The Girl's Guide to DC
Issue 51: Life's a Beach - Bring a Book
Welcome back to The Girl’s Guide to DC! If you missed last week’s issue, find it here.
I want this newsletter to be about you, the ladies of DC, so send me healthy lunch recipes and bad date stories by replying to this email.
Life’s a Beach — Bring a Book
Is there any more blissful feeling than reading a book on the beach? If you’re looking for your next beach read, my friend (and coworker!) Brielle Colby has you covered. Whether you’ve got a vacation or a staycation planned this summer, be sure to check out her Instagram account @bookswithbrielle!
Brielle lived in DC from 2013 to 2016 before moving to Nashville, Tenn., and then Charleston, S.C., where she lives now (talk about beautiful beaches!).
“I started my Bookstagram this past February 2022 because I was always posting about books on my personal page but saw a few others doing ones dedicated to books,” Brielle says. “I like the saying ‘I read books so you don’t have to’ because it isn’t always fun picking up a book and then hating it halfway through or missing out on good ones!”
Now Brielle’s Bookstagram has more than 3,000 followers, and she’s receiving advanced copies of books by her favorite authors — pretty cool if you ask me!
You can click on the Instagram embeds below to read Brielle’s full spoiler-free reviews of each book she recommends.
Your Next Summer Read with @bookswithbrielle
By Brielle Colby
1. Bright Side by Kim Holden
Genre: Contemporary fiction
Brielle’s take: There isn't enough space to write about this book. Kim Holden is amazing and the characters she created in this book are just amazing. If you're a fan of Colleen Hoover (It Ends With Us, Verity, Reminders of Him) this book will be right up your alley. I was left feeling sad and happy (queue Kacey Musgraves music) at the end. And I haven't stopped thinking about it. An EPIC read to bring to the beach or vacation or anywhere.
2. Meant to Be by Emily Giffin
Genre: Contemporary romance (available May 30)
Brielle’s take: Emily Giffin can do no wrong, and her newest novel does not disappoint. I had the honor of getting an advanced copy and honestly it was wonderful. It's a story loosely based on John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette's relationship (with Emily Giffin magic sprinkled on it). It has all the summer vibes but packs a serious punch.
3. The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand
Genre: Contemporary fiction (available June 14)
Brielle’s take: THE QUEEN OF SUMMER READS IS BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER. This was another book I was given the chance to read early and let me tell you... you MUST bring this book to the beach with you. Or visit Nantucket. Or BOTH! My first Elin Hilderbrand book was Golden Girl (which you should also read), and I was hooked immediately. And then immediately wanted to jet to Nantucket. The story is wonderful and has all the "White Lotus" vibes with a ghost. I flew through this book in a day. Pre-order this RIGHT NOW. It is a must-add to your beach bag.
4. Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica
Genre: Thriller/suspense
Brielle’s take: Everyone needs a little thriller in their life. If you love a good suspense novel, LOOK NO FURTHER. Mary Kubica is a master of twists and turns. This is another book I finished in one day, and anytime I put the book down I was thinking about it. As soon as you THINK you know what's going on, she throws another turn at you. WARNING: This does contain some pretty dark aspects so prepare yourself for that.
5. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Genre: Fantasy
Brielle’s take: IF YOU HAVEN'T HEARD ABOUT THIS BOOK YOU MAY BE LIVING UNDER A ROCK (kidding!). But seriously, welcome to the Fantasy series you never knew you needed. Sarah J. Maas is bringing back the best of fantasy. This book is like if Harry Potter, Twilight and The Hunger Games had a love child. It's wonderful and the series just gets better and better as it goes on. Sometimes we need a story that's just pure make-believe and magic. Add this to your cart RIGHT NOW.
