In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Sue Monk Kidd’s 2020 novel The Book of Longings.Topics include Jesus (yes, that Jesus) and Judas (Judah-ah-ah!), silenced voices, and the strength of women. Also: shoutout to the Library of Alexandria! (RIP)

This week’s drink: Za’atar Paloma via liquor.com

INGREDIENTS: 

• 1 ½ oz Patrón silver tequila
• 1 oz grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 oz za’atar simple syrup*
• Garnish: lime wheel

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Add the tequila, grapefruit juice, and za’atar simple syrup into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled
2. Strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice
3. Garnish with a lime wheel

*Za’atar simple syrup: Add 2 cups sugar and 2 cups water to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add ¼ cup za’atar while the syrup is hot. Let sit for at least 3 hours. Strain out the solids and discard. The syrup will keep, covered and refrigerated, for up to 1 month.

Current reads, recommendations, and links:

• Where I Was From by Joan Didion

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Join us next time as we discuss Beloved by Toni Morrison.

Here is the cocktail recipe for next week’s episode if you want to drink along with us!

The Toni Morrison via Buzzworthy: Cocktails Inspired by Female Literary Greats

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 shots gin
• ¾ shot blueberry syrup
• ½ shot heavy cream
• ½ shot fresh lemon juice
• 1 egg white
• 1-2 shots club soda (soda water) to top
• Garnish: dehydrated citrus wheel

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Add all ingredients except club soda to a shaker without ice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds
2. Add ice and shake for another 30 seconds
3. Strain into a Collins glass (without ice), top with club soda until foam peeks over the top, and garnish