Just finished a book lent to me by a bartender in one of my favorite places. She said she was sure I'd love it, and she was right. The book, The Tender Bar was written by J.R. Moehringer, published in 2005.
Though a true story, the memoir reads like a novel broken into a series of short stories that cover the author's life for a span of forty or so years, and revolve around a local bar. The writer himself isn't an employee of the place, is a nephew of one and almost everything he does in life in some way or another relates back to the bar somehow.
Known as Dickens when the story begins, the place evolves into Publicans in Manhasset, NY on Long Island. Publicans is on Manhasset's main drag and not too far from the railroad station. Because of it's location, all kinds of folks stop in for a drink and/or something to eat, and they're from all walks of life. Because of its owner, atmosphere, laid-back style and reputation as "the" place to go, it's generally jammed with people.
The author's parents divorced when he was two years old and aside from a loving, devoted mother, one uncle and one cousin, his family from Grandpa on down was dysfunctional. Beginning with his bartending uncle the "men" of Publican's, as he calls them, took over his upbringing. They, along with his mother, taught him everything he knew, protected and guided him, turning him into what he becomes.
I knew nothing of the book or story before I read it and found the author's life progression to be a worthwhile and very entertaining story. And I think that's the best way to do it, because the book is full of surprises, good and bad, and a better read if you don't know what's coming. So, give it a try and let me know what you think.
That's it for today folks.
Adios
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