Drinks in the Library

In Surrender by Bono, the iconic frontman of U2, shares a deeply personal memoir that explores his life’s journey through music, activism, and spirituality. With candid reflections and heartfelt anecdotes, he invites readers into the experiences that shaped both his artistry and his commitment to making a difference in the world.Heidi K. Brown is a former lawyer, a law professor, a writer, a novice boxer, a passionate U2 fan, a proud introvert, and a feisty solo traveler. She is the author of three books about well-being and healthy performance for law students, lawyers, and other members of the legal profession: The Introverted Lawyer,Untangling Fear in Lawyering, and The Flourishing Lawyer. Heidi is an internationally recognized public speaker on topics of self-empowerment, authenticity, and self-discovery. Heidi launched her debut travel memoir, The Map I Draw: A Memoir of Travel as a Passport to Self, in June 2025. You can find more at https://heidikristinbrown.com and  her substack Heidiography.Our drink this week is Irish Whiskey, specifically  Writer’s Tears if you can get it! If you are in the United States you can order it through Reserve Bar.In this Episodehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Joshua_TreeIs U2 the longest running band on the planet?Ali Hewson - Chernobyl InternationalThe Creative Act by Rick RubinThe Creative Habit by Twyla TharpSteven Pressfield BooksHeidi’s Keynote at University of Richmond Law School GraduationJoshua Tree Bar Manhattan (sadly now closed!)

In Solito, a memoir by poet Javier Zamora recounts his harrowing and heartfelt journey as a nine-year-old traveling alone from El Salvador to the United States to reunite with his parents. Through vivid detail and deep emotion, he captures the fear, hope, and resilience of migration through a child’s eyes.Donna McCarthy is a retired high school special education teacher who’s been happily retired for seven years. She volunteers as a Friend of the Newburgh Free Library and leads a book club for fellow retired teachers. Donna loves spending time with her grandson, she’s a proud bi-coastal grandma often traveling to visit him in California from her home in New York, and she never passes up a chance to travel, whether it’s exploring somewhere new in the U.S. or heading abroad. Also, she is my aunt!Our drink this week is Horchata, a drink well known in Central America and one that Javier drinks in the book. A classic rice drink, I linked below a recipe from El Salvador, but you can also try it by using this mix or purchasing one at your local Pollo Campero!Horchata Salvadoreña4oz morro seed2oz peanuts2 oz de sesame seeds1 tbsp of coaca powder1 oz pumpkin seed1 oz cinammon 1/4 tbsp Vanilla or to taste2 oz dried corn2 oz riceSugar to taste1 - 1 1/2 gallons of Water - this can be subbed with any milk you'd like or split.In this EpisodeAmerican Dirt by Jeanne CumminsSalvadorean Civil WarCoyote (Colloquial for human smuggler)Javier Zamora’s WebsiteSecond Attempt Crossing PoemUnaccompanied by Javier Zamora

Welcome back to Drinks in the Library! Today, we're exploring the delightful and charming world of Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. This romantic comedy takes us on a whirlwind journey through love, politics, and the complexities of identity as we follow the unexpected romance between Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States, and Prince Henry of Wales.My guest this week is Katharine Herndon, who lives in Richmond, Virginia, with her husband, two boys, and a hound dog named Lola. She used to teach (English, of course), but the homework got to her, so she decided to take up nonprofit work instead (insert laughter). Currently the Executive Director of James River Writers, she is an enthusiastic advocate for the RVA literary community and can be found at nearly all JRW events. In her free time she kills plants, burns things more than she cooks, knits very sporadically, and is still looking for some form of tolerable exercise. Our drink this week was a nod to our friends across the pond: The New G&T (Gin and Earl Grey Tea)2 ounce Earl Grey Tea2 ounce Gin1 ounce Maple Syrup3/4 ounce Lemon JuiceFresh Mint or Dried Rose Petals for garnish, optionalIn a rocks glass add ice and set aside. In your cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients, except for the garnish. Fill the shaker with ice and put the cap on. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, or until the shaker is extremely cold.Strain cocktail into your prepared rocks glass and garnish with mint or rose petals, if using. Serve immediately.In This EpisodeThe Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham JonesIn A Jam by Kate CanterburyAmerican Royals by Catherine McGeeRed White and Royal Blue FilmMemoirs of a Geisha by Arthur GoldenThe Horse Whisperer FilmAre You There God? It’s Me Margaret FilmJim Dale Actor & Audiobook NarratorI Kissed Shara Wheelerby Casey McQuistonThe Goblin Emperor by Katherine AddisonJames River Writers Thursday Night Writes

