The Reading Lounge

We look back at our reading through 2025 to pick our favorite podcast books, favorite books overall, and favorite cocktails! We take a look forward into 2026 - what will we do differently?? 2025 will be hard to top with each of us having more 5-star reads than in year's past.We end the year with what might be our best "get cozy and read" cocktail of the year: A Warm and Fuzzy!8 oz freshly brewed coffee1 oz Irish Cream liqueur1 oz nut-flavored liqueur (we used Frangelico)Whipped cream and freshly grated nutmeg for garnishMake yourself a Warm and Fuzzy and look back with us at a great 2025 Reading Year. We can hardly wait for the great books we'll uncover in 2026!

Sarah and Cynthia discuss The Council of Dolls by Mona Susan Power. This is a multi-generational story of three Native American women and how their history, memories, and traumas make them who they are and impact the future generations. Their beloved dolls are part of their lives and part of their stories through the generations. Join us to see if you'd like to add this 2023 novel to your TBR list.We have a lovely autumnal cocktail developed by Sarah! The Spiritual Guide1 oz. Amaretto2 oz. Dry Apple Cider3 oz. Prosecco2-3 fresh sage leaves.25 oz. fresh lemon juiceOptional: A dash of Angostura bittersIn a shaker, muddle sage with lemon juice. Add Amaretto and cider, then shake lightly with ice. Strain into a chilled flute or coupe glass. Top with Prosecco and garnish with a sage leaf or apple slice.

We are a little late getting to our seasonal reads - but there is plenty of cozy autumn weather to enjoy some great reads! We share what we are both looking forward to reading during the coziest reading season of all. We even offer a cocktail suggestion for those autumnal reading vibes.

Welcome into The Reading Lounge for our October "spooky" read - Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury. We are happy we added this to our reading list as adults so that we can fully appreciate the elegant and descriptive prose of Bradbury. If you read this in your younger years, perhaps it is worth a second go around with this suspenseful page turner. We paired this month's read with a cocktail aptly named, Cursed Carnival. Sip on a Cursed Carnival while you let Bradbury spin a tale of good and evil told against the backdrop of a malevolent traveling carnival. Cursed Carnival1.5 oz dark rum1 oz pineapple juice1/2 oz lime juice1/2 oz grenadinecrushed icemaraschino cherry for garnishMix all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Strain into chilled cocktail glasses and garnish with a cherry.Other books mentioned during this episode:Liliana's Invincible SummerThe Phoenix Pencil CompanyThe NamesAuditionWanting Daisy DeadThe Sequel

In this episode of The Reading Lounge, Sarah and Cynthia discuss The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz. An aptly titled mystery that takes place within the publishing world. Besides, don't we all love books about books? Listen in and hear out take and decide if you want to add it to your TBR list. Don't forget to mix up this fitting cocktail while you settle in for some reading time.The Imposter1.5 oz Limoncello1/2 oz Aperol3/4 oz grapefruit juiceTonic waterGrapefruit peel and rosemary spring to garnish (optional)Fill a wine glass with ice. Add the limoncello, Aperol, and grapefruit juice. Stir and top with tonic water. Garnish and enjoy!

Welcome into The Reading Lounge. Sarah and Cynthia discuss Big Girl by Mecca Jamilah Sullivan. Big Girl is a coming of age story of an obese young woman growing up in Harlem and discovering who she is and through the complex relationships in her world. Did we like it? Hint: One of us gave it a coveted five star rating! Enjoy the read along with this month's cocktail: Starving Artist.Starving Artist1 oz vodka1/2 oz Campari1/2 oz pineapple juice2 oz prosecoIn a shaker with ice, combine vodka, Campari, and pineapple juice. Shake briefly and strain into a flute or couple. Top with proseco and serve chilled.Other books mentioned in this episode:The Hollow Half by Sarah AzizaYou Dreamed of Empires by Alvaro EnrigueRun for the Hills by Kevin WilsonDemon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Sarah and Cynthia talk about the Booker Fiction Prize long list of finalists. Which are we adding to our TBR list! Check out https://thebookerprizes.com/ for more information and details on the 13 books long listed for the fiction prize. We'll see you in The Reading Lounge!

Cynthia and Sarah discuss Typewriter Beach by Meg Waite Clayton. With dual timelines set in 1950s and modern day Hollywood, themes of loss, found families, and inequality are explored. Hear about the other books we've read including:Hot Air by Marcy DermanskyThe Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper by Roland AllenWho is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service by Michael LewisThe Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night by Mark HaddonThey're Going to Love You by Meg HowreyCome and Get It by Kiley ReidThis month's cocktail should be an award winner - delicious!The Starlet4 mint leaves3/4 oz silver tequila1/2 oz elderflower liqueur1/2 oz simple syrup1/2 oz lime juice3 oz champagneStarfruit for garnish (very optional)In a cocktail shaker combine simple syrup, lime juice, and mint leaves. Use a muddler or wooden spoon to muddle the mint. Add tequila and elderflower liqueur and fill shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds. Strain into a glass and top with champagne. Shake up a cocktail and join us in The Reading Lounge.

