Hello, Summer! Please, puh-leeze be summer soon, Mother Nature!
Northern Michiganders love to enjoy the nice weather, sit by the water, pick up a great book and listen to music. Our time is limited during the summer months so we like to take advantage of it fully. Speaking of taking advantage…this post will arouse your curiosity by pairing fantastic books with great music. There is nothing worse than reading a lovely, sweet, cozy read, munching on a piece of chocolate and all of a sudden being interrupted by Capture the Flag by War on Women–which is a great album btw, but may be more appropriate for reading The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood instead of Angelina’s Bachelors by Brian O’Reilly.
Let’s talk about some typical pairings, ones that were just meant to be and even written to be together. While this librarian is not personally a big fan of James Patterson, there have been some fantastic collaborations lately that have been truly enjoyable. The novel Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson, along with the album of the same name by Dolly Parton is worth giving a chance. Especially if you love Dolly Parton. I highly recommend the audiobook for it is a masterpiece with a cast of voices including Dolly Parton herself! But, listening to an audiobook and listening to music isn’t always easy on the brain. The album is a fantastic accompaniment to the novel. As you read the novel, songs are being sung, written, fiddled with and as you listen to the album it brings them to life. I would take it a step further and listen to the album on vinyl rather than cd for the full effect. Don’t expect life lessons to be learned during the reading/listening experience but, pure enjoyment? Boy howdy!
On a different note (something less mainstream), here are some titles chosen by library staff that pair well together:
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata has similar vibes (and humor!) with Tokyo Dreaming
Party Upstairs by Lee Conell and the song Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus (ok-aaay…still mainstream but a much needed relief as you read the electrifying tensions in the book)
Rockaway by Diane Cardwell must be read to none other than Surfin’ Safari & Surfin’ USA by The Beach Boys (or maybe even Jack Johnson–he’s cool)
Alright, here are some that are really on a different note…
If you like southern settings with some creepiness and the supernatural:
Read Mexican Gothic or When the Reckoning Comes while listening to Renee Reed, she sets the mood.
How about ethereal and magical?
Check out The Deep, Witchmark (the Queer Tales Book Club pick for June) or Upstream while experiencing Sea Oleena.
Maybe adventurous or contemplative?
La Ola Interior Spanish Ambient & Acid Exoticism sets the mood while reading Intimations, Silent Spring and World of Wonders.
A little out of this world?
Give The Martian a try. Agaetis byrjun by Sigur Ros would fit right into the Mars experience.
Everyone loves romance! (Don’t roll your eyes…you do!) Especially if there is a Netflix series based on the book:
Viscount Who Loved Me pairs fantastically well with the soundtrack of Season Two of Bridgerton (Netflix series is based on the book series).
Try the pairings out, let us know what you think. Need more ideas? Let us know, too. Email ask@tadl.org, chat tadl.org/chat, call 231-932-8502 or fill out THIS form for recommendations. Happy Summer, everyone