The Books That Shaped Tina Howard and Teas to Pair With Them – Fort Worth Magazine

The first book Tina Howard remembers learning to read by herself was Paddington Bear at least, thats what she fooled her mother into thinking.

She figured out that I wasnt actually reading; I had memorized the entire book and knew when to turn the pages, Howard says with a laugh.

Still, that first book sparked a love of reading that eventually carried into Howards adult life, ultimately leading her to open a bookstore in the Near Southside, Leaves Book and Tea Shop.

In fact, she cites three specific books as being influential in shaping her personhood. The first is a novel she read in high school for a scholarship essay The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand, which tells the story of an architect caught between making a living and staying true to his art. Howard says The Fountainhead taught her to stand by your values and let them influence you; you dont always have to compromise.

The second book on her list psychologist Daniel Kahnemans Thinking, Fast and Slow, an analysis on how the brain functions in decision-making; and the third food blogger Molly Wizenbergs A Homemade Life, which intertwines life stories with recipes. Howard recommends making the banana bread.

But as much as she loves to read, Howard also loves to write. And while running Leaves is taking priority right now, a book by Tina Howard may exist in the near future.

I have actually started a novel a long time ago at a time when I was trying to process some things in life. Then I opened a bookstore, and that got set aside, she says. So, well see what happens with that.

Tinas Book and Tea Pairings

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand -Pair with: Sparkling Tea

[The Fountainhead] was from my youth, and it was influential to me. I do find that a lot of our younger tea drinkers really enjoy our sparkling tea. Its also bubbly and vivacious that beginning part of life when everything is exciting and new.

Thinking, Fast and Slowby Daniel Kahneman -Pair with: Matcha

Matcha is a very meditative drink. Monks drink it to help them stay awake but also because the caffeine in the matcha helps you to be alert, think clearly, and there are so many health benefits. That matches really well with a book about how you think.

A Homemade Life by Molly Wizenberg -Pair with: Earl Grey

Earl Grey, to me, is just a classic, heartwarming, traditional tea. A Homemade Life is very much about coming to grips with who you are, your identity, a love of food, and tradition.

FROM THE FEED

Samantha Calimbahin is the managing editor at Fort Worth Magazine. When she's not editing or making to-do lists for the magazine's gazillion projects, she's jamming on her guitar and planning her next trip to a Disney theme park.

March 4, 2021

12:00 AM

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The Books That Shaped Tina Howard and Teas to Pair With Them - Fort Worth Magazine