The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh with Mary Green
The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh tells the poignant story of Victoria Jones, a young woman who uses the Victorian tradition of flower symbolism to communicate her emotions and navigate her troubled past. As she learns to reconcile her experiences through the meanings of various flowers, she embarks on a journey of healing and self-discovery that intertwines love, loss, and the power of community and relationships.
My guest this week is Mary Green, a florist, wife, dog-mom, plant lover, and also my next door neighbor. Mary loves live music, spending time with friends and family, and books with dark twists and turns.
Hibiscus Paloma Mocktail
1 grapefruit wedge
½ oz fresh lime juice
3 oz NA tequila (I used Ritual Tequila)
¼ cup club soda
1 tsp Hibiscus Simple Syrup (I used Wild Hibiscus, found at Total Wine)
2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
kosher salt for garnish
Directions
Pour kosher salt on a small plate. Rub the rim of a highball glass with a grapefruit and dip the rim of glass in salt.
In a glass, combine grapefruit juice, lime juice, and hibiscus simple syrup. Stir in tequila, add ice, and top with club soda. Garnish.
In This Episode
The Complete Language of Flowers by S. Theresa Dietz
The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells with Hayley DeRoche
Hello Libration Nation! This week, we are diving into the captivating world of "The Murderbot Diaries," a remarkable series by Martha Wells. Follow the journey of an anxious, self-aware rogue security android, known as Murderbot, as it navigates a galaxy filled with humans and complex emotions.
My guest this week is Hayley DeRoche, also known as SadBeige, They are a public librarian, activist and meme creator, known for being the content creator behind the "Werner Herzog's sad beige clothes for sad beige children" series. Her funny memes and sarcastic reels have garnered a following of 450,000 on Instagram, where she goes by the handle @officialsadbeige. You can also follow their substack Weird, But Okay. Their book A Field Guide for Sad Beige Parents will be coming out Spring 2026.
Hayley has a collection of shirts and sweatshirts that are so cute and funny AND support public libraries - check them out! Also, 20% of the proceeds from sales of this collection go to support the Women’s Prison Book Project, which supports incarcerated Women, Trans, and Non-Binary people in the U.S. - because everyone deserves the right to read books they enjoy.
2 oz. Herbal Gin (St George’s Terroir)
0.5 oz Lemon Juice
0.5 oz Simple Syrup
4 oz Soda Water
Lemon for garnish (optional)
Pour gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup into a shaker over ice. Shake and pour into highball glass over ice
Add soda water and mix gently with a spoon.
Garnish with lemon and enjoy!
In this Episode
The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells
Far From the Tree by Andrew Solomon
Five Laws of Library Science by SR Ranganathan
Murderbot TV Show on Apple
Grizzly Man Documentary by Werner Herzog
Weird, But Okay - Hayley’s Substack
Fantomina by Eliza Haywood with Samantha DeShazo
We are going back in time and discussing Amatory Fiction in the 18th century novel Fantomina by Eliza Haywood. This incredible story explores the complexities of identity and desire through the story of a young woman who adopts multiple personas to navigate the intricacies of romantic entanglements in 18th-century society. This provocative tale delves into themes of gender, autonomy, and the hidden depths of passion, highlighting the lengths one will go to in pursuit of love and self-discovery.
Samantha DeShazo was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. She earned her MA in English at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2022, where she studied literature of the long eighteenth century. She is an educator who currently works with first year college students. When she's not working, she can be found with her nose in a book or pampering her beloved dog, Henry.
