Thursday Tea is a weekly feature hosted by Anastasia at Birdbrain(ed) Book Blog.
" To participate, all you need is some tea, a book, and the willingness to answer some very simple questions: What tea are you drinking (and do you like it)? What book are you reading (and do you like it)? Tell us a little about your tea and your book, and whether or not the two go together."
The tea:
I'm drinking " Hanwal 2nd Flush Assam Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe". It's described on the packet as " A first class Assam that combines all the features of a high class Assam Tea. This is a very strong spicy distinctive tea." This is one of a gift pack of assorted teas recently given to my friend Debbie D.
The book:I am reading Jacob's Room by Virginia Woolf, online at The University of Adelaide, Australia (http://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/).
I was looking for something that might qualify for the Classics Reading Challenge without having to slog through 19th century fiction, which is not my favourite. I am also reading it for the 1% Well Read Challenge.
Jacob's Room was an experimental book for Woolf in 1922 but it certainly stands the test of time for good literature, and is generally an easy read. I lost my way once or twice about who was speaking or how much time has passed but not as much as I thought I might and quickly picked up the thread again. Her writing is quite vivid. I could see, hear, and smell everything.
[later] The Hanwal Assam kept me going (never start a book at midnight) and I finished it. The story follows a young man through his life in the early part of the twentieth century leading up to the first World War. I enjoyed it and though the ending seemed abrupt, I believe that was the point about life in general. I can certainly recommend it . It is also one of the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die and I can see why. I have enjoyed Woolf's non fiction, essays, and A Room of One's Own tremendously but never got around to her fiction, except for Orlando, which is very interesting. I will be reading more of Woolf's fiction very soon. Four and a half stars out of five.
Do they go together?
It was my first taste of this tea which is stronger than I normally like but since it was late and I wanted to finish Jacob's Room it seemed appropriate to the occasion. I think this tea is probably better as something to spice up with a little rum or something and have given to my husband for that purpose.
What are you drinking/reading this Thursday?
This is a great meme! Unfortunately, I'm not a tea drinker so I won't be playing along. I love your thoughts on Jacob's Room.
ReplyDeleteI love Woolf and Assam... this is a fun idea, and I am such a tea biddy I may have to join in next week. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteNice post. I'm definitely going to try to play along next week.
ReplyDeleteYour question about Wordless Wednesday: I see people post photos that they say their husband or kid took, so I think you could post photos from your friends. Just be sure to give credit where credit is due and get permission from your friends.
I like the Thursday Tea. I drink tea every day (usually black tea) so maybe I'll check it out next week :-)
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting book and I like the meme. I'm an irregular tea drinker so not for me, but I am fascinated with Woolf's writing. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteI'd do the tea meme too, but most of the time it would be Earl Grey and a book. I'm afraid it would get rather boring.
ReplyDeleteI've never read any Woolf, but I should. Maybe I'll try this one. Thanks for the review!
I love this challenge, tea and books, two of my favourite things. I just wish I had time for tea and reading like this every week
ReplyDeleteFlo
I've never read anything by Virginia Wolfe so it was nice to read about one of her books!
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