In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Jeffrey Eugenides’s 2002 novel Middlesex. Topics include proper name pronunciation, iced coffee orders, surprising narrative decisions, the immigrant experience in America and the disillusionment of the American dream, Calliope/Cal and the turbulence of adolescence, and Cal’s ultimate decision on how to live his life. Plus, we go on a slight tangent about AI.

This week’s drink: Sidecar (via liquor.com)

INGREDIENTS 

• 1 1/2 ounces cognac
• 3/4 ounce orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
• 3/4 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• Garnish: orange twist
• Garnish: sugar rim (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Coat the rim of a coupe glass with sugar, if desired, and set aside.
2. Add the cognac, orange liqueur and lemon juice to a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
3. Strain into the prepared glass.
4. Garnish with an orange twist.

Current/recommended reads, links, etc.:

Second Life: Having a Child in the Digital Age by Amanda Hess

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Join us next time as we read Babylon, South Dakota by Tom Lin