Hello Libration Nation! Our book this week is Catwings a whimsical and heartwarming tale by beloved author Ursula K. Le Guin. The story follows four ordinary kittens born with an extraordinary gift—they have wings. As they set out to find a safe place in the world, the kittens discover both the beauty and challenges of being different. With gentle language and charming illustrations, Catwings is a modern classic that captures the magic of imagination, the courage of leaving home, and the comfort of finding where you belong.My guest this week is the amazing Dr. Julia Skinner, she is a food writer whose work includes the award-winning book Our Fermented Lives. She is the founder of The Culinary Curiosity School, and also runs Root, a food-focused community and consulting organization offering classes, consulting on creative projects, a weekly newsletter, and more. She's also the founder of Roots and Branches, where she coaches other writers to help them find their voice and share their most important work with the world. She is also a nature lover, a teacher, and a traveler who firmly believes in finding, and sharing, the magic of everyday life. She has a PhD in Library & Information Science, and lives between Atlanta, GA and Cork, Ireland. As a special treat for Libration Nation: use the code DRINKSPOD to for 30% off anything at both The Culinary Curiosity School and Roots and Branches (Thank you Julia!)You can follow her work in her newsletter, or find her on social:@bookishjulia (writing)@rootkitchens (food)@yourrootsandbranches (coaching)@culinary.curiosity.school (culinary courses) For our drink we have two options: Simple Cat Lovers' Cocktail This is basically a Kentucky mule, with an added herbal garnish and/or herbal syrup (depending on your preference) in place of lime. Stir together 1 - 1 1/2 c ginger beer to 1 shot bourbonAdd herbal syrup (below) to taste (optional)Garnish with fresh lemon balm, basil, or mint: lightly crush or roll before adding to the cocktail for maximum flavor Herbal syrup (makes about 1 quart): Combine 2 c sugar to 2 c water with a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Add 1-2 c packed fresh herbs, depending how strong you'd like it (like basil, mint, lemon balm, or mountain mint). Simmer on M/L for 10-15 minutes or until aromatic and flavorful. Cool and store in the fridge in an airtight container.  Catwings Cocktail (tailor made by Julia!) This cocktail has a few steps, but I promise they're worth it: And you can batch out the syrup and tea by doubling or tripling the recipe to make these for a group or to keep the ingredients on hand in the fridge (where they'll last a week). The tea can be nice on its own, and any leftover syrup is perfect for adding to coffee or other beverages or drizzling on desserts. For a non-alcoholic version, swap in your favorite NA gin, or try this sea buckthorn-based NA spirit.  Makes 4 cocktails For the herbal tea:(Note: you may not have all these dried herbs available. If not, just use 1/4-1/2 tsp catnip and 1 tsp chamomile. Or, just a chamomile tea bag). ·         1/4 tsp dried catnip·         1/4 tsp dried chamomile flower·         1/4 tsp Angelica root·         1/4 tsp elecampene Steep the herbs in 3/4 c hot water for 10-12 minutes. Strain and cool completely. For the lemon balm syrup: (Note: You can play with other herbs you like here too, catnip, mountain mint, and/or basil might be fun choices depending on your tastes and what’s available). ·         1 packed cup fresh lemon balm leaves·         1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar·         2/3 c water·         pinch salt·         1 c sugar Heat all ingredients together over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until fragrant and flavorful. Remove from heat, then cool completely and strain.  For the cocktail ·         Divide the herbal tea across 4 rocks glasses (add ice, if desired)·         Add 1 shot gin to each glass·         Add 1 shot of syrup to each glass and stir·         Top with sparkling wine or soda water to taste.·         Garnish with fresh lemon balm, if desired.In this EpisodeSteering the Craft by Ursula Le Guin

