Book Review: B Is for Beer by Tom Robbins

One thing I enjoy about the library is finding weird, quirky, off-the-wall books that I would probably stand in a bookstore reading without any intention of buying strictly because, well, because the book seems a bit off-kilter. Such as with this latest slim volume I discovered by Tom Robbins.

B Is for Beer tells the tale of one Gracie Perkel, an inquisitive 5-year-old, as she attempts to find out what that funny yellow stuff is that her Dad always drinks. Her Mother pooh-poohs away the question. Her father would rather watch the football game. But her Uncle Moe, delighting in her questions, decides that he will tell her everything she needs to know about the foamy yellow elixir known as beer. He secretly lets her take a swig from his can, then promises that for her birthday -- only a few days away -- he's going to take her to the Redhook Brewery to see for herself how beer is made.

Her excitement over the next few days turns into disappointment when Uncle Moe has to cancel the trip. Terribly upset, she goes on a bender, making herself sick, and unexpectedly bringing her to the attention of a very special and magical intruder who plans on showing young Gracie just what all the fuss surrounding beer is about.

B Is for Beer is a charming and funny cautionary tale about all that is good and bad about that wondrous alcoholic beverage beer. Yes, it does seem odd to tell this kind of story with the main character being a 5-year-old girl. But think about it: a child learns by imitating and asking questions, especially of their parents. Gracie sees her father drinking beer, sees how it affects him, and is naturally curious. What Tom Robbins manages to do is to mix the childlike inquisitiveness with an adult viewpoint, crafting a very enjoyable story, and sneaking in a bit of educational subtext. The story doesn't say Beer is Good or Beer is Bad, but presents scenes to highlight both viewpoints and to allow the reader -- or the young Gracie -- to form his or her own opinion.

I definitely recommend this to beer lovers and abstainers alike. A very fun read.

B Is for Beer
by Tom Robbins
ecco/Harpercollins
ISBN; 978-0-06-16727-3
hardcover, 127 pgs.

borrowed book from Long Beach Public Library.

Image from Beer Radar.