Literature & Libations

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Jean Rhys’s 1966 novella Wide Sargasso Sea. Topics include the background of Jean Rhys, important historical context for the novel, colonialism (no good very bad), how places can turn warped and hateful, the absolute douchebaggery of Rochester, Christophene and her obeah, and who is named and unnamed.  This week’s drink: Planter’s Punch via liquor.c...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Barbara Kingsolver’s 2022 novel Demon Copperhead. Topics include horse teeth, Appalachia, the tragedies of addiction, the many great characters…honestly there is so much to talk about with this book. This week’s drink: Wildest Redhead via Difford’s Guide INGREDIENTS: 1 ½ oz blended scotch whisky ⅔ oz lemon juice (freshly squeezed) ½ oz honey syrup ¼...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Mary Shelley’s classic 1818 novel Frankenstein. Topics include home decor, the complexity and shifting morality of the characters, growing your reading muscles, various Frankenstein films, the sadness of being utterly a l o n e, the badassery of Mary Shelley, nature as a reflection of the characters’ journeys, and how Walton is totally gay for Victo...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor get on their feminist soapboxes and discuss Rachel Yoder’s 2021 novel Nightbitch. Topics include feminine rage, all-consuming motherhood, women supporting women (yay Jen!), the divine power of women, and perpetuating gender roles and stereotypes in children. Plus, we talk about the upcoming movie adaptation. This week’s drink: Bloody Mary via food.com INGRE...

In this month's Patreon episode, we begin a new series: The Twilight Saga, by Stephenie Meyer. We start with…Twilight! Topics include our initial reactions to reading this book as emotional teens, Vampire Garbage Edward Cullen, Human Bowl of Oatmeal Bella, the unnervingly fast timeline of this book, what the heck is up with Stephenie Meyer, and Taylor’s utter ~chagrin~ throughout this episode...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss George Orwell’s 1949 dystopian novel 1984. Topics include the utter bleakness of this book. That’s it. That’s the tweet. This week’s drink: Between the Sheets via liquor.com INGREDIENTS: 1 oz cognac 1 oz light rum 1 oz triple sec ¼ oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed Garnish: flamed orange peel INSTRUCTIONS: Add the cognac, rum, triple sec and lemon ju...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Monica Heisy’s 2023 novel Really Good, Actually. Topics include the state of female pop music today, hilarious (and sad) breakup stories, the Gay Marriage Experience, how amazing our spouses are, bisexual representation, shitty friends you have in your 20s, another social media rant (Dating Apps Edition), and the benefits of being alone. This week’s...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Mikhail Bulgakov’s 1967 novel The Master and Margarita. Topics include the Russian naming system, the introduction of Russian Taylor, Daniel Radcliffe, reading biblical characters in the context of fiction novels, initial responses to the master and Margarita as people (and how we feel about them now), courage in the face of oppression, and flying h...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Melissa Broder’s 2023 novel Death Valley. Topics include ChatGPT, the perils of social media, appreciating weirdness, the difficulties of caregiving, life and death, and what not to do in the desert. Plus, we talk briefly about our sadly canceled episode on American Indian Stories.  This week’s drink: The Mystical Succulent (aka Cactus Cooler ) via...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Alex Michaelides’s 2019 novel The Silent Patient. Topics include Greek pronunciations, the readability of thrillers, and the use of “bitch”. Plus, we compare Anita de Monte and Alicia Berenson.  This week’s drink: Alcestis (made by Taylor!) INGREDIENTS: 1.5 oz Kitron (or other citrus-flavored liquor) Cucumber, chopped Mint leaves Tonic water Peychau...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Charlotte Brontë’s 1847 classic novel Jane Eyre. Topics include the use of the word “ejaculate” (it does not mean what you think it means), St. John (he’s The WoOOOooOOOoorst!!), and how everyone hates ugly poor people. Plus, we decide which is better: Wuthering Heights or Jane Eyre (the Battle of the Brontës). This week’s drink: Gin Eyre via Tequil...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Xochitl Gonzalez’s 2024 novel Anita de Monte Laughs Last. Topics include what makes “good art”, the Audacity of (Rich, White) Men, and what an absolute pleasure it was to “hear” Anita’s voice. This week’s drink: The Last Laugh via Difford’s Guide INGREDIENTS: ⅔ oz London dry gin ⅔ oz Green Chartreuse (or other herbal liqueur) ⅔ oz Luxardo Maraschino...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Alice Walker’s 1982 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Color Purple. Topics include spring cocktails, the Audacity of White People (and Men), and a well-deserved ending. Plus, we find out what Kayla’s Roman Empire is. This week’s drink: Spring Fever via @gracelynnhewitt INGREDIENTS: 1 oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin 1 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice Splash o...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Lauren Groff’s 2023 novel The Vaster Wilds. Topics include wilderness and spiritual awakening, smallpox-infested boots, and bears pondering waterfalls. And of course, we spent several minutes discussing Taylor Swift’s new album. We might be okay, but we’re not FINE AT ALL. This week’s drink: Penicillin via liquor.com INGREDIENTS: 2 oz blended scotch...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss J.D. Salinger’s 1951 novel The Catcher in the Rye. Topics include this being much more than a “whiny boy book”, the seedy side of New York, and our recommendations for better high school English classes. Also, Kayla reads a list of things Holden hates. This week’s drink: The Rye in the Catcher via Tequila Mockingbird INGREDIENTS: 2 oz rye whiskey 1...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Colson Whitehead’s 2021 novel Harlem Shuffle. Topics include dorvay, aka a sexy-sounding excuse to be up and about at midnight, crooked versus bent, and the realization that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Also: we admire how good Colson Whitehead looks in his author photograph. Hey, we’re only human… This week’s drink: The Harl...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s 1967 novel One Hundred Years of Solitude. Topics include the theme of solitude, evil banana factories, and ruminations on reading the classics. Plus: Taylor makes a startling confession.  This week’s drink: Canchánchara via liquor.com INGREDIENTS  1 1/2 ounces aguardiente or white rum 1 lime, freshly squeezed 1/2 ounce honey...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Louise Erdrich’s 1998 novel The Antelope Wife. Topics include complicated family trees (WE TRIED OUR BEST), the science behind male lactation, and how a delicious cake can save your life. In conclusion: we are all just beads (and boats). This week’s drink: Blueberry Moscow Mule INGREDIENTS:  2 oz Vodka 1 oz blueberry syrup ½ oz lime juice Lime wheel...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Toni Morrison’s 1987 novel Beloved. Topics include the atrocities and trauma of slavery, the nature of Beloved, and the genius of Toni Morrison (holy). This week’s drink: The Toni Morrison via Buzzworthy: Cocktails Inspired by Female Literary Greats INGREDIENTS: 2 shots gin ¾ shot blueberry syrup ½ shot heavy cream ½ shot fresh lemon juice 1 egg whi...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Sue Monk Kidd’s 2020 novel The Book of Longings. Topics include Jesus (yes, that Jesus) and Judas (Judah-ah-ah!), silenced voices, and the strength of women. Also: shoutout to the Library of Alexandria! (RIP) This week’s drink: Za’atar Paloma via liquor.com INGREDIENTS:  1 ½ oz Patrón silver tequila 1 oz grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed 1 oz za’at...

