Is there anything better than settling down with a good book and a hot cup of tea?
It just feels right to enjoy them together. They both offer a chance to unwind, reflect, and immerse yourself in a different world. But, it's got to be the right match, right? Just as each tea has its own unique flavor and qualities, so too do the books that pair perfectly with them. Whether you’re sipping on a strong black tea or a calming tisane, there’s a book to match the mood.
In this post, I’m recommending books to enjoy with five different tea types: black, green, white, oolong, and herbal tisanes.
Let's explore.
Black Tea: Bold, Robust, and Invigorating
Black tea’s bold and malty flavors call for stories that have depth, power, and intensity. Whether you’re looking for sweeping historical epics (a personal favorite) or complex psychological dramas, these books are as invigorating as a strong cup of black tea.
1. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Synopsis: In this whimsical and magical novel, two illusionists are bound in a lifelong competition to create the most extraordinary circus. Unbeknownst to them, their rivalry can only end when one of them perishes.
Why it pairs with black tea: Like black tea, The Night Circus is rich and complex, with layers of mystery and wonder. The novel’s dark, enchanting atmosphere mirrors the depth and warmth of a well-brewed cup of black tea.
2. Beloved by Toni Morrison
Synopsis: This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows Sethe, a former enslaved woman, as she grapples with the haunting memories of her past and the ghost of her dead daughter.
Why it pairs with black tea: Beloved is intense and multi-layered, much like a bold black tea. Its deep exploration of trauma, memory, and identity makes it a powerful read that pairs well with a strong cup of Assam or Ceylon.
3. Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
Synopsis: This historical novel takes readers into the treacherous world of Tudor England, following Thomas Cromwell’s rise to power in the court of Henry VIII.
Why it pairs with black tea: Just as black tea energizes and sustains you, Wolf Hall is a book with substance, depth, and a strong sense of place. Its rich historical detail makes it a perfect companion for a cup of black tea.
4. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
Synopsis: After surviving an explosion at a museum that kills his mother, young Theo Decker is drawn into a world of art, crime, and tragedy.
Why it pairs with black tea: Much like black tea’s robust nature, The Goldfinch is a dense and emotional novel that explores grief, loss, and the search for meaning in life. It’s a book that demands your full attention, just like a well-brewed cup of black tea.
5. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
Synopsis: Harari takes readers through the history of the human species, from the emergence of Homo sapiens to the development of modern civilizations.
Why it pairs with black tea: This sweeping account of human history is as energizing and thought-provoking as black tea itself. The intellectual depth and the way Harari brings history to life make this a great book to sip alongside a cup of strong black tea.
6. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Synopsis: A nuanced exploration of identity, race, and love, this novel follows Nigerian immigrants Ifemelu and Obinze as they navigate life in America and the UK, then return to Nigeria.
Why it pairs with black tea: Black tea is as complex as Adichie’s exploration of diaspora and belonging. Both the novel and the tea offer a grounded yet stimulating experience, perfect for contemplation and discovery.
7. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Synopsis: Set in post-World War II Barcelona, this novel tells the story of Daniel, a boy who discovers a mysterious book that leads him into a dark and dangerous literary mystery.
Why it pairs with black tea: This atmospheric novel’s themes of loss, memory, and obsession blend beautifully with the strength and warmth of black tea. The gothic tone of the novel pairs well with the boldness of a cup of Darjeeling or Keemun.
Green Tea: Fresh, Vibrant, and Thought-Provoking
Green tea’s fresh, light flavors bring a sense of calm and clarity, making it the perfect companion for books that are thoughtful, philosophical, or explore humanity’s connection with nature. These books will leave you feeling refreshed and contemplative, just like a good cup of green tea.
1. The Overstory by Richard Powers
Synopsis: This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel weaves together the stories of nine people whose lives are interconnected by trees and their shared quest to protect the world’s forests.
Why it pairs with green tea: Green tea embodies nature’s simplicity and purity, much like the deep ecological themes in The Overstory. The novel’s focus on the natural world encourages you to savor each sip while reflecting on humanity’s relationship with the environment.
2. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Synopsis: A combination of memoir, indigenous wisdom, and scientific knowledge, Kimmerer explores the relationship between humans and the natural world.
Why it pairs with green tea: Both the book and green tea promote a sense of ecological awareness. Green tea’s subtlety and grounding nature align with Kimmerer’s messages of gratitude and balance with the environment.
3. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Synopsis: This philosophical novel follows Santiago, a shepherd boy, on his quest to find treasure. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about following his dreams and listening to his heart.
Why it pairs with green tea: Like a cup of green tea, The Alchemist is simple yet profound, offering timeless wisdom in an easily digestible way. Both the novel and the tea invite reflection and self-discovery, making them a perfect match for a quiet afternoon of reading.
4. Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard
Synopsis: This Pulitzer Prize-winning work of nonfiction is a meditation on the natural world, as Dillard reflects on the beauty and brutality of nature from her home near Tinker Creek, Virginia.
Why it pairs with green tea: Green tea’s fresh, invigorating qualities echo the themes of connection with the earth in Pilgrim at Tinker Creek. Dillard’s observations about life, time, and nature are best savored slowly, much like a cup of green tea.
5. The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin
Synopsis: This sci-fi novel explores the political and social contrasts between two neighboring planets—one capitalist, one anarchist—as a physicist attempts to reconcile the differences and share a groundbreaking discovery.
Why it pairs with green tea: Le Guin’s thought-provoking exploration of societal structures complements green tea’s calming, clear-headed effects. The reflective and intellectual nature of the book pairs well with the mental clarity that green tea provides, making it ideal for readers seeking deeper meaning.
6. The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert
Synopsis: Spanning across continents and centuries, this historical novel follows Alma Whittaker, a botanist in the 18th century, as she explores the mysteries of evolution, life, and nature.
