As if I needed another excuse to be a bigger book nerd… fall happened.
Getting lost in a good story whilst cozied up in a comfy sweater is already pretty freakin’ great. But what if you were to add a warm autumn drink to the mix… (maybe a cracked window that leaks in crisp air)? Now I’m in a real happy place.
Want to join me? I’ve got three books for you to dig into this season, and three sips to complement each. If you haven’t read a book in a while, this is the perfect time to start. If you have, well, you know the drill…
Sweetbitter, Stephanie Danler. Ever dream of living in the hustle and bustle of New York City? This novel drops you right in the middle of it all. Meet Tess, the twenty-one-year old who ditches her hometown for a backwaiter job in the city that never sleeps. She’s a dreamer, hoping to become someone, and belong somewhere. I just recently finished reading this book and was happily surprised. As Tess’s appetite for food and wine expanded, so did her knowledge of life and discovery. I loved the lingo and descriptions of her palette, and the way they described different flavors. Who knew sipping vino could speak in such a beautiful language? This book makes me want to learn how to relish the bitter, crave it even, the way I do the sweet.
Sip on a glass of vino for this one. I’m a lover for red, but whatever you choose. Focus on exploring and understanding its notes.
Commonwealth, Ann Patchett. A mix of humor and heartbreak. I loved this novel because of its characters who I got to know VERY well. You know when you read something and become so insanely attached to the players that you just can’t let go? That was me. An easy read that offers great depth. If you want a book that leaves you really thinking, this one is for you.
Cozy up in a blanket and sip mulled cider. Maybe the orange-covered book jacket inspired this one. :) Here’s a quick recipe:
2 qts apple cider
2 cinnamon sticks
2 whole allspice berries
2 whole cloves
1 orange, thinly sliced
Put on stove, heat til’ simmer. Grab a mug and enjoy.
The Girls, Emma Cline. A kickback to the violent end that was Northern California in the 60s, infused by the Manson murders and cult drama. This book is not a quick, light read. But, if you like murder mysteries, literary/historical fiction, you’ll enjoy this book immensely — what better read for October than a dark coming-of-age story.
Sip a spicy Hot Toddy to get you through this one:
2 tbs organic honey
1 cup hot water
2 shots bourbon of your choice
Lemon peel
2 cinnamon sticks
Put water, honey, cinnamon sticks on stove. Simmer. Pour over bourbon shot, drop lemon peel in glass.
+ Now that I’ve finished these three, I need a few more. Let me know what books you have read, and loved, in the comments below! Hope you guys enjoy!
I just read Sweetbitter and a couple of my friends have recommended The Girls to me. Will be grabbing it from the library after work today for weekend reading. Thanks!
Somebody just recommended Sweetbitter to me! And I’ve been hearing about The Girls often lately so I will definitely have to check out these picks!
xx Chelsea
http://www.organizedmessblog.com
The Girls was already on my to-read list but I have just added Sweetbitter and Commonwealth as well. They sound so intriguing and I really can’t wait to read them. Thank you for the recommendations!
http://www.emilytrinh.com/like-clouds/
I made a hot toddy tonight because of your suggestion and spent the rainy night in reading.. one of the best Friday nights I’ve had in a while thank you!
Happy October! I absolutely loved this post! Made me feel all cozy.:) I haven’t read any of these yet!
This year, I set myself a goal: read 100 books! I’m currently at number 54.
I’ve read a ton of good reads lately. I’ve also re-read a few of my favourites from last year. Here are my favourites:
Before the Fall by Noah Hawley – I flew through Hawley’s thriller in two days. The story: a plane disappears 18 minutes after taking off from an airport on Martha’s Vineyard. Two passengers survive: a painter and a little boy. A twist-filled story of survival, the race to uncover the truth in the aftermath of a tragedy, the insatiable appetite of the public for information, and the lengths the news media will go to get the story. Hawley’s screenwriting experience really shines through.
Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight – I re-read this one. It’s one of my absolute favourites! Lawyer and single mother Kate Baron gets a call from her fifteen-year-old daughter Amelia’s private school saying that she’s been suspended and needs to be picked up immediately. Upon arrival at the school, Kate finds out her daughter is dead. Kate sifts through her daughter’s emails, texts, Facebook posts to try and find out how her daughter died. McCreight does an outstanding job of exploring the issue of bullying, especially in the age of social media, mean girls, and modern parenting.
Food and the City by Ina Yalof – I’ve been recommending this one to everybody. A behind-the-scenes look at New York’s food world through the eyes of professional chefs, line cooks, restaurant owners, food vendors, and purveyors. I loved reading about each person’s personal story – how they got into the food industry, the trials they faced, and how they overcame them. Moving and inspiring. I learned a lot!
I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh – I raced through this much-talked-about debut thriller in less than two days. It gripped me from the first page until the very last. I had to keep reminding myself to breathe. Every time I thought I had the story figured out, Mackintosh threw in another twist. Her twelve years experience on the British police force makes this one shockingly real. Beautifully written and perfectly plotted. I am currently re-reading. I am looking forward to her new thriller out next month!
Thanks again for sharing!
“I looked up because of the laughter, & kept looking because of the girls.”
Best opening line of a book I’ve ever read. “The Girls” by Emma Cline has me hooked.
Enjoy everyone!
http://www.brunadiletta.blogspot.com
(for Some 70’s Love Stoned Stories)
i’m reading the girls at the moment! i’ll have to try this recipe! ;)
So happy the book club is back! Love this series. Picked up Sweetbitter from library today, just about to start –thanks, Madisyn
Thanks for the post!! it has gotten ne excited to go out and get some new books!! Happy fall!
It’s a good thing.