Episode 23: Room.

Episode 23: Room

It's Ashley's birthday episode! In this long but content heavy podcast we discuss Room, the novel and Oscar nominated movie adaptation. We open our tea of the month club package from Plum Deluxe, sip on some iced David's Tea and invite friend and previous guest, Ashley to call-in for our Feminist discussion that ties into the book. it's a passionate episode that is sure to leave you thinking. Enjoy!

Tea of the Day:

(iced) Raspberry Cream Pie by David's Tea

Plum Deluxe package: Raspberry Earl Grey

Currently reading:

Kristal: Room by Emma Donoghue

Ashley: Annabel Scheme by Robin Sloan

Alyssa: Into the Wild by John Krakauer

Julienne: Room by Emma Donoghue

Books mentioned:

For more information visit http://itsonus.org/

Why I Didn't Like All the Birds in the Sky

Hi everyone, it's Alyssa! 

If you listened to our latest podcast, you may have heard me briefly voicing that I wasn't the biggest fan of our latest book club read, All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders. 

I was a bit of a weenie and didn't feel comfortable sharing my opinion of the book during our podcast. I'm afflicted by this fear of offending people; I have been groomed by society as such. But mainly, I wanted a bit more time to gather my thoughts so I could try to articulate exactly why I wasn't impressed with this book. I've thought about this for a good while now, so here are the main reasons why I didn't like this book. Please keep in mind that my assessment of the book is purely my opinion, and you are of course entitled to your own. 

NOTE: SPOILERS AHEAD

In my opinion, there are a few key elements that make up a good story: plot, setting, character development, themes, etc. Each of these things plays an important part in a story I would want to recommend.

This book, I felt, was lacking in many of these departments. 

Let me start with my main gripe: the characters in this book are underdeveloped. We have Patricia and Laurence, two best friends who I could tell were gonna end up together pretty much from the beginning of the story. 

• Patricia = witch, symbolizes nature, magic, and the supernatural.
• Laurence = ultra nerd, symbolizes science and technology.

They're both ~outsiders~ who form an ~unlikely friendship~ but for some unclear reason, get really irritated with each other a lot throughout the book and then lose contact for a brief period of time before running into each other again and after a few more brief (and by all accounts, unpleasant) run-ins, wind up saving the world from total annihilation together. None of it is very convincing. Actually, I wasn't sure if I was supposed to relate to these characters, but I couldn't even like them. They both came off as whiny, and I felt like we as the readers were supposed to empathize with them because their lives both sucked for different reasons (read: bad childhoods). 

Really, I couldn't help but wonder why their parents were such (apparently motiveless) assholes. How am I supposed to buy that without knowing anything about their parents? What happened to them to make them such awful people? I feel like if you're going to start a book with an omniscient perspective from childhood, it doesn't hurt to include a little backstory about their families. But we barely get that at all--in fact, the only inkling we get that these characters maybe are more than one-dimensional is from Laurence's tirade about his parents being complacent about their lives. 
I get that that wasn't the focus of the story, but how can I buy that the two main character's parents just plain suck without any explanation? I, as a conscious human being, want a little bit more of a reason before I just declare hatred for a set of characters I know little to nothing about. Call me high maintenance.

On the sex-having: 
Although it was pretty obvious they were gonna end up together, this happened pretty out of the blue. How did they go from best friends to having a tumultuous relationship, losing contact, reconnecting, recognizing their feelings, that whole journey...? The reader should not have to imagine that entire inner dialogue--it's not the reader's job to work that hard. The Laurence and Patricia thing, that's the most important relationship that the writer needs to forge in the story. There could've been more time dedicated to that that I could've lived with. It didn't need to be a bodice-ripping lusty love epic, but a little more effort to move the reader along that path could have only made the story better. It's not too much to ask to help us wrap our minds around these seemingly sudden feelings of affection. Since we didn't get that, it seemed like lazy writing to me.

And can I say how annoyed I was every time there was a description of what Patricia was wearing? Do we ever get that same kind of attention about Laurence? Like, I know that Patricia wore these mini dresses and over-the-knee boots--and I know that after she had sex with Laurence, she threw on her clothes but didn't bother to put a bra or panties back on--but why do I know that? What is that adding to the story??? That's now how you build character development, any college-level creative writing course will teach you that. If it doesn't further the story, why do I need to know so much about what Patricia looks like but it's okay for me not to know as much about Laurence?

