With finals behind me and internship decisions in the hands of several different local companies, I've had a desirable amount of free time to spend reading for pleasure. Below are my top three publications perfect for lounging around wherever your summer travels may take you.
Most people that know me are familiar with my tendency to read classic literature over modern novels. However, summer is one of the times in which I branch out as I find that books like
Pride and Prejudice don't exactly fit into the category of "perfect beach read." A few years ago, when Grand Rapids born indie-rock project
Radiator Hospital made Rolling Stone's "25 Top Songs of 2013," I found myself researching the editor responsible for the piece, Rob Sheffield. It only took a simple press of the "enter" key after typing his name into Google to find that he had written several memoirs. Attracted to the cover and summary of
Love is a Mix Tape, I drove to the nearest bookstore to buy it. Sheffield writes in a very beautiful, very raw manner that is not only heartbreaking, but also quite humorous. The topic (the beauty of a strong love and the tragedy of the loss of that love) is a bit heavy, but the reading itself is light making it the perfect beach novel. It is important to note that I have read this book several times, something that I only do when I find myself captivated by the narrative.
There are few publications that inspire me as much as Kinfolk does and I admire every aspect of the endeavor - from the unique layout to the creative features within. Although it isn't the latest edition, The Entrepreneur Issue includes a variety of highlights on small business owners: dreamers and doers who are sure to inspire you whether your summer includes an internship at a accomplished company or days spent traveling and visiting the beach. This issue also includes a very decadent recipe for chocolate-covered espresso bean brownies. If your summer includes any free time, there is no better way to spend it.
In addition to locking myself up in the many libraries on the University of Michigan campus to complete the seemingly never-ending piles of homework I had over the year, I have spent a lot of time contributing to
SHEI Magazine as a member of the Features Team.
SHEI is U of M's fashion, culture, and lifestyle magazine produced by a variety of business and editorial teams dedicated to the pursuit of professional creativity. A lot of work went into this issue that includes 5 photo shoots and 10 feature articles ranging in topic matter from the history of fashion and accessories to the rise and impact of lingerie. Even as a member of the organization, I still find myself amazed by what we can accomplish.
I'm very excited for the next four months and the opportunities I will have for even more reading. Here's to hoping your summer includes the same!
