By: Tom Robbins Publisher: Ecco Average Rating: Binding: Hardcover Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 128 Publication Date: May 01, 2009 Release Date: April 21, 2009 Studio: Ecco
Yes, believe it or not--but B Is for Beer is also a book for adults, and bear in mind that it's the work of maverick bestselling novelist Tom Robbins, internationally known for his ability to both seriously illuminate and comically entertain.
Once upon a time (right about now) there was a planet (how about this one?) whose inhabitants consumed thirty-six billion gallons of beer each year (it's a fact, you can Google it). Among those affected, each in his or her own way, by all the bubbles, burps, and foam, was a smart, wide-eyed, adventurous kindergartner named Gracie; her distracted mommy; her insensitive dad; her non-conformist uncle; and a magical, butt-kicking intruder from a world within our world.
Populated by the aforementioned characters--and as charming as it may be subversive--B Is for Beer involves readers, young and old, in a surprising, far-reaching investigation into the limits of reality, the transformative powers of children, and, of course, the ultimate meaning of a tall, cold brewski.
Questions for Tom Robbins
Q: So, Tom Robbins, you’ve gone and written a children’s book about an alcoholic beverage. First, why the ode to beer?
A: Why not? As ode fodder, its got to have at least as much potential as nightingales and Grecian urns.
Beer is so universally beloved that 36 billion gallons of it are sold each year worldwide. Moreover, it’s been popular for thousands of years, with origins dating back to ancient Egypt and Sumer. It has deep connections to the earth -- and possibly to outer space, as well (I explain this in the book). Bittersweet, like much of life itself, it’s exceptionally thirst-quenching and enormously refreshing; it’s cheerful, accessible, affordable, lovely in color, and somewhat nourishing, being one of our few neutral foods: perfectly balanced between acidic and alkaline, between yin and yang. Best of all perhaps, beer makes us tipsy. What’s not to ode?
Q: Okay, but what’s the angle with children?
A: Children see beer commercials every time they watch a sporting event on TV. In the supermarket, they pass shelves and coolers overflowing with the stuff. Neon beer signs wink at them as they’re driven to school, to church or the mall. And, if their own parents and older siblings aren’t enjoying beer, then the parents and siblings of their friends surely are.
Kids are constantly exposed to beer, it’s everywhere; yet, aside from wagging a warning finger and growling -- true enough as far as it goes -- “Beer is for grownups,” how many parents actually engage their youngsters on the subject? As a topic for detailed family discussion, it’s generally as taboo as sex.
It’s a kind of largely unpremeditated side-stepping, and part of the reason is that most parents are themselves uninformed. Even if mommy and daddy have more than a clue about beer’s ingredients and how it’s brewed, they know nothing of its history, let alone the rich psychological, philosophical, and mythic associations bubbling beneath the surface of its wide appeal.
Q: So, children need to know the “meaning” of beer?
A: Well, at the very least they need a clearer understanding of why their dad keeps a second refrigerator in the garage, and why he stays up late out there on school nights with his shirt off, listening to Aerosmith.
Q: Of course. How would you compare B Is for Beer to your previous nine books of fiction?
A: At 126 pages, it’s shorter. It’s illustrated. And it’s less complex, although considerably more complicated than Poopie the Pukey Puppy.
Q: What will you possibly do for an encore?
A: Not my problem. I’ve decided to take advantage of outsourcing. My next novel will be written by a couple of guys in Bangalore.
Product Description:
A Children's Book About Beer?
Yes, believe it or not—but B Is for Beer is also a book for adults, and bear in mind that it's the work of maverick bestselling novelist Tom Robbins, inter-nationally known for his ability to both seriously illuminate and comically entertain.
nce upon a time (right about now) there was a planet (how about this one?) whose inhabitants consumed thirty-six billion gallons of beer each year (it's a fact, you can Google it). Among those affected, each in his or her own way, by all the bubbles, burps, and foam, was a smart, wide-eyed, adventurous kindergartner named Gracie; her distracted mommy; her insensitive dad; her non-conformist uncle; and a magical, butt-kicking intruder from a world within our world.
Populated by the aforementioned characters—and as charming as it may be subversive—B Is for Beer involves readers, young and old, in a surprising, far-reaching investigation into the limits of reality, the transformative powers of children, and, of course, the ultimate meaning of a tall, cold brewski.
happy purchase ^ i haven't read the book yet, but it arrived quickly & my husband & i love tom robbins so i don't really see how we could be disappointed. thanks
But It's Still Robbins ^ I'm a huge fan of the guy. His perfect mix of soul searching, crazy whimsical fantasy, and basic common sense have always gotten up under me. More than once I've read a Robbins' book straight through the night. He has been that rare reading experience for me, where I lose all sense of time and place. So, when I came across a Robbins book I haven't read I was pretty excited.
And then I read it. It's an odd, odd premise for me. A young girl is visited by a Beer Fairy and taken through the brewing process. Additionally, she is schooled in how beer is a neutral substance. Beer doesn't cause problems. Its effects, like guns and bullets I guess, depends on the drinker. At its worst, the book feels creepy, like someone trying desperately to justify their drinking problem or the country's fascination with beer through a child. But, despite this, it is still Robbins. The book does have those moments of genius that I have come to expect from an experience with a Robbins book. But unfortunately, those moments just don't go on long enough. Too far and few in between.
But, it still may be worth taking a look at. The book is unique and does have Robbins at its core. I can't give it a strong recommendation, but for a fan, it might be worth giving a read.
Chris Bowen Author of Our Kids: Building Relationships in the Classroom
not exactly what I expected ^ I bought this book for a friend to read to his 3 year old. We thought it would be like a children's book that was funny, but it's really for older kids and it's not really appropriate for them either. I didn't hate the story and I learned some things about beer, but I will never read it to my child.
Tim Robbins = New Perspective ^ I have been a fan for a many years but when a good friend of mine found this little book and demanded that I read it immediately, I knew I was in for something special. Tim Robbins has the imagination to look at common things in uncommon ways, the temertiy to explain the never explained and the skills to do all of that with such a refeshing turn of a phrase as to remind one of the days when saying something just exactly right meant a great deal. Look for the description of her mothers smile in the opening passages to enjoy the Tim Robbins flavors and seasoning of our langugage.
Well made and well done!
Wasn't Disappointed ^ I'm a Tom Robbins fan for many years now and naturally I didn't hesitate to order his newest book, "B is for Beer" without really knowing anything about it first. So, when the book arrived I was taken aback by the size and appearance. It was a children's book. But as the author explains on the cover, it's a children's book for adults (or an adult book for a child). Bravo.
The story explains the mystery, process as well as health and social ramifications of beer. And it does it in a way that a 5th grader (and parent to said) could understand. It's fun, different, and a very quick read.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Trevor
