RED Bookclub: Calm Before the Storm; Shark Bunny, Sour patch grapes and spicy margarita

There’s a hush at the edge of something big. You know that feeling—a stillness that’s almost electric, as if the world is holding its breath? That’s April’s mood at RED (Read, Eat, Drink), and it couldn’t be a better time to dive into Melani Redmiles-Quinley’s Shark Bunny.

READ: Shark Bunny by Melani Redmiles-Quinley

Some secrets have sharp teeth, and in Shark Bunny they circle just under the surface, waiting. This book is a wild ride—part coming-of-age, part psychological mystery, and all the way unpredictable. Redmiles-Quinley draws you in with a voice that’s equal parts vulnerable and fierce. Bunny, our protagonist, is trying to keep her head above water (sometimes literally), and the tension builds so quietly that you barely notice you’re holding your breath until you’re gasping at the end.

The calm before the storm? That’s Bunny’s whole life. Trauma, friendship, and survival swirl together in a story that’s as biting as it is tender. If you want a taste, check it out on Amazon or Goodreads.

EAT: Sour Patch Grapes

You’ll need something tart and sweet to snack on while you read. Enter: Sour Patch Grapes. They’re ridiculously easy to make—just grapes, Jell-O powder, and a ziplock bag. The result is a pop of flavor that wakes you up, a perfect echo of the book’s sharp, unexpected moments.

How to make them:

• Wash grapes, leave a little water on them.

• Toss them in a ziplock with your favorite Jell-O powder.

• Chill for an hour.

That’s it. The first grape is a jolt; after that, you’ll want the whole bowl.

DRINK: Spicy Margarita

A Spicy Margarita, It’s a little sweet, a little dangerous, and just the right amount of heat—the perfect companion for a story that never lets you get too comfortable.

Quick recipe:

• Muddle jalapeño slices in lime juice.

• Add tequila, orange liqueur, and agave.

• Shake with ice, strain into a salt-rimmed glass.

Sip slow. Let the burn remind you that calm is always temporary.

Book Club Topic Ideas

1. The calm before the storm: Where do you see this theme in Bunny’s life? Does she ever get real peace, or is it always just a lull?

2. Secrets with sharp teeth: Which secret in the book hit you hardest? Did you see the twists coming?

3. Friendship & survival: How do Bunny’s relationships shape her choices? Who did you trust—and who kept you guessing?

4. Setting & mood: How does the author use setting to build tension? Did you feel the storm coming?

5. If you were Bunny: What would you have done differently? Or did you find yourself rooting for her all the way?

   
   

Happy Reading, Eating and Drinking!