B Is for Beer

I LOVE Tom Robbins and I was elated to hear that he had written a new book. I have read everything he has ever published and some of them over again. This is not the book I had been waiting for.... That said, it was still well worth the read and I have bought more than 5 copies and given them as gifts to parents with children around Gracie's age. It's funny, smart, informative, refreshingly honest, and delightfully whimsical. Easily enjoyable for an adult or child and very rewarding as an adventure for both together. It wasn't the new adult book I'm still hoping is on the way, but it was still a fantastic trip that lacks the dumbed down approach that too many authors take when addressing children.

Robbins is a master. Another sure to be classic that I can read aloud to daughter.

Why the negativity? If Tom Robbins wants to write a brilliant and charming little novella, I say, why not! He is, after all, the master of a literary genre he single-handedly created, starting with "Another Roadside Attraction" and followed by an inspired series of hip and comic masterpieces. As Buddhists and creative people know, one needs to return to "beginner mind" - back to the basics, over and over - for insight and inspiration to occur. Robbins' choice of the short novel format this time around is his stroke of genius. Without becoming simplistic the brevity of "B Is for Beer" gives it even more impact, and as opposed to what the too-intellectual jaded over-analytical pundits say, Robbins has written a delightful parable about the human need for connection to the divine - the Great Mystery - and the occasional role beer has to play in that process. (!!) Through his lovable and memorable characters we are lucky once again to experience his unique brand of magic realism, sardonic wit and brilliant insights on human existence. His portrayal of the main character, 6-year-old Gracie, perfectly evokes the tenderness and innocence of childhood. I loved it - GREAT READ - SKOAL!!!!

For Robbins fans waiting, yearning, for the next great Robbins novel, this is not it. Sorry. It is, however, exactly what it professes to be. A children's book for grown-ups, and a grown-up book for children. (Which is what I based this review on, vs. comparing it to other Robbins books ... there's no comparison.) The writing is definitely child-like in its tone. Gracie is practically six-years-old when she develops a curiosity about beer. As Robbins will do, he leads us on a delightful, whimsical discovery about - yes, Beer. The book is filled with Robbins's humor, philosophy, and magical writing. I had a dumb grin on my face the whole time I was reading the book (less than two hours from start to finish) and I laughed out loud several times. This tantalizing taste of Robbins's words has definitely left me with a craving for more Robbins. And perhaps a Red Stripe.