Book + Beverage: Fall 2020
Originally published in the Fall 2020 issue of SPOKE+BLOSSOM
THE BOOK
SOLAR STORMS
BY LINDA HOGAN
As much of the country became newly aware of the deep, systemic racism in the United States this past spring, many people clamored for reading material to educate themselves on the topic. While non-fiction may seem intimidating, a work of fiction can provide much needed intrigue, while still being informative. Enter Solar Storms by Linda Hogan — a moving story about a young Native American girl trying navigate her heritage and the natural world.
In Solar Storms, 17-year-old Angela returns to her family’s ancestral home on the border of Minnesota and Canada to find a hydroelectric dam project called BEEVCO invading her homeland of Adam’s Rib. The dam will leave sacred lands flooded and abandoned, so Angela must fight to save a home she had just begun to reconnect with. This impactful journey will surely leave readers feeling informed and aware of the negative impact of western expansion on native land that continues to this day.
Hogan, a Colorado native and descendent from a historical Chickasaw family on her father’s side, crafts a beautiful, poetic story of community, family and belonging. She attended and taught at the University of Colorado Boulder, where she became the second minority woman to become a full professor. Her work is noted to be a form of literary activism, in which she combines personal experiences and her education with her stories. She is currently the Chickasaw Nation’s Writer in Residence.
THE BEVERAGE
CUSA CHAI TEA
Nothing says fall like a delightful warm drink. We were inspired to pair Hogan’s book with a Colorado beverage, and as Cusa Tea has a delicious chai that comes right out of Boulder, we didn’t have to taste any further. Cusa is also unique as their organic teas are instant, so you simply open the tea stick and pour your flavor choice in an empty mug. Add hot water, watch and smell as the tea instantly dissolves.
“This instant caffeine fix is the perfect all-natural companion for your next yoga class or outdoor adventure,” shares Lexi Reich, Spoke+Blossom editorial manager. “Portable, easy to use and purely delicious.”
Cusa calls it their “cold steep technology” which allows it to be instant while free of chemicals, additives, fillers or excess sugars The tea can also be served iced if you’re looking for something a little more chill. Also, coffee drinkers take note: Cusa recently released the world’s first cold-brew instant coffee and we can’t get enough.