The Reading Lounge

In this episode of The Reading Lounge Sarah and Cynthia discuss West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge. Inspired by a true story, Rutledge takes us on a journey with a pair of giraffes, their caretaker, and our storyteller across the country headed for the San Diego Zoo. A tale told against the backdrop of The Great Depression makes for great discussion. Join us while sipping on this month's cocktail, a Giraffe's Print!

2 oz ...

Welcome to The Reading Lounge! Sarah and Cynthia discuss Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford. Perhaps not many find fame in the sunset of their lives but Mrs. Quinn's love of baking puts her front and center. The unexpected fame also illuminates the cost of keeping secrets in a nearly 60-year long marriage. If you enjoy The Great British Baking Show as much as we do, the setting for this fun and engaging novel will mak...

Thanks for joining us in The Reading Lounge! Sarah and Cynthia discuss the novel A Walker in the Evening by Nick Owchar. This is a beautifully crafted literary novel that is intelligent, interesting, and will keep you turning page after page.

Be sure to try this episode's signature cocktail: The Night Walker!

1 oz Rum

1 oz Vodka

1/2 oz Triple Sec

1 oz Cassis

2 oz Orange Juice

1 oz Lime Juice

Mix all ingredients in a shaker, se...

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 Ho...

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 sy...

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 ...

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 ...

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 inspirat...

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...

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 a...

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

...

In this episode of The Reading Lounge, Cynthia and Sarah discuss The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa. While we discuss, we enjoy a cocktail named "The Professor."

Mix one up and listen in to see if you'd like to add this book to your TBR list.

The Professor:

24 oz. grapefruit soda (Fresca, Squirt, or sugar free grapefruit soda

4 oz. Tequila

4 oz. Grand Marnier (we used Triple Sec)

4 oz. lime juice

Ice

ora...

Sarah and Cynthia discuss Now is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson. Come on into The Reading Lounge while we discuss this episode's novel and sip on an Enigmatic Elixir cocktail.

Listen in to find out why this cocktail is the perfect pairing for the book and the month of March!

2 oz Vodka

1 oz Elderflower Liqueur

1 oz fresh lime juice (we cheated and used bottled)

1/2 oz simple syrup

4-6 fresh basil leaves

Soda Water (we u...