Welcome back Libration Nation! Today, I’m excited to share one of my recent favorites: Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson. This delightful tale is a blend of humor, adventure, and sweetness, following a young woman on a perilous quest to save the man she loves. As we embrace the cozy vibes of autumn, I thought it was the perfect time to dive into this enchanting fantasy.Joining me today is my husband, Bill, making his fourth appearance on Drinks in the Library. As always, we have a great time riffing and cracking each other up!Tress loves a salty tea, so I wanted to go with a salty drink and went with a Salted Caramel Coffee Martini, for a non-alcoholic option a Salted Caramel Latte would be perfect!Salted Caramel Coffee Martini1 oz Bailey's Salted Caramel Cream1.5 oz. Vanilla Vodka1-2 oz. Coffee or EspressoIceWhipped Cream, Salt, or caramel syrup (optional)Pour Bailey's, vodka, and coffee into a shaker over ice. Shake and pour into chilled martini glass• 2. Garnish with cream, salt, and chocolate syrup and enjoy!NA Option - A cold Brew Salted Caramel Latte would be perfect!In this EpisodeMistborn EpisodeBrandon Sanderson - The Economics of Books and EntertainmentThe Princess Bride FilmThe Princess Bride  by William GoldmanReese Witherspoon Woman of the Year SpeechHitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Gin & TonicsTress of the Emerald Sea Premium HardcoverThe Substance FilmBrandon Sanderson KickstarterBooks by T. Kingfisher

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh tells the poignant story of Victoria Jones, a young woman who uses the Victorian tradition of flower symbolism to communicate her emotions and navigate her troubled past. As she learns to reconcile her experiences through the meanings of various flowers, she embarks on a journey of healing and self-discovery that intertwines love, loss, and the power of community and relationships.My guest this week is Mary Green, a florist, wife, dog-mom, plant lover, and also my next door neighbor. Mary loves live music, spending time with friends and family, and books with dark twists and turns. She is a florist at Strawberry Fields Flowers & Finds, where she is able to share her horticulture knowledge and passion for all things plants!Hibiscus Paloma Mocktail1 grapefruit wedge½ oz fresh lime juice3 oz NA tequila (I used Ritual Tequila)¼ cup club soda1 tsp Hibiscus Simple Syrup (I used Wild Hibiscus, found at Total Wine)2 oz fresh grapefruit juicekosher salt for garnishDirectionsPour kosher salt on a small plate. Rub the rim of a highball glass with a grapefruit and dip the rim of glass in salt.In a glass, combine grapefruit juice, lime juice, and hibiscus simple syrup. Stir in tequila, add ice, and top with club soda. Garnish.In This EpisodeThe Complete Language of FlowersbyS. Theresa Dietz .5 Bottle Shop

We are going back in time and discussing Amatory Fiction in the 18th century novel Fantomina by Eliza Haywood. This incredible story explores the complexities of identity and desire through the story of a young woman who adopts multiple personas to navigate the intricacies of romantic entanglements in 18th-century society. This provocative tale delves into themes of gender, autonomy, and the hidden depths of passion, highlighting the lengths one will go to in pursuit of love and self-discovery.Samantha DeShazo was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. She earned her MA in English at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2022, where she studied literature of the long eighteenth century. She is an educator who currently works with first year college students. When she's not working, she can be found with her nose in a book or pampering her beloved dog, Henry.  Our drink this week was courtesy of Samantha, it is a Creme Earl Grey Black Tea fromThe Spice & Tea Exchange of Richmond. It is absolutely delicious, smells like Fruity Pebbles, and would definitely have been all the rage in Fanomina’s timeIn this EpisodeFantomina by Eliza HaywoodThe Spice & Tea Exchange of RichmondToni MorrisonFrankstein by Mary ShelleyThe Law of CovertureDidn’t Read It Podcast Fantomina EpisodeAmatory FictionSense and Sensibility by Jane AustenPamela by Samuel RichardsonLove in Excess by Eliza HaywoodBetsy Thoughtless by Eliza Haywood

