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BOOK CLUBS
Lynn loves book clubs and has visited hundreds of groups who have chosen her books for discussion over the years. “Writing is a solitary endeavor, so meeting people who share my love of words, ask thoughtful questions, and offer their unique perceptions of the book is rewarding and surprising,” Lynn says. “I enjoy seeing group dynamics and community in action, and I learn something new every time I visit a book club.”
If you are interested in having Lynn visit your book club, complete this contact form. She can travel to clubs in the metro Atlanta area or join book groups via Skype.
Scroll down to enjoy photos from some of Lynn’s book club visits. You’ll also find Reading Group Guides with topics and discussion questions and Book-Inspired Cocktail Recipes
BOOK-INSPIRED COCKTAIL RECIPES
Twain’s End Drink Recipe
Bookseller and mixologist Nick Petrulakis of Books Inc. in Alameda, California, developed this “whiskey cocktail with a great head on its shoulders.” The white, foamy topper is reminiscent of Mr. Clemens’s distinct hairstyle. To read this book-inspired recipe and see Nick’s notes on Twain’s End, read this post. For an always spirited discussion of beverages and books, visit the Drinks with Nick blog.
Twain’s End Cocktail
- 2 oz. Bourbon
- .25 oz. simple syrup
- 1 dash Abbott’s Original Bitters
- 1 dash Sarsaparilla bitters
Shake all vigorously with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Top with Twain’s Foam.
For Twain’s Foam:
- 1 egg white
- .5 oz lemon juice
- 2-3 teaspoons sugar
- 1 bar spoon Bad Dog Sarsaparilla Dry Bitters
Beat the egg white on low speed until the air bubbles decrease in size and turn white. Add lemon juice. Increase speed to medium and slowly add the sugar. Continue whipping until everything is fluffy, glossy, and firm. Add the bitters and whip just a bit more.
Mrs. Poe Drink Recipes
Bookseller and mixologist Nick Petrulakis of Books Inc. in Alameda, California, developed three different drinks (two punches and a cocktail) in celebration of Lynn Cullen’s novel Mrs. Poe. To read these recipes with Nick’s notes on the book and the recipes, read this post. For an always spirited discussion of beverages and books, visit the Drinks with Nick blog.
Mrs. Poe’s Punch
- 2 cups apple juice, chilled
- Juice of 8 lemons(1 1/2 cups)
- 1 cup sugar
- Fresh mint
- 1 or 2 bottles of champagne, chilled
- 1 bag frozen raspberries
- Lightly muddle mint leaves with apple juice and sugar.
- Add lemon juice and stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Refrigerate until it’s time to talk about Mrs. Poe, then pour all into punch bowl.
- Add champagne to taste.
- Add frozen raspberries.
- Garnish with mint sprigs.
Ladle and enjoy.
Mr. Poe’s Punch
- 2 oz. Demerara sugar
- The peel of one lemon – easiest to use a vegetable peeler. Try to get the longest strips possible with as little of the pith as you can manage.
- 1½ quarts boiling water –what the Irish call screeching hot.
- 1 bottle Bushmills 10-year-old Single MaltWhiskey – or, a little less dear, Powers Irish Whiskey will do.
- 3 oz. lemon juice
- Large block of ice
- Muddle lemon peel and sugar in a mixing bowl. Letstand for one hour. Muddle again.
- Add about 8 oz. of the boiling water to the bowl and stir well.
- Add all thewhiskey and then the remaining water. Allow the punch to cool.
- Strain,removing the lemon peel, and refrigerate in a sealed container.
- When it’s time to talk about Mrs. Poe, add the cold whiskey punch to a punch bowl. Stir in lemon juice. Add block of ice.
For the ice, a pretty ice ring can be made using a gelatin mold. Lemon peel or flowers may be added to the water to tart up the ice ring.
Mrs. Poe Cocktail
- 1½ oz. Hendrick’s Gin
- ¼ oz. St. Germain
- 1 barspoon Benedictine
- 1 dash Peychaud’s bitters
- Twist of lemon
Stir all with ice. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon twist.