Now, in that same vein, there are all these other characters who do absolutely nothing to move the story forward at all. It seems like we are supposed to believe that these other characters who are named a couple times in the book lend some sort of believability to Laurence and Patricia. But they don't. We readers don't care about the roommates, we don't care about the students they went to school with, we don't care about the girlfriend Laurence pines for unless they all do something to move the story forward. Otherwise, it's just more characters to try to keep track of while we try to figure out who is important and who isn't. 
Writers sometimes do this thing where they like a name and include that name as a character in the story--but that doesn't work for character development. Personally, I don't care about someone unless they're important to the story. I recognized all the barely-there characters in the book as a lot of filler, and I don't want to read filler. Who wants to read filler?I think a lot of these characters and scenes were actually pointless and one-dimensional and could've been cut out to make for a more focused story. The plot wouldn't have been affected whatsoever by this, but the reader would've graciously gotten some brain power back by not expending so much energy cramping up trying to figure out who the important people are.

A good thing to focus on in any book is the plot, but I honestly couldn't tell what the hell the plot was for the longest time while reading this book. And at one point, I thought, why am I still trying so hard to figure out what's happening--and I was more than halfway through the book. Switching back and forth between narrators is sometimes effective, but unless done carefully, it just makes the writing seem choppy and all over the place. Things kept happening out of the blue (like when Laurence and Patricia suddenly fall into bed together and we get a spontaneous sex scene).

My other main issue with this book was the setting. Anyone who reads YA would probably agree with me that world building is a really crucial element to the story--it's the first part of suspension of disbelief. It needs to be done well, and it's not something I'm willing to be okay with being half-baked if I'm going to like the story. 

Point blank: this book does a bad job of it.

Example: Eltisley School. What, in the end, do readers know about it? Can anyone describe it well? Can we picture what it was like there? For me, the answer is a really unfortunate "no."
I mean, when writers write YA books, they should know the audience a little. Wouldn't it have been nice to have a clear description of this school where Patricia learns witchcraft? Instead, we readers only know about it through lukewarm, half-baked flashbacks through a really moody character's memories of how much she hates her life. Can we just have a couple pages about it?? You know why everyone is batshit crazy over Harry Potter? Because J.K. Rowling spent sufficient time and energy on world building. I mean, if the book is a dystopian/paranormal/sci-fi/fantasy YA mash-up, then the world in which everything happens is really important. But in this story, there are more gaps than anything else, which was really distracting me from caring about how the story was going to unfold. 

And a word on the birds. The birds seemed really trite a thing to name a story like this after. We have a story about two best friends who get torn apart, the story is infused with witchcraft, saving the world from total destruction, super advanced futuristic technology, other dimensions, a prophecy, a borderline apocalypse, even a self-aware AI (which, by the way, I knew caddies = Peregrine as soon as "caddies" happened, which was another letdown--this big reveal was too easy to figure out). But I fail to see why the association of caddies = Peregrines = all the birds in the sky was supposed to be the big thing that was supposed to tie everything together. Who saved the world, then? Patricia? Laurence? Caddies? Artificial Intelligence? Witchcraft? What???

Overall, the book was a big disappointment for me. There were so many promising things at first, but all in all, the delivery was flat. The book could've used a lot more workshopping to trim the fat, iron out the plot, decide who was important to the story, and spend more effort on the characters. I really did want to like the book, but in the end, I felt like I should've used the time to read something else.

So there you have it (if you read it). These were my most prominent thoughts while reading, and I didn't want to force any listeners to hear me give a negative review on the book--I, for one, don't like to listen to people bitch about something. But let me know if you want me to be more open about what I think in the future! I'm trying to be more cognizant of social conditioning like people-pleasing behaviors (like clamming up when I don't like something) and would welcome the chance for personal growth. 

Pinkies out!

--Alyssa

Episode 22: Plum Deluxe and Book Recomendations

Happy Daylight Savings, tea lovers!

This episode is jam packed with lots of recommendations, so if you're in the mood for a new book or want to try a new tea, stick around because we're about to blow your minds!