We are going down the rabbit hole this week folks! Join us as we dive into the whimsical world of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, a timeless tale that explores the boundaries of imagination and reality. We’ll unravel the quirky characters, enchanting landscapes, and profound themes that have captivated readers for generations.My guest this week is Elizabeth Wiley, an award-winning audiobook narrator with a decade of experience in genres like Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, and Biography. Originally from Minnesota and now based in Williamsburg, Virginia, she records in her home studio. Elizabeth enjoys discussions on the intersection of arts and sciences with her NASA engineer partner. Her interests include sailing, skiing, yoga, and nature spirituality, along with a fondness for Birkenstocks and Hygge.The Queen of Hearts Special Cocktail 2 oz Vanilla Vodka3 oz TJ’s To the Power of 7 Red juiceChocolate Covered CherriesShake with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with chocolate covered cherries and enjoy!In this EpisodeAlice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis CarrollToo Old for This by Samantha Downing (Liz’s latest narration!)Red, Wine and Blue VirginiaLM Elliott’s websiteMy interview with LM ElliottAlice’s Adventures in Wonderland narrated by Christopher PlummerGo Ask Alice (film)White Rabbit (Go Ask Alice) - song by Jefferson AirplaneThe Phantom Tollbooth by Norman JusterJohn Tenniel’s Alice in Wonderland illustrationsRichmond SPCA Critter Camp

It’s Christmas in July! This week we are visiting the world of Narnia, where it is always Winter but never Christmas, at least until the Pevensie children get involved. This week’s guest is Erin Surber, Erin is an avid reader and an enthusiastic library patron. She has four children ages spanning 18 months to 9 years old. Erin has worked in the video production industry for 14 years and now hold the position of Head of Production for a Richmond-based production company. She loves being outside, hiking, running (slowly), and kayaking. Also very into cooking, traveling, and all things dark chocolate!Our cocktail is staying on the Christmas theme with a Narnia 75, which I found on the FoodNetwork UK’s Christmas recipe page!Narnia 75 Cocktail25ml gin1 tsp white sugar10ml lime juice100ml ChampagneIn this EpisodeFriendship of CS Lewis and JRR TolkienWorthdays - Richmond area non-profit to support those impacted by the foster care system

Hello Libration Nation! This week we are discussing The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest  by Aubrey Hartman. This newly released middle-grade book features Clare, an undead fox who ushers wandering animal souls to the afterlife realms of peace, pleasure, progress, and pain in the perpetual autumn setting of Deadwood Forest. Clare lives a solitary life, meticulously tending to his mushroom garden and enjoying his tree sap tea, until a badger named Gingersnipes arrives and disrupts his routine.My guest this week is Angie Zhao. Born and raised in Richmond, Angie was a VCU English major and has spent the past four years working as an Events and Marketing Manager at a children's bookstore in Richmond. When she's not planning author events and school visits, she loves visible mending, making jewelry for her friends, trail running, and, of course, getting lost in a good story. A lover of books for both children and adults, Angie is drawn to clever, form-bending tales and writing that finds magic in the mundane.Clare’s favorite drink is his tree sap tea; we created this using black tea, maple syrup, and peaches since we recorded in the summer. Feel free to add bourbon if you like, and enjoy it hot or cold year-round as you imagine yourself cozying up in Deadwood Forest!Maple Peach Tea Sipper2 oz. Bourbon (optional)4 oz. Fresh-Brewed Black Tea0.75 oz Maple Syrup1/8th of Fresh Peach (softened works best)Fresh Mint (optional)Mudldle fresh peach, add bourbon, maple syrup, and ice. Shake. Strain into glass with ice and top with fresh-brewed tea. Garnish with with mint and peach slices, enjoy!In this EpisodeVanishing World by Sayaka MurataMarcin Minor IllustratorMarisa Calin Audiobook NarratorThe Lion of Lark Hayes Manor by Aubrey HartmanThe Book of Joy by Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond TutuTJ Clune BooksKatherine Applegate BooksReading in the Middle Podcast

