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When I first joined TikTok, there weren’t many people making tea-related content. One creator who kept popping up on my “For You” page was Kevin Wilson (no relation). His engaging viral videos about chai and Sri Lankan culture seemed to really connect with people. I was so excited when I heard that he was writing a book. Here is my review of Kevin’s new book The Way of Chai.
Who Is Kevin Wilson?
What Is The Way of Chai About?
The Way of Chai is part chai recipe book, part memoir, and part inspirational meditation. The 17 chapters are named after a different step in the process of making chai from leaf to cup. Most of them are paired with a different chai recipe ranging from traditional to modern fusion. Throughout the book Kevin shares his childhood in Sri Lanka, his tribulations while moving to the United States by himself, and how chai came to play such a big role in his life. Tea is often used as a metaphor for the life lessons that he has learned along the way.
Kevin’s written voice is very much like his videos; soothing, nonjudgmental, and excited to share his passion for chai with the world. He explains why ordering a chai tea is a faux pas and digs into some of the more challenging aspects of tea. Colonialism and the working conditions of tea plantation workers are an integral part of the story of chai. These subjects are something Kevin’s TikTok audience may not be familiar with so I appreciated that they were included. Kevin is a former pastor so there are references to religion but it is by no means pushy or preachy.
Life was going predictably slow till February 2020, when my masala chai recipe video went viral on TikTok. My obsession with milk-based teas and chai slowly became public as I kept sharing recipes I liked and stories from my life while making chai.
The Way of Chai, Kevin Wilson
Would I Recommend It?
I would recommend The Way of Chai to anyone who loves tea (especially chai) and inspirational reads. It’s not directly about tea, but there are still plenty of tidbits about sprinkled throughout. The world of tea needs more people like Kevin who work to build community and get people excited about tea. It would be a perfect gift for that friend who lives on chai lattes. It has everything they need to help them feel more confident with making their tea at home.
An advanced copy of The Way of Chai was provided for review by Penguin Random House.
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This book is more than a mere recipe collection. It’s a heartfelt journey through Wilson’s personal connection to chai, a heritage passed down from his Sri Lankan family. Through his evocative storytelling, we grasp the essence of chai as a symbol of comfort, connection, and resilience.