The Books, Movies, and Music of Summer

Ryan’s SummertimePicks

Movie – Do the Right Thing

For me, it’s impossible to think of a summer movie without having Spike Lee’s masterpiece immediately come to mind. Set in a neighborhood in Brooklyn with increasing racial tension between the African-American and Italian-American population who live there, the film exams what happens when that tension finally reaches a boiling point when the neighborhood experiences its hottest day of the year. Do the Right Thing is a masterpiece best served hot.

Music – Tycho’s Dive

For those who prefer to spend their summer afternoons indoors expressing their creativity by writing or sketching with their Blackwing pencils, Tycho’s stellar debut Dive is an absolute must. This solo project from Scott Hansen (also known for his work with graphic-design) shines brilliantly as it sores across waves of ambient soundscape. It even manages to pack enough punch to be danceable at times, despite its chilled-out nature. Why not cool off with Tycho this summer and dive in?

Book – The Art of Fielding

With baseball season in full-swing, this novel should find its way into any fans’ mitt. The story follows all-star shortstop Henry Skrimshander, who’s success playing college ball grants him attention from Big League scouts. Things seem to go perfectly for Henry until an accident happens on the field that leaves the star player shaken. Often-times funny, touching, honest, and life-affirming, author Chad Harback hits a home run with this one.