Pouring Over Pages

For episode 13, we’re discussing “The Other Black Girl” by Zakiya Dalila Harris. This is a suspense novel focusing on what it is like to be the only Black woman in a predominantly white professional environment. Nella, our main character works at Wagner Books, and she has felt like the token Black girl since day one. However, a new Black girl joins the team and all hell breaks loose. Our discussio...

As part of our Black History Month books, we dive into “Party of Two” by Jasmine Guillory, who shows us that romance novels are not all fluff. This book, and discussion, touches upon issues of criminal justice reform, racism within the justice system, being a Black woman in the workplace, and the challenges and scrutiny biracial couples face. We paired this book with La Fête du Rosé, a Black-owned...

We’re going deep into “Infinite Country” by Patricia Engel. It's a powerful novel about the immigrant story from the perspective of a Colombian family torn between their homeland and the United States. It captures the harsh reality of what it means to be undocumented in the United States and how cruel and archaic immigration policies haunt those among us to this very day. We paired this book with...

We wanted to start 2022 with a book that would allow us to move forward with a new perspective but also allow us to reflect on these past few years and honor the world as it is and as it was. “The Year of Magical Thinking” by Joan Didion let us dive deep into the mind of one of America’s most celebrated authors during the most difficult time in her life. The way the book is written allows for the...

Just in time for winter, we chose a romance novel that feels like a warm and cozy hug. “A Season for Second Chances” isn’t your typical holiday love story—it emphasizes the importance of betting on yourself. Over a glass of Cakebread Cellars Merlot, we discuss the idea of leaving behind what no longer serves you, taking chances on yourself, the importance of female friendship, toxic male manipulat...

This surreal and contemporary odyssey is one that we both loved! “I Love you but I’ve Chosen Darkness” tells the auto fictional story of author Claire Vaye Watkins, a woman suffering from spiraling postpartum depression, heading home and facing her traumatic past. Inspired by the book’s setting, we paired the read with Carlos Moro Oinoz Verdejo 2020. The lively conversation centers around the book...

Just in time for this year’s awards, we’re featuring a 2021 National Book Award finalist—Lauren Groff’s “Matrix.” It is a beautiful story about sisterhood, redemption, and what it means to find one’s “calling” in the midst of rejection, loss, and displacement. To pay homage to the main character, we paired the book with Rebellious Red Blend 2019.

We're ending spooky season with magical realism and orange wine. Alexa and Maritza crack open “Exist West” by Mohsin Hamid while sipping on Maturana Naranjo Torontel. The duo dives into the book's themes and topics—a story about migration, loss, war, the unknown, but ultimately, love and compassion.

Episode 5 comes just in time for spooky season (Alexa’s favorite season). On this episode, Alexa and Maritza highlight “Leave the World Behind” by Rumaan Alam while sipping on sponsor Louis Jadot’s Chablis and Beaujolais-Villages. Touching on issues of morality, race, class, social constructs, politics, and climate change, LTWB is not your average thriller.

In this episode, Alexa Ferra and Maritza Lacayo highlight “Red, White & Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston paired with English sparkling wine Gusbourne Brut Reserve 2015. As a special surprise, the duo welcomes their first guest ever—British colleague Emma Heald, who has unexpected connections to the royal family. The trio dishes on the book’s themes and characters, British and American politics,...

In celebration of Miami Beach Pride, Alexa Ferra and Maritza Lacayo open “The Guncle” by Steven Rowley. Paired with an Aperol Spritz, made with Casa Farive Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, the duo discusses the book’s themes including LGBTQ+ issues, the social media-driven world, societal norms, different perspectives, and more.

Alexa Ferra and Maritza Lacayo talk romcom with Emily Henry's "Beach Read." Paired with La Vieille Ferme rosé 2020, the duo discuss the novel’s themes and highlights, romance novel reputations, and personal stories.

Meet co-hosts Alexa Ferra and Maritza Lacayo while you dive into Glennon Doyle's "Untamed." Paired with Gary Farrell's Pinot Noir 2018, the duo talks about the book's themes and highlights while divulging on personal anecdotes and current events.