If you have listened to the podcast for awhile, you have probably heard me reference the book Here For it: Or, How To Save Your Soul in America by R. Eric Thomas. It is a favorite of mine and had a big impact on me  when I read it the first time in June of 2020, so I was SO excited when my friend and returning guest Izzie Call read it, loved it as well, and wanted to come on and talk about it with me. In the episode I referenced the review I wrote about it at the time, but then I never read the review so here it is: Eric Thomas grew up thinking he was a normal kid until others made him feel that he wasn’t. Black, gay, and Christian, these essays reflect upon his experience of never fitting in, being discriminated against, and his hopeful journey to find his place in a country that he loves. Thomas’ conversational writing style draws the reader in, and his ability to add humor to heartbreaking moments truly make these stories come to life. In a time when we can all use to learn more about other’s experiences, this book was enlightening and truthful, with jokes that landed like Kerri Strug in the ‘96 Olympics.My guest this week is the always delightful Izzie Call.  Izzie works as a museum educator for the VMFA coordinating projects related to the permanent collections and special exhibition displays including digital components, labels, and webresources. Izzie is a lifelong, passionate educator and feels most at home speaking about art with those who have an interest in learning.Also, thank you to Eric Thomas for sharing his favorite drink with me when in a moment of bravado (delusion?) I reached out to him on IG. It is a Cosmopolitan and he said he is bringing it back as a recession indicator!Cosmo Recipe 1 oz cranberry juice0.5 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice 1 oz triple sec (I use Cointreau)1.5-2 oz vodka Shake hard with ice, pour into martini glass, garnish with orange or lime, and enjoy!In this EpisodeBooks by R. Eric ThomasWebsite - R.Eric ThomasEric’s Newsletter - Check It Out!Cosmos TV ShowAli Hazelwood Hunger Games DramaFrida Kahlo VMFA Exhibit (on view through 9/28/25)

Please enjoy the re-airing of this episode which was originally released July 9, 2024.There is no getting around this: I was THRILLED when Lisa agreed to come on the podcast. Lisa is the Executive Director of the Virginia Library Association, immediate past chair of the Virginia Beach Public Library Board, and a member of the ALA Policy Corps focusing on Unite Against Book Bans. She also was named the LIBRARIAN OF THE YEAR 2024 by Library Journal, an award she won because of her advocacy in the fight against book bans. Lisa is a hero of mine, and I am also very grateful to call her my friend.Our book this week is Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day!: Daily Meditations for the Ups, Downs & In-Betweens by Kate Bowler. Lisa lives in Virginia Beach and we recorded at the beautiful OceanFront Marriott in Virginia Beach. I want to thank the staff of the Marriott for letting us record in their executive suite overlooking the ocean. Our drink this week is one Lisa recommends for a beach day, a Ruby Red Grapefruit Crush!Ruby Red Grapefruit Crush Ingredients4 oz (½ cup)  grapefruit juice1 oz (2 tablespoons) vodka½ oz (1 tablespoon) triple sec (orange liqueur)2 oz (¼ cup) lemon-lime soda or club sodaIn This EpisodeUnite Against Book Bans - https://uniteagainstbookbans.org/Virginia Library Association - https://www.vla.org/Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle ZevinVirginia Society of Association ExecutivesEverything Happens - Kate Bowler’s podcastGigi’s Episode on Anne Lamott’s Bird by BirdRob Delaney’s Episode of Everything HappensCatastrophe TV ShowTerrible, Thanks for Asking PodcastThe Hot Young Widows Club by Nora McInerny