Why it pairs with green tea: Alma’s deep connection to nature and her passion for scientific discovery resonate with the essence of green tea’s purity. Both the novel and the tea encourage you to contemplate life’s intricate systems and the beauty found in small details.
7. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Synopsis: This beloved classic tells the story of Mary Lennox, a young girl who discovers a hidden, neglected garden that she brings back to life, transforming herself in the process.
Why it pairs with green tea: The theme of renewal and growth in The Secret Garden mirrors the fresh, rejuvenating experience of sipping green tea. Both will leave you with a sense of calm and appreciation for life’s quiet moments.
White Tea: Delicate, Elegant, and Subtle
White tea’s delicate flavor pairs best with books that are elegant, understated, and beautifully written. These books may be quiet in tone, but they are rich in emotion and meaning, much like a cup of white tea.
1. The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
Synopsis: Set in 1920s Alaska, this magical realism novel follows a childless couple who encounter a mysterious girl in the wilderness.
Why it pairs with white tea: The novel’s delicate blend of realism and fantasy matches the subtlety of white tea. The snowy, quiet landscape of the story reflects the tea’s light, airy nature.
2. Gilead by Marilynne Robinson
Synopsis: An elderly preacher reflects on his life, faith, and family in this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel set in the small town of Gilead, Iowa.
Why it pairs with white tea: Gilead is an introspective and meditative novel, much like the quiet, calming nature of white tea. The novel’s themes of forgiveness, grace, and memory are best appreciated with a slow, thoughtful read.
3. A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf
Synopsis: Woolf’s classic essay discusses women and fiction, focusing on the need for space, both literal and figurative, to create.
Why it pairs with white tea: The subtle elegance of Woolf’s prose echoes the lightness of white tea. Both offer moments of quiet contemplation and are best enjoyed in a peaceful, introspective setting.
Oolong Tea: Complex, Aromatic, and Balanced
Oolong tea sits between green and black tea, offering a balance of flavors that can be light and floral or rich and toasty. Its complexity and depth pair well with books that have intricate plots and well-developed characters.
1. The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami
Synopsis: This surreal novel follows Toru Okada as he searches for his missing wife, encountering bizarre characters and strange occurrences along the way.
Why it pairs with oolong tea: Like oolong tea, The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle is complex and multi-layered, blending the everyday with the surreal. The novel’s dreamlike quality complements the depth and subtlety of oolong tea.
2. Middlemarch by George Eliot
Synopsis: This classic novel weaves together the lives of various residents of the fictional town of Middlemarch, exploring themes of marriage, politics, and idealism.
Why it pairs with oolong tea: Oolong tea’s balanced and nuanced flavors are the perfect match for Middlemarch, a novel renowned for its intricate character studies and social commentary. Both the tea and the book reward patience and careful attention.
3. Circe by Madeline Miller
Synopsis: This retelling of the story of Circe, the enchantress from The Odyssey, delves into her life, power, and transformation from a nymph to a formidable witch.
Why it pairs with oolong tea: Like oolong tea, Circe is rich and complex, blending mythology with a deeply personal story of identity and self-discovery. The novel’s lush prose and vivid imagery make it a perfect companion for a cup of floral oolong.
4. The Idiot by Elif Batuman
Synopsis: This semi-autobiographical novel follows Selin, a Harvard freshman, as she navigates the confusing world of academia, language, and first love.
Why it pairs with oolong tea: The novel’s blend of intellectual exploration and emotional depth makes it a great match for oolong tea’s balanced flavors. The Idiot is both thought-provoking and humorous, much like the diverse qualities found in oolong tea.
5. The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Li-yan, a young girl from a remote Chinese tea-growing village, and her journey from tradition to modernity. The novel explores the bond between mothers and daughters, as well as the history and culture of tea.
Why it pairs with oolong tea: The tea-centric narrative of The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane pairs naturally with a cup of oolong. The novel’s exploration of tradition, culture, and change mirrors oolong’s complex blend of flavors and aromas.
Herbal Tisanes: Calming, Soothing, and Restorative
Herbal tisanes, with their soothing and restorative qualities, are perfect companions for books that are comforting, healing, or focus on self-care. These books will help you unwind and find peace, just like a calming cup of chamomile or peppermint tea.
1. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Synopsis: This beloved novella tells the story of a young prince who leaves his asteroid home to explore the universe, meeting various characters along the way and learning life lessons.
Why it pairs with herbal tisanes: The gentle wisdom and simplicity of The Little Prince make it an ideal read with a calming tisane. Like a soothing herbal blend, this story offers comfort and peace while encouraging reflection on life’s big questions.
2. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
Synopsis: In this non-fiction book, Gilbert explores the nature of creativity and offers insights on how to live a fulfilling, creative life without being held back by fear.
Why it pairs with herbal tisanes: Big Magic is an uplifting and inspiring read, much like the calming effects of a good herbal tisane. The book’s gentle encouragement to pursue creativity without fear pairs well with a relaxing cup of chamomile or lavender tea.
3. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Synopsis: In this blend of science, Indigenous knowledge, and personal narrative, Kimmerer reflects on the relationship between humans and the natural world, emphasizing reciprocity and gratitude.
Why it pairs with herbal tisanes: The restorative qualities of herbal tisanes align with the themes of healing and connection to nature in Braiding Sweetgrass. This book encourages mindfulness and gratitude, making it the perfect companion for a soothing herbal brew.
Whether you’re in the mood for something bold, calming, or thought-provoking, there’s a tea and book pairing for every moment. As you sip and read, take time to savor the experience—the flavors of the tea, the words on the page, and the simple pleasure of enjoying both together.
Happy reading and sipping!