devour more: gold standard summer media
watch n' read: your sun-soaked summer media bucket list
welcome to “devour more,” an occasional deep dive into a topic taking over my brain.
right around this time each year, i start craving books and movies and tv shows that ~feel like summer~.
i don’t just want a beach read! i want a book that fully embodies the concept of summer itself—lazy, sweaty days that feel like they could stretch on forever. i don’t just want a film that takes place during summer! i want a film that captures the essence of summer itself—absorb me in warmth and yellow light.
below are my gold standard pieces of media. the books, tv shows, and movies that perfectly encapsulate the summer vibe i’m searching for. it’s a hard target to hit!
(i am always always always looking for additions to this list, so please share your gold standard summer media with me, too.)
CALL ME BY YOUR NAME (THE BOOK) BY ANDRÉ ACIMAN
this is the gold standard OF the gold standards. the whole reason this list exists at all. (also just my favorite book, period).
1980s italy. summer romance. i’ve never read a book that feels so interior—so completely absorbed in the main character’s head. it flawlessly depicts the uncertainty and excitement of being into someone and not knowing if they feel the same way. the wishy-washy beginning of a relationship.
if you’re all about summer reads like i am and you haven’t read this book yet … pick! this! up!
CALL ME BY YOUR NAME (THE MOVIE)
FILM, AMAZON PRIME
the movie is almost as good as the book, which is shocking, since the magic of the book is all about what’s going on in elio’s head. not sure how they managed to capture that on film, but they did, and it’s beautiful.
RED OAKS
TV SHOW, AMAZON PRIME
do you remember, as a kid, how different it felt going into each new school year because of everything you’d experienced over the summer?
okay, none of the characters in this show are school-aged … but i think it perfectly captures that feeling and how transformative a single summer can be.
i'm a sucker for coming-of-age stories, and the great thing about this show is it's a coming-of-age story for every single character—not just the twenty-somethings, but the parents, the offbeat romantic interests, and the side characters, too. it’s set in the 1980s at a country club, and it’s a lot of fun.
probably the most underrated recommendation on this list, tbh! i need more people to watch it!
GOD SPARE THE GIRLS BY KELSEY MCKINNEY
i mostly think this rec is for my fellow exvangelicals.
written by kelsey mckinney, of normal gossip fame (my favorite podcast!), god spare the girls takes place over the course of one texas summer and follows two sisters who learn a secret about their pastor father, just weeks before the older sister’s wedding. the two sisters go to the family ranch for some space, where they spend the next several weeks wrestling with their worldview, their faith, and each other.
there’s not a lot of action in this book. it mirrors the long, hot, summer days it’s set in. perfect!
THE WHITE LOTUS
MAX & HULU
rich people behaving badly at beautiful resorts. great writing, high stakes situations, unmatched characters.
the sort of show you’ll want to binge on a weekend in june.
THE SANDLOT
DISNEY+
come on. a classic!
this movie is the reason "this magic moment" and "there goes my baby" will make it onto my summer playlist every year for-ev-ER.
the whole thing screams summer. baseball, the pool, the fourth of july, throwing up on carnival rides ...
AMERICAN HONEY
MAX & HULU
another underrated gem!
this film follows a group of troubled teens who drive across the midwest selling magazines door-to-door. it’s aimless and sensory and free-spirited and dreamy … but also melancholic.
and shia labeouf plays himself. just kidding. but he’s great in this movie.
HAPPY HOUR BY MARLOWE GRANADOS
happy hour follows two girls in their early twenties as they navigate the nyc social scene one summer. they’re determined to have a summer to remember, filled with parties, romantic flings, and adventures.
granados perfectly captures the uncertainty of youth, the joys and challenges of female friendship, and the endless possibilities of a summer in the city.
it’s another plotless pick (a common theme for me—if a strong plot is what you’re looking for, this list may not be for you …) and a perfect read for long summer days.
PEARL & X
X: NETFLIX & HULU
PEARL: AMAZON PRIME & HULU
there’s something about summer horror that gets me. mia goth kills it in both pearl and x (lol), which are unique takes on the slasher genre. pearl is the prequel to x, but they both stand alone and could be watched in either order.
i love that they’re mostly set in one location, creating a sense of claustrophobia. i love the colors and visual style and costuming. plus, the fact mia goth plays multiple characters across these films lends itself to plenty of analysis and interpretation if you’re into that.
AND the third movie in the trilogy, maxxxine, comes to theaters july 5. it’s my most anticipated movie of the summer, and i have a feeling it will earn it’s place on this list, too.
MIDSOMMAR
MAX & HULU
another (gorgeous) horror film, midsommar is set in a remote swedish village during their midsummer festival. bright, colorful scenes contrast the dark, disturbing events that unfold. also an interesting exploration of grief. a must-watch for fans of unsettling, atmospheric horror.
BONUS: WELL-TIPPED POOL BOY CANDLE
okay, not a piece of media, but the perfect way to add to the atmosphere while you’re enjoying anything on this list. it’s my favorite candle. smells like sunscreen in the best way.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
i considered all of these for the main list, but it’s getting long so i had to knock some down a tier—NOT because i like them less, but because they're either not streaming for free on the most popular platforms OR they feel just slightly less "all-consuming summer" to me (though they might be perfect for you!):
WATCH
bones and all / amazon prime
dazed and confused / mgm+
the florida project / max & hulu
never goin’ back / hulu
palm springs / hulu
the resort / peacock
READ
bitter orange by claire fuller
briefly, a delicious life by nell stevens
dogs of summer by andrea abreu
the elementals by michael mcdowell
the great gatsby by f. scott fitzgerald
the sun also rises by ernest hemingway
cheers to the weekend (and summer 2024)!
This list is immaculate