The Weekly Deep Dive: Once and Again by Rebecca Serle
While the construction crew is still hard at work and we’re busy hand-selecting the perfect wine racks, we couldn't let the release of Rebecca Serle’s latest masterpiece pass by without a proper "Lounge" welcome.
Consider this a digital toast to the stories that will soon fill our shelves.
The Book: A Study in Second Chances
In Once and Again, Serle returns to the "magical realism meets heavy emotion" genre she perfected in In Five Years. We follow the Novak family, where every woman is granted the power to undo exactly one moment in their lives.
As Lauren Novak returns to the salt air of Malibu to face her past, the book asks a question we’ve been thinking about a lot while building this shop: If you could start over, what would you keep? It’s a beautifully written exploration of grief, first loves, and the messy beauty of the lives we don't choose to undo.
The Preview Pairing: The "Opening Act"
Since you can’t join us at the bar just yet, we want you to enjoy this pairing from the comfort of your own reading nook at home.
🍷 The Wine: A Coastal Chardonnay
To match the Malibu setting, grab a bottle of crisp, lightly oaked Chardonnay.
The Vibe: We’re looking for something that tastes like sea spray and sun-warmed stone.
The Idaho Connection: Keep an eye out for Cinder Wine’s Chardonnay when we open—its bright acidity is the perfect companion for Serle’s sharp, emotional prose.
🍹 The Mocktail: The "Meridian Mist"
The Build: 4oz Sparkling Coconut Water, 1oz Fresh Lime Juice, and a splash of Agave.
The Garnish: A sprig of fresh mint and a pinch of sea salt on the rim.
The Why: It’s refreshing, a little bit salty (like a beach day), and perfectly balanced—just like a well-paced novel.
Construction Update & Community
We are counting down the days until we can hand you a physical copy of Once and Again and pour your first glass in person. What’s the one fiction genre you’re hoping to see most on our shelves when we open? Let us know on our socials @thebookloungeid or comment below!
Happy Reading!
The Book Lounge Crew
