SUMMER PICKS: BEACH READS & PLAYLIST
Pass the SPF 50, summertime is in full swing! Mark and I are getting ready to spend our 15th annual beach week in the Outer Banks with our very dear friends (who are also our neighbors–we’re so lucky)! It’s always our favorite week of the year, full of lounging in the sun, playing in the surf, eating amazing food, playing board games and just slowing down for a while. Can’t wait!
So how about you? Do you have plans for a summer getaway to your happy place? It’s not too late! Whether it’s the beach, the pool, the mountains or wherever your travels take you, we have a few fun summery treats to take with you. (Including a new playlist!)
First up, the team at Manlove and Company Interiors has pulled together some of our favorite beach reads. New fiction, old fiction, nonfiction, we mixed it up so hopefully there’s something for everyone.
1. ‘It Starts With Us’ by Colleen Hoover (Jennifer’s pick): If you’re a “You had me at best-selling romance” reader who craves stories of second chances, hope and heartache, here’s one for you.
2. ‘The Razor’s Edge’ by W. Somerset Maugham (Flavia’s pick): If you're looking for something a little deeper, try this classic spiritual odyssey on the transcendent meaning in life.
3. ‘Pachinko’ by Min Lin Lee (Mary’s pick): If you're in the mood for a sweeping historical saga about a Korean family in Japan enduring and prospering through the 20th century, this one’s for you.
4. ‘Travels With Charley’ by John Steinbeck (Mark’s pick) This classic 1960’s road trip travelogue features John Steinbeck (Mark's favorite author) and Charley, his French poodle, on a cross country trek to rediscover America.
5. ‘Arcadia’ by Lauren Groff (Suzanne’s pick) This story beautifully depicts an idyllic commune in New York State in the 70's – and charts its hopeful start through its inevitable downfall.
6. Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton (Elise’s pick) Take it from Elise (and from Reese Witherspoon) this is a “A beautiful novel that's full of forbidden passions, family secrets and a lot of courage and sacrifice.”
We hope you find the perfect page-turner to help you achieve those summertime vibes!
SPECIAL BONUS: Our extra summer treat is a playlist of some crowd-pleasing songs for your sun-soaked enjoyment. Click here for ‘Summer Sounds: Volume 2’, a custom Spotify list of warm weather tunes. (And if you want to keep the party going with more music, DM us on Instagram @manloveandcompanyinteriors and we’ll send you a link to ‘Summer Sounds: Volume 1’!)
Enjoy your summer my stylish friends! Don’t forget the sunscreen and that new, adorable floppy hat!