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As the weather warms up, and the lazy days of summer begin, it’s a perfect time to lie poolside with some great summer reads or turn up the tunes while you head out on an epic road trip. Wherever the summer takes you, make sure you don’t miss these hot new releases.

...Reading

"The Collected Regrets of Clover" by Mikki Brammer

While a book about a death doula may not strike you as a fun summer read, "The Collected Regrets of Clover" is certainly an exception. Less about death and more about living life to its fullest, this book follows the adventures of Clover, a death doula, who travels across the country to help fulfill the final wishes of a client. In the process, she learns about herself and what she has really been missing in life.

"On Earth As It Is On Television" by Emily Jane

This weird little sci-fi novel is the debut work of author Emily Jane, and for a book ostensibly about an alien invasion, it has quite a lot to say about what it means to be human. The book tells the stories of three characters: Blaine, Heather, and Oliver, each of whom must deal with the impending apocalypse in their own unique way. Their stories are both surreal and extremely human at the same time, forcing the reader to ask some of the major questions of the universe.

"Happy Place" by Emily Henry

Emily Henry’s latest release might be the perfect beach read this summer if you’re looking for something light and fun. "Happy Place" is the story of Harriet and Wyn, who have been together since high school, but have broken up right before a big vacation with friends. In order to keep the peace and not ruin the fun, the couple decides to pretend that all is well, but inevitably some cracks start to show. If you have enjoyed any of Henry’s previous work, like "Book Lovers," this one is sure to please as well.

...Listening To

Dave Matthews Band: "Walk Around The Moon"

Once the sound of a whole generation, Dave Matthews Band returns with a new release that promises to be as bright and vibrant as ever. That said, fans of the band may be surprised by a simpler, more acoustically-driven sound than other recent releases. Still present, of course, is the unmistakable gruff of Matthews’ voice and the ever-present laid back vibe of the band’s sound.

Paul Simon: Seven Psalms

It often seems like Paul Simon has been around forever, so it’s hard to fathom that his May release, "Seven Psalms," is only his fifth solo studio album to date. According to Simon, the idea for this album came in a dream. Now 81, the singer–songwriter explores themes of memory and mortality in his work. Listeners will be comforted to hear Simon’s familiar poetic lyrics layered over soft acoustic melodies and experimental soundscapes.

...Watching

"The Little Mermaid"

The live-action remake of the beloved story will take viewers on a journey under the sea this summer. This latest iteration stars actress Halle Bailey as Ariel, the singing mermaid who desperately wants to live on land. But a host of other stars lend their voices to characters in this production, including Javier Bardem, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Awkwafina.

"Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny"

Fans of the Indiana Jones series will be excited to see the fifth film in the series. Harrison Ford returns as Indiana Jones, joined by Antonio Banderas, and Phoebe WallerBridge (Fleabag). While this latest adventure is the first to not be written by George Lucas or directed by Steven Spielberg, it is nonetheless sure to be a good time. In the latest installment, our hero is upset that NASA has hired exNazis in order to help the U.S. defeat the Soviet Union in the Space Race. He must, as always, race against time to find a legendary artifact that might change the course of history.

By Vanessa Hutchison

Summer 2023 / Today's Transitions