A Legend is Hatched! Summer Recommendations 2025!
Things to read, watch, do, and other diversions to make the summer a little better.
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Okay, onto my second annual Summer Recommendations List!
I am not a fan of the summer. And not just because of the heat and the terrible clothing. I find it a difficult and stagnant season. As a kid, no matter what plans you did or didn’t have in the summer and no matter how much you did or didn’t hate going to school, the fall always brought a chance for change. That’s not so true as an adult, but the thought lingers—that there should be a light at the end of the tunnel—and, for me, that produces a lot of anxiety.
I always start to feel very down right around the end of May when social media is flooded with graduation photos. One of the biggest mistakes I’ve ever made was where I went to college (and not transferring). Every year, this starts the domino effect of me thinking about All of My Mistakes, and, as the song goes, there have been a few. At the top of the list of other big and consequential mistakes I’ve been thinking about lately is The Interval, which is probably one of the most self-destructive things I’ve ever done, and a mistake that has been shockingly hard to recover from. How did I ever let my self-esteem get so low that, instead of doing what I wanted, I did something I didn’t want to be doing in the hope that maybe it would get people to like me? (I bring this up in public since it has been so difficult to get anyone to hear me on this in private).
Anyway, I think there are actually many people who find the summer difficult. So here’s a list of things to read, watch, do, and other diversions to, hopefully, make the summer a little better. I will be spending my summer writing a play for Jennifer Aniston.
(You can find last year’s recommendations here.)
Things to Read
As we know, I think it’s important to read at least one book about a world war over the summer and this month I read Citizens of London by Lynne Olson. Despite the serious subject, it’s a pretty easy read and will definitely give some insights into the history of America’s foreign policy.
Currently, I’m reading The Haves and The Have-Yachts by Evan Osnos, which has a title I am very envious of. While some of the essays feel a little thin (the one on Facebook) others are pretty interesting (Greenwich republicans, mega yachts). Like one quarter of Manhattan, I have pre-ordered Empire of the Elite because I, too, am the target audience for a book about Conde Nast (speaking of The Vanity Fair Diaries is always a great summer read). I’ve also been slowly making my way through Twice Over Lightly by Helen Hayes and Anita Loos (yes, you read that correctly) about the summer they spent exploring NYC. I’ve been trying to make it last since, honestly, books like this don’t come around everyday (thanks to my friend Mike for this one!).
Anyway, here are some books I’ve read recently that I’d recommend for the summer months.
(I have, of course, read the ethically dubious Joan Didion book. But is Joan talking to her therapist summery? Well, yes, for some of us, but, in general, not really! So we will get into the Joan Didion books another time.)
Brightness Falls by Jay McInerney—I picked this up after seeing it mentioned in that The New York Times package on New York City books. A big ensemble New York City in the 80s book that’s a little soapy, but well-written (okay, the female characters aren’t quite as well-written as the men).
I Regret Almost Everything by Keith McNally—I don’t have anything original to say about Keith McNally’s memoir other than it’s worth a read! He’s got opinions and a personality!
When Women Ran Fifth Avenue by Julie Satow—A quick read about the women who ran some big department stores and the period of time when department stores offered a path for women to enter the workforce. Also, a big focus on one of our greatest no-longer-with-us stores: Bendels!
Playworld by Adam Ross—At first, I resisted reading this one because, when I read the description, there was definitely an ick factor. But I’m glad I got over it, since Playworld is one of the best things I’ve read this year. It’s a coming-of-age story about a teenage boy in late 70s/early 80s NYC. I’m usually not a fan of things about teenagers* but I found this novel to be surprisingly complex and compassionate.
A couple of past recommendations: The Cazalet Chronicles and An Evening of Long Goodbyes.
