A Book, a Snack, and a Hammock (but No Phone)
Summertime, in theory, means more time in general. More time for fun and leisure and enjoying ourselves away from the workplace or even our own homes. Sometimes all that extra time is a myth and we can’t venture too far. Sometimes we have only an hour or so to spare. If this is the case for you, then let me recommend the Book, Snack and Hammock Escape.
Okay, so maybe a hammock isn’t always possible — feel free to substitute a park bench, or grassy hill, or rickety backyard chaise lounge where half the webbing is gone. But the book and snack shouldn’t be too hard.
What book? You choose, but let me steer you towards something not too difficult but not too easy, either. Something that makes you work a little but still gives back in interesting characters and plenty of plot hooks. A novel, preferably one that takes place in a land far away would be my choice.
What snack? You choose, but let me recommend something easy that doesn’t require knife or fork or even for you to take your eyes off the page. Ice-cold grapes are an excellent choice, or figs if you’re so lucky. Chocolate is good, but perhaps too melty. If you want to step it up a notch, fill a thermos with a favorite icy drink. That way you can bring salty snacks like pretzels or peanuts.
The only rule is to leave your phone at home or in the car or if you must, turned off and buried at the very bottom of your satchel. No phones, got it?
What you are allowed is to get lost in another world, to allow the printed page to pull you where it wants you to go: to love and betrayal, to the great heights of achievement and the hollow depths of disappointment, to strange locals and different times and new ideas, and finally, as always, back to love again.
Hopefully, you can indulge in the Book, Snack, and Hammock Escape with some degree of frequency this summer, but even if you only have one session, if even for one hour, I truly believe you and your life will be the better for it.
Books & Snacks
- 20 Writers and Their Midnight Snacks
- 9 Essential YA Series to Read on the Beach This Summer
- 3 Foodie Memoirs to Read Over the Long Weekend
- Best Summer Food Books
- 10 One-Handed Snacks for New Moms (and hammock readers!)
