In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Percival Everett’s award-winning 2024 novel James. Topics include the never ending surprise of the atrocities human beings commit, slave language, dream visits from “enlightened” philosophers, the freedom inherent in reading and writing, the return of the King and the Duke (ugh), Huck is whose son?!, James’s revenge, and the reclamation of his narrative. Plus, a side track into who the heck Cunegonde is. Finally, we end with a rousing discussion on donating books to the library.

This week’s drink: Roasted Lemon and Bay Leaf Hard Lemonade via Food & Wine

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 lemons, quartered lengthwise, plus 6 wheels for garnish
• 3 fresh bay leaves, plus 6 more for garnish
• 1 cup superfine sugar
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons vodka
• Ice
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons club soda

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°. In a small roasting pan, roast the lemon quarters with the 3 bay leaves for about 20 minutes, until the lemons are softened and browned in spots. Scrape the lemons, bay leaves and any pan juices into a large pitcher. Add the sugar, water and vodka and muddle with the lemons. Let cool completely, then refrigerate until chilled.
2. Strain the lemonade through a fine sieve into 6 ice-filled glasses. Top each drink with 3 tablespoons of the club soda and garnish with a lemon wheel and bay leaf.

Current/recommended reads, links, etc.:

The Good Lord Bird by James McBride

All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall

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Join us next time as we read Perma Red by Debra Magpie Earling