This is such a special episode because, for the first time ever, I’m interviewing an author about their book, because it’s one of my favorite books! Gingko Season by Naomi Xu Elegant is a story about a young woman, Penelope Lin, who is moving through the world after her first big heartbreak and discovering herself while on the cusp between young adulthood and adulthood. The depiction of this time of life is just one of the things I loved about this book, and I was thrilled to be able to discuss it with Naomi!Naomi Xu Elegant is a freelance journalist and the author of the novel Gingko Season. She lives in New York. Naomi’s writing has appeared in Monocle, Fortune, Atlas Obscura, Nikkei Asia, The Drift, and elsewhere. She is co-editor of Gully, an independent literary magazine, and she writes a monthly Substack called Luanqibazao.I would love for you to read Gingko Season, check out this review from the New York Times!Our drink this week is a Lychee Martini, which is featured in the book. As I found out during our discussion, including these martinis was an Easter egg for Naomi’s mom, because they’re her favorite cocktail. I asked if she’d be willing to share the recipe with us as a special addition to the episode, and she did! She said the secret is to blend whole lychees and lychee juice together, then strain the mixture through a sieve to get that lovely, milky color.Lychee Martini Recipe2 oz. vodka2 oz. lychee juiceShake in a cocktail shaker over ice.Serve neat in a cocktail glass.Garnish with a whole lychee (optional)Naomi’s mom’s tip: Blend whole lychees with lychee juice (both canned), then strain through a sieve to get your juice. The blended fruit gives it that lovely, clouded look.You can also add a bit of citrus or a dash of dry vermouth—lychee martinis are meant for everyone!In This EpisodeGarden State FilmFriday I’m In Love - Phoebe Bridgers CoverNapoleon FilmFoot Binding HistoryMiddlemarch by George EliotIn Search of Lost Time by Marcel ProustKazou IshiguroSally RooneyElena FerranteA Feather on the Breath of God by Sigrid NunezThe Sympathizer by  Viet Thanh NguyenThe Candy House by Jennifer EganNaomi’s Substack

Note: This episode was originally published April 2, 2024, I’ll be back with new content next week, enjoy!Did you read the Anne of Green Gables series as a young girl and then walk through the woods pretending to be Anne and Diana? Yes? So did I and so did my friend Deanna! Talking with Deanna about this book was so much fun, celebrating Anne and the cultural impact this story has had. A famous Anne quote is: “I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers”. Well, I’m so glad I live in a world where there is an Anne of Green Gables.Spoiler alert (Not really this is an iconic scene at this point): In the first book Anne accidentally gets her bestie Diana drunk on current wine, which she believes is raspberry cordial. Current wine apparently takes months, so we decided to make Raspberry Cordial Mules, which can be enjoyed with or without alcohol by making it with zero-proof vodka. I got the recipe from this lovely website and made the cordial myself in less than an hour!Raspberry Cordial Mule12 oz. Frozen Raspberries3 cups Water¾ cup Sugar2 tsp. Lime Juice plus more for cocktailsVodkaGinger BeerFresh Raspberries (for garnish)In this episode:Deanna’s InstagramAnne of Green Gables 2 part special (Megan Fellows version is cannon)LM Montgomery

Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz is a memoir about her decade-long entrapment in a manipulative Christian cult during her time on One Tree Hill. The book details how the group controlled her life, career, and finances—until motherhood and the support of friends gave her the strength to break free.My guest this week is the lovely Magan Vernon, an author who has been living off reader tears since she wrote her first short story in 2004. She now spends her time killing off fictional characters, pretending to plot while she really just watches Netflix, and she tries to do this all while her kids run amok around her Texas ranch. Subscribe to her Newsletter and join her Facebook Fan Group here: Magan’s Minions (Reader Group)Strawberry Champagne Margaritafresh strawberries, trimmed2 oz. tequila1 oz. fresh lime juice.25 cups sparkling wineOptional: 4 oz. triple sec or 2 tablespoons agave syrup, for a sweeter margaritaPlace strawberries in a large glass. Using a muddler, muddle the strawberries until they resemble puree.Add tequila, lime juice, and strawberry puree to a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake. If you would like to add a sweetener to the cocktail, add triple sec or agave syrup to the cocktail shaker as well.Fill cocktail glass or champagne flute halfway full with ice. Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a strawberry or lime.In this EpisodeDinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy LenzOne Tree HillTex WatsonThe White Lotus Cocktail BookSpecsParis, The Memoir by Paris HiltonMagan’s Library’s Reading Challenge (that I am totally stealing!)

