82. James by Percival Everett

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Percival Everett’s award-winning 2024 novel James. Topics include the never ending surprise of the atrocities human beings commit, slave language, dream visits from “enlightened” philosophers, the freedom inherent in reading and writing, the return of the King and the Duke (ugh), Huck is whose son?!, James’s revenge, and the reclamation of his narrative. Plus, a side track into who the heck Cunegonde is. Finally, we end with a rousing discussion on donating books to the library.This week’s drink: Roasted Lemon and Bay Leaf Hard Lemonade via Food & WineINGREDIENTS:3 lemons, quartered lengthwise, plus 6 wheels for garnish3 fresh bay leaves, plus 6 more for garnish1 cup superfine sugar3 cups water1 cup plus 2 tablespoons vodkaIce1 cup plus 2 tablespoons club sodaINSTRUCTIONS:Preheat the oven to 400°. In a small roasting pan, roast the lemon quarters with the 3 bay leaves for about 20 minutes, until the lemons are softened and browned in spots. Scrape the lemons, bay leaves and any pan juices into a large pitcher. Add the sugar, water and vodka and muddle with the lemons. Let cool completely, then refrigerate until chilled.Strain the lemonade through a fine sieve into 6 ice-filled glasses. Top each drink with 3 tablespoons of the club soda and garnish with a lemon wheel and bay leaf.Current/recommended reads, links, etc.:The Good Lord Bird by James McBrideAll the Water in the World by Eiren CaffallFollow 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] 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 Perma Red by Debra Magpie Earling