Sips and Stories: A Drink/Book Pairing part II
Hello dear readers! I hope everyone is doing well. I apologize for being MIA; it seems most of my creativity has been taken up by my novel (yes I am writing a book but still in first draft). Spring is blooming in Virginia; I love seeing the flowers and trees open up with life. I especially love seeing my daughter really start to notice them for the first time.
Last post, I wrote about book and alcoholic drink pairings with classic novels. I had some interesting suggestions from my lovely readers including:
-Moby Dick and Rye Whisky
-A Christmas Carol and Gluhwein or Wassail
-Don Quixote and Sangria
Truth be told, I only drink alcohol occasionally and I know some in my audience are the same. So I wanted Part 2 to focus on nonalcoholic beverages with classics. Here we go!
Black Coffee with A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
A Man Called Ove you may be wondering, isn’t that modern? Yes, it was published in 2012 (the English version in 2013) but I think it is going to be considered a modern classic as the years go on. This Swedish novel follows an old, grumpy man who, having lost his wife, feels like he has nothing to live for- that is until a young family moves into his neighborhood and turns his life upside down. The movie, starring Tom Hanks, is good but the novel is fantastic. Black coffee reminds me of Ove- bitter to start but just the pick me up one needs. If you haven’t picked this one up, please do!
Hot Chocolate with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis
Ah, Narnia-one of my favorite fantasy worlds in literature. Much like hot chocolate, this book is nostalgic and cozy. In fact, a cup of cocoa or two with this book could have you taken in for a whole, winter evening.
Milk and Animal Farm by George Orwell
I read Animal Farm for the first time in high school, like most American teenagers, and I enjoyed it immensely. It does an excellent job of showing the dangers of socialism/communism and how a new way is not always the best way; also that one’s kindness, ignorance, and hard work can be used against you. I am still mourning Boxer the horse and it has been over a decade! Animal Farm is not everyone’s favorite, much like milk, but it is important in making sure history doesn’t repeat itself. A hearty drink for a hearty book.
Lemonade with To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
I recently reread To Kill a Mockingbird for a book club and it is still one of the best American novels I have ever read, an easy 5 stars. This coming of age story of Scout, Jem, and Dill has so many layers about justice, history, social and economic classes, and the human spirit. Taking place in Alabama during the 1930s, I imagine a glass of cool lemonade would be the perfect complement for this summer book. If you haven’t read it since school, I would highly recommend giving it another look.
Coke/Soda/Pop with The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
This 1967 book is one I don’t hear many people discussing except maybe in a classroom setting. It is a coming of age story about two rival gangs in America: the Greasers and the Socs. Ponyboy Curtis, our 14 year old protagonist, is a Greaser who is smart and takes note of the world around him, one with clear prejudice of social class. An unexpected clash results in turning Ponyboy Curtis’ world upside down. Now, one of Ponyboy’s brothers is named Sodapop but that isn’t why I chose this drink. Soda is tasty but underneath it has HFCS (high fructose corn syrup), which is definitely not good for you. It reminds me that society has an underlying ugliness under it; plus it is the only sweet thing to enjoy when I’m reduced to tears (If you know you know). Enjoy a refreshing soda with a book that is never flat….*crickets*
Tea with Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen(or any Jane Austen novel)
Yes, I know this is obvious but it is my list-I shall do as I please! Jane Austen, one of my favorite writers of all times, pairs well with tea (and not just because of the copious amounts of tea in her novels). All I know is when I read Austen, only hot tea with milk and sugar will suffice! I am actually considering doing a post where I match different teas with books- comment below if that sounds interesting to anyone.
Sweet Tea with A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams
Tennessee Williams is one of if not my favorite playwright of all time. A Streetcar Named Desire is probably his most known (or The Glass Menagerie) and it is excellent. Even if theatre is not your thing, I would recommend reading it. The tension and cleverness of this play can not be overstated. This southern gothic play follows Blanche DuBois who moves in with her sister Stella and husband Stanley. Blanche is trying to rebuild her life and her happiness but Stanley won’t let her have it. Set in New Orleans, it premiered on Broadway in 1947 but the themes of family, toxic relationships, and search for happiness are still relevant. Check it out.
Well, that is all I have time to explore in this post. If you are enjoying this little series, or have any books you want paired with food/drink, comment below. I love to hear from all my readers no matter what the comment is! Also don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@ladybookishblog) and join our awesome Facebook Community (Lady Bookish).
Next month I am starting a reading challenge, which I will be announcing next week so stay tuned! Maybe some of you will want to join in...
Happy Reading!
Lady Bookish