Our Favorite Summer Reads (and Listens)
Whether you're poolside, lakeside, or parked under a patio umbrella with a lemonade in hand, summer's the perfect time to rest and refresh your creative spirit. We've rounded up some beach-brained books and podcasts that are equal parts smart and satisfying. Here’s what’s worth your towel time…
Books Worth Your Beach Time
At Lawson House, we love a good story. Our team even has an internal book club (yes, really), so when it comes to recommending a great read, we’ve got opinions. This summer’s picks range from breezy rom-coms to branding guides you can underline between sunscreen reapplications.
Epic Content Marketing – Joe Pulizzi
Teaches content strategy but reads like a storytelling guide, making it perfect for beach and brain alike.
The Summer Job – Lizzy Dent
Fake it till you make it in the Scottish Highlands. Perfect for fans of messy rom-coms and European charm.
Atmosphere: A Love Story – Taylor Jenkins Reid
1980s romance meets NASA drama—a dreamy mix of nostalgia and escapism.
How to Launch a Brand – Fabian Geyrhalter
A practical, trendy guide to building a standout brand—snappy, strategic, and beach-friendly.
The Invisible Husband of Frick Island – Colleen Oakley
A quirky, heartwarming story of grief, hope, and small-town secrets with just the right touch of magical realism.
The Power of Moments – Chip & Dan Heath
Beach towel philosophy meets business smarts. Explore how to create standout experiences that people remember.
One Italian Summer – Rebecca Serle
A time-travel twist, mother-daughter love, and Amalfi Coast imagery = the ultimate vacation read.
Tuned In from the Towel
Not in a reading mood? We get it—sometimes you just want to close your eyes and listen while the sun works its magic. These podcasts are Lawson House-approved and perfect for walks, floats, or just zoning out with your AirPods in and SPF on.
The Marketing Millennials – Daniel Murray
Real-world case studies and brand examples you can digest in a towel-sized break.
Book Cheat – Dave Warneke
The book club podcast where Dave’s done the reading for you. Come for the plot, stay for the laughs.
Creative Edition Podcast – Emma Cortes Ellendt
Bite-sized advice for creators, influencers, and entrepreneurs looking to build a brand with heart.
Skimm This — theSkimm
A daily news podcast that keeps you in the know without harshing your vacation vibe.
How I Built This – Guy Raz
Hear from the CEOs and founders of your favorite brands. Lessons on creativity, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
Per Our Last Email — Elle Mitchell and Arabela Espinoza
A witty, creative industry podcast where two designers spill the tea on client stories and freelance life. Light, funny, and a little cathartic.
The Lazy Genius Podcast – Kendra Adachi
Practical tips to “be a genius about the things that matter and lazy about the things that don’t.” Perfect for summer slowdowns.
Summer’s the perfect time to pause, reset, and refill your creative cup—and sometimes all it takes is a good story, a smart podcast, or a fresh perspective to spark your next idea. These are the reads and listens we’ve been loving lately, and we hope they bring a little inspiration to wherever you’re spending your sunny days.
Whether you’re plotting your next big launch or just enjoying a slower season, consider this your reminder that rest and creativity go hand in hand.
And when you’re ready to dive in and strategize a new marketing campaign, our team is here to help!
