pairing up prose: matching books with tea
Sips and stories, I say! I’m in a vibe matching mood, let me know if you agree or disagree
How to Age Disgracefully and (appropriately) Aged Earl Grey
This may be a story told from different perspectives, but we all know who is Alpha. And Daphne is refined, aged to near perfection, and bold, much like this tea. Also something about glamorous older women makes me think of tea . . . is that just a me thing?
The Marigold Murder Collective and Irish Breakfast Tea
This book is SO so SO cute! Another beautiful ensemble, with a wise older women who leans less Alpha more grammy BUT still has a bold flavor. Like an Irish breakfast tea, you get a more delicate side to this black tea, more subtle notes, but still present and comforting. Feels like putting on soft pajamas.
TW: There is reference to assault and stalking in the book above
The Very Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches and Masala Chai
How many spoonfuls of sugar? Be careful because if you try to match the sweetness level of the book, you’ll be out to the dentist soon. This book (and chai) remind me of drinking tea and eating biscuits with my grandparents and family. This book connects with a similar energy-where found family, self-discovery, and wonder fuel the narrative.
The Name Drop and a White Peach Ice Tea
A YA drink to match a YA book. I’m glad that YA is taking a turn for the better in making teenagers feel actually relate-able. Studying, worrying about INSANE tuition costs, and experience crushes for the first time. Life is complicated, brains aren’t fully developed, and hormones abound. I won’t say the brand but picture yourself in H-Mart convincing yourself it’s okay to buy $4 tea and you’ll know EXACTLY what I’m talking.
A Twist of Fate and Peppermint Tea
I wouldn’t say this book is stressful, but it it keeps you on toesies the ENTIRE time and I expected none of the twists and turns. Originally, I thought Chamomile, but you’ll need big brain energy to keep up with this plot, and someone once told me it helps with brain function. Also if your tummy is tumbling over with stress for the FL, then welp, peppermint.
A Pho Love Story and Thai Iced Tea
Energetic, Corny, Delicious (You’ll become hungry, trust me), DRAMATIC! It feels like all the elements are there that I can’t even say this is just (as the title claims) a love story. It’s about being young, learning what you enjoy, standing up for yourself, navigating family tensions, AND yes there happens to be some super sweet romance with one of the the funniest male narrators I’ve heard so far.
Not Your Sidekick and Honeydew Jasmine Milk Tea
We’re coming back to this YA Meets YA. When I picture this character she goes for Boba with friends and this is her go to order, maybe with boba and lychee jelly as well? It just feels right and this is a cozy read if you happen to be alone drinking your boba, and wanting something to sip on while you laugh repeatedly at the leads flirting fails.
Disorientation and an Iced Matcha
This book is stressful. THIS BOOK IS STRESSFUL. DO NOT SAY I DIDN’T WARN YOU. I was NOT prepared for how disturbed I would be entire time listening to this book (bc of of course it was via audiobook smh). Seems weird I’d pair it with caffeine right? Welp just felt I had too honestly, this book to me gives girls night where we actually just all unpack our racial trauma. I mean . . . isn’t that what we all do at sleepovers?
Hopefully the L-Theanine keeps you calm through the whirlwind of emotions you are about to experience.
Of Jade and Dragons and Iced Assam Milk Tea
Competition. Mystery. Murder. Romance. Invention. They pack so many genres into this book, yet still made it feel natural. Kinda spooky to be honest. There were moments where I felt reminded of the Hunger Games and others where it was giving more Mulan, then all of a sudden it’s giving family secrets and palace politics. The Assam Milk tea because it’s a bold flavor that is tamed down a bit by the milk (the romance w/ML and the little brother dynamic w/another contestant). It has to be iced, I can’t picture reading this without a straw, it feels more modern, more dare I say chic.
The Last Tiger and Peach Iced Tea
First of all the FL in this book STRESSES me out, she makes so many (imo) selfish decisions that I have to breathe and remember, she’s also just a teenagers and these circumstances are NOT NORMAL. Essentially, through Metaphor, this book is about the Japanese Occupation of Korea with the addition of fantasy elements. Our viewpoints are from the ML and FL perspective, which differ immensely.
I did NOT choose this tea because this book is sweet (it is sometimes, RARELY). I chose it because this book is sad, and hopefully the peach will balance out the experience for you. And also maybe remind you of being a teen (?).
Women of Good Fortune and Jasmine Tea
I am not going to explain this one. You’ll understand from the jacket description alone. Strong women, strong tea. Eleanor Roosevelt once said “A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water,” and it is very apt in this context.
The Mermaid from Jeju and Ginseng Tea
YES I’m doing it, I’m matching a book about Korean history (fictionalized) with a classic Korean tea. And I have no apologies. Because this book is slow, educational, heartbreaking, and beautiful, you’ll need a warm soothing reprieve.
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane and Pu-erh
For those who haven’t read it, I don’t think I’m spoiling anything by saying Pu-erh is basically one of the main characters in this book. I bought Pu-erh after reading it though. Although I’d be careful because I didn’t realize how caffeinated Pu-erh was until too late and you don’t want the anxiety spiral I had.