Dig Into a Great Book

Books & Bites Podcast, Ep. 79

JCPL librarians bring you book recommendations and discuss the bites and beverages to pair with them.

In honor of this year’s summer learning theme, Dig In, we’re digging into some authors we already know with the Books and Bites Bingo prompt, read another book by an author you love.

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Northanger Abbey book cover

Carrie enjoyed Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen, a coming of age story that satirizes Gothic novels. Seventeen year-old Catherine Morland visits Bath with family friends, where she indulges in her love of reading Gothic novels.

When her new friends, Henry and Eleanor Tilney, invite her to their home in a former abbey, Catherine’s overactive imagination almost gets the better of her.

Pairing: Bath Buns, a sweet enriched yeast dough bun that was reportedly a favorite of Austen’s.


Gone to See the River Man book cover

Michael dug into more splatterpunk with Gone to See the River Man by Kristopher Triana. This book follows Lori, a superfan of the notorious serial killer, Edmund Cox.

She corresponds with him regularly and even goes as far as to visit him in prison. During one visit, he gives her a task to prove her devotion that she of course eagerly accepts.

Pairing: Mississippi Delta Infusion, a refreshing cocktail inspired by the birthplace of the Delta Blues.


Clockwork Angel book cover

Jacqueline read Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. When orphan Tessa Gray’s aunt dies, Tessa travels across the ocean to reunite with her brother, Nathanial, her only living relative. Upon her arrival, the Mysterious Dark sisters kidnap Tessa, who work for the Magister.

During her captivity, Tessa learns that she has the power to transform into other people. The Magister wants to marry Tessa and use her ability. The Dark Sisters threaten to hurt her and her brother if she fails to comply with their demands to change into other people.

Pairing: Angel Food Cake, a light, airy dessert that goes great with fresh berries.