Chilly autumn days paired with tea and a good book feel like the warmest and coziest way to relax. According to research, aside from its countless health benefits, tea also boosts an individual’s creativity and alertness. Not only is it healthy, but it also improves one’s reading experience. Hot chocolate is a common go-to pairing for books, but it’s good to try something new now and then — like tea.
Anyone is free to pair their favorite tea with a book of their choice, but some pairings seem to work better than others. Here are some recommendations to get you started:
Chamomile and Romance
- What The Wind Knows by Amy Harmon
- Regretting You by Colleen Hoover
- Well Met by Jen DeLuca
People commonly drink chamomile on late afternoons or evenings to cap off the day nicely, and reading romance calls for a nice, flavorful tea. It’s no wonder that these two make a great pair. The aromatic brew of the most stress-relieving tea complements budding love stories and passionate romances, accenting the emotional story beautifully.
Oolong and Science Fiction
- Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
- The Memory Police by Yōko Ogawa
- This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
Science fiction is not afraid to push the boundaries and go beyond anyone’s imaginations. The futuristic theme goes well with the classic, well-loved oolong tea. It has quite the flavor range depending on how it is brewed. Some enthusiasts say that there is no other tea more diverse and complex than oolong tea, similar to the genre of science fiction.
Black Tea and Fiction
- The Lost Book of Adana Moreau by Michael Zapata
- Half A World Away by Mike Gayle
- In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
Black tea is said to be the most flavorful out of all the teas due to its strong aroma and taste. The rich flavors fit well with fiction, an all-encompassing genre that includes many different elements. Fiction books are often deeply emotional works. Similar to black tea, it packs quite a powerful punch that leaves any individual wholeheartedly satisfied.
Lemon Ginger and Mystery & Thriller
- Verity by Colleen Hoover
- The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
- One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
Lemon ginger isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, much like mystery & thriller. The genre makes readers look beyond the surface to reach understanding, which is the same way you should approach the tea. Somehow, it tastes a bit too spicy and sweet for anyone’s liking, but it eventually leaves a lasting positive impact.
White Tea and Magical Realism
- The Murmur of the Bees by Sofia Segovia
- The Comet Seekers by Helen Sedgwick
- Confession of the Lioness by Mia Couto
The white tea is a delicate drink with a subtle taste, often paired with lemon or honey. It has a light floral and fruity taste, a refreshing drink for those who are new to tea. In many ways, it is similar to magical realism. The genre is like a cross between fiction and fantasy – still grounded in the real world but ultimately magical.
Earl Grey and Fantasy
- The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
- Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
- The Midnight Hour by Benjamin Read and Laura Trinder
As a popular tea, earl grey is a common choice for readers. However, it makes a great combination with fantasy because of its perfumey smell and citrus taste. It goes well with the magical setting of fun and unique otherworldly action. The smooth taste of earl grey captures the whimsical feeling of fantasy, a suitable accompaniment to fanciful adventures.
Green Tea and Historical Fiction
- The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
- The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein
- Between Shades of Grey by Ruta Sepetys
Historical fiction novels are unique stories set in the past, which is why an earthy green tea would be a great choice. Some say it tastes almost grassy, which fits these novels that are written around a moment in history as they are grounded to a certain geographical location. It works great for novels that give readers a glimpse into another setting altogether.
Try a variety of different flavors and enjoy the stories that will unfold. This autumn, there’s no better time to stay indoors and dig into your never-ending pile of books.
Header by Franciele da Silva
About Author