Our drink this week was courtesy of Samantha, it is a Creme Earl Grey Black Tea fromThe Spice & Tea Exchange of Richmond. It is absolutely delicious, smells like Fruity Pebbles, and would definitely have been all the rage in Fanomina’s time
In this Episode
Fantomina by Eliza Haywood
The Spice & Tea Exchange of Richmond
Frankstein by Mary Shelley
Didn’t Read It Podcast Fantomina Episode
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Pamela by Samuel Richardson
Love in Excess by Eliza Haywood
Betsy Thoughtless by Eliza Haywood
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll with ELizabeth Wiley
We are going down the rabbit hole this week folks! Join us as we dive into the whimsical world of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, a timeless tale that explores the boundaries of imagination and reality. We’ll unravel the quirky characters, enchanting landscapes, and profound themes that have captivated readers for generations.
My guest this week is Elizabeth Wiley, an award-winning audiobook narrator with a decade of experience in genres like Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, and Biography. Originally from Minnesota and now based in Williamsburg, Virginia, she records in her home studio. Elizabeth enjoys discussions on the intersection of arts and sciences with her NASA engineer partner. Her interests include sailing, skiing, yoga, and nature spirituality, along with a fondness for Birkenstocks and Hygge.
The Queen of Hearts Special Cocktail
2 oz Vanilla Vodka
Chocolate Covered Cherries
Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with chocolate covered cherries and enjoy!
In this Episode
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Too Old for This by Samantha Downing (Liz’s latest narration!)
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland narrated by Christopher Plummer
White Rabbit (Go Ask Alice) - song by Jefferson Airplane
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norman Juster
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe with Erin Surber (REdux)
It’s Christmas in July! This week we are visiting the world of Narnia, where it is always Winter but never Christmas, at least until the Pevensie children get involved. This week’s guest is Erin Surber, Erin is an avid reader and an enthusiastic library patron. She has four children ages spanning 18 months to 9 years old. Erin has worked in the video production industry for 14 years and now hold the position of Head of Production for a Richmond-based production company. She loves being outside, hiking, running (slowly), and kayaking. Also very into cooking, traveling, and all things dark chocolate!
Our cocktail is staying on the Christmas theme with a Narnia 75, which I found on the FoodNetwork UK’s Christmas recipe page!
25ml gin
1 tsp white sugar
10ml lime juice
100ml Champagne
In this Episode
Friendship of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien
Worthdays - Richmond area non-profit to support those impacted by the foster care system
The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman with Angie Zhao
Hello Libration Nation! This week we are discussing The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman. This newly released middle-grade book features Clare, an undead fox who ushers wandering animal souls to the afterlife realms of peace, pleasure, progress, and pain in the perpetual autumn setting of Deadwood Forest. Clare lives a solitary life, meticulously tending to his mushroom garden and enjoying his tree sap tea, until a badger named Gingersnipes arrives and disrupts his routine.
My guest this week is Angie Zhao. Born and raised in Richmond, Angie was a VCU English major and has spent the past four years working as an Events and Marketing Manager at a children's bookstore in Richmond. When she's not planning author events and school visits, she loves visible mending, making jewelry for her friends, trail running, and, of course, getting lost in a good story. A lover of books for both children and adults, Angie is drawn to clever, form-bending tales and writing that finds magic in the mundane.
Clare’s favorite drink is his tree sap tea; we created this using black tea, maple syrup, and peaches since we recorded in the summer. Feel free to add bourbon if you like, and enjoy it hot or cold year-round as you imagine yourself cozying up in Deadwood Forest!
Maple Peach Tea Sipper
2 oz. Bourbon (optional)
4 oz. Fresh-Brewed Black Tea
0.75 oz Maple Syrup
1/8th of Fresh Peach (softened works best)
Fresh Mint (optional)
Mudldle fresh peach, add bourbon, maple syrup, and ice. Shake.
Strain into glass with ice and top with fresh-brewed tea.
Garnish with with mint and peach slices, enjoy!
