There’s something captivating about a bookstore that also hosts a little coffee shop. Is it the coffee smell, is it the smell of new books- All I know is that every time I set foot into a bookstore that has a coffee shop, something happens. And not just to me, as I look around at the other peoples in there I notice that, they too, seem mesmerized or taken to another world.
Bookstores give us the potential for exploring realms, topics and ideas that maybe you never thought before. They are gateways to knowledge, adventure, laughter, entertainment and provide stimulation to the senses in so many ways. It’s magical. (Next time you’re in a bookstore, just take a minute or so and look at the people around you- what do you notice about them?). And then there’s the coffee! Sweet, loving tasting smelling coffee. Coffee brings happiness to our hearts. It gives the boost to stay focused and energized. It helps you to feel relaxed. It is one of the excellent reasons to love it. The mere fact that it wakes our senses and brings everyone closer together- is enough to testify that coffee is indeed a blessing to disguise.
A book and a cup of coffee: two of the most comforting things in our modern lives. These are the little things that get us through this weary world and all the rainy days. I have a special love of books and coffee, the two pairing perfectly together. Coffee can be a pick-me-up on a dreary day; so can be a book. Coffee can be the jolt you need to start the new work; so can be the book. The memory of a good cup of coffee will stay with you long after you have consumed it, and the same goes for a good book. I think the special connection between books and coffee is simple- Bookstores are creative places that have new ideas and stories and perspectives. Coffee is lubricant for that creativity.
There is a connection between coffee and books that goes beyond the feeling of coziness induced when you wrap one hand around a warm mug and the use of the other hand to turn the pages of whatever you are reading. Mostly I like the smell of old books. When someone talks about the “smell of the old books,” The image that immediately comes to mind for me is sitting curled up with blankets, pillows, a mug of hot chocolate coffee and a book on a comfy, plush window seat while rain pours down outside. For someone else, it might be sitting in a college library late at night while you pour over books and flip through pages searching for that one piece of information that will bring your essay together- and the feeling of triumph when you finally find it. For yet another person, it might be a memory of laying out on a picnic blanket in the park, while the sun beats on your face and lights up the words you’re reading. The smell of old books is like the smell of the book disintegrating over time and odorous molecules going up our nose. These old books are quite relaxing, an attractive kind of time in our lives, so that smell gets associated with that sense of relaxation and enjoying ourselves and finding new knowledge.
So when someone says” ah I love the smell of old books,” what they love is not just the actual book smell but also the association and memory of hours spent relaxing, learning and having fun. Memories of a good book and a peaceful afternoon that come back when you smell this particular scent are what make people love it so much. So we can spend all the time we want trying to codify and quantify what old books actually smell like and we can look at the different chemicals and scents released from disintegrating books, but the secret to the smell of old books are memories attached to them.
Coffee and books have a special relationship. Both are beloved for their ability to stimulate the mind and provide a sense of comfort and enjoyment. Whether you’re sitting in a cozy café or curled up on your couch, the combination of a warm cup and coffee and a good book can make for the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Bookstores much like coffee houses and cafes, severe community hubs, gathering places for like-minded individuals. They are places where we can spend hours by perusing pages of books full of history, information, stories, inspiration and new ideas. It is no wonder then that just as coffee has been banned for its connection to stimulating free, intellectual thoughts, so have books- and unfortunately, many still are.
Coffee is known for its ability to increase focus and concentration. The caffeine in coffee is a stimulant that helps to improve cognitive function and boost energy levels. This makes it the perfect companion for reading, as it can help to keep you alert and engaged while you’re diving into a story. Whether you’re reading classic literature or a fast-paced thriller, coffee can help to keep focused and in the zone. Books, on the other hand, are known for their ability to transport us to other worlds, to make us think and feel and to provide us with a sense of connection and understanding. They can offer a sense of distraction and entertainment and can also offer a sense of connection and understanding. The emotions and experiences of the characters in the book can be relatable and reflective to our lives.
The combination of coffee and books is not only beneficial for the mind, but also for the body. Drinking coffee can be a ritualistic activity, a way to start a day or to break the monotony of work. Similarly, reading can be a ritualistic activity, a way to start a day or to unwind after a long day.
Pairing coffee and books is about creating a sensory experience that combines the pleasure of reading with the enjoyment of a delicious cup of coffee. So grab your favorite book, brew a fresh cup of coffee and embark on a journey of discovery and relaxation. Happy reading and sipping!!!
The Momma Clan 
Leave a comment