THE TENDER BAR: A MEMOIRJ.R. Moehringer
Personal Rating: 4.5/5
Yearly Count: 34
I began reading this memoir with a book club that reflects upon the daily scheduled reading. After a few days of being hindered, I decided to go it alone. The style of this man's writing drew me in immediately and I'm surprised I lasted those few days with the limited page restriction. Once I freed myself from that, I fell into place as the shadow of J.R.
I am not and never have been a "bar regular", so being connected to J.R. allowed me to get a man's perspective of an unfamiliar environment. I was mesmerized with his analogies, metaphors, and lessons learned in a place that promotes drinking, smoking and other non-productive habits. I actually took it in as fast as he, at times, soaked up the drinks. His way with words fascinated me and most definitely kept my interest.
This is not a memoir of drinking escapades, but of a boy's search in becoming a man. It's a powerful testimony to deep friendships of all ages and all walks of life. I will miss my friends and visiting at the bar.
This sounds very interesting. I will add it to my TBR as I really love reading memoirs.
ReplyDeleteI've been hearing good things about this book for quite some time, I may have to give it a whirl.
ReplyDeleteBy the way what is the point of only reading a set number of pages a day? I don't think I could ever stick to something like that.
Hmm, I might give that a read. My first husband loved that kind of life.
ReplyDeleteNumber of pages? That's a book club that would drive me crazy.
This is not a book I would pick up based on the title or the cover, but with your high recommendation, it's going on my list. Thanks, Joy.
ReplyDeleteAmy ~ I have discovered over the past two years that I love memoirs, too. Although, I think I discovered them because they flooded the market. :)
ReplyDeleteKookie ~ LOL I've read several books with the daily scheduled plan and it CAN be VERY difficult. Most of the people read other books along with it, so they pick this up for the short time then read their others. It's an online group, so everybody talks about the daily read...daily. :) I enjoyed it for a few books, but for the most part I have not liked it. I decided to give it a try again because we were reading the same book. It didn't work. :)
Carrie K. ~ I'm sorry about your first husband, not necessarily a good scene. :( However, you might take away a different perspective by reading this. ???
Booklogged ~ I chose it by it's high recommendations and the book club was going to read it too. I look forward to reading your thoughts.
Not sure I ever would have picked this book up before I read your review. But now here I go to add to the TBR list.
ReplyDeleteDebi ~ It's a good read. I hope you enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteI read this memoir early last year and loved it, too. J.R. has a lyrical voice.
ReplyDeleteKristin ~ I'll have to stop by and read your review. "Lyrical voice" is a good description.
ReplyDeleteI admit I didn't have a clue what this book was about until your review, Joy. I am glad you added the note that it is not about drinking escapades. I wouldn't care to read something like that. Great review. Another book to add to my ever growing wish list.
ReplyDeleteLiterary Feline ~ Don't let me mislead you...there is a lot of drinking, but it's more about the friendships that develop.
ReplyDeleteLOL I figured there probably would be set in a bar, but it helps to know it's more about the relationships that develop. Thanks, Joy.
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