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 GuideINGREDIENTS 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 cherryCurrent/recommended reads, links, etc.:Lit Hub Best of the Best Books Summer Reading ChallengeOranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette WintersonFollow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod.You can email us at [email protected] 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