7 Books to Get You in the Coffee Mood

Because hard work deserves a reward.

Summer is in high-noon mode: We put together a short list of 7 books that we think are a surefire way to actually enjoy the hot, languid days of August. Get to reading, partner.

The Log of a Cowboy by Andy Adams

For all those times that you wondered what cowboys got up to in the old west. Even though it looks like a dusty, old tome, this was surprisingly easy to read and made for good research on cattle drives, crossing dangerous rivers, and where you would be most likely to find a cowboy on a summer day (or any day). [link] 

Comstock Lode by Louis L’Amour

One of his most famous novels to date and praised by critics for the portrayal of treasure seekers, loners, builders, and human vultures on their quest for life, love, silver, and gold amidst the terrifying chaos of the west. Coincidentally, one of my grandpa’s favorites. [link]

The World Atlas of Coffee: From Beans to Brewing – Coffees Explored, Explained and Enjoyed Second Edition by James Hoffmann

We always keep extras of this one around, as it is one of our favorites to loan out to friends. You’ll see this beautiful book on the coffee table in our roastery, as well as in our homes. Beautiful photography of places, people, and coffee that explains the history of coffee by region around the world. A must-read for coffee lovers. [link]

The Full Moon Coffee Shop: A Novel by Mai Mochizuki

A magic coffee shop run by cats, translated from the original Japanese version. Cat lovers, coffee lovers, this is for you. The prose is beautiful and transportive. Read this for the coffee shop you can meander into if you’re feeling a bit lost. We wish it were real. [link]

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

A fictional account of a historian on a personal search for her father across England through Transylvania. Though the focus is on Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler, also known as Dracula) much of the story occurs in cafes and libraries across Europe. There are some beautiful moments drinking Turkish coffee that make this a must read if you love coffee, literature, and a touch of spookiness. [link]

Making Great Cowboy Coffee: A Guide to Brewing Cowboy Coffee at Home and on the Campfire by Jack McCoy

Lesser-known book that aficionados read to understand the cool, different, original way that cowboys made their coffee while on the trail. For some of us, this will bring back memories of Grandpa’s coffee in the morning. [link]

Grounds for Murder (A Coffee Lover’s Mystery) by Tara Lush

The first book in a series of mystery novels centering around protagonist Lara Lewis, cafe owner and prime suspect in a murder case. For those needing a beachy, fun read, this novel is set in a small town centered around a tropical cafe in Florida. [link]