Season’s Readings: An Introvert’s guide to Summer Break

My top 10 essentials for reading relaxation. Plus, the Classically Cultured summer reading guide is available now!

The front page of the 2025 Classically Cultured Summer Reading Guide

There’s an iconic scene in the classic family film Home Alone that most American cinemaphiles remember. The McCallister family, set to take a trip to Europe, wake up late for their departure due to an alarm clock that never beeped. Damn those random, pesky power outages.

Cut to the hustle and bustle of getting a house full of kids, uncles, and aunts out of the door and to the airport. Somehow, they make their flight. Out of all the eccentricities of the film discussed over the years, that remains the most unbelievable one. Then again, this was the ‘90s, so airports still had a touch of magic, and timely flow, about them.

Most viewers watch Home Alone with heartfelt enthusiasm and joy. It’s often a Christmas tradition. But even as a child, it wasn’t the Wet Bandits that scared me. It was those introductory scenes that left me with a racing heart and butterfly-ridden stomach. Alarms over Christmas break. A house topsy-turvy with questionable relatives. Being packed in a car with everyone else like canned fish. The marathon flight to Paris.

It took me a while to realize my marginal reaction to the film wasn’t because I was being a Scrooge. It was just that I had a completely different view of the holidays. Instead of mayhem I enjoyed leisure and peace. Instead of taking off to an entirely different continent for the sentimental season, I preferred to curl up by a fire at home with a blanket and a good book. Instead of a house full of people yelling at each other and possibly soiling beds (it’s worth remembering the young Fuller, Kevin McCallister’s cousin who had a love of Pepsi and a weak bladder, played by Macaulay Culkin’s own brother, Kieran), why don’t we just meet for dinner?

No, I wasn’t a Grinch, though I’ve always related to his charming wit and want of avoiding the more commercial aspects of the holiday season. 

I was a budding introvert.

Introvert Like a Professional

Does small talk feel like a foreign language to you? Does initiating a dreaded phone call leave you amping yourself up like Rocky Balboa before dialing the number? Does seeing someone from your school days while out running errands leave you heading in the opposite direction? Do crowded theme parks make you question your own sanity? 

If you answered “yes” to any of these, you may have full-blown, non-curable introversion.

Unfortunately, as of right now, we are not entitled to compensation. I checked.

But the good news is, after realizing at around four years old that I was a reluctant introvert, I’ve had plenty of time to hone my craft (or my unofficial diagnosis, as I sometimes call it).

Now, after much practice and dedication, I’m proud to say I’m a full-time, professional introvert, within reason. Really, I’ve got this lifestyle down to a science.

Maybe you’re a self-confessed introvert like me. Or maybe you’re an extrovert with an adopted introvert who runs for the hills at the mention of a packed happy hour or overflowing concert so you’re trying to find a way to connect. Whether adopter or adoptee, I’ve got your covered.

Not only have I included my top 10 favorite, tried-and-true accessories essential to having a relaxing, tranquil summer break, I’ve also included Classically Cultured’s debut Summer Reading Guide, ready to read and download below. It contains enough book recommendations, from classics to sports biographies, to keep you busy for several summers. It’s also got plenty of fun facts and Classically Cultured article excerpts for further reading.

Proud introverts unite! Telepathically, of course, from the comfort of our own homes.

And enjoy this ultimate guide to your summer break (finally) done right, and on your own terms 😉

Ready to read the Summer Reading Guide now? Click on the button below for the downloadable PDF booklet (it really is a thing of beauty)!

The Essentials

*Please note that I won’t receive any commissions from the Amazon products I link to below. I’m not that cool or business-savvy. I just really like them and think you might too 🙂

We live in a society that encourages constant extroversion now. From filmed nervous breakdowns posted to social media to small talk while waiting in line at the UPS store to drop off an Amazon return, there’s not much opportunity for quiet reflection and contemplation these days. Add in the responsibility of earning a living and taking care of family, or dealing with any number of distractions that come along throughout the day (did my email notification just go off for the 50th time before breakfast?), and introverts can soon feel like they’re an alien on this planet.

We want to day dream about winning a contest that rewards us 1 million dollars for not leaving our house for a year. As the game show host gives us our winnings and asks us how we did it, we channel the sassy Elle Woods one-liner from Legally Blonde she bestowed upon us when questioned about how she possibly got into Harvard:

“What, like it’s hard?”

That’s why, my dear introvert or introvert-sympathizer, when you get the rare opportunity to do truly introvertish things, you commit, hard.

1. Make a Statement

If you really want to make a statement, opt for a visual cue that lets others know, you are present but not really here.

May I suggest these “Shh! I’m Reading” socks from Amazon?

Or maybe this more polite, British-sounding option. A coffee mug that says, “Kindly go away, I’m Reading.”

Cheerio, mate!

2. Noise-canceling headphones

If you live in a full house, you might need to block out chaos. Noise-cancelling headphones do the trick, though they can leave any proper introvert overtly startled by a sudden tap on the shoulder. Try not to hiss like a vampire at the extrovert when this happens. It only adds to the confusion.

I personally prefer ear buds, though headphones seem to be having a moment. I really like Beats earbuds. Here’s a popular option.

