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...

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?

We are in the Halloween spirit in The Reading Lounge as we discuss Frankenstein. Go beyond the movies to enjoy the gothic story written by 18-year-old Mary Shelley. Tell us what you think of this original horror story. Pour yourself a Frankenstein cocktail while you listen to get into the spirit. Frankenstein 1.5 oz vodka 1 oz melon liqueur (we used Midori) 1/2 oz fresh lime juice 2 oz ginger beer...

Join us as we discuss Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy. Though published earlier this year, this one wasn't on our book radar until we learned that Ann Patchett recommended this novel. As listeners know, we love all of Ann Patchett's books and will always give her recommendations a try. As expected, this one did not disappoint. Listen in to learn what we loved about this novel. Perhaps you'...

Welcome to a brief bonus episode of The Reading Lounge. Since we love books how could we not spend a few minutes discussing the New York Times Best Books of the 21st Century (so far) survey results. Spoiler alert...We both love the title that took the number one spot! Special thanks to the wonderful content from The Book Review podcast from the New York Times and from Book Riot - The Podcast which...

Sarah and Cynthia discuss Natalie Sue's debut novel, I Hope This Finds You Well . If you've ever worked in an office, you will chuckle, and maybe even grimace, at the spot-on descriptions of office life that serve as the story's backdrop. But beyond the "birthday cake in the breakroom" and obligatory e-mail salutations, is a story of a young woman trying to navigate her way i...

In this episode of The Reading Lounge, Sarah and Cynthia discuss the novel The Fellowship of Puzzle Makers by Samuel Burr. Both puzzling addicts (yes, that is us) and non-puzzlers alike will find much to enjoy in this book that highlights the ties that bind the families we choose. Join us in sipping on a cocktail called The Labyrinth. The Labyrinth 1 1/2 parts bourbon 1/2 part sherry 1/4 Amaretto...

Bonus Episode! Join Cynthia and Sarah in the Reading Lounge and learn about some fun summer book releases!

Listen in as Sarah and Cynthia discuss Attribution by Linda Moore. This independently published novel has won numerous awards and combines art history, mystery, romance, and interesting characters to paint (pun intended) a great story. Make a pitcher of Spanish Sangria, find a place to relax, and enjoy the podcast and the novel. Spanish Sangria This recipe makes a large pitcher. We halved the reci...

Sarah and Cynthia discuss Lori Gottlieb's Maybe You Should Talk to Someone in The Reading Lounge. Did this read make us want to try therapy? We did try a Psychotini. Shake one up and join us in The Reading Lounge. Psychotini 1 oz. dark rum 3 oz. pineapple juice 1 tsp. honey splash of lemon Add ingredients to a martini shaker and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a dehydrated pineapple...

In this episode of The Reading Lounge, Cynthia and Sarah discuss The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa. While we discuss, we enjoy a cocktail named "The Professor." Mix one up and listen in to see if you'd like to add this book to your TBR list. The Professor: 24 oz. grapefruit soda (Fresca, Squirt, or sugar free grapefruit soda 4 oz. Tequila 4 oz. Grand Marnier (we used Tr...

Sarah and Cynthia discuss Now is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson. Come on into The Reading Lounge while we discuss this episode's novel and sip on an Enigmatic Elixir cocktail. Listen in to find out why this cocktail is the perfect pairing for the book and the month of March! 2 oz Vodka 1 oz Elderflower Liqueur 1 oz fresh lime juice (we cheated and used bottled) 1/2 oz simple syrup 4-6 f...

Sarah and Cynthia discuss the novel The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb. Join us in The Reading Lounge while we discuss this episode's book of choice and enjoy the signature cocktail. Symphony 2 oz Gin 1 oz Fresh lemon juice .5 oz Triple Sec 1 oz Cranberry Juice (we used 100% cranberry juice - use juice cocktail if you like your libations a bit sweeter) Mix in a shaker with ice and garnis...

Sarah and Cynthia discuss the novel The Measure by Nikki Erlick. Join us in The Reading Lounge while we enjoy the signature cocktail designed to pair with this episode's book selection. Fate 1 1/2 oz. St. Germain liquor 1/2 oz. Orange Juice 1/2 oz. Pineapple Juice 1 1/2 oz. Proseco

Welcome to The Reading Lounge. Sarah and Cynthia give you a brief glimpse into what we'll be reading and drinking in the lounge. We hope you'll join us in The Reading Lounge!