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PODCAST

Literature & Libations

Join two sisters, one book nerd and one novel novice, as they review their latest read every other week while sipping a themed cocktail.

arts books

All Episodes

93:41

97. The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones

Literature & Libations ·

2025/10/23

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Stephen Graham Jones’s 2025 novel The Buffalo Hunter Hunter. Topics include pronouncing French words, tiki tiki tiki tiki tiki drinks, reading (and watching) horror, new vampire lore, the importance of buffalo, America’s nightmare, the nuance of Arthur Beaucarne, and giant mole people. This week’s drink: Blood Moon Boulevardier via The G&M Kitchen INGREDIENTS: For the syrup: 1 cup red wine1 cup sugar3 cinnamon sticks3 cloves1 star anise1 ...

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90:40

96. Thrust by Lidia Yuknavitch

Literature & Libations ·

2025/10/10

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Lidia Yuknavitch’s 2022 novel Thrust. Topics include chicken stock, Neptune’s gin, water apocalypse, the Statue of Liberty (and Clueless quotes about it), the sexy bits of the novel, toxic masculinity (oh hey, we know her), and feeling your feelings. Plus, we talk about The Life of a Showgirl (of course). This week’s drink: Sea Foam via Rhubarb & Lavender INGREDIENTS: Sea salt foam: 2 oz liquid egg whites, equivalent to two egg whit...

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82:19

95. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

Literature & Libations ·

2025/09/25

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Kazuo Ishiguro’s 2005 novel Never Let me Go. Topics include the 20th anniversary of this book, how to classify it, the ethics of cloning for organ harvesting, memory and loneliness, rich people clones, talkin’ the title, Kathy as narrator (and carer), and the medical inaccuracies of Grey’s Anatomy. Plus, we talk at length about quitting social media. And remember: there’s no cow on the ice. This week’s drink: Amaretto Sour via Friday Night Co...

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92:49

94. Between Two Fires by Christopher Buehlman

Literature & Libations ·

2025/09/09

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Christopher Buehlman’s 2012 novel Between Two Fires. Topics include delicious cocktails we had in California, how this book came on our radar, our appreciation of the writing and language used, the horrors unleashed (and how extra they are), the devastation of the Black Death, Heaven vs. Hell (and religion vs. science), and our motley band of heroes. Plus, we try to parse the true nature of Delphine (God?). And we, inevitably, talk religion.&nb...

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91:48

93. Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Literature & Libations ·

2025/08/27

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Taylor Jenkins Reid’s latest novel, Atmosphere. Topics include the powers of TJR, the particular charms of Lydia, Barbara (aka the WORST PERSON EVER), gaaaaaays in spaaaaaace, the iconic Sally Ride, the unbearable emotion of the last few pages, Joan’s views on God (and issues we may have with them), the utterly terrifying vastness and unknowableness of space, and toxic masculinity. Plus, we go on a tangent about gender and sex ed. Also: canniba...

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75:25

92. House Made of Dawn by N. Scott Momaday

Literature & Libations ·

2025/08/12

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss N. Scott Momaday’s 1968 novel House Made of Dawn. Topics include diabolical library pranks, Momaday’s influence on future Native writers, lyrical prose, Spark Notes coming in clutch, non-cringe sex scenes (including a tangent about smut), and Angela and Milly. Plus, we go down a rabbit hole about weird internet videos. And George the Cat makes another appearance. This week’s drink: Golden Dawn via Difford’s Guide INGREDIENTS: 3⁄4 oz Hay...

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104:34

91. Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

Literature & Libations ·

2025/07/31

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Octavia E. Butler’s 1979 novel Kindred. Topics include Torrey Pines and Tawny Port, nuts, Nazi Germany vs. American slavery, why white people have such a hard time acknowledging history, Rufus the Doofus and Tom Weylin who have 1 ¼ moral between them, (we need to talk about) Kevin, and Dana’s Conundrum. Plus, we get tipsy and talk about Keanu Reeves. And, George the Cat makes an appearance and brings some much-needed levity. This week’s...

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61:53

90. Oracle by Thomas Olde Heuvelt

Literature & Libations ·

2025/07/15

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Thomas Olde Heuvelt’s 2024 novel Bore-acle Snore-acle Oracle. Topics include Dr. Pepper, a horrible translation that pretty much ruined the book for us, incoherent plotting, algae, Austin Powers, and the utter laziness of having the male characters call every woman a bitch multiple times. Plus, we do a deep dive into the origins of the “c”-word (and introduce a new segment of the pod: C*nt Corner). This week’s drink: Flying Dutchman via liquo...

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80:44

89. North Woods by Daniel Mason

Literature & Libations ·

2025/07/01

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Daniel Mason’s 2023 novel North Woods. Topics include apple puns, the intricacies of Vermont maple syrup grading, beetle sex, geeking out about the writing, Taylor’s audiobook experience, the haunting magic of New England, creepy murder twins, gay tragedy, ghost sex, and the beautiful, hopeful ending. Plus, Kayla introduces a new song in her Taylor Swift parody oeuvre, talks about the food of the summer, and finally informs Taylor about her lat...

