Sundays are made for slowing down, sinking into stories, and sipping something warm (or iced, if you’re like me and still pretending it’s summer). This week, my TBR has been an eclectic mix of dystopian dread, death-defying horse races, and dark dungeon-crawling hilarity. So, naturally, I had to pair each read with a brew that fits the vibe.
🧩 Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
Brew Pairing: Cold Brew with a Shot of Espresso
This book is chaotic neutral in a cup. Imagine waking up to an alien reality show where your survival means fame, failure, or a very messy end—and then add a talking cat. It’s fast-paced, absurd, and wildly addictive, just like a cold brew when you really should be drinking water. The espresso shot? That’s for the extra edge this book delivers. It’s dark, twisted, and somehow still hilarious.
Perfect for: Gamers, dark humor lovers, or anyone who likes their dystopia with a side of carnage and snark.
🌊 The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
Brew Pairing: Black Tea with Honey & Cream
This book moves like tides—slow, powerful, and a little dangerous. Stiefvater’s lyrical prose pairs beautifully with the rich comfort of a well-steeped black tea. There’s something inherently autumnal about this story: deadly water horses, windswept coasts, and quiet desperation. The honey is for Puck’s sweetness; the cream, for Sean’s quiet strength. Together? A brew worthy of Thisby.
Perfect for: When you want a book that aches a little, and a tea that feels like a stormy sky in a mug.
⚖️ Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman
Brew Pairing: Matcha Latte
This book is sharp, cerebral, and morally complex—matcha feels like the perfect match. It’s earthy, energizing, and a bit of an acquired taste, much like the Thunderhead itself. As the stakes rise in this second installment of the Arc of a Scythe series, so does the tension. You need something smooth but punchy to get through all that philosophical pondering and political upheaval.
Perfect for: Readers who like their dystopia slow-burn and their ethical dilemmas with a creamy finish.
🛋 Final Thoughts:
My Sunday was a mix of laughter, longing, and looming doom—which, frankly, is how I like my reading time. If you’ve read any of these, I’d love to hear your pairings. What drink would you match with your current read?
Drop your Books & Brews in the comments. 🍵📚
literary gluttony 
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