Kayla and Taylor discuss the themes and major beats in the first part of Mieko Kawakami’s 2008 novel Breasts and Eggs. Topics include (titular) titties, the existential crises of 12 year olds, and the badass that is Mieko Kawakami. 

This week’s drink: Grapefruit Sake Cocktail via I Heart Umami

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 oz Junmai sake (Nigori or Daiginjo or Ginjo Sake)
• 2.5 oz gin (pure, distilled)
• 3 oz grapefruit juice
• ⅛ tsp grated fresh ginger root
• Tiny pinch ground nutmeg (optional)
• 4-5 medium size ice cubes (plus extra for serving)
• Splash grapefruit sparkling water (chilled)
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (garnish, optional)
• 2 slices fresh grapefruit (garnish, optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a shaker, add the sake, gin, grapefruit juice, ginger, a tiny dash of ground nutmeg powder, if using, and 4-5 medium size ice cubes. Shake 30-40 seconds.
2. Pour the cocktail through a strainer filter into two cocktail glasses.
3. Add a splash of grapefruit sparkling water. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and grapefruit slice, if using.

Current Reads and Recommendations: 

Hell and Back by Craig Johnson

Crazy Mountain by Elise Atchison

Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod.

Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit feedback, questions, or your own takes on what we are reading. You can also see what we are reading for future episodes! You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com.

Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy!

Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library.

Join us next time as we discuss Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami (part 2: chapter 12 to the end)