Sean O’Cleary – Green Beer

Exactly in the week I received a message that I would receive this book for a review, was the lesson I taught my students about Ireland. I always tell them that most Irish are storytellers. Just sit in any pub somewhere in the country and you’ll encounter someone with a great story, mostly with some fantasy figures in them, though guessing by the conviction with which the story is being told, these characters might actually exist, we just haven’t met them yet.

My hopes were high before starting this interesting read. And even though I have enjoyed reading it, I have to admit I was a bit disappointed. I like the stories where things really do happen, not the ones in which is explained what could happen or what might have happened.

The thing with stories is, that they are so much better being told by the right person at the right place. Reading them without the context doesn’t do them justice.

Therefore, I can only say that I enjoyed reading this little book, but I’m sure I would rather listen to the author.

Quote: “Ah, the age-old question: Is there a second pot of gold? Well, according to Seamus a second pot does exist, but it’s not filled with gold. It’s brimming with Irish Cream Liquer, which leprechauns refer to as ‘liquid gold’. The stuff is so potent, even a leprechaun must sign a waiver before diving in.” (p.77/112) ( )

Thanks very much to the author and LibraryThing for providing me with the opportunity of reading this book in exchange for a honest review.

I liked it very much, I deducted one star because I would have liked the book more structured, but I like all the elements: leprechauns, most of all, irish legends, the brewery and philosophical part is very interesting too... It's a quick, nice, humorous read.

Now, about the beer, maybe the author will "crucify" me: I'm not a teetotaller but can go weeks without a single (alcoholic) drink, and beer is not my favourite; in fact I have very strange tastes about beer, and I like it cherry or champagne flavored. But the description of the beer and the making process, and, yes, the magic is very interesting. And a good Irish pub, of course :)

It's the second book I read by this author, and I recommend. ( )

This book is a wonder and a delight to read. It is imaginative, interesting, and well-written. The book has fantasy elements (leprechauns and magic spells), a non-fiction chapter on brewing beer and making it green, philosophical components (42 and why right now is a good time), practical advice on lottery numbers, and an overall fiction arc.
I wish that the human characters who were introduced in Chapters 1 and 2 had made an appearance later on. There are more stories to be told about them. But overall it was a good and fun read. The reader is never left puzzling over dialogue or inexplicable actions.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book. There are a Preface, an Introduction, 28 chapters, then a Conclusion, and an Epilogue.
I used a Scribe to read the Kindle edition of this book. The formatting, paging, and chapter references were perfect. There was one minor gender error in Chapter 10, where a character named Timmy is referred to as a seamstress. He is called a tailor everywhere else in the book. ( )

Light hearted romp, very cute read just in time for St Paddy's day! ( )

Full of humor, with some lore and a little brewing knowledge. A quick read for fun.