Sushi Night Book Club Experience: The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See

This month’s book club was one of our most memorable evenings yet. A beautiful blend of storytelling, culture, and connection that truly brought the book to life.

About the Book book club experience

The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See was one of our highest-rated reads to date. A powerful, emotional story rooted in family, identity, and tradition, it follows a young girl from a remote Chinese village whose life becomes intertwined with the global tea trade.

The novel offers a deeply moving look at the bond between mothers and daughters, while also immersing readers in the rich history and cultural significance of Pu’er tea. For many of us, it opened the door to a culture we hadn’t explored before — making it not only a compelling read, but an educational and eye-opening one as well.

Check it out on Goodreads here

The Hosts Who Brought It to Life book club experience book club experience

Our hosts extraordinaire, Isabelle and Geneviève, created an evening that went far beyond a traditional book club.

Before the evening, our hosts suggested we come in something comfortable (expanding pants were a must) and mentioned that if anyone already had an Asian-inspired robe, they were welcome to wear it. It was all about creating a cozy atmosphere and appreciating the culture we were learning about throughout the night.

We were welcomed into Isabelle’s home with soft Chinese music playing in the background, instantly setting the tone for the night. Every detail included was intentional, thoughtful, and deeply connected to the story we had just read.

As we arrived, we were greeted with a beautiful sake welcome drink, served in a special sake jug and cups with a meaningful story. The set once belonged to Isabelle's Auntie Carole — a remarkable woman who founded a dragon boat team for breast cancer survivors and traveled to Asia for competitions. It was gifted to the host over 20 years ago, and sharing it with us felt incredibly special — a quiet tribute to a life that clearly touched many.

A Dining Experience to Remember

In true elevated Book Club fashion, the evening featured a private sushi dining experience by Gabriel from Sushi à la Maison — and it was unforgettable.

We all split the cost of the meal, making it both an indulgent and accessible way to create such a unique experience together.

The dinner unfolded over three sittings, which allowed us to stretch the evening, savour each course, and weave in meaningful book discussions throughout.

First Sitting

We began with what might have been the best poke bowl any of us had ever had — fresh salmon, crisp cucumber, mango, radish, rice, and sliced peas, topped with sriracha mayo and sesame seeds.

Alongside it was an abundant sushi spread — from crab rolls to pork creations — but the standout bite for me was the fried pickle topped with beef tartare (a dream for any tartare lover).

Second Sitting

This was my personal favourite.

Perfectly torched salmon, sushi topped with salmon tartare, and even rolls finished with bang bang chicken — creative, unexpected, and absolutely delicious. Each dish felt like something new we hadn’t experienced before.

The chef walked us through every course, adding another layer to the experience.

Final Sitting (Dessert)

We ended on a sweet note with chocolate chip cookies, fruit and chocolate fondue, and the most unique dessert sushi — filled with sucre à la crème. It was such a fun and indulgent twist, and a perfect way to close the meal.

Thoughtful Details That Made the Night

A large part of the book centers around Pu’er tea, and our hosts went above and beyond — sourcing authentic Pu’er for us to taste together, and taught us how to make it.

Pu’er tea has deep roots in Chinese history, originating in Yunnan province where tea has been cultivated for thousands of years. Traditionally compressed into cakes or bricks, it was traded along ancient routes like the Tea Horse Road and valued not only for its flavor but for how it ages and deepens over time, much like wine.

In The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, this rich history comes to life through the story of a family whose lives are closely tied to tea cultivation and tradition. The novel beautifully weaves together the cultural, spiritual, and economic significance of Pu’er tea in Yunnan, offering a deeper appreciation for its meaning beyond just a drink

Step-by-Step: How to Brew Pu’er Tea

1. Rinse the Tea (Important!)

• Add 1–2 teaspoons of tea to your pot

• Pour hot water over it, then immediately discard the water

This “awakens” the leaves and removes any dust from aging

2. First Brew

• Add hot water again (just off boiling, ~95–100°C)

• Steep for 10–20 seconds

Pu’er is strong—you don’t need long steep times

3. Re-steep (The Magic ✨)

• You can brew the same leaves 5–10+ times

• Add a few extra seconds each time (20s → 30s → 45s…)

The flavor evolves with each steep—earthy, smooth, sometimes slightly sweet

We were even sent home with our own tea, along with beautiful jade earrings (green jade, light jade, and tiger jade), such a meaningful and generous touch.

The dinner was also paired with one of my all-time favourite wines: Cave Spring Riesling from Niagara-on-the-Lake — dry, slightly effervescent, with notes of citrus, pear, and mineral tones. It paired perfectly with the meal, and truly is a crowd-pleaser if you haven’t tried it. (Fun fact - I wasn't actually able to enjoy the wine, or sake, on this evening because I am on my 90 days no-alcohol challenge that you can find out about on The List - 40 goals to complete before I turn 40.)

The Heart of the Night

Between courses, we moved through thoughtful discussion questions — exploring the heavier themes of the book, learning about tea culture, and sharing perspectives.

This story sparked deeper conversations than most — emotional, reflective, and at times heart-wrenching.

Themes from The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane

• Rejection and abandonment

• Adoption and identity

• Feeling like you don’t belong

• Being an outsider / outcast

• Mother-daughter love and separation

• Cultural identity and heritage

• Tradition vs. modern life

• Loss and resilience

• Family, both chosen and biological

• Searching for connection and understanding

• The impact of globalization (through tea culture)

• Belonging and finding your place in the world

What made the evening so special was the shared curiosity and openness. Exploring another culture respectfully, learning together, and creating space for those conversations is what Book Club is truly about.

Closing the Night

Long after the chef left, we lingered around the table — talking, laughing, and soaking in the evening.

As always, we ended by planning our next gathering:

• choosing a theme

• selecting a host

• and gathering book ideas

Final Thoughts

I left this night feeling like my cup was completely full.

It was more than just a dinner or a book discussion — it was an experience rooted in connection and care. I feel so lucky to be part of this group of women who continue to show up, create, and share in such meaningful ways.

And just wait until you see what we have planned next… ✨

Honorable Special Guest - The beautiful Bella