The Chocolate Book Tour, Guest Post by Sarah Hill
Not so long ago, I was asked to take part in something called ‘The Chocolate Book Tour’. Well chocolate and books together are a match made in heaven to me, so I was definitely interested. At the mention of ‘chocolate’ at least, I’m also hoping to have grabbed your attention!
Now what was involved in this virtual tour, was for the author in question to pair their favourite books with a particular type of chocolate. This of course needed a huge amount of ‘research’ and thinking and then a lot more ‘research’, if you get my drift!
Having eaten my weight in chocolate, I finally sat down (much to the fear and dread of my poor writer’s chair!) to compile my list of favourite reads, combined with their chocolatey partners! So without further ado and in no particular order, here are my much-loved books paired with (in my wee mind) their most suitable chocolate counterparts.
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I’m a massive fan of the literary legend that is Terry Pratchett and this is a book I’ve read over and over again, yet laughed out loud just as much every single time. It’s for this reason that I’ve paired it with a scrumptious Cadbury Crunchie bar. 
A Crunchie, for me, will forever have that ‘Thank Crunchie it’s Friday‘ feeling, of sheer relief at having reached the end of another week! Likewise, ‘Good Omens’, has that fabulous familiarity that I’m about to read a hilarious and sharply written, truly brilliant book! Amen 
Here is a snippet from this much-loved book…’According to the Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter-the world’s only totally reliable guide to the future-the world will end on a Saturday. Next Saturday, in fact. Just after tea…’
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2. ‘The Secret Dreamworld Of A Shopaholic’ by Sophie Kinsella.
When I’m in need of ‘chick lit’, this is the author I turn to, as she’s the ‘Queen’ of this genre for me.
This was the 1st of her books I ever read and it was impossible to put down and stop reading! Hence why I’ve paired this book with a Galaxy smooth milk chocolate bar! When I’m in need of chocolate, I would happily eat Galaxy for breakfast, lunch and tea, as well as for snacks in between!!
Here is a glimpse into this addictive book…’Meet Rebecca Bloomwood. She’s a journalist. She spends her working life telling others how to manage their money. She spends her leisure time…shopping.’
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This is by far and away the most fantastically wonderful and psychedelic book ever written for children in my humble opinion. It really is fuel to fire the imagination and I just adore it. .
With this in mind, I’ve paired it with a Cadbury Dairy Milk Marvellous Creations Jelly Popping Candy Bar. This is the only chocolate that will tingle all your taste buds in a sensationally surprising way! Just as ‘Haroun And The Sea Of Stories’ will stimulate the tiniest of imaginations. .
Here is a peek into this magical book…’ So Iff the water genie told Haroun about the Ocean of the Stream of Stories and even though he was full of a sense of hopelessness and failure the magic of the Ocean began to have an effect on Haroun. He looked into the water and saw that it was made up of a thousand thousand thousand and one different currents, each one a different colour…’
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4. ‘A Tiny Bit Marvellous’ by Dawn French.
This book to me is truly unique, as each chapter is from the perspective of 1 of the 4 family members. If you’re after some sharp wit and acute insight into family life with teenagers, then here’s the book for you!
I felt a Tobleronewas the obvious chocolate of choice for this cracking and poignant book. With its unusual, pointy shape and its mix of honeycomb flavours hidden within, reflecting the combination of 4 individuals’ thoughts, hopes and dreams. Just brilliant.
Here’s a taste of this must-read…’Mo is about to hit the big 50 and some uncomfortable truths are becoming apparent. She doesn’t understand either of her teenage kids, which for a child psychologist is fairly embarrassing. She has become entirely grey. Inside and out. Her face has surrendered and is frightening children.
Dora is about to hit the big 18…and about to hit anyone who annoys her, especially her precocious younger brother Peter, who has a chronic Oscar Wilde fixation.
Then there’s Dad…who’s just, well, Dad.’
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5. Finally ‘The Picture Of Dorian Gray’ by Oscar Wilde.
This story will sensationally test and tease your brain, whilst making you question your thoughts on art and life itself. It’s also a short book, so if thinking too much isn’t your ‘thing’, don’t panic. You’ll have finished reading it before you realise you’ve reached the end!
I first read this fabulous book years ago and I have re-read it several times since. However, the brilliant and disturbing plot hidden within, never ceases to shock and surprise me. With this in mind, the only chocolate I could possibly pair with this (scandalised at the time) book, would be the Lindt Lindor extra dark chocolate trufflesin all their sumptuous and decadent, deeply dark glory.
Here’s some dramatic dialogue from this page-turner…’ “If it were I who was to be always young and the picture that was to grow old…I would give my soul for that!” ‘
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Well, there we are! I hope my contribution to ‘The Chocolate Book Tour’ has tantalised your taste buds and imagination somewhat. Perhaps you may feel compelled to re-read a favourite book of your own (whilst nibbling on something chocolatey?! Just a thought!) Failing that, you could always treat yourself to a new, undiscovered book from your local book shop or library. In the words of one of my favourite authors, Neil Gaiman, “A book is a dream you hold in your hands.” On that note, I hope you have wonderfully whimsical dreams, fabulous reads and joyous chocolate guzzling!
About Sarah Hill
Sarah Hill is a children’s author and a small animal Vet. She gained her Veterinary Medicine degree at Bristol University in 1999 and worked in practice for 10 years. At that point she had her second daughter and soon after, she decided to take a career break. She was writing her children’s series, ‘Whimsy Wood’, at home in Wiltshire (with her husband, their baby son, two daughters, two dogs, two cats and “a partridge in a pear tree”!) for a good 2 years, before her work was taken on by Abela Publishing, based in Sandhurst, UK.
There are 35 books in the Whimsy Wood children’s series for 5-8 yr olds. These are divided into 5 sets of 7 books. Each book is written specifically for a month in the calendar, so the flora and fauna within the wood, change as you read through the series. Finally, there is a proverb hidden within every story for the reader to find, giving it real meaning. Please note that 10% of book sales is donated to The Wildlife Trusts, UK.
Book 1, ‘Posie Pixie And The Copper Kettle’, was published in July 2013. Book 2, ‘Posie Pixie And The Lost Matchbox’, was published in November 2013. Book 3, ‘Posie Pixie And The Torn Tunic’, was published in February 2014. Book 4, ‘Posie Pixie And The Fireworks Party’, was published in May 2014. Book 5, ‘Posie Pixie And The Christmas Tree’, was published in October 2014. Book 6, ‘Posie Pixie And The Snowstorm’, was published in February 2015. Book 7, ‘Posie Pixie And The Pancakes’, was published in June 2015.
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I have to admit, the chocolate drew me in. 😉 What a fun idea for a tour. And since I too think chocolate and books are a perfect match, I’ll be checking out these chocolate/book pairings. Great picks in both categories!
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…#OctobeRecFest Review #2 ~ Audio Review ~ Lick ~ Kylie Scott #ShelfLove #COYER
All I can say is she’s got impeccable taste, lol 🙂 The “pairings” speak to my heart (and salivary glands) directly!
Ramona recently posted…Zen Monday: Compile A Great Reading List
I agree, the pairings are delicious and this post has made me hungry for some books and chocolate 🙂