Welcome to a fresh chapter of our Books & Brew series. As we lean into the beauty of the current season, we find ourselves drawn to stories that challenge our perceptions and flavors that soothe the soul. At Dale's Angels Inc., we believe that the right pairing, a thoughtful book, a curated cup of coffee, and a vibrant tea, can transform an ordinary afternoon into a moment of profound connection. Today, we are diving deep into the mythic world of Jessie Burton’s I, Medusa, paired with the earthy richness of Bali Blue coffee and the tart, floral embrace of Hibiscus Berry tea—then taking a hard left into Star Trek territory with a Ferengi-style look at casinos, commerce, and what Quark would do with a stack of real-world industry notes.
Reclaiming the Narrative: I, Medusa
For centuries, the story of Medusa has been told through the eyes of the men who feared her. She was the monster, the gorgon, the cautionary tale of beauty turned to stone. But in I, Medusa, Jessie Burton does something truly compassionate: she gives Medusa back her voice. This retelling isn't just a fantasy; it’s a journey into the heart of a woman who was wronged by gods and men alike, exploring how she finds power in her exile and beauty in her "monstrosity."
Reading this book requires a certain kind of headspace, one that is open to empathy and ready to look beneath the surface. It’s about the gaze, both how we see others and how we see ourselves. As we flip through these pages, we wanted a beverage pairing that felt just as layered and transformative.
A Ferengi’s Guide to Profit: Osceola’s Revenge
If you’ve ever watched Deep Space Nine, you already know Quark doesn’t just run a bar—he runs a system. Drinks, dabo, deals, favors, leverage… the man could teach a masterclass in “turning vibes into revenue.” And that’s exactly why Gary Green’s Osceola’s Revenge: The Phenomena of Indian Casinos fits into this Star Trek pairing so well. It’s a grounded, real-world look at casino industry dynamics—how gaming becomes an economic engine, how power and policy shape outcomes, and how “the house” is never just the building. It’s the entire structure behind it.
If Quark were on Earth today, he’d absolutely be taking notes on Gary Green’s insights into the casino industry—then pretending he didn’t learn anything while quietly rewriting his business plan on a padd.
To keep the Ferengi energy going, we’re also stacking this section with two more on-theme reads that feel like they belong on a shelf behind Quark’s bar (right next to the glasses he swears are “perfectly clean”):
- The Ferengi: Masters of Profit by Euftis Emery
- Star Trek: Deep Space Nine – The Ferengi Rules of Acquisition
This is the fun part of Books & Brew for me: you can hold compassion and critique in the same hand. You can appreciate how communities fight to build something sustainable in the real world while also enjoying a fictional culture that’s basically capitalism turned up to warp speed. And honestly? Quark would respect the hustle—he’d just want a percentage.
The Brew: Bali Blue & Hibiscus Berry
When selecting the coffee for this pairing, we knew it had to be something special. Our Bali Blue coffee from F.B. Roasters is a standout choice. This coffee is known for its smooth body and unique, almost mystical flavor profile. It carries notes of dark chocolate and a hint of earthiness that grounds you, much like Medusa grounding herself on her island. There’s a richness here that stands up to the heavy themes of the novel, providing a comforting warmth as you navigate the complexities of Burton's prose.
On the other side of the pairing, we have the Hibiscus Berry tea. If Bali Blue is the earth, Hibiscus Berry is the fire and the blood. Its vibrant red hue and tart, tangy flavor profile mirror the intensity of the emotions found within I, Medusa. It’s a refreshing contrast to the coffee, offering a bright, floral lift that keeps your palate, and your mind, engaged. Together, they represent the duality of the character: the strength and the softness, the shadow and the light.
A Special Celebration: Star Trek 60th Anniversary
As we talk about legendary stories and reclaiming narratives, we can't help but look toward the stars. We are incredibly excited to share a special update regarding our community and our love for all things sci-fi and literature. We’ve recently been discussing the monumental Star Trek 60th-anniversary celebrations, and how the themes of exploration and humanity in Trek often mirror the deep dives we take in our book pairings.
