The Lager Queen of Minnesota

A Novel

By: J. Ryan Stradal

Narrated by: Judith Ivey

Length: 11 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

A National Best Seller!

“The perfect pick-me-up on a hot summer day.” (Washington Post)

“[A] charmer of a tale... Warm, witty and - like any good craft beer - complex, the saga delivers a subtly feminist and wholly life-affirming message.” (People)

A novel of family, Midwestern values, hard work, fate and the secrets of making a world-class beer, from the best-selling author of Kitchens of the Great Midwest

Two sisters, one farm. A family is split when their father leaves their shared inheritance entirely to Helen, his younger daughter. Despite baking award-winning pies at the local nursing home, her older sister, Edith, struggles to make what most people would call a living. So she can't help wondering what her life would have been like with even a portion of the farm money her sister kept for herself.

With the proceeds from the farm, Helen builds one of the most successful light breweries in the country, and makes their company motto ubiquitous: "Drink lots. It's Blotz." Where Edith has a heart as big as Minnesota, Helen's is as rigid as a steel keg. Yet one day, Helen will find she needs some help herself, and she could find a potential savior close to home...if it's not too late.

Meanwhile, Edith's granddaughter, Diana, grows up knowing that the real world requires a tougher constitution than her grandmother possesses. She earns a shot at learning the IPA business from the ground up - will that change their fortunes forever, and perhaps reunite her splintered family?

Here we meet a cast of lovable, funny, quintessentially American characters eager to make their mark in a world that's often stacked against them. In this deeply affecting family saga, resolution can take generations, but when it finally comes, we're surprised, moved, and delighted.

©2019 J. Ryan Stradal (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Stradal’s writing is sharp and funny while still managing to treat each character with warmth and respect...this is an ultimately hopeful and heartwarming story.... Readers will love watching these truly original characters overcome their challenges and take care of each other. An absolutely delightful read, perfect for a summer day with a good beer and a piece of pie.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

“This charmer of a tale is a loving ode to the Midwest, the power of persistence and, perhaps above all, beer.... Warm, witty and - like any good craft beer - complex, the saga delivers a subtly feminist and wholly life-affirming message.” (People Magazine)

"Delightfully intoxicating...will make you smile with its droll humor, and its poignant moments will stop you to reread and confirm that they are really that good. In beer-geek slang, Stradal’s novel is ‘crushable’ - easygoing, well-balanced, super-drinkable with tons of flavor...and will make you go back for more.” (USA Today)

“The Lager Queen of Minnesota is pure reading joy: warm, funny, informative, and full of heart. It is impossible not to root for Stradal's characters, who are so vivid, and relatable that you will miss them every time you set the book down; indeed, if you set it down at all.” (Jonathan Evison, New York Times best-selling author of Lawn Boy)

What a Gem!

This book was just what I needed while catering to the whims/whines of my sick family over Winter Break. The story is fantastic but I think it is the narrator's voice - Minnesota *spot on* - that really sells this funny read. I don't think this book would be as good in paper or kindle form as it is enjoyable a listen. I think for listeners/readers who've enjoyed Where'd you Go Bernadette, Big Little Lies and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, you'll surely enjoy this. Cheers!

Delightful

I was not sure what to expect but the local PBS station's book club chose this as the August selection. What an utter delight this book has been! Interesting premise about something I knew very little about - making beer. That is the background story but added so much enlightenment about beer making is evolving.

beautiful, fun read

Loved the book, especially the stories of strong, complex midwestern women. Chose it for my book club, plus also gave it as Christmas gifts.

Phenomenal

This book was a joy to experience. Three character plots intricately interwoven. Easily one of my favorites.

Great book!

love it this book!!
The Narrator makes it even better!!
I would highly recommend listening.

So Wonderful!

Loved this book so much-from the perfect accents each character employs to the pace and scope of the story. Tough and tender, this book really moved me. More beer, please!

cute story

This was a cute story, but it was hard to get used to the narration.

Minnesota

Being from Minnesota I felt some of the characterization over done. Loved the story, would recommend but would read instead.

Fantastic brew of a story!

A superb homage to the beers we all grew up with & a super family tale

High praise

Loved this! The narration was spot on! Great story!
I could and will listen to it again!