Thursday Tea: The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black

The Book: I spent most of yesterday and plan to spend a good part of today in the kitchen, preparing for Thanksgiving dinner. A couple of days of cooking call for a light, yet absorbing audiobook to keep me going.

I first heard about Holly Black's The Coldest Girl in Coldtown this past June at BookExpo America (BEA). I was curious about it for a couple of reasons. First, I really like Black's storytelling, and second, I was interested in her take on the idea of vampires coming out of the closet.

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown is the story of teenage Tana and how she copes in a world in which humans can become infected by vampire blood. As you would expect from Black, the novel offers a unique perspective on the modern-day vampire story, giving it a sociocultural context, a social media following, and a medical foundation.

I'm only halfway through but I really love what I've listened to so far. Tana is smart and resourceful, yet very human (at least for now!) with a strong survival instinct. I like how she is loyal to her friends and protective of her younger sister. Besides Tana, we have twins who go by the aliases of Midnight and Winter, a mysterious vampire named Gavriel, Tana's ex-boyfriend Aidan, and the citizens of Coldtown Tana meets after she seeks asylum there.

I'll likely finish the novel today while making the turkey, setting the table, and straightening the house. The audio, by the way, is read by Christine Lakin, whose youthful voice is perfect for the teens. I'll talk more about her great performance when I post my review.

The Tea: I drink gallons of strong tea when working hard in the kitchen, and this week I've gone with an old standby: Bigalow's Constant Comment, which is a black tea blended with orange and spices. This is one of my mother's favorite teas, and so drinking it is especially nostalgic for me. Although I drink it without milk or sugar, my husband stirs in a little honey.

The Assessment: Alas, I don't think any of the characters in The Coldest Girl in Coldtown are drinking tea at all. I remember lots of mentions of all kinds of coffee . . . and, of course, blood. But I bet if Tana tried Constant Comment, she would like it.

What About You? Have you read The Coldest Girl in Coldtown? If so, what did you think? For all my American friends, I hope your Thanksgiving is full of family, fun, and food and that you find at least a little time to read or to listen to a great book.

Thursday Tea was the brainchild of Anastasia at Here There Be Books.
Published by Hachette Book Group / Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2013
ISBN-13: 9780316213103
Source: Review (see review policy)
Copyright © cbl for Beth Fish Reads, all rights reserved (see review policy)
FTC: I buy all teas myself, I am not a tea reviewer.