Last Tuesday, a group of tea and book lovers gathered at the West Branch Library for what quickly turned into a literary tea party. It was the first meeting of Literatea, a new monthly event that allows readers to sample different loose leaf teas and chat about books.
First, the tea. This month’s tea selection was Earl Grey Creme. Adding a touch of vanilla to the traditional Earl Grey tea lends a nice, creamy taste to this British favorite. The ladies and gentlemen of Literatea give this tea an enthusiastic endorsement, both for its flavor and its delightful and welcoming aroma.
To learn a bit more about Earl Grey Creme, check out the Literatea June Newsletter, which also includes all the staff recommended titles for the month of June, some news from the literary world and five books that pair especially nicely with our tea selection of the month.
As our tea party progressed, things got even more interesting as the talk turned to the titles that the bibliophile library patrons suggested. Some of the new and new-to-us titles mentioned include:
Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James, featuring Jane Austen’s much loved characters from Pride and Prejudice.
Once Upon a Time in Russia by Ben Mezrich, is the latest novel from this prolific, but not always well known author.
Palace of Treason by Jason Matthews is another new release attracting the attention of our readers.
The Trouble with the Truth by Edna Robinson is a tale with an interesting backstory of its own. Robinson’s novel was originally accepted for publication in 1960, but was never released because its publishers believed it shared too much in common with To Kill a Mockingbird (also released that year). Robinson’s daughter was determined to see it in print and managed to have it published after her mother’s death.
The Truth According to Us by Annie Barrows is causing significant excitement amongst fans of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (and really, who isn’t a fan?), since Barrows was one of that charming book’s co-authors.
In the Woods by Tana French gets accolades from self-described fans of “creepy” fiction.
Then our discussion turned towards some perennial favorites.
Anything by Alexander McCall Smith, especially the books in the The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series.
In the Company of Sherlock Holmes, which is a collection of short stories written by authors who took their inspiration from Sir Arthur’s legendary character.
The Museum of Extraordinary Things by Alice Hoffman. Is there anything more intriguing than a book that no one can agree on? Even those who love Alice Hoffman couldn’t agree on whether to love or hate this one.
Less controversial and much loved is anything by Adriana Trigiani, including The Shoemaker’s Wife and The Supreme Macaroni Company
If you’re a fan of literature that makes you hungry, even as it feeds your mind and soul, our book lovers suggest checking out The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister
If you still can’t get enough books about food, including some tempting recipes (not Weight Watchers approved), our readers suggest you take a look at Delicious by Ruth Reichl, a fictional tale, and also the author’s food related memoirs, Garlic and Sapphires and Tender of the Bone.
Our bibliophiles final suggestion for June was The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. And if you love it, keep an eye out for Morton’s newest release due out in September.
The next Literatea event will be Tuesday, July 7th at 10am. Feel free to join us in person for even more from the world of books and tea.