In this Episode
Vanishing World by Sayaka Murata
Marcin Minor Illustrator
Marisa Calin Audiobook Narrator
The Lion of Lark Hayes Manor by Aubrey Hartman
The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Here For it by R. Eric Thomas with Izzie Call
If you have listened to the podcast for awhile, you have probably heard me reference the book Here For it: Or, How To Save Your Soul in America by R. Eric Thomas. It is a favorite of mine and had a big impact on me when I read it the first time in June of 2020, so I was SO excited when my friend and returning guest Izzie Call read it, loved it as well, and wanted to come on and talk about it with me. In the episode I referenced the review I wrote about it at the time, but then I never read the review so here it is: Eric Thomas grew up thinking he was a normal kid until others made him feel that he wasn’t. Black, gay, and Christian, these essays reflect upon his experience of never fitting in, being discriminated against, and his hopeful journey to find his place in a country that he loves. Thomas’ conversational writing style draws the reader in, and his ability to add humor to heartbreaking moments truly make these stories come to life. In a time when we can all use to learn more about other’s experiences, this book was enlightening and truthful, with jokes that landed like Kerri Strug in the ‘96 Olympics.
My guest this week is the always delightful Izzie Call. Izzie works as a museum educator for the VMFA coordinating projects related to the permanent collections and special exhibition displays including digital components, labels, and web
resources. Izzie is a lifelong, passionate educator and feels most at home speaking about art with those who have an interest in learning.
Also, thank you to Eric Thomas for sharing his favorite drink with me when in a moment of bravado (delusion?) I reached out to him on IG. It is a Cosmopolitan and he said he is bringing it back as a recession indicator!
Cosmo Recipe
1 oz cranberry juice
0.5 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice
1 oz triple sec (I use Cointreau)
1.5-2 oz vodka
Shake hard with ice, pour into martini glass, garnish with orange or lime, and enjoy!
In this Episode
Eric’s Newsletter - Check It Out!
Ali Hazelwood Hunger Games Drama
Frida Kahlo VMFA Exhibit (on view through 9/28/25)
Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day! By Kate Bowler With Lisa Varga REDUX
Gigi and Lisa discuss Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day! By Kate Bowler.
Anne of Green Gables By LM Montgomery with Deanna Firehair Redux
Did you read the Anne of Green Gables series as a young girl and then walk through the woods pretending to be Anne and Diana? Yes? So did I and so did my friend Deanna!
Talking with Deanna about this book was so much fun, celebrating Anne and the cultural impact this story has had. A famous Anne quote is: “I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers”. Well, I’m so glad I live in a world where there is an Anne of Green Gables.
Spoiler alert (Not really this is an iconic scene at this point): In the first book Anne accidentally gets her bestie Diana drunk on current wine, which she believes is raspberry cordial. Current wine apparently takes months, so we decided to make Raspberry Cordial Mules, which can be enjoyed with or without alcohol by making it with zero-proof vodka. I got the recipe from this lovely website and made the cordial myself in less than an hour!
Raspberry Cordial Mule
12 oz. Frozen Raspberries
3 cups Water
¾ cup Sugar
2 tsp. Lime Juice plus more for cocktails
Vodka
Ginger Beer
Fresh Raspberries (for garnish)
In this episode:
Anne of Green Gables 2 part special (Megan Fellows version is cannon)
Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz with Magan Vernon
Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz is a memoir about her decade-long entrapment in a manipulative Christian cult during her time on One Tree Hill. The book details how the group controlled her life, career, and finances—until motherhood and the support of friends gave her the strength to break free.
My guest this week is the lovely Magan Vernon, an author who has been living off reader tears since she wrote her first short story in 2004. She now spends her time killing off fictional characters, pretending to plot while she really just watches Netflix, and she tries to do this all while her kids run amok around her Texas ranch. Subscribe to her Newsletter and join her Facebook Fan Group here: Magan’s Minions (Reader Group)
Strawberry Champagne Margarita
fresh strawberries, trimmed
2 oz. tequila
1 oz. fresh lime juice
.25 cups sparkling wine
Optional: 4 oz. triple sec or 2 tablespoons agave syrup, for a sweeter margarita
Place strawberries in a large glass. Using a muddler, muddle the strawberries until they resemble puree.
