Episode 02: Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy

Kayla and Taylor discuss the themes and major beats of Charlotte McConaghy’s 2021 novel Once There Were Wolves. Topics include mirror-sense synesthesia, women and the wild, and wolves (obviously).This week’s cocktail: The Grey Wolf via PunchINGREDIENTS2 ounces Japanese whisky, preferably Hibiki Harmony1/4 ounce demerara syrup (2:1, sugar:water)1/2 teaspoon Benedictine1/2 teaspoon plum vinegar1 dash Angostura bittersGarnish: express grapefruit peelDIRECTIONSCombine all ingredients in a mixing glass over ice and stir until chilled.Strain into a rocks glass over an ice block chipped into a gumdrop shape.Express the grapefruit peel and discard.Current Reads and RecommendationsThe Word for Woman is Wilderness by Abi AndrewsCrime and Poetry (A Magical Bookshop Mystery #1) by Amanda FlowerFollow 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 week as we discuss Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl GonzalezHere is the cocktail recipe for next week’s episode if you want to drink along with us!Pina Colada via Difford’sINGREDIENTS2 oz Bacardi Carta Blanca light rum1 ½ oz Novo Fogo Silver cachaca3 ½ oz pineapple juice (fresh pressed)¾ oz cream of coconut (e.g. Coco Lopez, Re’al, etc.)½ oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)¼ oz single cream/half-and-half1 pinch saltDIRECTIONSBlend all ingredients with 6oz crushed ice and serve with paper straws