Most books relating to tea focus on either its cultivation or the various curious customs around the world associated with tea. Sometimes interesting tidbits accompany them like those odd curiosities we find in museums but weren't expecting.

Unless somebody has a strong interest in tea beyond just drinking it, these books can be a bit challenging to read because they feel more like you need to study it for an essay or examination.

But then, once in a while a book turns up that can actually be enjoyed for its own sake. A History of Tea: The life and time of the world's favourite beverage by Laura C. Martin is one of those books.

Even if I weren't into tea, I found her book to be highly enjoyable. It flowed like a light historical work that is rooted in the story with supporting facts. Rather than the other way round, which let me get to know tea from whole new angle.

Another way to put it: If I had to start somewhere on my journey of learning more about tea, I would read her book first.