What are Sarah and Cynthia reading this summer? Find out in this bonus episode of The Reading Lounge. Learn about six books you may want to pack into your summer tote bag. And don't forget the summer beverage. Sarah shares her recipe for homemade Limoncello. We used this beautiful liquor to make a Limoncello Spritz.3 oz Prosecco2 oz Limoncello1 oz Club SodaSprig of Mint (optional)Meet us in The Reading Lounge!

Sarah and Cynthia discuss the novel The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick. It is the early 1960's and four very different women in a DC suburb come together to discuss The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan. Perhaps "The Bettys" as they come to call themselves will take some of the books messages to heart and life. Listen in and decide if you want to add it to your summer reading list. Along with their discussions, "The Bettys" enjoy a cocktail - or two. We tried one of their favorites: The Vodka Stinger.2 parts vodka1 part Creme de Menthe(we added a drop or two of green food coloring)Mix over ice in a cocktail shaker and serve in a chilled martini glass.Listen in to the episode to get the mocktail recipe. Other books we mention in this episode:Everything is Tuberculosis by John GreenMargo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi ThorpeThe Correspondent by Virginia EvansThe Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

Sarah and Cynthia discuss historical fiction novel, The Swan's Nest, by Laura McNeal and dive into the love story of Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning framed by the backdrop of industrial London, tainted wealth, and limited choices from their families and society.This episode's cocktail is fittingly called, The Poet.2 oz rye whiskey1/4 oz simple syrup or honey 1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled1 lemon wedge2 sprigs mintsplash of soda water (we used more than a splash)Muddle the ginger, lemon, and one sprig of mint in the simple syrup. Add ice, whiskey, and soda then mix well. Add the second sprig of mint as a garnish if you are feeling fancy. Who doesn't want to feel fancy! We added the second sprig.

Welcome to The Reading Lounge! This month Cynthia and Sarah discuss Hum by Helen Phillips. A work of speculative fiction that leaves a long-lasting impact. In the novel, we follow one woman as she makes a variety of choices tobring her family closer together while living in a not-to-distant future world of AI. We had much to say about this novel and we think you will, too. Here are the others books mentioned : Black Woods, Blue Sky by Eowyn IveyThe Lost Bookshop by Evie WoodsThe Story Collector by Evie WoodsThe Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan KamaliThe Covenant of Water by Abraham VergheseDon’t Forget to Write by Sara Goodman ConfinoThis month’s cocktail and mocktail is called BotanicalGarden. Read the book and it will all make sense!Botanic Garden – original recipe50 ml Pineapple Tequila20 ml Lime juice20 ml Basil syrup25 ml Pineapple juiceBasil leavesTop with proseccoMix first five ingredients in a shaker with ice. Strain intoa cocktail glass. Top with prosecco and gently stir. Garnish with a basil leaf.Our Mocktail Botanic GardenSame ingredients minus the tequila and adding club soda.Mix lime juice, pineapple juice and basic syrup in shakerwith ice. Pour into glass and top with club soda and mix. Garnish with basil.Enjoy!

We each highlight a few new books that we're adding to our TBR list. Plus, we have a Spring cocktail you may enjoy whenever you find some reading time in this new season. Vodka Thyme Lemonade1 C sparkling lemonade3 oz vodka1 sprig thymeMix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and pour over ice!

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 spicy golden rum1 oz Amaretto1 oz fresh lemon juice1 oz simple syrup2 dashes Angostura bitters1 egg whiteIceOrange peel (we used lemon peel) for garnishAdd rum through bitters into shaker with ice and pour into your favorite cocktail glass. Whip up egg white and add a dollop to top. Garnish with citrus peel. Enjoy!

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 make you smile and keep turning page after page. Let's not forget this episode's cocktail - A Sticky Toffee Fizz!You'll need:1 oz. Spiced Rum1/2 oz. Butterscotch liqueur1/2 oz Caramel Toffee liqueur1 2/3 oz Brut Champagne/sparkling wineWe made a few modifications - listen in to find out what to do when you can't find Caramel Toffee liqueur!Thank you for joining us in The Reading Lounge.

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, serve over crushed ice. Garnish with pineapple wedge or lime. Hint: We think fresh lime juice was key!

Cynthia and Sarah recap their reading year and choose their favorite books and cocktails. We hope you enjoy this brief bonus episode. Join us to raise a glass to the great reading of 2024!

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?