The Reading Lounge

Feb 15 2025 19 ep. 21 mins 1

The Reading Lounge Podcast artwork

Lifelong friends and readers, Sarah and Cynthia, discuss great books you may have missed while enjoying a cocktail that aligns with the book of choice. With thousands of books published each year, it is difficult to uncover the hidden gems. We will help you decide what to add to your TBR list, while suggesting a new cocktail you just might enjoy, too. Join us in The Reading Lounge!

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Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame

Feb 15 2025 26 mins

Welcome to The Reading Lounge! Sarah and Cynthia discuss Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford. Perhaps not many find fame in the sunset of their lives but Mrs. Quinn's love of baking puts her front and center. The unexpected fame also illuminates the cost of keeping secrets in a nearly 60-year long marriage. If you enjoy The Great British Baking Show as much as we do, t

A Walker in the Evening

Jan 17 2025 24 mins

Thanks for joining us in The Reading Lounge! Sarah and Cynthia discuss the novel A Walker in the Evening by Nick Owchar. This is a beautifully crafted literary novel that is intelligent, interesting, and will keep you turning page after page. Be sure to try this episode's signature cocktail: The Night Walker! 1 oz Rum 1 oz Vodka 1/2 oz Triple Sec 1 oz Cassis 2 oz Orange Juice

A Year of Reading 2024

Dec 28 2024 12 mins

Cynthia and Sarah recap their reading year and choose their favorite books and cocktails. We hope you enjoy this brief bonus episode. Join us to raise a glass to the great reading of 2024!

The Snow Child

Dec 16 2024 25 mins

Cynthia and Sarah discuss the 2013 novel The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey. Set in 1918, the story follows two people attempting to craft a life in the harsh Alaskan wilderness. The tragedies and longings are with them and so is hope that manifests in numerous ways. A great read at any time of year, but the novel beautifully captures the Alaskan seasons - especially the beauty and harsh

Young Jane Young

Nov 15 2024 30 mins

Join Cynthia and Sarah in The Reading Lounge for a lively discussion of Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin. The novel harkens back to not so long ago scandals and led us to the question, "Has anything changed?" Be sure to sip on The Politician, a fitting cocktail for this fun read. We'll meet you in The Reading Lounge! The Politician .75 oz gin .75 oz whisky 1 oz lemon juice .5 o

Fall Reading - bonus episode

Oct 27 2024 9 mins

Autumn is made for reading! Get cozy and hear about the new fall books Sarah and Cynthia are excited about. What is your favorite new book?

Frankenstein

Oct 14 2024 22 mins

We are in the Halloween spirit in The Reading Lounge as we discuss Frankenstein. Go beyond the movies to enjoy the gothic story written by 18-year-old Mary Shelley. Tell us what you think of this original horror story. Pour yourself a Frankenstein cocktail while you listen to get into the spirit. Frankenstein 1.5 oz vodka 1 oz melon liqueur (we used Midori) 1/2 oz fresh lime juice

Sipsworth

Sep 15 2024 26 mins

Join us as we discuss Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy. Though published earlier this year, this one wasn't on our book radar until we learned that Ann Patchett recommended this novel. As listeners know, we love all of Ann Patchett's books and will always give her recommendations a try. As expected, this one did not disappoint. Listen in to learn what we loved about this novel.

NYT Best Books Survey: Bonus Episode

Aug 30 2024 9 mins

Welcome to a brief bonus episode of The Reading Lounge. Since we love books how could we not spend a few minutes discussing the New York Times Best Books of the 21st Century (so far) survey results. Spoiler alert...We both love the title that took the number one spot! Special thanks to the wonderful content from The Book Review podcast from the New York Times and from Book Riot - T

I Hope This Finds You Well

Aug 15 2024 28 mins

Sarah and Cynthia discuss Natalie Sue's debut novel, I Hope This Finds You Well. If you've ever worked in an office, you will chuckle, and maybe even grimace, at the spot-on descriptions of office life that serve as the story's backdrop. But beyond the "birthday cake in the breakroom" and obligatory e-mail salutations, is a story of a young woman trying to nav