We’re all familiar with the thrill of the last day of school: empty lockers, no assignments (until the last two days of break when you probably should start your summer reading), and the relief of not needing to constantly check your grades. Besides the thrill, we’re all also familiar with another feeling that strikes: boredom. In other words, screen time and catching up on sleep. For those of us staying in New Jersey for the summer, this routine basically sums up all of summer break. However, summer can be much more enjoyable even in the comfort of your own home. Besides, you don’t need to be on a plane to be transported to Cousins Beach, where life is measured in summers.
Speaking of which, one of the most famous summer themed books of all time is definitely The Summer I Turned Pretty. This iconic coming-of-age trilogy by Jenny Han follows Belly Conklin through the various challenges and emotions that come with growing up. This book series is perfect for anyone looking to create an unforgettable summer while following Belly through hers. However, if you’re not into reading, an entire trilogy may seem a bit intimidating. If so, that’s okay! This iconic story has also been produced into a TV series, with the third and final season coming out this July!
However, you know it’s time to put even the best book down and turn the most interesting TV show off when the letters on the page merge together and your eyes start to water from staring at the screen. Luckily, where words fail, music speaks. One of the most summer themed music albums would definitely be Folklore by the one and only Taylor Swift. Through the heart wrenching tracks on the album, Swift shares the story of Betty, James, and Augustine in a beautiful yet relatable way. Listening to the album from top to bottom will make you feel completely immersed in the story of these three characters and will almost make you forget that it’s music you’re listening to, not a teleportation machine that can bring you to the garden behind Betty’s house.
Last but not least, even though Hogwarts is out for the year, Camp Half-Blood is just in session! The famous demi-god camp is sure to keep fantasy lovers entertained all throughout summer as Percy and his friends embark on their adventures in Rick Riordan’s infamous series, Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
Summer doesn’t just mark the end of the school year, it also gives students a well deserved break after all the hard work they put into their academics. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to travel or go out of your way to enjoy- you can have just as much fun experiencing Cousins Beach with Belly Conklin, Betty’s garden with James and Augustine, or at Camp Half-Blood with your fellow demigods right at home.
