Today, Chelsey and Sara discuss The Summer Book by Tove Jansson*, a contemplative and vivid book in translation about a young girl, her grandmother, and the little island they inhabit. We discuss our favorite vignettes, the endearing characters, and our recommendations for contemporary pairings—including memoir, literary fiction, and poetry.

*This episode is spoiler-free.

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Listen to our pairings: [31:50]

Books mentioned:

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Moomin books by Tove Jansson (Amazon)

The Summer Book by Tove Jansson (Amazon)

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Chelsey:

Castle of Water by Dane Hucklebridge (Amazon)

A Thousand Mornings by Mary Oliver (Amazon)

Memories of Low Tide by Chantal Thomas (Amazon)

Sara:

Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson (Amazon) // SSR Episode 87

Lighthousekeeping by Jeanette Winterson (Amazon)

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner (Amazon)

Pick of the week:

Chelsey: We Can Do Hard Things podcast: What the hell is FUN and why do we need it?

Sara: Tove Jansson’s Moomins and her private universe.

68. The Summer Book by Tove Jansson and contemplative books for moody summer reading

Novel Pairings

68. The Summer Book by Tove Jansson and contemplative books for moody summer reading