3. A Hot Beverage

Sheldon Cooper from Big Bang Theory was hopeless when it came to social intelligence, but he did have some surprising moves when comforting friends. His go-to for feeling better? A hot beverage.

I can’t think of a more essential item while settling in for a good reading session than a warm drink that envelopes you like a soft blanket.

While browsing Amazon, I came across these charming, literary-themed English breakfast tea bags by Novel Teas. They feature uplifting quotes about books by history’s heroes. This would make a great gift to yourself (treat yourself!) or a fellow book-lover.

I’m a big fan of herbal tea. My top three go-to brands are Traditional Medicinals, The Republic of Tea, and Buddha Teas.

I always have Lemon Balm, St. John’s Wort, and Ashwagandha teas on hand. All of these herbs have calming properties and help with mood elevation.

Sip on one of these herbal remedies as you watch a call go to voicemail or ignore the solicitor who just rang your door bell. You’ve got too much reading to do, and too little time.

4. Let There Be Light

Is night time the right time for you when it comes to diving into a good story? Before we brought home our Dachsund puppy, I was like you. A full moon could find me reading until the wee hours of the morning. With a puppy, late night reading sessions are, for now, a thing of the past. The silver lining? I don’t need an alarm clock anymore.

But if you’re smarter than me, chances are you’re puppy-free. So a handy, dandy book light will do for moonlit readings and a personal favorite, reading in bed. The one I linked to is a best-seller.

5. Speaking of the bed…

You have to have a proper emotional support blanket. Introverts can use blankets like a superhero cloaking mechanism when others are looking for them. Plus, the soft fabric is great to caress as you practice breathing techniques and slow your heart rate after being added to a group text. 

Faux fur rabbit blankets are a dream. They get super toasty and feel silky smooth to the touch.

Here’s one with great reviews on Amazon.

6. I like big books and I cannot lie…

I often change positions while reading because I can’t sit still for too long. Having a book stand helps. If I’m reading a rather large book, it takes the strain off my hands and wrists. It also allows me a better angle for my neck so I’m not looking down for extended periods of time. I’ve been using this tabletop book stand for years, and highly recommend it. 

7. The Art of the Scribble

Okay, so this one may seem a bit basic. But it’s so important! How many times have you been lost in the pages of a biography or historical nonfiction book and suddenly come across something you have to underline before moving on? The dagger to the heart for any bibliophile is the lone pen in hand scribbling divots into the margins because the ink is dried out. Eureka moment compromised!

You’ve got to have a dependable instrument.

Don’t just grab any old pen. Be bold. Maybe try this Ernest Hemingway themed pen with an inspirational quote on it: “In order to write about life, first you must live it.”

Let’s face it, introverts might not be big talkers but we do have a lot to say. And this often ends up in a book’s marginalia.

8. Marking Your Territory

No, I’m not suggesting you pee on your books so people know whose is whose. But I am suggesting you not be a psychopath like me and use a bookmark instead of dog-earing pages (cue the pre-recorded collective gasp). I was gifted this one below by my sister and it’s helped me somewhat kick my heathen ways. And it features one of Schitt’s Creek character David Rose’s many memorable quips, which is highly appropriate for this article on how to embrace our introverted ways, “I’m trying very hard not to connect with people right now.” Any book lover can relate to that 😉

9. Make Your Library Mobile

For some reason, I can’t read one book at a time. At any given moment, I’m trying to work my way through any number of books, which can be hard to keep track of. Enter one of IKEA’s most brilliant products, the Raskog cart. 

I’ve got two of these bad boys filled with books I’m reading right now. And with its convenient wheels and handles, I can roll the carts to whichever room I plan to read in.

Plus, these come in handy for book overflow while you wait for your next bookcase to be delivered.

If you have trouble finding IKEA’s classic model, here’s a top-rated one from Amazon.

10. Classically Cultured Membership

Talk about a shameless plug. But I couldn’t help it. If you love book recommendations, you’ve come to the right place. So why not make it official? Not only does a paid membership mean you’ll never run out of book ideas, but it also means you are contributing to independent journalism and a publication that champions a renaissance of art and individuality. 

I think I can honestly say, it’s writing you won’t find anywhere else 😁

For less than a coffee shop concoction a month, you can stay inspired, informed, and invigorated.

I appreciate all of my wonderful readers. Subscriptions are appreciated as well because they help keep the lights on here at Classically Cultured!

The Classically Cultured Summer Reading Guide

Do you go cuckoo over the classics? Or maybe you’re working on your history buff degree. Are you a fan of poetry? Or sports? Maybe you like to contemplate the good life.

Whether backyard philosopher or tailgate scholar, the first ever Classically Cultured Reading Guide has a little something for everyone.

Plus, I’ve included fun literary facts and links to CC articles that dive into some of the recommendations in the guide.

I had a blast putting this together, and I hope you enjoy it too.

Let me know which books you plan to read over the summer! Which recommendations from the guide do you plan on tackling?

I wish you warm weather, plentiful sunshine, and the most elusive dream of all… uninterrupted reading time 😜

Read the Classically Cultured Summer Reading Guide booklet by clicking on the button below. Make sure to download it and save it for later too!

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