I was travelling recently and as anyone whose taken a long trip knows, its best to bring a good book (or two) along to keep yourself occupied. After finishing Pete Brown's first book, Man Walks into a Pub, I was pretty excited to start on this one. For his second book, Pete takes on a challenge that many will be jealous of at first but in awe of after realizing what he went through.
Three Sheets to the Wind: One Man's Quest for the Meaning of Beer is a travelogue, a history book, a journey of discovery and a case study of both how different cultures enjoy beer and how the traditional pub culture in England is slowly disappearing.
Pete's familiar personal style of writing is immediately present in his second book. Its reassuring to know that his style, wit and personality is a big part of this book as well, since it really makes for an entertaining read. If you enjoyed his first book, this one will not disappoint.
Three Sheets to the Wind came about after a seemingly innocent business trip to Prague. Upon realizing that beer means something very different to different people, Pete starts a journey that will see him ordering beers in over 300 bars. He travels from his native England to Belgium, Sydney, Tokyo, Milwaukee and many places in between. Along the way he shares beer history, culture and style as well as some hilarious stories of the people he meets on his quest.
If you've ever wondered about the history of beer drinking in Australia, the Carlsberg Brewery background or just how many beers are drank at Oktoberfest, than this is a great book to check out. I found it a great accompaniment to my recent travels through Spain and Scandinavia as Pete covers both places pretty much spot on. I really don't think there is a better combination than a book about beer, history and travel that is written with passion and humor.
I loved Pete's candidness when it comes to traveling, drinking and eating almost nonstop. It makes me think of Supersize Me and definitely hits home when I think of previous travels in Belgium and Ireland, when I too felt that all I was living off of was beer and different types of sausage.
Pete's heartfelt final stop on his quest is his hometown of Barnsley in the north of England. Here Pete sums up his journey and all he's learned along the way. Its a great final chapter after lots of travel. This another great book thats once again easy to read and easy to digest (like a good beer). Apparently Pete is working a third book and I'll certainly be getting a copy as soon as it comes out.
Thanks Pete, for doing what many of us wish we could do and letting us know know how it went! We all owe you a bit of our livers.
You can get a copy of this book at:
BEER BOOK FACTS
More: 460 pages of beer history, travel and humor
Other books by Pete Brown:
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