8. How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue

Kayla and Taylor discuss the themes and major beats of Imbolo Mbue’s 2021 novel How Beautiful We Were. Topics include gender roles, corrupt governments, and the realities of starting a revolution.This week’s drink: Folere Spritzer - Cameroon Hibiscus Ice Tea (via AFROVITALITYEATS)INGREDIENTSFolere:1 medium pineapple2 cups dried hibiscus sepals (roselle)3 quarts waterSimple Syrup:1 cup sugar1 cup waterProsecco or Champagne  (however much you want!)INSTRUCTIONSThoroughly wash and peel pineapple. Cut up pineapple flesh into quarter inch chunks. Combine pineapple peels, 1 cup of the pineapple chunks and water in a large pot. Bring to a rapid boil and cook for 10 minutes.Add in hibiscus and continue boiling for another 10 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and let cool overnight ( At least 7 hours).Strain with a sieve at least two times to remove all pineapple debris. To make simple syrup, combine sugar and water in a pot, heat and stir until sugar completely dissolves. Cool and add into folere. Using a funnel transfer into bottles, cap and chill for about two hours.Enjoy cold over ice with a splash of your favorite bubbly!Current Reads and Recommendations:Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo MbueThe Paris Bookseller by Kerri MaherPlease leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy!Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod.Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit feedback, questions, or your own takes on what we are reading. You can also see what we are reading for future episodes! You can email us at [email protected] books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library. Join us next time as we discuss The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest HemingwayHere is the cocktail recipe for next week’s episode if you want to drink along with us!Hemingway Daiquiri via winemag.comINGREDIENTS2 ounces white rum¾ ounce lime juice½ ounce Maraschino liqueur½ ounce ruby red grapefruit juice (freshly squeezed, if possible)Lime wedge (for garnish)DIRECTIONSCombine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until well chilled. Double-strain into a coup glass. Garnish with lime wedge.