Books to read while sipping tea are, like, my entire personality right now. I’m sittin’ here in my tiny Ohio apartment, my chipped Goodwill teacup steaming with peppermint tea, and I’m just trying not to spill it on my library book. Again. The vibe’s all wrong today—my neighbor’s blasting some awful pop song, and my cat’s glaring at me like I owe her money. But when I crack open a good book with tea in hand, the world just… quiets down, ya know? I’ve been obsessed with tea-time books since I was a kid sneaking novels past bedtime, and now, in 2025, with the world being a total dumpster fire, it’s my therapy.
I’m no expert, okay? I’m just a 30-something American mess who burns her tongue on tea and dog-ears pages like a monster. Last week, I was reading The Night Circus and legit forgot to eat dinner because I was so sucked in. So here’s my list of 10 cozy reads for tea lovers, straight from my chaotic life, with some tea pairings because I’m extra like that.
My Top 10 Books to Read While Sipping Tea (and Probably Spilling It)
These are my go-to novels for tea lovers, paired with teas I think match their vibe. I’ve spilled tea on most of these books, cried over a few, and maybe laughed so hard I snorted. Here’s the rundown, typos and all:
1. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern – Jasmine Tea, Duh
This book’s straight-up magical, like sipping tea in a fever dream. It’s about a circus that pops up outta nowhere, with magicians duking it out and a vibe that’s all sparkly and weird. I read it last winter, curled up in my freezing Ohio apartment, jasmine tea going cold because I was too hooked to sip. I dog-eared the heck outta it—sorry, book gods. Check out Erin Morgenstern’s site for her dreamy stuff.
2. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery – Chamomile, Obvs
I’m basic and proud, okay? Anne’s optimism is like a warm hug, and I reread it last month while sipping chamomile on my balcony, surrounded by dead plants I swore I’d water. I tried starting a book club once, and nobody came—felt like Anne getting snubbed. It’s perfect for relaxing reads. Grab it free on Project Gutenberg.
3. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune – Rooibos, Trust Me
This book’s like a fuzzy blanket for your soul. It’s about a dude checking out a magical orphanage, and it’s so wholesome I cried into my rooibos tea. Read it on a rainy Ohio day, my cat knocking over my mug (classic). Perfect for tea-time books when you’re feeling meh. See more on TJ Klune’s site.
4. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – English Breakfast, No Question
I’m not gonna lie, I was Lizzie Bennet in my head while sipping English Breakfast tea in my ratty pajamas last week. Austen’s wit is sharper than my life choices. I read this while ignoring work emails, feeling like a rebel. It’s a classic for books with tea. Free on Project Gutenberg.
5. The Secret History by Donna Tartt – Earl Grey, Always
This book’s dark and twisty, like my brain at 2 a.m. College kids, Greek philosophy, and murder? Yikes. I spilled Earl Grey on it because I was so stressed reading. Perfect for sipping tea while feeling like a detective. Check Donna Tartt’s publisher.
6. Circe by Madeline Miller – Peppermint, For Real
Greek mythology with a badass witch? I’m in. I read this while sipping peppermint tea, dodging my landlord’s texts about late rent (oops). Circe’s story hit me hard, like me trying to “adult.” It’s great for tea-time books. Visit Madeline Miller’s site.
7. The Giver by Lois Lowry – Green Tea, Keep It Simple
This dystopian book wrecked me as a kid, and rereading it with green tea last week? Still does. It’s short but heavy, perfect for a quiet tea moment. I read it on my couch, crumbs everywhere, feeling like a kid again. See Lois Lowry’s site.
8. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens – Herbal Blend, Why Not
This book’s swampy and emotional, like me after too much tea. Kya’s story of surviving alone got me through a rough patch last summer. Read it outside, bugs biting me, herbal tea in hand. It’s raw and perfect for cozy reads. Check Delia Owens’ site.
9. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman – Black Tea, Straight Up
Ove’s a grumpy dude with a soft heart, and I sobbed reading this in my car (long story), black tea in hand. It’s funny, sad, and perfect for books with tea. I relate to Ove’s stubbornness too much. See Fredrik Backman’s site.
10. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak – Chai, Always Chai
Narrated by Death, but it’s so beautiful, I swear. I read it during a snowstorm, chai tea in one hand, tissues in the other. It’s heavy but hopeful, like my life rn. Perfect for novels for tea lovers. Check Markus Zusak’s site.
Wrapping Up My Messy Tea-Time Books
Look, I’m just a hot mess in Ohio who loves books to read while sipping tea and pretending I’ve got my life together. These 10 cozy reads for tea lovers are my escape from the chaos of 2025. Some made me laugh, some made me cry, and some got tea stains because I’m a disaster. Grab a mug, pick a book, and let me know your faves on X—I’m nosy and wanna hear your tea-time book picks!
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