My week in books and tea 6.30.19

This month conveniently ends on a weekend, giving me time to wrap up some books and pick up a few I started and haven’t finished. I blame my book squirreling on my cozy tea nook. I’ll share a few peeks into the space below.

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What I finished reading

The Stationery Shop was one of my favorite reads this month. Thank you to Gallery Books (publisher) for the free book. A book that just took me by both hands and pulled me in and didn’t let go. A story of first love, broken hearts against the backdrop of political unrest, social norms and expectations, and the ripple effect it has on so many people. The Stationery Shop was full of moments that surprised me but on the end, well, I really enjoyed this book.

My Àntonia was a lovely book, one I had to take in small doses to immerse myself, to better imagine the beauty of the landscape. The simplicity of life, the hardworking determination of immigrants, the ridiculous smug attitudes of native people toward them. Antonia is a memorable young woman I admire for her industriousness and perseverance.

The Wayward Bus was my 10th book by John Steinbeck. How to summarize this one, a group of unlikely people on a bus to San Juan. I think I put this book down too long because when I picked it back up, I kept stopping to remind myself of who the characters were. I’m sure after a discussion with the group of buddy readers will help me process my thoughts and feelings.

White Like Her: My Family’s Story of Race and Racial Passing was my nonfiction book for the month about racial passing.

The Tradegy of Brady Sims – In the pages of this novella, we learn about a man named Brady Sims. Moments after the trial and sentencing of his son, outside of the courthouse, Brady walks up and shoots his son dead. Talk about an opening. Ernest J. Gaines method of story telling was masterful.

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What I’m reading

If You Want to Make God Laugh is one I started a few weeks ago and can’t put down now that I’ve finished up some of my other books.

Poor Zodwa has experienced so much hardship that I just keep hoping things will get better soon. Ruth has decided to adopt a baby and her sister Delilah, is dealing with her own personal tragedy as well.

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Steep of the week

I won a summer giveaway of a blind tea tasting box from Story of my Tea and steeped #tea6003. I loved taking my time to try to identify what’s in the tea. If I scan the QR code I can find out what the tea is and what’s in there. I think I have an idea but am excited about the experience.

☕️The Cup: TBD | 🌱Tea Type: TBD | 📩 From: Story of My Tea

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June Reads

Here’s how this month aligns with my reading goals: 5 classics, 2 nonfiction, 2 historical fiction, 2 fiction, 1 mystery. Novellas are my new favorite so maybe I’ll start tracking them since I’m still lacking in my poetry reading. I think I might make that a seasonal project for the winter.

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July Reads

Me and my mind maps! Here’s what’s lined up for July along with details on upcoming buddy reads here

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Weekend Shenanigans

I went to the Bodies Exhibition with some friends and was once again, completely fascinated with the marvels of the human body. Real human specimens are used to get an up close and very visual view of human anatomy. The various systems, organs, nerves, muscles and nerves in our body.

Also a visit to Kilwin’s Chocolate and Ice Cream shop meant treating myself to this delicious Chocolate Toasted Coconut ice cream.

Just looking at this picture makes me want to go back for more.

In the nook: I’m working on the final touches before sharing the space. Until then, I wanted to share this small part of the space I’ve named the French Press Vignette.

I’m also making some packages to gift some tea to giveaway to friends. All tea needs a happy home.