Caffeinated literature

By Stacy Vogel ( Contact )   March 17, 2008 - 9:47 p.m.

In "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn," Francie Nolan dreams all week about fire-escape-sitting-time, when she can sit outside on the fire escape with some candy, a glass of ice water and a good book.

Personally, I dream all week about Mocha-Moment-reading time, when I can sit at my favorite Janesville coffee shop with a fancy drink, a baked good ... and a good book. (The truly ironic thing is I'm not that big on coffee, although I do enjoy cappuccinos and other frothy coffee drinks.)

My husband and I discovered coffee shops in college. We'd each grab a book and go get breakfast/lunch/something to drink at one of the many funky State Street coffee shops in Madison. There's something about going to an establishment created exclusively for intellectual pursuits (well, and caffeine, of course), an eatery where I don't feel embarrassed going by myself and where I can sit for long periods of time lost in a book, so long as I buy something.

And it has to be a place with character. I love Mocha Moment (1121 Center Ave.) because I feel like I'm in a log cabin surrounded by forestry. (It also has really delicious apple cider and blended iced chai.) I try to get there at least once a week, and I look forward to the trip all that day. Once I've had my hour at Mocha Moment, I can face the world again.

So, where's your favorite place to read?

reader COMMENTS (5)
ProtectingKids
Mar 18, 2008 at 8:46 p.m.
Suggest removal

My favorite place to read? The Janesville Hedberg Library! We have such an AMAZING library! One of our very best assests in Janesville! I have little kids so I DREAM of the day I can just go to the library for hours and curl up with a good book! My biggest regret? That I won't live long enough to read all the books I want to read!

Professor
Mar 18, 2008 at 1:32 p.m.
Suggest removal

I think you and your groom would also like "Real Coffee", in Evansville--which has its own little library of books to read. It also supplies current editions of the Isthmus paper, plays a lot of local talent on the radio, has a variety of local art on consignment, and is just a relaxing place to enjoy your own little corner of the world.

Liesl
Mar 18, 2008 at 1:30 p.m.
Suggest removal

I've been dreaming about the weather warming up so I can grab a good book and go to Rotary Gardens. I love to read in the Japanese Garden. So quiet and peaceful.

svogel
Mar 18, 2008 at 10:54 a.m.
Suggest removal

You're right, I do love Books & Brew. I don't get there as often because it's farther from my home, but it's a great place.

Hockeyjockey
Mar 18, 2008 at 9:27 a.m.
Suggest removal

Stacy: If you like Mocha Moment, you'd love Books and Brew in Milton, because it literally is both a bookstore and a coffee shop!

Before you post a comment, consider this:

Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy Agreement
  • Keep it clean. Comments that are obscene, vulgar or sexually oriented will be removed. Creative spelling of such terms or implied use of such language is banned, also.
  • Don't threaten to hurt or kill anyone.
  • Be nice. No racism, sexism or any other sort of -ism that degrades another person.
  • Harassing comments. If you are the subject of a harassing comment or personal attack by another user, do not respond in-kind.  Hit the "Suggest Removal" button on offensive comments.
  • Share what you know. Give us your eyewitness accounts, background, observations and history.
  • Do not libel anyone. Libel is writing something false about someone that damages that person's reputation.
  • Ask questions. What more do you want to know about the story?
  • Stay focused. Keep on the story's topic.
  • Help us get it right. If you spot a factual error or misspelling, email newsroom@gazettextra.com or call 1-800-362-6712.
  • Remember, this is our site. We set the rules, and we reserve the right to remove any comments that we deem inappropriate.

Post Comment

Commenting requires registration.

Username:
Password: (Forgotten your password?)

Comment:

ADVERTISEMENT