Set against the backdrop of the 2016 election, the narrative blends a journey through the Pacific Northwest with a deep dive into craft beer culture. The author reflects on the therapeutic qualities of beer, inspired by Robert Burton's Renaissance text, while exploring the region's rich history and literature. This comic yet insightful exploration captures the essence of Oregon and Washington, revealing how the simple joy of a cold brew can provide solace amid political uncertainty.
Regent's of Paris takes place in a struggling small-town auto dealership during the tumultuous week leading up to the annual Memorial Day sale--a week rife with doomsday warnings about the Obama Administration's corporate bailout of General Motors, and the week which will ultimately seal the dealership's fate. Paul Stenger's thirtieth birthday is looming and selling cars is soiling his conscience, complicating his love life, and killing his songwriting ambitions. But Paul's problems pale in comparison to those of Jennylee Witt, a young mother navigating her workplace's rampant sexism, a chronically-ill daughter, a deadbeat spouse, and a crisis of faith--not to mention the wealthy local photographer with a penchant for cozy test-drives. Finally, Kent Seasons, the sales manager, has come to suspect his long-promised ownership stake is being stolen from him; worse yet, his teenage daughter has seemingly fallen for the suave owner of a rival dealership. In the cutthroat realm of the American car lot, even our most cherished dreams get the hard-sell, and nobody knows this better than those whose livelihoods hinge upon closing deals and sending rubber down the road.
Combining cleverness with heartfelt themes, this book explores the intersection of bar stories with art and literature, delving into timeless human concerns. It offers a unique perspective on the significance of storytelling in capturing the complexities of life, making it both entertaining and profound.