If I had to describe Lauren’s book in one line, I would say, ‘the book is a quick read on the author’s life that leaves you feeling warm, like ‘Peiskos’ ( the feeling of sitting in front of a fire enjoying its warmth).

She begins the book, ‘More than coffee’ by talking about the brew- that coffee is more than a beverage. She says, ‘The meaning lies deeper than a caffeine fix. It encompasses early mornings together, outside tables in the sunshine, and the productivity and frustrations of work.Its about those quiet, nostalgic moments sitting on a smooth slab of granite, captivated by the sights and sounds of wilderness surroundings.” These lines spoke to me as it would to anybody who enjoys the brew for the same reason. Drinking a cup of coffee is slowing down, taking a break in a fast-paced life to talk, think and share one’s thoughts.

About the book

‘More than coffee’ is a book that celebrates life and everything it encompasses for the author.

In this book of sixty pages, Lauren Scott pays a tribute to everybody and everything she loves in life- her parents, her husband of 34 years, her children, her new-found love for camping- a love that she found in her fifties although her husband was always an avid camper, her parents in-laws, her children, her dog, Copper, her music and Nature. Her love for nature, and the strength she derives from it, is reflected in the scattering of short poems throughout the book which are a pleasure to read.

The author reminisces her parents relationship- how they met, fell in love and had a beautiful marriage spanning seven decades. It will leave the reader wishing for a marriage like that. She goes on to talk about her own marriage of thirty-two years and says, it’s important not to enter into a relationship hoping the person you’re in love with will change eventually but to go into a relationship with a person whom you do not want to ever change because you love everything about them. I especially loved the chapter on her father-in-law, Will. It brought back memories of my dad- being a caregiver for his wife who had cancer, the loneliness after losing his wife and later moving into a senior home and how difficult the pandemic was on him. The only difference was that Will had to be a caregiver twice as his second wife also suffered from dementia after 19 years of marriage. She says, “Optimism and an easy-going attitude are in his DNA. Taking what comes and going with the flow is how he has always lived life, regardless of any boulders rolled in his path. His ninety-seven years have not been devoid of heartbreak and strife, but he would be the first to tell you that his life has been blessed.” I couldn’t help rooting for Will to finish a 100 and more- there’s a lot one can learn about living life, from Will.

In the last chapter, Lauren talks of her second child moving out and how the ‘Empty Nest’ feels. It’s a sentiment close to my heart, as in a month’s time, my second child will be leaving home, too. Lauren says, “Here’s my take-away: we love our children so much-sometimes to the point that it hurts. Parenting doesn’t get easier as our children grow older- with each new phase develops new sets of worries…Such is life. However, knowing they love us just as much is something so much bigger to be thankful for that keeps our hearts calm.”

In ‘More than Coffee’, Lauren talks of the good things that life gave her; it sounds like an idyllic life. She mentions there were downs too but, she does not talk about it in the book. The book will leave you feeling warm, grateful and counting all that life has given you, too.

The best part of the book was the poetry- I loved it. Lauren’s poems are soft and tender and touch the heart like a gentle snowflake. I found it hard to choose which ones I liked best but here are three of the many I like, so you can get a taste of her poems.

Magic (this poem is when her second child moves away from home)

_{I watch your car fade
into the sunrise
as distance broadens
between us.
Dreams desire
to be pursued.
We crave the chase.
When you capture yours,
hold it like a new puppy,
wiggling with excitement.
You are in my heart.
Feel the joy emanating.
You know the rain may linger…
Oh, but the magic is knowing
my love travels wherever your dreams
may guide you.}

A cup of Spring

Miss Spring sips her tea
as we anticipate her arrival.
She says, “Be patient, I will
soon bring you colors
so pleasing and new life, delightful.
But first, Mr Winter must finish
acting out his scene.

Wealth

It’s a postage-stamp dwelling
with a few chips and dents,
but within the walls lie
giggles and imaginations.
Love enfolds itself
into every crevice…
a wealth much greater.

If I say anything more, I would be giving out the book as it is like I said, just sixty pages. If you’re in India and you’d like to buy the book, you can click here. It’s priced at INR 428.41 on kindle. If you’re outside India, you can pick the book here. It costs USD 8.58 for the paperback version.

What the author says of the book

From the early woes of childhood and teen years, this collection of stories and poems paints a picture of young dreams and fears. But as adulthood sets in, these dreams and fears change. More than Coffee touches on love and loss, nature and endurance, marriage and parenting. In these memories, humor diffuses fear and taking risks proves to be a powerful method in boosting self-confidence. Through it all, whether in the wilderness near a sparkling lake or in the comfort of home, there’s nothing like a good cup of coffee. A poignant and reflective collection of verse and prose that is best enjoyed sipping your favorite coffee roast.

That’s all for today. If you’re enjoying these reviews, be sure to check this page to see what I’m reading next.

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