The song “Welcome to New York” has been in my head all week preparing for this episode on the book Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise, a witty and revealing memoir by renowned food critic Ruth Reichl. During her time as The New York Times restaurant critic, Reichl went undercover in elaborate disguises to avoid preferential treatment and uncover the truth about New York’s dining scene. Blending memoir, food writing, and restaurant reviews, the book offers delicious behind-the-scenes stories, vivid character sketches, and reflections on identity, privilege, and the power of perception, all served under the iconic Manhattan skyline.The amazing person who came to me with this book is Mandy Naglich, an author, journalist, and certified taster. She travels the world to report stories on food and drink culture for a variety of outlets as well as her own personal platform, Drinks with Mandy. Her award-winning book, How to Taste, takes readers on a journey into their senses and introduces them to the quirky characters in the world of professional tasting along the way. Cosmo Recipe (Mandy’s Version)0.5 oz cranberry juice0.5 oz pomegranate juice (the stuff you find in the refrigerated section is best!) 0.5 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice 1 oz triple sec (I use Cointreau)1.5-2 oz vodka Shake hard with ice, pour into martini glass, don’t over-strain so you can enjoy the ice-chips, garnish with orange, and enjoy!In This EpisodeMandy’s Linktree (Instagram, TikTok, Writing, and more!)Ruth Reichl’s SubstackNational Homebrew Competition Mandy won this in 2016Cicerone Beer CertificationHow to Taste - Mandy’s BookCork DorkDrinks with Mandy

In The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, Robin Sharma tells the story of a high-powered lawyer who trades his fast-paced life for spiritual enlightenment in the Himalayas. This modern fable blends personal development with timeless wisdom, offering a roadmap to finding purpose, balance, and joy. Today’s guest, Dr. Meghan Waldron, is a lifelong dreamer, writer, and educator who believes every student has a story to tell. With nearly two decades in K–12 and now in higher ed, she helps students find confidence and joy in writing through reflection, creativity, and honest feedback. Meghan is also a professional writer and recently earned her EdD in Educational Leadership from VCU. When she’s not teaching or writing, she’s out adventuring with her sons. Our drink this week is the Fountain of Youth. The book talks extensively about the “Fountain of Life,” which is essentially water—and as a proud water drinker, I say stay hydrated, friends! But for our more adventurous summer days, this cocktail—with its bright notes of lemon and elderflower—is a perfect treat. Cheers! Fountain of Youth Cocktail (from Rebecca Creek Distillery) 2 oz Vodka¾ oz Elderflower Liqueur¾ oz fresh lemon juice2 sprigs of mint leaves2 oz Prosecco Add Vodka along with Elderflower Liqueur and Lemon juice together in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.Shake vigorously for a few seconds and then strain into a rocks glass filled with iceTop off with Prosecco.Garnish with the two sprigs of mint leaves. In this Episode https://www.smartsolutionsva.com/ - Meghan’s Tutoring Company The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma The Camino The Way Film The Alchemist by Paula Coelho

This week, we're diving into Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel—a hauntingly beautiful novel that blends post-apocalyptic survival with the enduring power of art, memory, and human connection. Set in the aftermath of a devastating pandemic, the story weaves together multiple timelines and characters, from a Shakespearean theater troupe traveling the ruins of North America to the lives they left behind. Our guest is Dave Valeza, who grew up in Covina, California, after emigrating with his family from Manila, Philippines. Pursuing his love of drawing, Dave earned a bachelor’s degree in illustration and a master’s in sequential art. A passionate visual storyteller, he especially loves drawing people, fashion, and technology. In his spare time, Dave enjoys cooking, reading, and sketching in Savannah, Georgia - where he lives with his husband and family. Find out more about Dave and his work at davevaleza.com. Our drink this week fits right into a dystopian world. It’s a simple Mimosa—cocktail or mocktail style—made with sparkling wine or ginger beer/ginger ale. But here’s the twist: you must drink it out of a random old cup you found lying around. That’s the full Station Eleven experience—elegance in the ruins. Cheers!   In this Episode Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel  Four Eyes: A Graphic Novel by  Rex Ogle  (Author) Dave Valeza  (Illustrator) Pizza Face: A Graphic Novel by  Rex Ogle  (Author) Dave Valeza  (Illustrator) Blubber by Judy Blume Forever by Judy Blume Summer Sisters by Judy Blume

