20 TV and Book Recommendations for Summer Depending on What you’re in the Mood for
By: Alexis M Peters ‘20
Summer time is finally here!
And while the days get longer and stretch warmly into infinity, you might be looking for some new books and TV shows to fill your time. Well, look no further! I have curated a special list organized by genre and mood, so whatever you feel like watching or reading, you’ll have something on deck!
First, by genre:
Classic Dramedy
Jane the Virgin
This is a whirlwind story of a woman who gets accidentally artificially inseminated. Yes, it’s crazy, but also so, so, good! It’s quirky and dramatic and laugh out loud funny. The twists in this show will have your jaw on the floor! (Find it on Netflix and the CW website)
Atypical
The show follows a teenage boy with autism and how that affects his family life. It is dramatic, heartwarming, and funny all at the same time. (Find it on Netflix)
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
Not the movie. The book. The movie was fine I guess, but I read the book first, and it’s so much better. Personally, I have always loved a good fake-boyfriend trope, so yes of course you know how it’s going to end, but it’s such a sweet read! (Also, hello? We love Peter Kavinsky.)
Drama
Imposters
If you love a good heist (I know I do!!), this show is for you. It’s about a guy whose wife scams him out of all his money, and as he begins to investigate, he discovers that the marriage scam is one she’s done many times before. (Find it on Netflix)
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
Well-written, authentic, and just a little sad, this book will keep you turning the page until the very end. Great for people who like stories where the same day gets repeated over and over.
Comedy
Crazy ex-Girlfriend
Oh my goodness, this show is fantastic! It’s for you if you like musicals, flawed heroines, and self-aware comedy with a feminist twist. (Find it on Netflix and the CW website)
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Okay, I actually haven’t read this one, but it’s on my summer to-read list because my friends have been telling me how amazing it is. So if you want to laugh, but also learn something, check it out!
Sci-Fi
Stranger Things
This is another one that’s on my list to watch. Season 4 is set to come out this summer, so it’s the perfect time to dive in! (Find it on Netflix)
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
Um, it’s being adapted into a movie starring Tom Holland. What other excuse do you need to read this book?
And now, by mood:
Emotionally Invested/Willing to cry a little
Game of Thrones
Do I even need to explain this? I haven’t watched GoT yet, but when my friends and my mother are telling me to watch, I know it must be worth investing in 8 seasons. (Find it on HBO)
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
Yes, the title is true. They do both die at the end. Did that stop me from crying? Nope.
Intense, hard-hitting emotional/Suspenseful
The Act
Based on a true story, The Act follows the sickly Gypsy Rose and her close relationship with her mother. But is Gypsy actually sick? (Find it on Hulu)
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
The book and the show both are absolutely phenomenal. It’s got murder mystery, great writing, and fantastic cinematography. What more could you ask for? (Find it on HBO)
Sweet, Light and Fun
The Great British Baking Show
Please watch. So good. Very wholesome. You’ll never appreciate baked goods more. (Find it on Netflix)
The Bold Type
This is a great feminist show that is inspiring, empowering, relatable, and hilarious. It deals with some topics that TV doesn’t usually address; it’s forward-thinking; it portrays the most beautiful female friendships! I would highly, highly recommend it. (Find it on the Freeform website)
Intellectually Prepared/Thinking critically
Sense 8
This is not a show you can just sit back and watch mindlessly. It makes you think, but it’s also so incredible and entertaining! Following 8 people who are mentally and emotionally connected, it’s a great sci-fi twist that you’ve probably never seen before. (Find it on Netflix)
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
If you’re into historical fiction about World War II, this one’s for you. I’m actually not a big historical fiction fan, and I still enjoyed it. It won a Pulitzer prize, so you know it’s legit.
Trashy Entertainment/Mindless fun
Riverdale
Wow, this is such a bad show. But it’s So. Freaking. Good. Seriously, just turn off your brain and enjoy. Lean into the ridiculousness of it all, and you won’t be disappointed. (Find it on Netflix and the CW website)
Famous in Love
Okay, the acting is actually pretty bad in this show (except for Bella Thorne and some other people), but if you love drama, it won’t disappoint. It was based on a book, but honestly, the show is much better. (Find it on the FreeForm website)
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Grab this book for an easy, fluffy romance. Trust me, this book is so cute, you will fly through it. Paris, British accents, and high school drama: the perfect combo you never knew you needed.
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