The Books, Movies, and Music of Summer

Gina’s Summertime Picks

Movie – The Heat

Even though it’s only the first movie I’ve seen this summer, I’m making The Heat my official summer film. If you haven’t seen it yet, I recommend you do so immediately. It’s hilarious and appropriate for most of the family (all of the family if swear words don’t bother the kiddies), and it stars two of IMDB’s Top Ten Funniest Actresses of the Past Ten Years. [http://www.imdb.com/list/VjMlalsff4w/#1]

Music -Best Coast

Any country song with the word “summer” in the title is welcome on my summer playlist! “Summer Girl” by Jessica Andrews, “Summertime” by Kenny Chesney, and “Summer Nights” by Rascal Flatts are at the top of the list. Growing up in Southern California, summer always meant the beach to me. Since moving to Philadelphia, songs about California have also made their way onto my summer playlist: “Sweet Home California” by Moonshine Bandits and “The Only Place” by Best Coast are fuel for my nostalgia fire.

Book – All Roads Lead to Austen

This summer I’m reading All Roads Lead to Austen [http://allroadsleadtoausten.com/] by the incomparable Amy Smith. This book is smart, funny, and touching. It’s a work of art whose true beauty is its ability to educate and inspire without being too heavy for reading poolside or at the beach.