With those New Year’s resolutions behind us, might it now make sense to just give in and admit that we’re weak, troubled, and savagely fond of the occasional wee tipple?
Published: February, 2006
The Modern Drunkard: A Handbook for Drinking in the 21st Century
By Frank Kelly Rich
Riverhead Trade
$14
By Patrick Burnson
With those New Year’s resolutions behind us, might it now make sense to just give in and admit that we’re weak, troubled, and savagely fond of the occasional wee tipple?
If so, this book is just the tonic. Penned by the recondite publisher of Modern Drunkard Magazine, it features its own calendar, sans regrets: 365 Excuses to Get Loaded. Other refreshing title topics include, The Power of Positive Drinking, and Real Drunks Don’t Drink Zima.
No, this Denver-based writer is not likely to appear on Ms. Winfrey’s daily cry fest, or become the darling of MADD. But ferry commuters who tote a flask or frequent the bar will appreciate the broad, ribald humor in these pages. There may also be moments of startling self recognition. Take for example, the observation that Cosmopolitans can be emasculating.
Drink one girly drink in public, the author warns, and you will forever be known as the guy who drinks girly drinks.
Speaking of girls, there are plenty of the bad variety illustrating this primer. Classic pinups and calendar bar babes share space with risqué cartoons from the roaring 20’s. Magazine ads from more permissive bygone days flog spirits and smoking from cover to cover.
Hangovers and other deadly consequences of Demon Drink are not addressed in these pages — an omission one can take issue with. Furthermore, February ushered in The Year of the Dog, but there are no Lunar New Year hair of the dog remedies here.
Fat Tuesday and other Mardi Gras celebrations are pending, so the timing for this book’s release is otherwise perfect. Resolutions, the author might argue, are so 20th century anyway. But then again, there’s always Lent.
