The Reading Lounge

Cynthia and Sarah discuss the 2013 novel The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey. Set in 1918, the story follows two people attempting to craft a life in the harsh Alaskan wilderness. The tragedies and longings are with them and so is hope that manifests in numerous ways. A great read at any time of year, but the novel beautifully captures the Alaskan seasons - especially the beauty and harsh reality of winter.

We paired this novel with a Holiday Aperol Spritz shared by @drinkswithdanica.

2 oz aperol

2 oz cranberry juice

1 oz club soda

3+ oz Proseco

Fill a wine glass with ice. Add aperol, cranberry juice and club soda. Stir and top with Proseco. Garnish with cranberries and a rosemary sprig. (We think the garnish really makes this drink!)

Thanks for stopping by The Reading Lounge!

Join Cynthia and Sarah in The Reading Lounge for a lively discussion of Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin. The novel harkens back to not so long ago scandals and led us to the question, "Has anything changed?" Be sure to sip on The Politician, a fitting cocktail for this fun read.

We'll meet you in The Reading Lounge!

The Politician

.75 oz gin

.75 oz whisky

1 oz lemon juice

.5 oz grenadine

.5 oz grapefruit syrup

.25 oz simple syrup

Mix and serve over ice with a lemon twist.

Autumn is made for reading! Get cozy and hear about the new fall books Sarah and Cynthia are excited about. What is your favorite new book?

We are in the Halloween spirit in The Reading Lounge as we discuss Frankenstein. Go beyond the movies to enjoy the gothic story written by 18-year-old Mary Shelley. Tell us what you think of this original horror story.

Pour yourself a Frankenstein cocktail while you listen to get into the spirit.

Frankenstein

1.5 oz vodka

1 oz melon liqueur (we used Midori)

1/2 oz fresh lime juice

2 oz ginger beer

Mix all ingredients over ice and garnish with a gummy worm or two for a special Halloween treat.

Enjoy!

Join us as we discuss Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy. Though published earlier this year, this one wasn't on our book radar until we learned that Ann Patchett recommended this novel. As listeners know, we love all of Ann Patchett's books and will always give her recommendations a try. As expected, this one did not disappoint. Listen in to learn what we loved about this novel. Perhaps you'll add to your TBR list.

Let's not forget this episode's cocktail:

The Mouse Trap

1.5 oz Triple Sec

2 oz Vodka

2 oz Orange juice

3 oz 7-Up or Sprite

1.5 oz Grenadine syrup

Shake vodka, triple sec, and orange juice with ice. Strain into cocktail glass and add soda (do not shake, stir). Layer drink with grenadine syrup.

Enjoy.

Welcome to a brief bonus episode of The Reading Lounge. Since we love books how could we not spend a few minutes discussing the New York Times Best Books of the 21st Century (so far) survey results. Spoiler alert...We both love the title that took the number one spot!

Special thanks to the wonderful content from The Book Review podcast from the New York Times and from Book Riot - The Podcast which providing information and inspiration for much of our discussion.

We learned about many new books to add to our TBR list. We hope you discover some new reads, too.

Sarah and Cynthia discuss Natalie Sue's debut novel, I Hope This Finds You Well. If you've ever worked in an office, you will chuckle, and maybe even grimace, at the spot-on descriptions of office life that serve as the story's backdrop. But beyond the "birthday cake in the breakroom" and obligatory e-mail salutations, is a story of a young woman trying to navigate her way in life following a childhood tragedy, and ever-present family, and society's expectations.

Join us in The Reading Lounge to hear more about why you may want to pick up this fun read and add to your TBR list.

Don't forget to mix up this episode's cocktail: You've Got Mail

2 oz Cachaca

1/2 oz orange juice

1/2 oz lime juice

1/4 oz sugar syrup (2:1 sugar:water ratio)

1/4 oz honey syrup (3:1 honey: water ratio)

1 2/3 oz of Brut Champagne or sparkling wine

Shake first five ingredients with ice and strain into ice-filled Collins glass. Top with sparkling wine.

Enjoy!

In this episode of The Reading Lounge, Sarah and Cynthia discuss the novel The Fellowship of Puzzle Makers by Samuel Burr. Both puzzling addicts (yes, that is us) and non-puzzlers alike will find much to enjoy in this book that highlights the ties that bind the families we choose. Join us in sipping on a cocktail called The Labyrinth.

The Labyrinth

1 1/2 parts bourbon

1/2 part sherry

1/4 Amaretto

3 dashes bitters

orange peel and cherry for garnish

Mix all ingredients and enjoy over ice.

Bonus Episode! Join Cynthia and Sarah in the Reading Lounge and learn about some fun summer book releases!

Listen in as Sarah and Cynthia discuss Attribution by Linda Moore. This independently published novel has won numerous awards and combines art history, mystery, romance, and interesting characters to paint (pun intended) a great story. Make a pitcher of Spanish Sangria, find a place to relax, and enjoy the podcast and the novel.

Spanish Sangria

This recipe makes a large pitcher. We halved the recipe.

3 oz Cognac or Spanish Brandy

3/4 C sugar

3 oz orange juice

2 naval oranges

1/2 lemon

1 apple

1.5 liters (two standard bottles) Rioja or a dry red wine

Mix cognac, sugar and juice. Chop oranges and lemon into small wedges and apple into small pieces. Add just enough wine to cover the fruit. Refrigerate overnight or for several hours to blend flavors. Add the remainder of the wine and adjust to taste with more brandy and/or sugar. Chill for at least two hours before serving.