Summer 2017 is so close I can almost taste it!

This spring semester has been a whirlwind of stress, homework, and having an endless list of obligations and responsibilities to tend to daily. With the summer finally approaching, I have been thinking about how I am going to spend the little amount of free time I will have while keeping up with taking three online courses and working part time. I have been looking around to see what are some of the popular books, shows, movies, etc. I should make a point to experience over my short-lived summer vacation.

Here are a few things I plan to experience over the next three months, preferably with sunglasses and a swimsuit on, while basking in the sun by a hotel pool:

1) The book: Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

I recently just finished this television series on HBO. The storyline follows a group of mothers that all have elementary-age children that attend the same charter school. The plot unfolds as the characters endure bullying, rumors, secrets, and abuse. The show is only seven episodes long, and each episode leaves you feeling intrigued and ready for more. I really enjoy the scenery of the characters' environment, and I think the writers of the show did a fantastic job with the casting of each role. I definitely recommend binge-watching this as soon as finals are over and the opportunity for relaxation has arrived.

2) The Book: Note to Self by Conner Franta

I came across this book while walking out of the Bookie the other day. It is currently placed on the New York Times Bestseller List. The book is a memoir explaining the life of the YouTube internet sensation Conner Franta. According to the books listing through Google Books, "Told through short essays, letters to his past and future selves, poetry, and original photography, Note to Self is a raw, in-the-moment look at the fascinating interior life of a young creator turning inward in order to move forward," (Simon & Schuster Austrailia). The book features vibrant colorful images and appears to be a very entertaining, but easy read.

3) The Netflix show: Sense8 Season 2 (Arriving on Netflix on May 5th)

I have been waiting for this show to come back on the air for quite some time now—this show is absolutely remarkable! The first season is filled with action, drama, intricate sex scenes, and surprising suspense. The show follows the lives of each character, both from the perspective of the character, and through the perspective of the characters' minds interfering with the rest of the main characters. Each person is connected to the next through a mind reader/telepathy-like lens. All around, the show is amazing and the highly anticipated second season is sure to satisfy Sense8 fans everywhere.

4) The Netflix show: House of Cards season 5 (Arriving on Netflix on May 30)

I have been a long-time fan of this show. I have watched since the beginning, and after the end of the fourth season, I was worried about the show having future seasons because it took months for Netflix to release anything about new episodes airing. I raved about this show so much that my parents and girlfriend both decided to give it a try; they were hooked right from the beginning like I was. This show is full of political controversy, betrayal, lying, murder, the list goes on and on. I have re-watched the first two season twice now, and I CANNOT wait for the new season to be released. Even if politics is not your go-to for television entertainment, I still recommend giving this show a try.

5) The Movie: Lovesong (2016) (Arriving to Netflix on May 15th)

This movie is on my list because it gives off the perfect "relaxing summer night" vibe.The film is directed by Sundance Film Festival alumni So Yong Kim. The movie follows two women who are close friends that have not seen each other for some time. The movie explores the lives of each woman and how they end up falling for each other, despite where each woman is in their lives at the time.

Although I have an extremely busy summer ahead of me, I am excited to make time to relax and enjoy these new releases.

What are your plans for the summer?

How do you intend to spend your leisure time?