I have to admit that I’ve never read a Tom Robbins book, but I’ve been meaning to for a long time (that counts for something, right?). I’ve always heard good things and he sounds like an intriguing author. B is for Beer is Robbins’ ninth novel, and yes, it is a children’s book about beer…but for adults. He lives just up the way in La Conner, WA, but my request for an interview/advance copy to his publisher was met with crickets a few months ago (Not like I’m surprised…I am a lowly beer writer). Seems like a famous author writing a book about beer would be a good guy to sit down and have a few pints with. B is for Beer is available starting today, and you can read the first 25 pages (pretty damn funny) from the new book on his website. He will also be at Elliott Bay Books on Thursday, May 21 on what looks like the last stop of his book tour.

The book is available on Amazon.com for $11.43.

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.

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.