Take a look at this special segment where we discuss the intersection of our Books & Brews subscription, the Star Trek legacy, and the specific magic of our Bali Blue coffee:
In the video, you’ll see how we’re integrating these themes into our daily rituals. From the sleek new dot journals available for our subscribers to the way we brew our morning cup, it’s all about creating a lifestyle of intentionality. The dot journal, in particular, is a perfect companion for I, Medusa. It’s a space where you can jot down your thoughts, sketch your own interpretations of the myths, or simply track your coffee tasting notes.
Why This Pairing Works
The "trio" of the book, the coffee, and the tea is designed to be a full sensory experience. When you take a sip of the Bali Blue, you’re tasting the volcanic soil of Indonesia, a land of myth and power. When you follow that with a sip of Hibiscus Berry, you’re reminded of the wild, untamed beauty of nature.
I, Medusa challenges us to look at the "monster" and see the human. Similarly, when we slow down to appreciate the nuances of a high-quality brew, we are practicing a form of compassion for ourselves. We are saying that our time, our thoughts, and our senses matter.
The Books & Brews Subscription
If you love these pairings as much as we do, you’ll definitely want to check out our Books & Brews subscription. It’s more than just a box; it’s a curated experience delivered to your door. Each month, we select a book that moves us and pair it with the finest selections from F.B. Roasters. As mentioned in the video, our subscribers are currently enjoying that beautiful dot journal to help document their literary and culinary journeys.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Greek mythology or you’re just looking for a really good cup of coffee to get you through your latest read, there’s a place for you in our community. We pride ourselves on being a bridge between the world of fine beverages and the world of transformative storytelling.
Mixing the Worlds: The Medusa Sunset (Cocktail/Mocktail)
Must be 21 and over. Please drink responsibly. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, please call the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
To celebrate the blend of these flavors, we’ve created a signature drink that you can enjoy as a cocktail or a mocktail. We call it the Medusa Sunset. It captures the shifting colors of the sea and the intensity of the Hibiscus Berry.
Ingredients:
- 4 oz Chilled Hibiscus Berry Tea
- 1 oz Bali Blue Cold Brew Concentrate
- 0.5 oz Simple Syrup (or Agave)
- 2 oz Sparkling Water (or Prosecco for the cocktail version)
- Fresh Berries for garnish
Method:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour in the chilled Hibiscus Berry tea and simple syrup. Stir gently to combine.
- Slowly pour the Bali Blue cold brew concentrate over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect.
- Top with sparkling water or Prosecco.
- Garnish with fresh berries and enjoy while reading your favorite chapter of I, Medusa.
This drink reflects the layers of the story, the dark, grounded base of the coffee and the bright, effervescent top notes of the tea. It’s a celebration in a glass.
Deepening the Connection
At Dale's Angels Inc., our mission is rooted in compassion. We want to create spaces, both online and in our local communities, where people feel seen and heard. By exploring books like I, Medusa, we are practicing the art of seeing beyond the surface. We are learning to ask, "What is the rest of the story?"
Our journey doesn’t stop at the bookshelf. Whether we are discussing the legacy of Star Trek or the perfect grind for a French Press, we are always looking for ways to bring people together. If you’re interested in learning more about what we do, feel free to visit our About Us page or Contact Us to share your own favorite book and brew pairings.
Final Thoughts
As you settle in with your copy of I, Medusa and a steaming mug of Bali Blue, take a moment to appreciate the quiet. In a world that often feels loud and demanding, these small rituals of reading and brewing are a sanctuary. We hope this pairing brings you a sense of peace and a new perspective on an old tale.
Don't forget to check out the Bali Blue coffee directly at F.B. Roasters and start your own mythic adventure today. Stay tuned for more "Books & Brew" features as we continue to explore the intersection of flavor and fiction.
Must be 21 and over. Please drink responsibly. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, please call the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).