Is it just me, or does summer seem to have flown by and now we are looking at the beginning of a new school year coming just around the bend? I have been on sabbatical for the last academic year and am looking forward to going back to my Fordham campus, even though my respite has been much needed and enjoyed. As August comes to a close, there are still some dwindling summer days left, and I plan to revel in them as best I can. The best part about summer is that it feels like we can take advantage of the long days, great weather, and a city that is moving at a slightly slower pace than normal.
In the remaining weeks of summer, I plan to read a bit more fiction. I recently read “My Sister, the Serial Killer,” a novel by Nigerian writer Oyinkan Braithwaite. I do not like scary books or movies, but this page turner was the perfect blend of mystery and thrill without being scary. It was also well-written; I think it could be of interest to a young adult audience as well. The book was published in 2018 and I am so glad I discovered this author, who has written two books of short stories as well as another novel, “The Driver,” “Treasure,” and “The Baby is Mine,” respectively.
I also plan to take advantage of New York’s beaches. Sadly, I have not been to a New York beach all summer, which is a real shame on my part. Public transportation can get you to beaches like Riis, Brighton, or Coney Island. There are few things better than packing some sandwiches and snacks on a hot summer day and heading to the beach for a day in the sun. Obviously, due to lifeguard shortages, we must be vigilant when in the water. We must also keep our eyes open for sharks who seem to enjoy New York beaches as well.
As we get ready for the summer to wind down, it is also a time to do something that’s been on your “fun to-do” list. We have so many obligations in our lives, we must make time to see a show, go to a museum, or take a stroll in a park or botanical garden. I like to watch birds in Central or Prospect parks, but there are several parks throughout the city where you can go for a stroll, get fresh air, hug some trees, play a little frisbee or croquet with friends, or just lay down on the grass and relax. Whatever you decide to do, take the time to rest a little before Labor Day and the beginning of a new season. Happy August!
Christina Greer, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Fordham University; author of “Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream”; and co-host of the podcast FAQ-NYC and host of The Blackest Questions podcast at TheGrio.