We were lucky enough to have Andy, Founder and Creator from Plum Deluxe, send us a few free samples of his hand-crafted teas. Based in Portland, this organic tea is made in Oregon and uses primarily local sources for all their ingredients. With special ingredients love and gratitude (shhh, don't tell), these teas spoke to the cozy book-lover in us all.

We also decided to be a *banana* (read in a British accent, please) and have this episode feature many different books with our reviews and recommendations. We hope you enjoy this fully caffeinated, ultra recommendy episode. 

P.S. Email us your address if you would like a newly redesigned Three for Tea sticker!

Teas of the day: Featuring Plum Deluxe tea

Reading Nook Blend Black Tea 

Portland Rose City Chai

Chocolate Mint Dessert Tea

Spring Hickory Oolong Tea

Currently Recommending:

Alyssa:

10% Happier by Dan Harris

The Room by Emma Donoghue

The Sell Out by Paul Beatty

Kristal:

Birth of Venus by Sara Dunant

Ashley:

The Infernal Devices: City of Angels by Cassandra Clare

Julienne:

Emma by Jane Austen

Movies/Shows Mentioned:

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies adapted from the novel by Seth Grahame-Smith

A Knight's Tale (best movie ever)

Broad City

Shadowhunters

Listen on BuzzSprout

Listen on iTunes

boom.

Episode 21: Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Podcast

 

Hello listeners!

On our Valentine's Day (Galentine's Day, more like it) episode, we discussed our most recent read, Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan, and talked about our favorite on-screen and literary couples (and our not-so-favorites).

We really enjoyed reading a book set in San Francisco, with many references to the Bay Area, which is where Three For Tea is based out of! It made reading the book all the more enjoyable.

Happy listening, and may the chins be ever in your favor!

Listen on iTunes! 

Listen on Buzzsprout!

Currently Reading:

Julienne: Emma by Jane Austen
Ashley: The Infernal Devices: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare, Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
Alyssa: An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
Kristal: The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, City of Dark Magic by Magnus Flyte, Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale

Tea of the Day:
The Earl's Valentine - David's Tea
Sleigh (SLAY) Ride - David's Tea

Episode 20: The Brief Wondrous Life of Three For Tea.

EPISODE 20

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Happy New Year Listeners! In our first podcast of 2016, we dive into the Pulitzer Prize winning book by Junot Diaz, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, while also having a make up party. We discuss what our 2016 reading goals are, if we achieved our 2015 goals and also try a new tea! Enjoy!

2015 Reading Goals:
Kristal: 13/25
Julienne: 14/18
Ashley: 11/12
Alyssa: 29/52; so far and still going! (April 2015-April 2016)

2016 Reading Goals:
Kristal: 2/20
Julienne: 0/20
Ashley: 0/15
Alyssa: 29/52

Currently Reading:
Kristal: Bitten by Kelley Armstrong

Julienne: Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh

Ashley: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? By Mindy Kaling,
             and The Infernal Devices: The Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Alyssa: Miss Peregrine's home for Peculiar Children: Hollow City by Ransom Riggs
             Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

Tea of the Day:

Zhena's Gypsy Tea

Vanilla Chai

Listen on iTunes!

Listen on Buzzsprout!

Episode 19: Mockingjay!

Hello listeners!

In November, Three for Tea all went to see Mockingjay: Part II (also part of our celebration for Alyssa's birthday!). In this episode, we discuss Suzanne Collins' final book in The Hunger Games series and compare it to the two movies. Spoilers ahead!

Tune in to hear us try to "sentencing words" about Mockingjay, talk about the new "Star War," discuss our currently reading, and find out what happens when ornaments attack! 

Follow our Instagram! @threeforteapodcast

Follow us on Twitter! @three4tea (ilovebucky69 is our password if you want to hack)

Want a sticker? Want to talk about anything at all? Send us a message! threeforteapodcast@gmail.com

Tea(s) of the Day:

Santa's Secret - DAVIDsTEA

Sweet Apple Cider - DAVIDsTEA

Currently Reading:

Alyssa:

Chasing The Scream - Johann Hari

Ashley:

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? - Mindy Kaling

The Mortal Instruments: The City of Fallen Angels - Cassandra Clare

Julienne:

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao - Junot Diaz

Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury

Kristal:

The Glass Castle - Jeanette Walls

Bitten - Kelley Armstrong 

Listen on Buzzsprout

Listen on iTunes

Best Bookstores in the Bay.

