Now that summer is a distant memory, many people have trouble finding time to read for fun when they have schoolwork, clubs, and sports. Although this is a busy time, I urge everyone to find time, even for just half an hour a day, to read a book for fun. If you are looking for a fun read that touches on some deep societal issues, The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal is for you.
The Lager Queen of Minnesota tells the story of a Minnesotan family by weaving together chapters set in different times. Instead of being organized in a strictly chronological order, the book is organized in the order that most clearly tells the story to the reader. The story initially follows two sisters, Helen and Edith, who take different paths in life: Helen focuses on making beer and money, while Edith focuses on making a family and baking pies. The two sisters grow apart and lead very different lives as a result of their different values. Edith struggles financially with paying expenses related to her car, while Helen struggles with not having many close friends or family members. The book later ties in the story of Edith’s granddaughter, Diana, and ends in the present.
Although the stories of Helen and Edith are essential to the book, high school readers will most likely find the story of Diana the most relatable. Diana deals with school, standardized tests, college applications, and the ups and downs of high school relationships.
Published earlier this year, The Lager Queen of Minnesota is a contemporary book. With such modern references as a Lizzo song playing in the brewery, The Lager Queen of Minnesota feels very relevant. In addition to having modern cultural references, the book is full of messages about modern issues, such as impoverished elderly people and how the stresses of poverty can affect children.
Each chapter is titled by a monetary amount. This style choice helps exemplify one of the main themes of the piece, which is how value, money, and family are viewed in our society and the effects of putting too much emphasis on either one. A fun, feel-good book with important statements on relevant issues in today’s society, The Lager Queen of Minnesota is a must-read.