Flowing Through Pages and Ripples

Leila Botonjic, Online Editor | May 20, 2026

Birks ‘n Books: A stack of books lay on the sandy Woodmont beach, overlooking the ocean, while being flanked by a pair of Birkenstocks and a Starbucks water bottle, April 20, 2026. Photo courtesy: Leila Botonjic

The arrival of flowery, fresh springtime brings the anticipation of salty, coastal summer. When living in Milford, spending time at the beach is a non-negotiable aspect of a classic summer pastime. Though swimming and spikeball are exciting, cracking open a new book while taking in the beautiful ocean views is unbeatable. Books and the ocean pair together to create an atmosphere of utmost relaxation and engagement during the summer, not to mention a stunning sight when comparing the details of book covers to nature’s natural design.

**Flipping Through Words:** The pages of a book flipping through the wind while resting atop a pile of rocks and driftwood, May 3, 2026. Photo courtesy: Leila Botonjic

**Pens for Bookmarks:** A book page being held in place by a fountain pen and a couple of pebbles, with West Haven Beach in the background, May 3, 2026. Photo courtesy: Leila Botonjic

**Slippery Slopes:** “The Naturals,” a mystery book with plot twists, is being held in front of a mass of mossy, slimy rocks by the beach, April 20, 2026. Photo courtesy: Leila Botonjic

**Teardrop Kisses:** “A Thousand Boy Kisses,” a romance book with pastel colors and water droplets, matches the pale skies and vast ocean beyond, April 20, 2026. Photo courtesy: Leila Botonjic

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About the Contributor

Leila Botonjic, Staff Writer

Hi, my name is Leila Botonjic, and I’m a freshman at Foran High School. This is my first year taking journalism, and I am a staff writer. I picked journalism because I love writing and learning about the people and places around me. At Foran, I am involved in volleyball, basketball, and track. In my free time, I enjoy reading, baking, volunteering, running, and writing.