* a note: this spring I ended up thinking a lot about narratives centered on teenagers, a genre I didn’t like even when I was one. This started when people kept asking me if I’d seen a certain play about teen girls, always with the expectation that of course I’d want to see it. This irked me. It’s hard to imagine people assuming adult men would be super excited to see a play about teenage boys. But this seems to happen frequently with women/teen girls. I eventually did see the play and I didn’t like it for several reasons. I worry that the penchant to push narratives about teen girls can end up an easy sleight of hand that obfuscates the fact that they're narratives about women (well, girls!) without jobs and who can't vote. In other words, women (again, girls!) without power and non-threatening. Anyway, another thing this whole episode made me think about is why I find it difficult to be engaged by stories about teens. To generalize, the teen years have certain constraints and specifics that just don’t apply once you’re past that stage of life, and I think those constraints make it hard for many of these stories to reach the point of theme or metaphor. I think this is especially true on stage, since so many plays— intentionally or not— struggle to exist in anything but a third person present tense.
Thing to Watch
Four Weddings and A Funeral (the Mindy Kaling mini-series)—If I am remembering correctly, people were disappointed in this when it first came out in 2019, but I think it’s pretty enjoyable. It’s not trying to be anything more than what it is: a delightful romcom and it totally succeeds in this. (I’d never seen the original film and finally watched it after watching the mini-series. I didn’t like it. I think Hugh Grant ending up with Andie MacDowell is a lot like Big choosing Natasha over Carrie.)
Alias—Nothing says summer fun like a spy show! Alias is a good mix of being plot driven, a little campy, and not too violent. Plus, many excellent scenes about the dysfunctional Bristow family. And even if you’ve already seen it, some of the plot points are so ridiculous they’ll still surprise you!
Follow the Fleet (1936)—It’s not summer without a musical! This is one of the more comic of the Fred and Ginger movies, and it has“Let’s Face the Music and Dance.” Plus, it features Lucille Ball in a supporting role!
Amanda (2022)—I stumbled on this movie last summer because in my mind Italy is associated with summer. And, okay, this isn’t exactly people romping along the Amalfi Coast, but I think it’s an interesting take on a young woman who is depressed and unhappy. It’s very active, whereas many times, depressed characters are very passive.
Margaret (2011)—Since I have been disparaging things about teenagers, this is a good movie about a teenager (although the plotline involving Matt Damon’s character is a little eyeroll inducing). Is it summery? Not really, but it’s long!
Sister Act (1992)—This movie made a huge impact on me when I was six. Many people know the story about how I tried to transcribe a VHS and submit it as our kindergarten class play (we did not have a kindergarten class play). A true modern classic. They don’t make movies like this anymore!
Flirting with Disaster (1996)—The summer I was ten, I spent a lot of time trying to talk to adults about this movie. I thought it made me seem sophisticated. The adults thought it made me seem weird. Well, it’s a very New York screwball road trip movie with a big ensemble, so, yes, sophisticated and weird! One of the things I like about it is that it just keeps going and going.
Another one of my favorite movies as a child was I Love Trouble (1994). Nick Nolte and Julia Roberts play rival journalists and, apparently, really hated each other on set. There’s also a plot point involving milk production. Is this movie actually good? The critics definitely did not think so, but I might watch it this summer and find out!
The Object of My Affection (1998) —Yes, a Jennifer Aniston movie! Yes, I have mentioned it before! Yes, I will keep mentioning it until it gets the respect it deserves!
Things To Do (and eat/drink)
For those in NYC, two museum exhibits that I’ve liked recently are Sargent & Paris at the Met (okay, not an original suggestion, but it’s good! You have to see the colors in “In the Luxembourg Gardens” in person) and Ben Shahn at the Jewish Museum.
Go to a baseball game! Eat a hotdog. Even if you are indifferent to sports, baseball games give a sense of season and place, and this is important. The Brooklyn Cyclones Seinfeld Night (featuring the Elaine dance contest) is August 2nd.
Who needs a yacht when you can ride around on the ferry!
I will confess: I love midtown. And this summer Pebble Bar has taken over Rockefeller Center. I think this sounds great!
I’m not usually a big fan of inviting people over to watch something on television (award shows being an exception), but why not do a screening of the hard to find and bonkers-in-all-the-right-ways 1968 film Boom!? Make it a theme party!
Once again, I am going to bring up writing letters! Send a postcard while you are on vacation! Send a letter from a fake vacation while you are sitting at home! Make your pet be pen pals with someone else’s pet! Look, it seems to me like there’s a lot happening culturally that gives the message that it’s not “cool” to show effort, but I’d argue the opposite and putting something in the mail is a nice way to reach out to a friend! If you don’t have stationary, these notecards are lovely. Also, you can always buy these and make your own.
