Books & Bottles Series: The Vanishing Half & The Prodigy

Salut, my darling friends! Welcome to my new monthly series: Books & Bottles!

In a recent post, I mentioned allllll of the books I didn’t read in 2020… due to my lack of traveling. I love reading while on the plane, in my airbnb, on the beach, etc. That didn’t happen much this year. So, instead, I’m trying something new and I am prioritizing reading as one of my 2021 daily goals.

One book a month and one bottle of wine! Hence: Books & Bottles. Eep! #excitement!

I haven’t decided if I want to share my reading list. One reason is because I might actually get through some books faster than others. The other reason is, I love surprising you guys!

Anyway, welcome to the first post in this series! I’m super excited to share this book and this local bottle of wine with y’all!

Table of Contents

The Book: The Vanishing Half by Britt Bennett

The Vanishing Half Review //Alli of On the Trip Side

This book has been every where since last June and it did not disappoint. The characters are so unique and interesting. I especially love following Jude’s story through her college years in LA and her boyfriend.

A brief synopsis:

Desiree and Stella are twins that are considered “white passing” in the black community. They both run away from their small town in Louisiana in search for a different life only to part ways very early on in their escape. Stella, who leaves her sister for a white man and lifestyle; Desiree, who finds herself back at home with her daughter (Jude) when her abusive husband hits her for the last time.

This book touches on a lot of topics ranging from normalizing transgendered relationships, being the only black family in a white neighborhood, inequality and racism, imposter syndrome, and starting from scratch after abandoning family.

I haven’t read a book like this in a long time. One that truly captured my attention and honestly wanted to know what happened to the characters along their journeys. Hoping that each of them found inner peace and happiness in some shape or form.

Honest review?

I genuinely enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend to any one of my friends. The characters are naturally interesting and complex.

Have you read The Vanishing Half? What did you think?

The Wine: “The Prodigy” – Eleven Winery

Eleven Winery The Prodigy 2019 Mourvedre // Alli of On the Trip Side

This is such a treat! My dear friends, over at Washington Wines, set me a care package just in time for Christmas. I purposely saved a few bottles for this new series. There are a few wines in it that I think will be the perfect pairing for a few of the books on my list.

May I introduce you to 2019 Mourvedre, “The Prodigy”, by Eleven Winery – Bainbridge Island.

The vineyard’s notes:

The nose: saddle leather, wild herbs and allspice.
The taste: light-bodied fruit, quaffable wine that’s chock full of black currant and bramble flavors.

What I’m tasting:

Light and mildly fruity. I had one glass on the first night, and it was enough. However, I will say that if this wine was in a decanter and had the chance to sit, it opens up really nicely with some lovely plum flavors. I easily drank the rest of the bottle on the second night. Really beautiful, light floral and spices.

What makes this grape unque:

Mourvedre is a unique grape. It was first brought over from Spain and France to the US in 1983. It’s primarily grown in Washington State and California.

“The Prodigy” is barreled for 8 months in 40% French Oak. The mourvedre grape doesn’t take to soaking in the oak as easily as other grapes. Thus, making the oak taste quite light.

Overall grade: B+

A nice wine to try but I recommend letting it open before serving. It’s a nice red to open up after a long day at the office and reading a #1 Best New York Seller. 😉

I hope y’all love this Books & Bottles Series. I can’t wait to share next month’s with you.