In this month's Patreon episode, we kick off our Harry Potter (re)read with THE SORCERER'S (or Philosopher's) STONE. We are thrilled to be joined by The Third Sister, Ally! Topics include extreme foreshadowing, reminiscing about Potter Puppet Pals, and a dramatic reading of the Chess Scene. This month's cocktail: Ron's Sacrifice (we used this pumpkin juice recipe as the ba...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Virginia Woolf’s 1927 novel To the Lighthouse. Topics include stream-of-consciousness, men having HUGE NEEDS, Lily Briscoe being gay AF, and the beginning of the Sweatshirt Saga. We also do part of a SparkNotes quiz live on mic: Taylor Swift Lyric or Edgar Allan Poe Quote? To play along, click HERE . This week’s drink: Salty Dog via A Couple Cooks I...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Lily King’s 2021 short story collection Five Tuesdays in Winter. Topics include coming of age, mothers and daughters, and…murder. Happy New Year, y’all! This week’s drink: Hot Toddy (Kayla used this recipe via liquor.com) INGREDIENTS: Boiling water, to fill a mug 4 cloves 1 lemon peel or wheel 2 teaspoons demerara sugar or brown sugar 1/4 ounce lemo...

In this week's episode, Kayla and Taylor reveal their top 5 reads of the year (pod and non-pod), other things they have enjoyed this year, and their goals for 2024. Also: Prosecco burps. Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals. WE HAVE A PATREON!! For $3 a month, you can listen to us wax ridiculous about Harry Potter and Twilight…and that’s just the start! Go to our Patreon page and subscribe now!...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Ali Smith’s 2018 novel Winter. Topics include politics?! In MY Christmas?? Sisterly love, floating heads, unwanted erections, and…Austin Powers. We’re all over the place in this one, people. This week’s drink: Sage Advice via findingtimeforcooking.com INGREDIENTS: 3 fresh sage leaves 2 oz bourbon (90 proof is best for this recipe) ¾ oz cinnamon sage...