The Joy of Drinking

A third news item by me in today's SF Chronicle. This book rocks- there is so much good quotable material it makes for a lifetime of bar trivia and anecdotes. Buy a copy and start annoying your favorite bartender today!

Joy of reading about drinking

Carrie Nation was insane, the lack of a hangover cure can be blamed on the National Institutes of Health, and too much caffeine without booze likely contributes to terrorism, according to the new book "The Joy of Drinking" by Barbara Holland ($14.95; Bloomsbury).

The hilarious and opinionated history shows us all the good that alcohol has done for humanity since the dawn of time. Holland points out that "There are no good milk-drinking songs," but has a particular dislike for coffee culture compared with pub culture. "In the modern coffeehouse your fellow customers, edgy with caffeine, are hyperactive, suspicious by nature, busy with laptops. Avoiding eye contact."

The tiny book even includes a how-to on making your own booze, should you be so inspired after reading it, which you might not want to do down at Starbucks.