this summer so far. You should definitely check them out: ‘Boyfriend Material’ by Alexis Hall, ‘Solitaire’ by Alice Oseman, ‘Imogen, Obviously’ by Becky Albertalli, and ‘Always the Almost’ by Edward Underhill. If you love queer romance like I do, these would be perfect for you. – Emily Hansen ’25, Arts and Leisure Editor
BEAUTIFUL WORLD, WHERE ARE YOU by Sally Rooney: This is a captivating story about 2 women, in touch with each other years post-grad, who are just trying to live life. Nostalgic, real, and touching, BWWAY will have you simultaneously thinking about your own life while also making you feel for each character. – Olivia Schmid ’24, Director of Marketing
The Prose of Girlhood by Mellisa Febos: This novel depicts a startling yet familiar portrait of female adolescence. In eight essays, Febos explores the narratives that shape the lives of girls and the women they grow into. – Anna Chiaradonna ’26, Staff Writer
Recipes
Frozen Greek Yogurt Fruit Bites: This snack is not only incredibly easy to make but also packed with protein and super refreshing on a hot summer day. The only three ingredients needed for this recipe are strawberries (blueberries or raspberries can be substituted), plain or vanilla Greek yogurt, and chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet). Simply mix together the diced fruit with the Greek yogurt in a bowl, then place large heaping scoops of the mixture onto sheets lined with parchment paper, and place in the freezer for about 30 minutes. Once the bites are frozen, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave (in 30-second increments so it doesn’t burn), let them cool for a few minutes, and then dunk each bite into the chocolate, coating the entire thing. These are super healthy, taste amazing, and can be kept in the fridge for several days. – Julia Cestari ’25
Image courtesy of Julia Cestari.
Watermelon Matcha: Cut fresh watermelon into small square chunks and put into a freezer bag. Add the juice of 1-2 freshly squeezed lemons into the bag, along with 2-3 tbsp of sugar. Shake the bag around and put it in the freezer overnight or for 6-7 hours. Once frozen, Separate the watermelon chunks and add them to the top of your blender, add water to the top of the blender and 2-3 tsp of matcha powder. Add water to about an inch below the maximum line. When blending, it is better to pulse, so the chunks can evenly blend and form a frozen margarita consistency (you can also add tequila) Voila! A refreshing summer drink for any time of day. – Jonathan Izzo ’24, Contributing Writer
Image courtesy of Jonathan Izzo.
Summer salads: Watermelon salad is the perfect refreshing side. Fresh watermelon chopped into squares, cucumbers with the seeds scooped out, feta crumbles, chopped walnut pieces, fresh basil, fresh mint, and fresh arugula. Dressed with salt, olive oil, and lime (or) lemon juice.
Image courtesy of Jonathan Izzo.
Corn salad: This is a non-traditional Mexican street corn- with an emphasis on creaminess. This recipe calls for grilled/blackened corn- many stores sell frozen blackened corn, but it is worth grilling up some seasonal farmers’ market corn. I add finely chopped red onion, avocado, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. I make the dressing in a blender using: feta, cilantro, rosemary, lime juice, garlic, jalapeño, olive oil, and a splash of water to emulsify the dressing. You are welcome to add any other toppings, I have added freshly chopped mango, black beans, red bell pepper, and green onion instead of red onion. – Jonathan Izzo ’24, Contributing Writer
Image courtesy of Jonathan Izzo.
TV Shows and Movies
The Bear (Streaming on Hulu): If you’re looking for a binge-worthy show where you’ll get a little too attached to the characters, this is the perfect pick. Jeremy Allen White (who many may know as Lip Gallagher from Shameless) stars as a renowned chef who returns home to Chicago to work in his brother’s dingy restaurant. It’s fast-paced, the writing is incredibly witty and unpredictable, and every single character is endearing in their own way. And the soundtrack is pretty awesome, too. – Kate McBride ’24, News Editor
“Never Have I Ever” Season 4: Throughout the show’s first three seasons, protagonist Devi’s ceaseless self-destructive behavior has viewers convinced that she will never learn from her mistakes. However, season four does an incredible job of diverting our expectations, allowing Devi room to truly mature while coping with the underlying trauma of her father’s death in a healthy, productive manner. If you are looking for a heartwarming show about healing and self-discovery, this show is for you! – Skylar Zachian ’25, Contributing Writer
The Night Of (Streaming on HBOMax): Great show if you want to work your way through Emmy nominated series. A fast-paced eight-episode miniseries on the transformative power of American prisons and racial biases in criminal cases. Killer cast and features a breakout performance for Riz Ahmed. Really need someone to chat about it with! – McKenzie Golden ’25, Contributing Writer
Podcasts and Albums
Space Heavy by King Krule: London-local Archy Marshall — also known as King Krule — released his fourth studio album back in June. He’s known for his raw vocals and distinct, dreamy guitar riffs, as well as his ability to articulate emotions in ways unlike any other singer-songwriter. There is immense beauty in the poetic nature of his lyrics; listeners are welcomed into the intimate corners of Archy’s mind with open arms. I would recommend any of King Krule’s albums, and Space Heavy stands as a fantastic introduction to his discography. – Kate McBride ’24, News Editor
“The Retrievals” by Serial Productions and The New York Times: I will be the first to admit, my taste in podcasts is pretty eclectic. I will also state early on that if you are looking for a lighthearted summer listen, this is probably not the show for you (also a trigger warning for sensitive parties). But if you are a true-crime fanatic, feminist, or The New York Times’ “The Daily” stan (or in my case, all of the above), you need to check out “The Retrievals.” This drama about drug theft at the Yale Fertility Clinic explores addiction and the often ignored pain of women. The mini-series displays audio and storytelling mastery that grips listeners from the first episode with as much suspense as a tv thriller. The podcast gives a voice to these particular victims but also opens a conversation about how we treat the experiences of countless victims of invisible crimes, particularly women. Is it an uncomfortable topic to discuss? Yes. But it is also necessary. – Lily Vining ’24, Managing Editor
Podcasts “Crime Junkie”,“The Deck”, and “The Psychology of Your 20s”: These are SO AMAZING. The first two podcasts are great if you’re a lover of true crime. The third has an incredible range of topics. Anyone can find something that will pique their interest!! – Anika Willander ’25, Staff Writer
Miscellaneous
Morning sunlight: It’s certainly not a surprise that sunlight makes you more energized, productive, and overall happier— hence why many people are hit with the winter blues during the colder months. But what many people don’t realize is that the time of day you see the light is incredibly important. During the summer, I have been making an effort to wake up with the sunrise and immediately get bright light in my eyes. It is more energizing than caffeine or a cold shower— really! If you want to read up on the science behind it, I would check out the work of Andrew Huberman or other researchers. Anecdotally, though, I can say it’s been game-changing for my natural energy throughout the day. If the idea of waiting for caffeine is daunting, then try walking to the café for your iced coffee. You can sunlight and your coffee fix. It’s a win-win. – Lily Vining ’24, Managing Editor
Image courtesy of Lily Vining.