Literature & Libations

Taylor Made
  • 5.0 (14)
  • Books
  • Updated Weekly

Join two sisters, one book nerd and one novel novice, as they review their latest read every other week while sipping a themed cocktail. 

  1. 9h ago

    118. Twilight by Staphanie Meyer

    In this month's Patreon episode, we begin a new series: The Twilight Saga, by Stephanie Meyer. We start with…Twilight! Topics include our initial reactions to reading this book as emotional teens, Vampire Garbage Edward Cullen, Human Bowl of Oatmeal Bella, the unnervingly fast timeline of this book, what the heck is up with Stephenie Meyer, and Taylor’s utter ~chagrin~ throughout this episode. Plus, a quick Vampire Diaries tangent. And of course, we dive into the Twilight movie franchise. This month's cocktail: The Skin of a Killer (aka Special Sparkly Gin & Tonic) INGREDIENTS:  6 oz elderflower tonic water (or regular tonic water)1.5 oz GinJuice of ½ lime3 dashes lavender bitters3 dashes orange bitters1 tap edible glitterINSTRUCTIONS: Fill tall glass with ice. Add all ingredients and stirGarnish with a lime wheel Join us next time as we continue our Twilight Saga re-read with New Moon!

  2. Jul 21

    117. Babylon, South Dakota by Tom Lin

    In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Tom Lin’s 2026 novel Babylon, South Dakota. Topics include traveling to the Dakotas, sentences with “good mouth feel”, the confusing concept of the Methuselah Project (we try our best), the unexpectedly tragic ending, and the souls of animals.  This week’s drink: South Dakota Gold Rush via Valiant Winery + Distillery INGREDIENTS  2 oz Clay Turner bourbon¾ oz South Dakota honey syrupDissolve ½ cup honey into ¼ cup hot water. Let cool before using.¾ oz fresh lemon juiceINSTRUCTIONS: Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with iceShake vigorously until well chilledStrain into a whiskey glassGarnish with a lemon wheel Current/recommended reads, links, etc.: Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life by Emily Nagoski Big Mistakes on Netflix Avatar: The Last Airbender (live action) on Netflix Angel Down by Daniel Kraus Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library.  Join us next time as we begin a revisit of the Twilight series - Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn - from previously recorded Patreon-only episodes, now available on the main feed!

  3. Jul 8

    116. Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides

    In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Jeffrey Eugenides’s 2002 novel Middlesex. Topics include proper name pronunciation, iced coffee orders, surprising narrative decisions, the immigrant experience in America and the disillusionment of the American dream, Calliope/Cal and the turbulence of adolescence, and Cal’s ultimate decision on how to live his life. Plus, we go on a slight tangent about AI. This week’s drink: Sidecar (via liquor.com) INGREDIENTS  1 1/2 ounces cognac3/4 ounce orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)3/4 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezedGarnish: orange twistGarnish: sugar rim (optional)INSTRUCTIONS: Coat the rim of a coupe glass with sugar, if desired, and set aside.Add the cognac, orange liqueur and lemon juice to a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.Strain into the prepared glass.Garnish with an orange twist. Current/recommended reads, links, etc.: Second Life: Having a Child in the Digital Age by Amanda Hess Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library.  Join us next time as we read Babylon, South Dakota by Tom Lin

  4. Jun 23

    115. Holes by Louis Sachar

    In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Louis Sachar’s 1998 novel Holes. Topics include childhood memories, the questionable Texas justice system, the tragic tale of Kissin’ Kate Barlow and Sam the Onion Man, coincidence or magic, Stanley’s growth, and terrible adults. Plus, we talk about the stellar movie adaptation, and other required reading in elementary school.  This week’s drink: Ranch Water (via liquor.com) INGREDIENTS  1 1/2 ounces blanco tequila1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezedTopo Chico, chilled, to top (about 6 ounces)Garnish: lime wedgeINSTRUCTIONS: Add all ingredients into a collins or highball glass over ice and stir briefly and gently to combine.Garnish with a lime wedge. Current/recommended reads, links, etc.: Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library.  Join us next time as we read Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides

  5. Jun 9

    114. Last Night in Brooklyn by Xochitl Gonzalez

    In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Xochitl Gonzalez’s 2026 novel Last Night in Brooklyn. Topics include the Great Gatsby parallels, bringing previous book characters back (oh hi Lily King), different types of privilege, brunch confrontations, nostalgia for the cities you lived in, early 2000s Muse and Shiny Toy Guns, Alicia’s journey, and the illusion of freedom wealth brings. Plus, we talk about the Netflix adaptation of Remarkably Bright Creatures. This week’s drink: Bensonhurst via Difford’s Guide INGREDIENTS  1 1⁄2 oz Straight rye whiskey1⁄3 oz Luxardo Maraschino liqueur1 oz Dry Vermouth1⁄6 oz Cynar or other carciofo amaroMaraschino cherry, for garnishINSTRUCTIONS: Chill a coupe glassStir all ingredients with ice and strain into the chilled glassGarnish with a maraschino cherry Current/recommended reads, links, etc.: Lit Hub Best of the Best Books Summer Reading Challenge Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library.  Join us next time as we read Holes by Louis Sachar

  6. May 28

    113. Sisters in Yellow by Mieko Kawakami

    In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Mieko Kawakami’s 2026 novel Sisters in Yellow. Topics include Mieko’s aesthetic, problems and difficulties with Japanese to English translation, immersion in time and place and expanding our conception of Japan, Hana’s (and other’s) dependence upon and obsession with money, the enigma of Kimiko, and the importance of yellow.  This week’s drink: Lemon Water INGREDIENTS  Water (still or sparkling)IceLemonINSTRUCTIONS: Pour water into a tall glass with iceCut lemon to slices or wedges and add to glass Current/recommended reads, links, etc.: Interview with Mieko Kawakami and her translators Linea Nigra: An Essay on Pregnancy & Earthquakes by Jazmina Barrera On the Calculation of Volume I by Solvej Balle Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library.  Join us next time as we read Last Night in Brooklyn by Xochitl Gonzalez

  7. May 14

    112. Goodbye Without Leaving by Laurie Colwin

    In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Laurie Colwin’s 1990 novel Goodbye Without Leaving. Topics include Laurie Colwin’s style, Geri’s compassion for black music and awareness of black/white relationships in her current time, domestic apprehension, Geri’s quest for identity and belonging, and European immigrants and American identity. Plus, we sing the praises of the Combo Caddy. This week’s drink: the Geri (a Taylor Made creation) INGREDIENTS  1 ½ oz bourbon¾ oz Applejack2 tsp maple syrup1 TB lemon juiceDashes of Angostura and cardamom bittersINSTRUCTIONS: Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice and shake until chilledStrain into a glass with a single large ice cube or sphere Current/recommended reads, links, etc.: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller The Everlasting by Alix E. Harlow All Her Fault (TV show) 20 Feet from Stardom (documentary) Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library.  Join us next time as we read Sisters in Yellow by Meiko Kawakami

  8. Apr 28

    111. The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

    In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Ariel Lawhon’s 2023 novel The Frozen River. Topics include the latest hot goss on Disney/Marvel vs Dune 3, cover gripes, the real Martha Ballard and the “mom-ness” of the book, the continuing injustice for women, Taylor’s soapbox on women and medicine, the return of Puritanical hypocrisy, and the inclusion of Doctor and Native medicine. Plus, Taylor finally watched Sinners!!  This week’s drink: Safety Meeting by Stowe Cider INGREDIENTS  One (1) can Safety Meeting cider, ice coldINSTRUCTIONS: Crack open the can and pour into a chilled glass Current/recommended reads, links, etc.: A Midwife's Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812 by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich The Once and Future Sex: Going Medieval on Women's Roles in Society by Eleanor Janega  Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library.  Join us next time as we read Goodbye Without Leaving by Laurie Colwin

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5
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About

Join two sisters, one book nerd and one novel novice, as they review their latest read every other week while sipping a themed cocktail. 

Information

  • Creator
    Taylor Made
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    155
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Literature & Libations
  • Show Website
    Literature & Libations

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