You've probably read that quote before, generally attributed to C. S. Lewis, the beloved author of the Chronicles of Narnia. And while the origin is murky, the sentiment is, in my opinion, unimpeachable. Tea and books are a pair that go hand in hand! What better way to pass an afternoon than with a cup of tea and a good book?
And while at Readings we're generally more focussed on the book side of the equation, for International Tea Day I wanted to share some of my top recommendations for books that make a particularly great accompaniment to a steaming cuppa. So checkout the list for an appropriately tea-themed read, or to find a gift for the tea obsessed reader in your life!
Cosy crime
With cosy in the name, there can be no doubt that these whodunnits are a great pick for an engrossing afternoon curled up on the couch. For those unfamiliar with this genre, think Agatha Christie or Richard Osman – these are mysteries with quirky characters and often delightful settings, that will puzzle you with a mystery and side-step the gore and grit of a standard police procedural.
If you're a crime reader who hasn't already read The Tea Ladies, get on it right away! This is a delightful Aussie series set in 1960s Sydney, about a group of tea women who become accidental sleuths investigating arson, kidnapping and murder – all while facing the turmoil brought by the arrival of the mini skirt to Australian shores. The third book in this series came out just last month, so fortunately there's more to read once you've gulped down the first instalment.
For another delightful cosy mystery, this time set in the present day, try Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) from Jess Sutanto, who wrote the bestselling Dial A for Aunties. Vera Wong is a teashop owner and talented internet sleuth – though she mainly uses those powers to try and work out if her kids are dating anyone. But when perplexing mysteries fall into her lap, what can a well meaning woman do but try and get to the bottom of it? Between cups of fragrant chrysanthemum tea, Vera picks locks, gets her hands on police files, and uses her meddlesome instincts to bring down a killer.
Thrilling fantasy
If you're more into magic than murder, then try one of these delightful tea-infused fantasy stories!
In Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea, our two main characters committ an act of treason in the name of opening a cosy book and tea shop – they leave behind their lives as key members of the royal court and flee to dragon country, to make their quiet dream a reality. That is, if the vengeful and now personally offended Queen doesn't find them …
This original book is just the first instalment of a trilogy, and the third book, Tea You at the Altar, came out earlier this year, so it's the perfect time to jump into the series!
For something slightly less cosy and more on the intense side, try A Magic Steeped In Poison. This immersive fantasy incorporates Chinese history and mythology into the story of one girl navigating cutthroat court politics in her attempt to master the ancient and magical art of tea-making and become a shennong-shi. Desperate to gain status and win the favour of the princess to save her sister's life, Ning throws herself into the competition – but she might not be able to make it through alive on her own.
Graphic novels
For an engaging read that you'll devour quickly, you can't go past a graphic novel. Here are some sweet and cosy options that will make you smile into your tea!
Seance Tea Party is a bittersweet story about a young girl who feels left behind by her friends as they seemingly abandon the imagination and freedom of childhood for the trappings of 'serious' teenagerdom. When she accidentally summons a ghost with a tea party, it seems like Lora's problems might be solved. But will the two girls be able to share pots of tea forever? This is a charming read for middle grade readers, but that will be equally loved by anyone who values sharing a cup of tea with friends.
Next on the list, for a cosy and tea-themed read, you can't go past the Eisner Award-winning The Tea Dragon Society (The Eisner Award is a US award celebrating the best in comics and graphic novels, and K. O'Neill has won not once, but twice, so you know you're in good hands!). This is a gentle and utterly delightful fantasy story of an apprectice blacksmith, Greta, who becomes immersed in the magical world of tea dragons. Pick it up now for a diverse and inclusive world that unfolds over three volumes – you'll be truly sorry to turn the last page!
Finally, for fans of the Avatar The Last Airbender animated series, try this graphic novel tie-in that follows the beloved Iroh – the tea afficiando himself! – on a quest to discover what's happened to the tea supply for his precious teashop in Ba Sing Se.
Classics
For a great read to go with your cuppa, there are also plenty of timeless classics that fit the bill! Just remember to pull out the fine china to sip from as you read these distinguished stories.
For a whimsical adventure, there's of course Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, with the iconic Mad Hatter's tea party. Most readers probably already have some familiarity with this children's classic, but I heartily recommend revisiting it (with some tea and cake for company) through this beautiful edition featuring the illustrations of Tove Jansson, the artist behind the beloved Moomins. Jansson brings a new kind of enchanting surreality to the well-known story, unique against the wild technicolour versions you already know.
Or, for a different kind of story, try Emma by Jane Austen. While the cynical reader might say there's nothing tea-themed about Emma, I can assure you there is! In Emma, we're immersed in the world of Highbury, where our charming and witty protagonist is very much a large fish in a small pond. In another life Emma might have set London society ablaze, but in Austen's novel she lives in a quiet village with her hyperchondriac father, reliant on the companionship of her neighbours and the social ritual of paying calls to pass the time. It's through these calls – polite meetings for tea and conversation – that Emma's world is built, and it's through the decisions of who she visists, how often, and who captures her attention that the intricacies of the novel's plot unfolds. Emma is a delightful and nuanced novel about the rules and conventions of society, that chooses for its stage a country town's drawing rooms and tea tables.
Gifts for tea lovers
Finally, let me recommend some non-fiction options that any tea lover will be thrilled by!
Nixology is a recipe book for low and non-alchoholic cocktails, that seeks to bring the same artistry and excitement of a cocktail bar to everyday drinks. There are lots of new twists of classic tea flavours in here, so it's a great gift to open up new ways for tea lovers to enjoy their favourites.
Or, for a cute and satisfying fidget toy, checkout these Squishy Bubble Teas. Available in a variety of colours and with faux boba to complete the look, this is a fun and thoughtful little gift for any avid tea drinker.
And last, but of course not least, check out this stunning journal featuring artwork from Melbourne's own Shaun Tan. This harcover blank notebook is perfect for journalling or sketching – the evocative cover is sure to get you craving a cuppa, so just make sure you have a brew to hand!