Congratulate people on their accomplishments! Or cheer someone up when they’re down! If you’re looking to send someone something that’s more irreverent and unexpected than flowers, Economy Candy on the Lower East Side does Candy Care Packages.
When I am suffering (which I frequently am), I find it’s helpful to do something visual. Get a disposable camera. Or some colored pencils. This is the most in all lighting, user-friendly Polaroid (I researched this for my Liberation party where guests were encouraged to take Polaroids).
Whenever I’m not feeling well, one of the only foods that seems appealing is caviar. This is also true when I am feeling fine. I am a lot like Lyle the Crocodile and just require a warm bath and some caviar. Caviar is very healthy and the Russians think of it like we think of chicken soup! However, there is always the matter of price and Petrossian isn’t cheap. Out of caviar at a lower price point, the best one I’ve tried is Hey Caviar. It comes in large enough sizes, at a reasonable price, to have has a meal—or, you know, to share. Also, in one of their emails they suggest putting caviar on a PopTart, which is the type of crazy I can get behind.
Add Lillet to your summer bar cart! Shirley Temples are great in any season!
Summer means the return of the greatest television show of our time, And Just Like That, and Sarah Jessica Parker doing another press tour. I think she interviews very well (this very detailed explanation of Big is great!). Years ago, I sat one table over from her at Sant Ambroeus, and she genuinely seems like a great conversationalist. I want to live in her version of New York City. Plus, I once sat in her vicinity at a Barbra Streisand concert and she was the first person to give a standing ovation—after every single song. (Normally, the podcasts that I listen to are any in the Puck universe and Kara & Scott.)
Aesthetic Things (for the home and person!)
I love small decorative objects. One of the many unfortunate things about iphones and laptops is that they’ve done away with so many of these objects. I am undeterred though! So why not upgrade your bedside water glass to a decorative carafe? Here’s a good one. This pitcher is also great.
I’m writing this from the chaise lounge in my bedroom where I am looking at three different florals: a floral chair, a floral bedsheet, and floral wallpaper. Florals are great! Okay, I realize the number of florals in my bedroom might be a little much for some people (you can find some photographic proof here). But fresh cut flowers always make a room look better. I try and buy them weekly at the farmers’ market. One of the vases that I use most frequently—both because it’s easy and because it looks like something one would find in an English country house—is this pitcher by Haws from Gardenheir. I also recently got some proper flower scissors, so I don’t ruin my real ones, and they definitely make a difference.
Why not go full seawitch and splurge on these shell cocktail glasses.
I don’t like ice cream, but if I did, I’d eat it in these dishes (or these for a cheaper option).
Sometimes one just needs to get into bed at 8pm and these pajamas by Domi are super soft and lightweight and in retro prints that are very pleasing.
Unless someone wants to invite me to Europe, Connecticut, or a handful of places in New England, I will be in NYC all summer. But for those of you traveling, this Clare V weekender bag is great for something classic. Although, obviously, I have always dreamed of traveling with a steamer trunk.
I have terrible feet so sandals are always an issue, especially on city sidewalks. But I recently got these and like them (okay, still not great on city sidewalks). In terms of a summer flat, I really like these. These are also good. As are these.
This is a good hat. As is this. And, you know, I could see this being great.
I’m not a huge lip-gloss person (I usually prefer a more matte finish) but the Byredo lip color used in the Simone Rocha show caught my eye, so I bought it and I like it!
I read about Ffern perfume in the Financial Times’ How to Spend It (okay, I saw it on their Instagram). It’s a perfume subscription service that sends a scent per season. I thought their branding and marketing was very good, so I tried it and really like their summer scent. Of course, there’s also some risk involved in this venture, but getting perfume in the mail on the seasonal equinox feels indulgent in a fun way.
These chairs seem like something that would be in my apartment, and it’s surprising they are not.
Remember: leopard print and florals go together.
As always, we will end with some Mitzi Gaynor (start about 13 minutes in).
