The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal

Title: The Lager Queen of Minnesota
Author: J. Ryan Stradal
Genre: Domestic Fiction

This book is written by a Minnesota native and follows the lives of two sisters from the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" don't cha know. Older sister Edith followed the more traditional path of marrying young, raising a family, and baking pies - a skill through which she ekes out a meager living. Younger sister Helen knows at an early age that beer is her destiny. She majors in chemistry so she can become a brewer. Though her mom disapproves, her dad secretly supports her goal and ends up leaving the entire farm to Helen. This one-sided allocation of the inheritance creates a rift between the sisters.

Will either sister make their mark in beer history? Will they ever speak to each other again? Can you read this book without wanting to have some pie or beer?

I would recommend this as a book club book - especially one that would pair it with a beer tasting or a pie social.

- Sarah R.

Check out The Lager Queen of Minnesota @ the library! 

The Comic Book Story of Beer by Jonathan Hennessey and Mike Smith

It's Milwaukee. That said, beer is just a part of our history and culture, so why not enjoy an entire graphic novel all about beer? Hennessey and Smith's The Comic Book Story of Beer is a fascinating read if you're interested in the science of beer brewing, the history of various ales, and how beer became one of the all-time most popular drinks. Hennessey, the writer of several other graphic novels and Smith, a longtime beer brewer have researched the history of beer dating back to the beginning of time (roughly 7000 BC), through the rule of the Romans, the era of exploration, the Reformation, the Industrial Revolution, World War I and II and up until the present. They trace the brewing science from barley, to mash, to bottle, and finally to consumption. With mention of major breweries like Miller, Pabst, and Anheuser Busch as well as newer craft breweries and beer pubs, Hennessey and Smith are clearly beer experts. For avid beer drinkers, home brewers, and historians, this is a fascinating look at an iconic beverage that has changed the world.