Read and Sip – Top Seven Pairings at Sundog Books
By Michelle Hayes Uhlfelder
Stack your books and stock your bar — summer reading just got a whole lot more interesting. Sundog Books has cooked up a menu of our staff’s must-reads paired with the perfect cocktails to sip. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on the white sandy beach or relaxing indoors, these picks are your ticket to literary bliss. Grab your shaker, muddler and jigger — and let’s get this reading party started!
“The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger, paired with a Manhattan
Catch up with Holden Caulfield in the bustling streets of New York City, cocktail in hand. A stiff Manhattan complements Holden’s sharp wit and the edgy narrative of this timeless novel, making it an ideal companion for navigating the complexities of youth and identity.
“Ian Fleming” by Nicholas Shakespeare, paired with a martini, shaken not stirred
Delve into the intriguing life of Ian Fleming, the mastermind behind James Bond, with a martini — Bond’s cocktail of choice. Whether you prefer it shaken or stirred, this pairing is as sleek and suave as 007 himself, offering a glimpse into the glamorous spy life and the man who created it.
“The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” by V.E. Schwab, paired with a French 75
Illuminate your evening with Addie LaRue’s immortal tale and a sparkling French 75. This effervescent drink mirrors the novel’s exploration of time, invisibility, and the marks we leave on the world, making each sip a celebration of life’s fleeting moments.
“Carrie Soto is Back” by Taylor Jenkins Reid, paired with The Perfect Serve
Reunite with Callie Soto as she takes the court again after her dynamite appearance in “Malibu Rising.” Mix up The Perfect Serve — a decadent concoction of Frangelico and Chambord topped with cream — and toast to Callie’s latest escapades. It’s a lush, flavorful mix that’s bold and spicy, just like all of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novels.
“The Covenant of Water” by Abraham Verghese, paired with a Miraculous Refresher
Quench your thirst for profound family sagas with ‘The Covenant of Water’ and a Miraculous Refresher. This exotic drink blends kefir with spices, mirroring the novel’s rich storyline of family, tradition, and the ties that bind across generations.
“Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir, paired with a Cosmic Blue
Sci-fi fan? Us too! Blast off with this sci-fi thriller and a Cosmic Blue cocktail in hand. The drink’s electric buzz is the perfect match for the novel’s high-stakes journey through space, bringing a dash of the extraordinary to Weir’s tale of survival and interstellar mystery.
“Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus, paired with a cosmopolitan
Stir up some mid-century modern charm with this sharp tale of a female scientist breaking norms and a chic cosmopolitan. This pairing is as stylish and witty as the novel’s brilliant heroine, making for a refreshing read that’s both insightful and invigorating. After the last swig, make sure to watch the book come to life as an Apple+ streaming series.
These seven stellar book and cocktail pairings are your recipe for the perfect summer chill-out. Stop by Sundog Books to grab these titles, and for more ideas of great reads and drinks, visit our blog. Here’s to a breezy season of soaking in stories and sipping on something superb! (Scott, can you make a QR code) https://www.sundogbooks.com/bookstore-buzz
About Michelle Hayes Uhlfelder
Michelle is deeply honored to lead the marketing narrative for Sundog Books, a role she has grown into over her six-year association with the nationally recognized indie bookstore. Her gratitude extends to the White family for welcoming her into the Sundog family. Living in WaterColor for 16 years with her husband and their children, who are students at Seaside Neighborhood School, she has woven the threads of her personal and professional life through the heart of the community. Michelle’s bond with the area enhances her dedication to Sundog Books, a local haven where the love for stories and vibrant conversations is ever-present.