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73:13

88. Agnes Grey by Anne Brontë

Literature & Libations ·

2025/06/17

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Anne Brontë’s 1847 novel Agnes Grey. Topics include the Sisters Brontë, Jack the Ripper origin stories, terrible children and their terrible parents, the fascinating character journey of Rosalie Murray, crazy courting rituals of Victorian England, the titular Agnes Grey, and the iconic clapback from Mrs. Grey. This week’s drink: Creamy Earl Grey Cocktail via Rhubarb & Lavender INGREDIENTS: Earl Grey Simple Syrup 1 cup water1 cup sug...

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84:33

87. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Literature & Libations ·

2025/06/03

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Gillian Flynn’s 2012 novel Gone Girl. Topics include true crime, the punchability of Ben Affleck, Nick’s family dynamics and his stunted development, the “Cool Girl”, how the patriarchy negatively affects women and men, Amy’s narcissism (and generally sociopathy), the Andie factor, the deeper commentary Gillian Flynn is making, and that frustrating but brilliant ending. Plus, we talk Target and Beyonce. This week’s drink: Perfect Pear v...

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92:39

86. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

Literature & Libations ·

2025/05/21

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Betty Smith’s 1943 novel A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Topics include horrible Brooklyn bits, elusive cocktail ingredients, the incredible detail and specificity of the characters and events in this book, how relatable people are even 100+ years later, the current real estate situation in Brooklyn, class prejudice, education as a means to improve your life, Katie and Johnny as people and parents, and singing the praises of Francie Nolan. Plus, we t...

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75:52

85. Scorched Grace by Margot Douaihy

Literature & Libations ·

2025/05/06

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Margot Douaihy’s 2023 novel Scorched Grace. Topics include lemon ribbons, New Orleans and how much we love it, how not upsetting a murder mystery is, the uniqueness of a nun (and a punk nun at that) solving mysteries, kickass feminist nuns, Sister Holiday’s views on religion, how Nina is THE WORST, the interesting partnership between Sister Holiday and Riveaux, and the tragedy of Sister Augustine. Plus, we talk about our latest independent book...

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62:32

84. In the Distance by Hernan Diaz

Literature & Libations ·

2025/04/22

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Hernan Diaz’s 2017 novel In the Distance. Topics include screen time and dryness, old timey medicine, Lorimer’s insight into nature, figuring out the timeline of this book, the violent turning point in Hawk’s life, literal and metaphorical stones, the concept of the American myth, utter desolation and loneliness, Asa the Flamboyant Prairie Gay, and the big question left at the end of the book. This week’s drink: Gold Rush via liquor.com...

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87:10

83. Perma Red by Debra Magpie Earling

Literature & Libations ·

2025/04/08

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Debra Magpie Earling’s 2002 novel Perma Red. Topics include Martini Time, Charlie, Baptiste, and Louise and their complicated and entwined experiences, Awful White Men, shame, generational trauma, and the hope at the end of it all. Plus, Taylor talks about her experience Marie Kondo-ing her books. This week’s drink: Dirty Martini via liquor.com INGREDIENTS: 2 1/2 ounces gin or vodka1/2 ounce dry vermouth1/2 ounce olive brineGarnish: 2 to 4 ol...

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87:23

82. James by Percival Everett

Literature & Libations ·

2025/03/25

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 discussio...

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91:04

81. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

Literature & Libations ·

2025/03/11

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Mark Twain’s 1885 children’s (?) novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Topics include the confusing geography of the south/midwest, Huck’s moral quandary and gradual shift of worldview, a peek at initial reactions of this book, the iconic energy of Aunt Sally, and a deep dragging of Tom Sawyer. Plus, Kayla gets on her librarian soapbox about book banning. And also, a brief foray into the recent Oscars ceremony. This week’s drink: Hucklebe...

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88:08

80. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

Literature & Libations ·

2025/02/25

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Daphne Du Maurier’s 1938 novel Rebecca. Topics include important plant updates, Kayla’s frustrating pre-pod antics, Flow, the transatlantic accent, the writing prowess of Daphne du Maurier, murder, unhinged Mrs. Danvers, the unbelievable tension in many scenes, the looming figure of Rebecca (who we don’t actually hate!), the surprising complexity of Maxim, and how guilty we feel about rooting for these crazy kids. Plus, we talk about Kayla’s Os...

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74:01

79. The Book of Love by Kelly Link

Literature & Libations ·

2025/02/11

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Kelly Link’s 2024 novel The Book of Love. Topics include absinthe, the unique structure of this book, the “unlikeablility” of these magical teenagers, breaking down the ending, all the different types of love, and Hilary Duff. Plus, a brief word on Neil Gaiman. This week’s drink: Necromancer via liquor.com INGREDIENTS: 3/4 ounce absinthe 3/4 ounce elderflower liqueur3/4 ounce Lillet blanc1 dash London dry gin3/4 ounce lemon juice, ...

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81:18

78. Euphoria by Lily King

Literature & Libations ·

2025/01/28

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Lily King’s 2014 novel Euphoria. Topics include MySpace pictures, the ease of reading Lily King, evil Fen, poor Bankson, and Nell. Oh Nell. Plus, Taylor’s hot take on the Australian accent, and Kayla’s book snobbery.This week’s drink: Liquid Euphoria va BarGPTINGREDIENTS:2 oz gin1 oz elderflower liqueur1 oz fresh lemon juice½ oz simple syrup2 dashes orange bittersFresh mint leaves, for garnishINSTRUCTIONS:In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, c...

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134 results

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