The Perfect Pair
From page to playlist, Sundog staffers share their book and music picks to enhance your reading experience
By Michelle Hayes
Here in Seaside, summer reading often comes with a soundtrack. You’ll hear it drifting from speakers while stretched out on the beach. At Sundog Books, we’re constantly surrounded by stories and songs, so it only made sense to bring them together in a special way for this summer’s reading feature.
We asked our staff to share book and music pairings they love. The results are as varied and surprising as the titles on our shelves. Some are playful, some are poignant, and all are uniquely Sundog. Whether you’re in the mood for nostalgia, heartbreak or something a little strange and dreamy, there’s a book and a song here waiting to sync with your summer.
Staff Picks: Books + Songs
“Not in Love” by Ali Hazelwood + “I’m Not in Love” by 10cc
A brand-new release with a title that begged for this pairing. It’s cheeky, literal and right on the nose, just like Hazelwood’s witty romances.
“Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer + “Mother Nature’s Son” by The Beatles
This poetic blend of science and storytelling finds its perfect match in this gentle Beatles tune. Both reflect reverence for the natural world.
“Uptown Girl” by Christie Brinkley + “Uptown Girl” by Billy Joel
A new memoir with the same name as the iconic track that helped define Brinkley’s image. Obvious? Maybe. Perfect? Absolutely.
“Shopgirls” by Jessica Anya Blau + “Material Girl” by Madonna
A fresh release about women navigating fashion, identity and ambition. The song captures the energy and contradictions of their world.
“The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig + “The Night We Met” by Lord Huron
Haunting and introspective, both the novel and the song explore the ache of longing and the weight of decisions not made.
“Atmosphere” by Taylor Jenkins Reid + “Satellite of Love” by Lou Reed
TJR’s upcoming novel releasing on June 3 explores celebrity, isolation and reinvention. This much anticipated dreamy glam rock classic captures its retro-futuristic vibe.
“Fever Beach” by Carl Hiaasen + “Fever” by Peggy Lee
A sultry crime novel meets a sultry jazz standard. Play this while reading for maximum noir-in-the-sun energy.
“The Overstory” by Richard Powers + “A Forest” by The Cure
Both are haunting meditations on nature, mystery and the unseen threads that connect us, making for a moody, immersive experience. This book held deep meaning for Bob White, the late co-founder of Sundog Books, who considered it one of his all-time favorites.
“Sharks Don’t Sink” by Jasmine Graham + “The Thrill” by Wiz Khalifa and Empire of the Sun
Energetic and vivid, this combination takes a new release and matches it with a song that radiates motion and power.
“The Women” by Kristin Hannah + “The Rising” by Bruce Springsteen
Hannah’s story of Vietnam-era women in the military echoes the themes of resilience and courage found in this Springsteen anthem.
“Climbing in Heels” by Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas + “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” by Shania Twain
Big energy, fierce attitude and zero apologies. This pairing radiates confidence.
“James” by Percival Everett + “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley
Everett’s retelling of Huckleberry Finn through the voice of Jim demands something classic and soul-deep. Marley fits.
“Bride” by Ali Hazelwood + “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston
A book about connection and chemistry pairs perfectly with a song that bursts with joy and longing.
“All Fours” by Miranda July + “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield
Exploring identity and reinvention, this match is both quirky and empowering.
“The Great Divide” by Cristina Henríquez + “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel
This story of immigration, struggle and compassion resonates deeply with this classic ballad.
This summer, let Sundog provide your playlist and your page-turner. Whether you’re starting a new novel or spinning an old favorite from Central Square Records, we hope you find a pairing here that hits the right note.
