C U LT U R E
SUMMER READING + PODCAST PICKS
“This book is embarrassing, light-hearted and a fun
PODCASTS
read for the summer,” Rico-Pekerol said.
David, culture reporter: “The Writer’s Voice”
a girl whose best friend moves away without a word but leaves a list of tasks for her to accomplish.
This podcast from the New Yorker features authors
The Arbiter staff shares their favorite pastime choices for the summer months
Isabel Everett, social media coordinator: “Love
David Collie | Culture Reporter | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu
Poem Collection: The Greatest Love Poems of All
Summer is almost here, and with it come nearly four long months to relax. For some, though, the reading and listening that comes with courses can be a hard habit to break, and that desire to crack open a fresh book or listen to some new material might last well into August. For those individuals, The Arbiter staff has some summer reading and podcast picks to help fill up those months.
who read their fiction published in the magazine.
Time”
Zach, opinion editor: “Intelligence Squared
What better way to spend a warm summer night
Debates”
than by reading some of the greatest poetry has to
Hill says this podcast is just “experts in given fields
offer? Although Everett would recommend picking
debating each other about pertinent world issues.”
up any book you can get your hands on over the summer, this was the one to make the cut.
Jordan Erb, editor-in-chief: “Reply All”
“There’s little better than a warm summer night,
Erb recommends this pick as “an absolutely ridicu-
a glass of wine, and some heart-plucking lines
lous podcast about everything even loosely related
from yesteryear to make summer a little sweeter,”
to the internet.”
Everett said. Isabel Everett, social media coordinator: “WelLogan Potter, culture editor: “Troublemaker”
come to Night Vale”
If a collection of love poems feels a little sappy,
Planning a road trip this summer? Everett describes
then this next pick might be more up your alley.
this podcast as the perfect choice.
“Troublemaker” is an autobiography written by
“It is bizarre, endearing, supernatural, and possibly
actor and comedian Leah Remini which details her
haunted. If you’re into absurd humor and have a
experience in the Church of Scientology.
penchant for shows like Twin Peaks or Twilight
“It’s a memoir,” Potter said. “So expect personal
Zone, you’re in luck with this show,” Everett said.
bias. But it’s a brilliantly deep look at the inner workings of the Church of Scientology in and out of
Logan Potter, culture editor: “Armchair Expert”
Hollywood.”
Potter recommends this show hosted by Dax Shepard, saying it’s both intelligent and hilarious.
Ximena Bustillo, online editor: “Peter Pan”
“Plus,” Potter added. “His wife Kristen Bell guest-
If you want to remember a time without finals, this
stars occasionally, and I’m confident that it doesn’t
classic by J.M. Barrie might be a nice escape.
get better than that.”
“Because why not spurr up a little childhood nostalgia but the novel version?” Bustillo said.
Ximena Bustillo, online editor: “Today, Explained”
The long break is the perfect opportunity to relax and read (or listen) in the sun. Wyatt Wurtenberger | The Arbiter
BOOKS
Zach Hill, opinion editor: “Watership Down” This first pick starts out with a bit of mystery. “It’s about rabbits, which is all you should need, honestly,” Hill said. Jordan Erb, editor-in-chief: “Detroit: an American Autopsy” This book follows Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist
Charlie LeDuff as he searches for an answer to what happened to his once-prosperous hometown of Detroit, Michigan. According to Erb, the book is “an in-depth look at what makes Detroit Detroit.” Taylor Rico-Pekerol, news reporter: “Since You’ve Been Gone” If Detroit’s economic and political issues are a little too heavy, this young-adult novel by Morgan Mat-
Wyatt Wurtenberger, illustrator: “Lust for Life”
Bustillo recommends this VOX podcast for its
If the visual wonder of Neverland isn’t enough, then
elegant explanation of current events without the
maybe this book, written by Irving Stone, will do
mass media overload.
the trick. Wurtenberger describes it as “a dramatized tale of
Taylor Rico-Pekerol, news reporter: “Crime
Vincent Van Gogh’s life that takes a more personal
Junkie”
perspective on our favorite painter.”
This is a podcast about true crime cases based mostly in Indiana, but it branches out from time to time.
David Collie, culture reporter: “Survivor”
“The hosts will keep you on your toes and wanting to
If you enjoyed the Arbiter’s April Fools edition this
keep feeling those full body chills,” Rico-Pekerol said.
year, then you might be interested in some satirical fiction. Chuck Palahniuk — the author of “Fight Club” — does a great job of this. It’s a story told by the last surviving member of a cult as the plane he hijacked begins to run out of fuel over the Australian Outback.
Whether you spend your summer on road trips or internships, these books and podcasts are sure to bring a nice break.
son might be a bit more cheerful. The story follows
APRIL 30, 2019
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