Literature & Libations

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Virginia Woolf’s 1925 novel Mrs. Dalloway. Topics include the best way to read this book, horn rimmed glasses and the people who wear them, and deep dives into the main characters. Plus, we talk about the shows we are currently watching (Heated Rivalry, The Pitt, and Derry Girls).

This week’s drink: the Virginia Woolf via Buzzworthy
INGREDIENTS 
2 shots oaked amber rum
¾ shot peach syrup
¾ shot fresh lemon juice
Mint to garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously
Strain through a fine strainer into a Nick and Nora glass
Gently press mint with fingers to release oils, and garnish

Current/recommended reads, links, etc.:
HEATED RIVALRY!!!

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You can email us at [email protected].

Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy!

Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library. 

Join us next time as we read The Hours by Michael Cunningham

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Madeline L’Engle’s 1962 classic A Wrinkle in Time Topics include Disney Channel classic Johnny Tsunami, the idiocy of teenage boys, there’s Jesus in my science!, the clunkiness of the plot, how the series continues, realizing your parents don’t have all the answers, Meg as a great example for young girls, and the power of love. Plus, we go on a slight tangent about the state of Disney animated movies today.

This week’s drink: Maple Orange Spritz via Thirsty Tales
INGREDIENTS 
2 fresh oranges, juiced 
2 tablespoons of maple syrup
½ cup of sparkling water
Ice cubes for serving
Orange slices for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
Juice the oranges
Stir the juice and maple syrup in a glass
Add the ice cubes and sparkling water, stirring gently
Garnish with orange slices and serve immediately

Current/recommended reads, links, etc.:
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer 

Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod.

You can email us at [email protected].

Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy!

Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library. 

Join us next time as we read Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Nicholas Sparks and M. Night Shyamalan’s 2025 “supernatural love story” Remain. Topics include the unfortunate name Tate (Tateifer?), Cape Cod vibes, ghost sex, not your typical love story ending, and our low threshold for hauntings. Plus, Kayla shares some exciting news!

This week’s drink: Cape Codder via liquor.com
INGREDIENTS 
1 1/2 ounces vodka
Cranberry juice, chilled, to top
Garnish: lime wedge
INSTRUCTIONS:
Add the vodka into a highball glass over ice.
Top with cranberry juice and stir briefly to combine.
Squeeze a lime wedge over the glass and drop it into the drink.

Current/recommended reads, links, etc.:
Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson

Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod.

You can email us at [email protected].

Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy!

Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library. 

Join us next time as we read A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Elaine Dundy’s 1958 novel The Dud Avocado. Topics include the fun and original voice of Sally Jay, the darker themes in the book (surprise surprise, they involve men), free-wheeling and heavy-drinking Paris nightlife, how not to lose your passport, trips to Canada, being a Dreaded Librarian, and Sally Jay’s ending - what does zymotic mean in this context?! Plus, Title Talk! And how cool the author seems to have been.

This week’s drink: Avocado Gimlet via Scratch Distillery
INGREDIENTS (makes 2 drinks):
5 oz Pepper Vodka
1 oz Fresh squeezed lime juice
1 oz Agave simple syrup
1/2 fruit Avocado
1 cup ice
1 tsp salt
1 tsp chile powder
INSTRUCTIONS:
Cut the avocado in half and spoon into the shaker.
Add the syrup, vodka, and lime juice.
Muddle thoroughly.
Add ice, and shake thoroughly.
Rim your glass with salt and chili powder.
Strain contents into glass. If served up-done. If using a rocks glass, add a nice large rock.

Current/recommended reads, links, etc.:
Bonjour, Tristesse by Francoise Sagan
Party Girl (1995 film)
Animal Farm by George Orwell

Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod.

You can email us at [email protected].

Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy!

Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library. 

Join us next time as we read Remain by Nicholas Sparks with M. Night Shyamalan

Welcome, 2026! In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss pod favorite Lily King’s 2025 novel Heart the Lover. Topics include the way Lily King packs a punch in a short time, pompous young adult men in academia, Sam vs. Yash, revealing Jordan’s real name and how the men in her life defined her, the importance of first loves and how weird it is when you realize you’ll never talk to that person again, and feeling feelings.Plus, Title Talk!

This week’s drink: Rose and Ginger Paloma (aka Heart the Lover) via Half Baked Harvest
INGREDIENTS:
1/4 cup fresh grapefruit juice
2 ounces silver tequila
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1-2 tablespoons rose water
gingerbeer, for topping
INSTRUCTIONS:
Fill your glass halfway with ice. Add the grapefruit juice, tequila, lime juice, and rose water. Stir to combine and then top with ginger beer. Garnish with fresh roses.

Current/recommended reads, links, etc.:
The Novel Life of Jane Austen: A Graphic Biography by Janine Barchas

Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod.

Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit feedback, questions, or your own takes on what we are reading. You can also see what we are reading for future episodes! You can email us at [email protected].

Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy!

Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library. 

Join us next time as we read The Dud Avocado by Elaine Dundy