Books:

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo – Kaitlyn Corbin

I read this book two summers ago (when I was in quarantine), and I loved it! I think Lo does an excellent job of weaving many different topics together such as queerness, the Red Scare, East-Asian culture, and 1950s culture in general without the book feeling too bloated or confusing. The main characters feel super genuine and authentic, and the plot is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.

Peak by Roland Smith – Greg Maiberger

I am recommending this book because it is the first book in a series of four. If you are interested in climbing, hiking, or adventure, you should strongly consider reading this book. Each book has a unique climbing story following the life of Peak Marcello, but each book is also connected to the last. They all keep your interest “peaked” the entire time. 

Cherub Series by Robert Muchamore – Drew Wignall

I am recommending this series because it was an action packed series about child spies in London. It follows the story about youth who are saved from trouble by being put in a boarding school teaching to be spies, and then sending them on spy missions. It is a longer series, 12 books, with a 6 book sequel series about the origins of the school that started in WWII. It is a cool series and I recommend it. 

The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel – Sam Houghton

“The extraordinary story of the last true hermit” is an easy read that is perfect if you’re looking for an engaging and impactful book. The author tells the surprisingly true tale about Christopher Knight. He left society for 27 years and lived in the woods of Maine. Living off of the seasonal camps a short walk from his camp, he stole supplies the entire time without getting caught. Get into the complex mind of the last true hermit and learn about a way of life that’s going extinct. Just think, he wasn’t living in much of a different environment than a Vermonter’s backyard! If you like the outdoors, survival, and psychology, then this is the book for you. 

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah – Scarlett Cannizzaro

It is a memoir that shows readers an inside look at the life of a biracial man living in South Africa during apartheid. The author describes situations throughout his life that were made difficult because of his race, but he does it through a comedic lens. The book is really funny and heartwarming because of the author’s close relationship with his mother, and it demonstrates how he made it through the many unbelievable things that happened to him during his childhood.

The Woods by Harlan Coben – Henry Farrell

It’s very intriguing.

Legend by Marie Lu – Riley Emmons

It is a very engaging dystopian book that is the first of a 4 book series: Legend, Prodigy, Champion, and Rebel.

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon – Rosie Tylenda

Paycheck to Purpose by Dave Ramsey – Erik Frivoll

Get your money up, not your funny up.

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster – Lily Larsen

This novel is one that I have read every summer for over a decade now. There is a reason I keep coming back. Filled with loveable & interesting characters, imaginable settings, and a unique plot, I believe this book is unmatched in its compelling nature. Every summer, I come back a slightly different person to the very same book, and it is unceasingly interesting to view how my own shaped perspective alters how I take in The Phantom Tollbooth. Each chapter is brief but colorful, I feel as if I recognize more details with every read. There is no one who I wouldn’t recommend this book to. I wholeheartedly believe that adults and children can likewise both find surprising delight in the adventure that is The Phantom Tollbooth.

TV Shows/Movies:

Breaking Bad – Oliver Constantine

This series really had me and my grandma hooked.

National Geographic: The Sahara – Oliver Constantine

Very educational and funny.

The 100 – Rosie Tylenda

Catch Me If You Can – Erik Frivoll

Good movie.

Dune (Part Two) – Ben Haddock

Dune Part Two is an exceptional sequel to the first part of Dune, with incredible visuals and soundtrack, outstanding plot, and excellent acting. The film is based off of the second half of Frank Herbert’s novel Dune, a sci-fi novel following Paul Atreides on the desert planet of Arrakis. The visuals and imagery are truly stunning; find the biggest TV possible to watch this movie. Before watching Dune Part Two, I strongly recommend watching Dune Part One to understand the story, even though it is a bit slower. Dune Part Two is available on Max, Hulu, AppleTV, Prime Video, and more.

Rush – Riley Ashe

Rush details the rivalry between F1 drivers Nikki Lauda and James Hunt. Lauda was an intelligent hard worker who crushed everyone else in terms of preparation, while Hunt was one of the most naturally gifted drivers of all time who drove as hard as he partied. The two could not have been more different, yet as time goes on they develop an unlikely respect and friendship. This movie has excellent racing visuals accompanied by even more excellent sound mixing, while the performances of Daniel Bruhl as Lauda and Chris Hemsworth as Hunt are captivating. There are no punches withheld about the flaws of each man, but by the end of the movie you are left in awe at their wills to win in the face of extreme danger. There is appeal to both sports fans and non sports fans with Rush.