Add tequila, lime juice, and strawberry puree to a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake. If you would like to add a sweetener to the cocktail, add triple sec or agave syrup to the cocktail shaker as well.
Fill cocktail glass or champagne flute halfway full with ice. Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a strawberry or lime.
In this Episode
Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz
Paris, The Memoir by Paris Hilton
Magan’s Library’s Reading Challenge (that I am totally stealing!)
Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl with Mandy Naglich
The song “Welcome to New York” has been in my head all week preparing for this episode on the book Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise, a witty and revealing memoir by renowned food critic Ruth Reichl. During her time as The New York Times restaurant critic, Reichl went undercover in elaborate disguises to avoid preferential treatment and uncover the truth about New York’s dining scene. Blending memoir, food writing, and restaurant reviews, the book offers delicious behind-the-scenes stories, vivid character sketches, and reflections on identity, privilege, and the power of perception, all served under the iconic Manhattan skyline.
The amazing person who came to me with this book is Mandy Naglich, an author, journalist, and certified taster. She travels the world to report stories on food and drink culture for a variety of outlets as well as her own personal platform, Drinks with Mandy. Her award-winning book, How to Taste, takes readers on a journey into their senses and introduces them to the quirky characters in the world of professional tasting along the way.
Cosmo Recipe (Mandy’s Version)
0.5 oz cranberry juice
0.5 oz pomegranate juice (the stuff you find in the refrigerated section is best!)
0.5 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice
1 oz triple sec (I use Cointreau)
1.5-2 oz vodka
Shake hard with ice, pore into martini glass, don’t over-strain so you can enjoy the ice-chips, garnish with orange, and enjoy!
In This Episode
Mandy’s Linktree (Instagram, TikTok, Writing, and more!)
National Homebrew Competition Mandy won this in 2021
How to Taste - Mandy’s Book
The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma with Dr. Meghan Waldron
In The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, Robin Sharma tells the story of a high-powered lawyer who trades his fast-paced life for spiritual enlightenment in the Himalayas. This modern fable blends personal development with timeless wisdom, offering a roadmap to finding purpose, balance, and joy.
Today’s guest, Dr. Meghan Waldron, is a lifelong dreamer, writer, and educator who believes every student has a story to tell. With nearly two decades in K–12 and now in higher ed, she helps students find confidence and joy in writing through reflection, creativity, and honest feedback. Meghan is also a professional writer and recently earned her EdD in Educational Leadership from VCU. When she’s not teaching or writing, she’s out adventuring with her sons.
Our drink this week is the Fountain of Youth. The book talks extensively about the “Fountain of Life,” which is essentially water—and as a proud water drinker, I say stay hydrated, friends! But for our more adventurous summer days, this cocktail—with its bright notes of lemon and elderflower—is a perfect treat. Cheers!
Fountain of Youth Cocktail (from Rebecca Creek Distillery)
2 oz Vodka
¾ oz Elderflower Liqueur
¾ oz fresh lemon juice
2 sprigs of mint leaves
2 oz Prosecco
Add Vodka along with Elderflower Liqueur and Lemon juice together in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake vigorously for a few seconds and then strain into a rocks glass filled with ice
Top off with Prosecco.
Garnish with the two sprigs of mint leaves.
In this Episode
https://www.smartsolutionsva.com/ - Meghan’s Tutoring Company
The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma
The Alchemist by Paula Coelho
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel with Dave Valeza
This week, we're diving into Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel—a hauntingly beautiful novel that blends post-apocalyptic survival with the enduring power of art, memory, and human connection. Set in the aftermath of a devastating pandemic, the story weaves together multiple timelines and characters, from a Shakespearean theater troupe traveling the ruins of North America to the lives they left behind.
