Reviews

The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal

joyyboyy's review

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.75

borealbecca's review

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

lediamond4's review

emotional funny sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I enjoyed all of the characters, main cast and supporting. I thought all of their individual stories were well written and interesting. It was funny and sad. Bittersweet. But as one cohesive story, I just don’t think it worked. The splintered family drama was just so separate and the end was rushed and lacking. I definitely wanted a little bit more closure to something that was supposed to be the central storyline. 

nypeapod's review against another edition

5.0

This was a wonderfully written story about strong women from one family. The author totally nailed the mid-western woman. Why you might also fall in love with this book:

1. You grew up in the mid west and this book is really about your mother or grandmother - you will recognize these ladies in your own family.
2. Interest in beer and beer brewing
3. Great book about sisters. Your sister may drive you crazy but nothing stands the test of time like the love between sisters.
4. Enjoy reading generational family stories about normal, everyday people.
5. If you have experienced the loss through death of your parents during your teen years.

zybes's review against another edition

funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This was a really fun audiobook to listen too (though the Midwest accent was over done sometimes). Broads brewing beer! Loved it. 

kimberussell's review

5.0

Edith and Helen are farmer’s daughters in Minnesota. Edith does everything politely and by the book. Helen takes chances. Inexplicably to Edith, their father leaves Helen the farm upon his death. This book is a beautiful (but slow, very slow) study of three generations of women and their chosen family as they navigate the business of brewing. I liked that the story is narrated by various characters, because you learn that neither Edith nor Helen knew the entire story. Laughs, tears, etc.

Five stars and I am so impressed with how Stradal writes his female characters.

eyreibreathe's review

4.0

⭐⭐⭐⭐

erinjp123's review

4.0

A fun read, especially if you like beer. Didn't LOVE the ending but what are you going to do.

paroof's review

3.0

The title and cover were enough to get my attention. The description had me hooked. I loved this story with these quirky, relatable characters. The story is sweet without being overly sappy. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a good story - especially for those of us from Minnesota or Wisconsin.

kahkmyers's review

hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

While the massive amounts of beer Info was a bit much at times I think it was perfect for the book that this was working to be. I loved Edith and was so sad that her relationship with Helen was so fraught with distance and lack of communication. I didn’t like Helen at all and was mad at her pretty much the whole book. I loved the ending but know I would never have been so accepting as Edith was. Loved the found beer family and how finding your passion can bring your life on the right path.