Bonus Recommendation from @readingwith_kelsey
My Killer Vacation by Tessa Bailey
Genre: Romance, mystery
Kelsey’s take: This summer’s hottest new release, My Killer Vacation (available June 6, 2022), is a spicy murder mystery set on Cape Cod. By the end of Chapter 1 you are launched head first into this beach town mystery. School teacher and true crime junkie, Taylor, is determined to get to the bottom of this case, whether the crude, yet swoony, bounty hunter Myles wants her involved or not. These two unlikely partners make for a fast paced story filled with witty banter, plot twists, and lots of spice in true Tessa Bailey fashion.
Interview with Theresa Olohan
This week, I’m interviewing my friend Theresa Olohan, an effortlessly stylish DC lady who is always down to discuss her Gilmore Girls hot takes. She’s also a recent Notre Dame grad! Connect with Theresa on Twitter and Instagram.
What does your life look like right now?
I recently switched from working as an opinion fellow on the USA Today editorial board to working in conservative communications. My new job is amazing! I love getting to work with other figures in the conservative movement promoting conservative values!
I also am excited to be moving to Old Town Alexandria in August, where you will find me jogging around town, lounging by the waterfront and eating probably too many baked goods from random coffee shops where I am supposed to be working.
What's your favorite place to take friends or family who are visiting DC?
Old Town Alexandria or Georgetown! I love how charming both Alexandria and Georgetown are, and all the different restaurants and shops in each. I like trying new restaurants in the DC area but one of my favorites is Landini Brothers in Old Town. It is perfect for a romantic date night, family dinner, or chill night with your girlfriends! I also love how close it is to the waterfront, especially in the summer.
Also, insert any random brunch place, and you will find me there!!
What would you tell a woman your age who's considering moving to DC?
To subscribe to the Girls Guide, obviously. Duh.
What's the biggest lesson you've learned in your career?
There are many lessons that I've learned, especially in the past few months, but one that's stood out to me (thanks to the help of a great mentor and friend ) is to pay it forward. Most people in DC got here with the help of someone else. Now is a great time to give back and see how you can help other girls start off in their careers!
The Haps
Why We’re Obsessed with Matilda Djerf
That’s the title of my latest story for Evie Magazine, and if you don’t know who Swedish it girl Matilda Djerf is, allow me to introduce you! I have been a big fan of her Instagram for years, and I do a deep dive on why her positivity stands out so much in a world of so-called Insta baddies. Read my story here: Why We’re Obsessed With Matilda Djerf And How You Can Copy Her Iconic ‘90s Hairstyle.
All-You-Can-Eat Pizza Comes to DC
Hell’s Kitchen fans, get excited. Famed chef Gordon Ramsay is bringing his bottomless pizza chain stateside, and he’s decided that northwest DC will be the first location. “Toppings range from classic pepperoni and wild mushroom to contemporary British combos like charred aubergine with garlic pesto or corn-and-chorizo,” The Washingtonian reports.
Reader’s Corner
My friend Jordyn Pair, who made the most out of her experience interning in DC, shared some more tips for interns after last week’s newsletter:
Don't make your internship/work your entire personality/topic of conversation — there's lots to do in DC that isn't networking.
Be prepared to be catcalled, depending on where you work. If you're from a city, you'll be ready for it, but it definitely freaked me out for a while. Ignoring or shouting back are both valid options.
Walk > metro > Lyft > Uber.
Security WILL take your pepper spray if you go to Fourth of July at any monument, so just know that.
Bulletin Board
Congrats to ELIZABETH and MATTHEW WEIBEL on their marriage! The newly married couple is looking forward to celebrating more with family and friends. Congratulate Elizabeth on Twitter.
LOOKING FOR HOUSING: Conservative female interning in DC for the summer is looking for housing ASAP. If you have a lead, email girlygirlsguidetodc@gmail.com to be connected.
Ask Evie
Have a question you want me to answer in the newsletter? Click this link to send your question anonymously! You can read my most recent Ask Evie column on friendship by clicking here.
Loved this edition <3 Finally giving me the push I need to check out A Court of Thorns and Roses