Hello fellow tea lovers!

Sorry for the long absence. 

You can expect a podcast to be posted during the weekend of December 19/20. 

In the mean time, here is a list of some of the best bookstores in the Bay Area! From locally owned to thrift shops, we have complied a list of the best local/small business bookshops. Enjoy!

1. Books Inc.  Multiple Locations

This place is a mecca for cute knick knacks and friendly service. Oh, and books too. Books Inc. is a small chain of bookstores solely on the West Coast that continues to exceed all expectations and stay afloat among the Borders and Barnes and Nobles' out there. While it doesn't have discounted prices or sales, they have a great rewards program and supporting local is always a good cause. 

Best Feature: CUSTOMER SERVICE/AMBIANCE 

http://www.booksinc.net/

2. Green Apple Books San Francisco, CA

I don't know much about this place but I stumbled upon it once when Geocaching in San Francisco. One amazing thing about this store, as I've come to read about, is it's deep history within San Francisco. Beloved by the neighborhood and beyond, it is said to be the best book store in San Francisco. Definitely a sight to see when visiting the city. I will be sure to go back myself. I never did find that Geocach, anyways. 

Best Feature: SAN FRANCISCO TREAT

http://www.greenapplebooks.com/

3. Recycle Bookstore San Jose & Campbell

A Silicon Valley treasure, this bookstore has 2 locations, and CATS! Yes, you read that right. They have cats roaming around in their stores. I have only had the pleasure of meeting Bob in the Campbell location but I hear there are two other cats living in the San Jose store. If the allure of cats alone doesn't entice you to want to go visit these store ASAP, then I dunno what will. Unless you're allergic. 

Best Feature: CATS

http://www.recyclebookstore.com/index.html

4. Savers Multiple Locations

This thrift shop is a diamond in the rough. Granted I only come here to buy books, so I can only vouch for the book section; which is fantastic. I usually find my heaven in the Redwood City location, but I imagine all their book selections are top-notch. They also have a great deal for those who love to buy multiple books at once; buy 4 and get a 5th free! And the best part? Their books only ever cost as much at $2.99. WIN-WIN.

Best Feature: BEST DEAL

http://stores.savers.com/search.php

5. B Street Books San Mateo

I hate to say it but I am not familiar with this store. It's one of those stores I've walked by a thousand times in downtown San Mateo but never been inside. It's sort of tucked away; somewhere you could stumble upon by accident in the most fortunate of ways. Known for hosting a collection of rarities and obscure titles, it is not your typical bookstore but maybe that's it's appeal. 

Best Feature: UNUSUAL/RARE BOOKS

http://www.bstreetbooks.com/

6. Keplers Menlo Park

This book store is the kind of place where hard work, good people and miracles collide. Around since 1955, Kepler's was once in danger of closing permanently. In a miraculous and unprecedented event, the community rallied behind Kepler's to keep it open. This year they celebrated their 60th anniversary and you can tell by how abuzz the store is, just how truly happy they are to still be serving the community. Our podcast had the pleasure of attending a book signing at Kepler's a few months back featuring Cassandra Clare and Holly Black and it was truly incredible. We really got a sense of what made this store so special, and worth saving. 

Best Feature: BOOK SIGNINGS/COMMUNITY EVENTS

http://www.keplers.com/

7. Hicklebees San Jose

Semi-famous for having a wall full of signatures (including one from the Queen herself- JK Rowling), Hicklebee's is a total book-lovers tourist attraction in the quiet suburb of Willow Glen. Walking into the store, it has the ambiance of being a children's bookstore, but it has lots of little coves within the store to explore for all ages. Julienne and I went here together just to find JK Rowlings signature and we found it! (hint: Look for the sorting hat).

Best Feature: WALL OF FAME

http://www.hicklebees.com/

I hope you enjoyed my compilation of my favorite bookstores. I hope you stumble upon a few of these Bay Area treasures. At least go visit Bob the Cat in Campbell. 

Pinkies out, book lovers.

-Ashley