Join us at Stubborn Beauty Brewing 180 Johnson St, Middletown, CT 06457 for our offsite book discussion.

Our book for January is:  The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal

Edith, married to Stanley for 40 years, has worked non-stop in a nursing home and never complains about life’s hardships. When Stanley is forced to retire, Edith’s pie baking skills bring her local fame and a new job. She experiences great tragedy and loss, but Edith keeps going and never stops working. When she finds herself raising her teenage granddaughter, she works two jobs and does what it takes to make ends meet.

Diana, Edith’s granddaughter, is headed down a murky path. When she is caught stealing, her life changes in an unexpected way and begins to learn the art of creating and brewing beer.

Helen, Edith’s younger sister, wants more from life than marrying a local boy in their small town. She goes to college and is determined to become one of the first female brewmasters and beer tycoons. She will not let emotions get in the way of her plan, even if it means stealing her only sister’s inheritance.

From a Goodreads review: 

"A heartfelt and inspiring family drama about three exceptionally strong midwestern women who are brought together by creating beer...This is a unique and beautiful read, as I was invested in these characters--found myself cheering for them, yelling at them, and crying for them. It felt like I knew them. While there are dark times, I found the way they handled their grief and life’s challenges inspiring."

Discussion will be facilitated by Christy Billings. Questions? (860) 347-2528 EXT 160 or cbillings@russelllibrary.org

Copies of the book are available for checkout at Russell Library's Borrowing Desk.

Our thanks again to Stubborn Beauty for having us in their local space! This event is sponsored by The Friends of the Russell Library.

Drop-in, no registration necessary. No purchase required.