Our guest is Dave Valeza, who grew up in Covina, California, after emigrating with his family from Manila, Philippines. Pursuing his love of drawing, Dave earned a bachelor’s degree in illustration and a master’s in sequential art. A passionate visual storyteller, he especially loves drawing people, fashion, and technology. In his spare time, Dave enjoys cooking, reading, and sketching in Savannah, Georgia - where he lives with his husband and family. Find out more about Dave and his work at davevaleza.com.
Our drink this week fits right into a dystopian world. It’s a simple Mimosa—cocktail or mocktail style—made with sparkling wine or ginger beer/ginger ale. But here’s the twist: you must drink it out of a random old cup you found lying around. That’s the full Station Eleven experience—elegance in the ruins. Cheers!
In this Episode
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Four Eyes: A Graphic Novel by Rex Ogle (Author) Dave Valeza (Illustrator)
Pizza Face: A Graphic Novel by Rex Ogle (Author) Dave Valeza (Illustrator)
Blubber by Judy Blume
Forever by Judy Blume
Summer Sisters by Judy Blume
Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe with Jess Harshbarger
This week’s episode is about one of my personal favorite books, Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe, and I’m joined by returning guest and longtime friend (and librarian) Jess Harshbarger! This book is everything to me — OnlyFans, motherhood, wrestling, robots, and cosplay are brought together to create this absolutely amazing work of art.
The Time Travelers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger with Heather Maury
Join passionate librarians as they dive into the bestselling novelThe Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. In this episode of the podcast Drinks at the Library, we explore the novel’s unique take on time travel, love, fate, and loss—paired with The Ephemeral Encounter cocktail, a perfect drink to explore Henry and Claire’s timeless love.
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers with Emily James
In A Psalm for the Wild-Built ,Becky Chambers invites readers into a serene, post-collapse world where a wandering tea monk named Dex crosses paths with a curious robot, sparking a journey of introspection and philosophical wonder. Together, they explore what it means to be content, connected, and truly alive in a world that has learned to live gently.
My guest this week is Emily James, a marketing strategist who moved to Richmond 15 years ago to attend VCU and forgot to leave after graduation. Growing up, she always had her nose in a book and rediscovered her love of reading as an adult thanks to the pandemic, motherhood, and the Libby app. When she's not lost in a good story, you can find her watching reality TV, playing tabletop games, or spending time with her family.
The Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie with Kemper Donovan
This week, we’re off to the deceptively cozy village of St. Mary Mead, where gossip flows freely and murder is just around the hedgerow. Join us as Miss Marple makes her unforgettable debut in The Murder at the Vicarage —knitting needles in hand and sharper than ever.
My guest this week is author Kemper Donovan. Kemper began his writing career while still working as a manager, eventually publishing his debut novel, The Decent Proposal, after a lengthy journey to publication. Around the same time, he co-created the podcast All About Agatha with his friend Catherine Brobeck, celebrating the work of Agatha Christie. Following Catherine’s passing in 2021, Kemper has continued the podcast on his own, and his passion for Christie’s mysteries led him to create his own Ghostwriter mystery series including books The Busy Body and Loose Lips, now published by Kensington Books. He lives with his husband and their two daughters, and when not writing or podcasting, he enjoys running and making valiant attempts at playing the violin.
Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher with Bill Howard
Welcome to this week’s episode of Drinks in the Library! Today we’re exploring Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher, a darkly whimsical tale of a shy princess who undertakes an impossible quest — armed with a dustwitch, a reluctant fairy godmother, and a dog made of bones — to rescue her sister from a cruel prince and a cursed kingdom.
My guest this week is my husband, Bill Howard. I asked if he wanted me to read a little bio for him, and he said he’d actually prefer to have even less of himself on the internet — which, frankly, is impossible given all the stuff I’ve already spilled about him on this podcast.
Both Bill and I love Nettle & Bone so much and it was fun to talk with him about it! This book is a dark fairy tale and I wanted to pick a dark drink, I think any will do but I went with an Espresso Martini because that is one of Bill’s favorite cocktails.