Happy Pride Month Libration Nation! This week’s episode is so special and fun, with returning guest Rachel Yorkshire! Rachel is bringing us a wealth of books with LGBTQ stories by queer authors that she loves. We also enjoyed Iced Coffees, which as Rachel says, is the gayest of all drinks! Rachel lives in Richmond with her wife Marissa and their very spoiled dog. She and her wife both post their bookish endeavors and reviews over on their bookstagram lesbereaders, and they would love for you to give them a follow. If she’s not reading, Rachel is probably daydreaming, laughing with friends, or bothering her dog.  The first Pride March in New York City was held on June 28, 1970, on the one year anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. This month, I encourage you to read stories that celebrate the LGBTQ community, and the contributions they have made toward our society. There is a lot of hate being directed towards this community right now, and I encourage all of us to stand with them, show support and solidarity. In This Episode Rachel’s previous DITL Episode - Carry On by Rainbow Rowell LesBeReaders (Rachel and her Wife’s Bookstagram) Quietly Hostile by Samantha Irby Vampires Never Get Old by Natalie C. Parker & Zoraida Córdova (for fans of Vampire Stories) Bad Gays: A Homosexual History by Ben Miller  & Huw Lemmey (for History Nerds)  Fun Home by Alison Bechdel (for people who love Graphic Novels) The Bechdel Test Heartstopper by Alice Oseman (for people who love Graphic Novels)  The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon (for fans of High Fantasy) It Came from the Closet Edited by Joe Vallese (for fans of Horror Movies) Too Scary; Didn’t Watch Podcast Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas (for when you want a Supernatural YA Novel) Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz (for people who love coming of age stories) Moby Dyke: An Obsessive Quest To Track Down The Last Remaining Lesbian Bars In America by Krista Burton (for Gays who love going to the bars!) Stonewall Sports League Richmond Babes of Carytown Gay Bar: Why We Went Out by Jeremy Atherton Lin (for Gays who love going to the bars!)  The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun (for fans of The Bachelor or The Bachelorette—but make it gay) Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield (for when you want a Spooky, Mysterious, SAD book) Movies That Made Me Gay by Larry Duplechan (for fans of Classic Cinema) Stars in Your Eyes by Kacen Callender (for fans of Fluffy Rom-Coms) A little Pride Month History Here For It by R. Eric Thomas (one of Gigi’s favorite books and writer)

This week’s episode is about one of my personal favorite books, Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe, and I’m joined by returning guest and longtime friend (and librarian) Jess Harshbarger! This book is everything to me — OnlyFans, motherhood, wrestling, robots, and cosplay are brought together to create this absolutely amazing work of art. Jess is a library branch manager and has worked in public libraries for the last 18 years.  She is a Virginia native but has also spent time in Arizona, North Carolina and Ohio. She is married with two children and three dogs. Her favorite pastime is listening to live music 🎶 and dreams of competing on a music trivia show one day. In the last five years she has embraced her inner 👩🏻‍🎨 . Her style fits best in abstract realism and she mostly uses acrylic medium. She posts under Whimsical Wallflower on Facebook and @whimsicalwallflowerart on instagram, although with her ADHD she admittedly has a hard time keeping up with posts. Pornstar Martini (from Delish.com)2oz. vanilla vodka1oz. passion fruit liqueur (such as Passoã)1oz. passion fruit purée1/2oz. fresh lime juice1/2oz. simple syrupSliced fresh passion fruit, for garnish1oz. ProseccoDicrectionsFill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka, liqueur, purée, lime juice, and simple syrup. Cover and vigorously shake until outside of shaker is very frosty, about 20 secondsPour into a coupe or wine glass. Garnish with passion fruit slices.Pour Prosecco into a shot glass. Drink separately or pour into cocktail.In This EpisodeJess’ Previous DITL Episode - Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy BlumePouredOver Podcast interviewing Rufi ThorpeInterview with Rufi ThorpeWriter’s Digest - Rufi Thorpe Interview