We're changing the Books and Bites format up a little bit with this episode and dividing this month's discussion into two separate episodes. Today we'll each give a detailed review of one book, and then in a couple weeks we'll air another episode with some brief recommendations from each of us.

Book Notes

Carrie enjoyed The Mere Wife by Maria Dhavana Headley, a feminist retelling of Beowulf.Unless you're a fan of realistic fiction that focuses on social drama, Adam advises staying away from Anna K: A Love Story by Jenny Lee, an adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina.Michael recommends Victor LaValle’s Destroyer written by Victor LaValle and illustrated by Dietrich Smith.  This graphic novel reimagines Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.

Bite Notes

An Aquafaba Whiskey Sour will help you ride out the ups and downs in The Mere Wife.For some sweet to go with his probably-too-sour review, Adam suggests indulging in a traditional Korean Valentine’s treat, pepero cake. For pepero cake and other Korean recipes, check out Korean Cooking Simplified by Lori Yun.Pair Victor Lavalle’s Destroyer with the pre-prohibition cocktail, Corpse Reviver, No.2.