Thursday Tea

Thursday Tea is a weekly feature hosted by Anastasia at Birdbrain(ed) Book Blog.

" To play along, 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:

Apricot Peach Oolong. Described on the packet thus: "Oolong tea, peaches (peaches, cornstarch), orange peels, salflower petals."

The book:

Asta in the Wings by Jan Elizabeth Watson (2009) 314 pgs. pb.

I saw this book mentioned on a book blog but do not remember which. This story is narrated by a child who together with her brother was terribly neglected and keep away from school and indoors with only an occassional television show to give them an idea of the "outside". Asta is seven, smarter than she's taken for, resourceful and curious. She remains loyal to her family even when separated from them and trying to work life out for herself. Navigating the uncertains seas of adult whims is never easy, but when you've had little or no social exchange, even with those your own age, uncertainly about what to say or how to make friends is deeply-rooted. But our little Asta has lots to say and think about in her head and we are privleged to hear it all. It's a good story, an easy read, I am more than half way through and anxious to see how things go for her.

Do they go together?

The apricot peach oolong is really lovely, so is the aroma which is exactly what you would expect it to be with a name like that. Our weather has finely warmed up today and it feels like spring for the first time. The scent of the tea reminded me that the first tree to bloom on our farm was always the apricot tree just outside the kitchen window. We had apples, cherries, grapes, etc. but that lone apricot tree was always first to open its blossoms. My father loved the fruit on it. My own childhood was very difficult in some ways and reading this novel has taken me back to some of the nicer things. So yes, the tea seems perfect for this story.

What are you drinking/reading today?