The Tender Bar

Just finished another one of the books I listed on the Spring Reading Thing at Callapidder Days!

The Tender Bar is a memoir by J.R. Moehringer. His life trying to "make it" as a writer was definitely tumulus. The son of an absent, alcoholic father who almost killed his mother shares his experiences living in a dysfunctional household with his mom, grandparents, aunt and cousins.

J. R.'s mom (although he does not recognize it at the time) seems to be the only one who has the courage and staying power to move away after a few failed attempts and start anew. He ends up being raised in a local bar where his uncle works. The book gets a little drawn out and long for me in some places. Like when Uncle Charlie describes some of his "adventures" regarding baseball games and racetrack bets, I begun to skim a little! That is most likely because I do not need play by play of the games, etc!!!

The bartenders and regular customers at the bar draw you in with their life stores and struggles. Truly a family, even if not by blood!!! I highly recommend this book, especially for book clubs. Great life lessons, true survival and great love. Moehringer is a Pulitzer Prize winner and national correspondent for the LA Times. Check out more reviews here!