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Katherine Leak's avatar

I’m going to Portland for Labor Day, and now I need to bring one of J. Courtney Sullivan’s books with me! And as someone who also gets so frustrated at the beach, I’m adding that BeachBack to my list asap.

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Jordan Bogigian's avatar

Ahh you must! I really love the way she writes about family and how complicated it can be. And obviously the coastal vibes are immaculate. I can't wait to hear what you think. And I am never one to say "you need this" about a product but I genuinely think everyone could benefit from the BeachBack. Who WOULDN'T want that!?

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Leanna Julius's avatar

I’ve always wanted to go to New England in the summer (or anything for that matter)!

And I’m the opposite of you…I HATE being cold 🤣 I have a heater in my room all year round to warm my room up at night so I’m nice and cozy. That could be my anemia talking though lol

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Jordan Bogigian's avatar

I also really, really love New England in the fall. The foliage is incredible and the air is so crisp. Honestly it’s pretty amazing year round. But if you’re cold blooded, summer is your time!!!

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Brittany Viklund's avatar

I love a good coastal New England setting!! Little Monsters was a fave last year. Have you read The Paper Palace?

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Jordan Bogigian's avatar

Yes!! I almost included that one too - I loved loved Paper Palace. I know it's a polarizing one but I thought it was masterful.

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Brittany Viklund's avatar

Yes it is very polarizing, I agree I thought it was exceptional.

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Ren 🤍's avatar

This article brought me so much joy. As a midwesterner I crave the New England vibe. I too buy hydrangeas every chance I get and enjoy a yummy lobster roll. Sadly they are in short supply here. Thanks for sharing your recs!

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Jordan Bogigian's avatar

This made my heart feel so warm. I'm so glad you enjoyed it! There truly is nothing like New England summer and I'm wishing you one very soon, whether it's IRL or simply the coastal vibes!

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Elizabeth Marino's avatar

As a born and raised long islander I don't think I'll ever make the trek front the city to Rockaway 😂 but I immediately bought the inflatable towel you recommended — cannot wait to use it at the beach this summer. I love the beach but am also a coastal girlie at heart. Give me a breezy evening with a lobster roll any day!!! I always struggle to find "beach reads" that I actually enjoy. Def adding these to my list!!

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Jordan Bogigian's avatar

That is so fair - I may be in the minority but I honestly love Rockaway. That may be largely due to sentimentality but I genuinely think it's such a gem to have so close to home. But I also didn't grow up near a beach so it's exciting to me! Also YAY that you got the BeachBack - you will NOT regret it.

You'll have to let me know what you think of these ones when you get a chance to read them.

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Michelle Martin's avatar

This is such a good list! I always appreciate a 1-2 sentence description of a book with a link so I can click out if I'm intrigued. And that BeachBack is so fun! I finally invested in nice beach chairs two summers ago and it's definitely a game changer to be comfy while you're lazing about for the afternoon.

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Jordan Bogigian's avatar

Thank you Michelle! I completely agree RE: 1-2 sentences, my problem is always wanting to say too much!! But I'm going to give it a test run.

100% being comfortable makes the biggest difference. If I had a car, beach chairs would be in my shopping cart! But being in NYC you have to travel light.

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