No love for ‘Beer and Loathing’

With spring break fading to mere memories, there are only a few things that could wipe away the tears.

Of course, the anticipation of Little 500 is one cure, but is reading a book about one young man’s adventures on spring break a remedy to this regretful goodbye of fun and sun?

Not in this case, it isn’t. “Beer and Loathing in Panama City,” written by Keith Strausbaugh, is all but enthralling to read.

The book is an autobiographical account of the seven-day spring break trip to Panama City that Strausbaugh and his buddies took.

At first, I was really excited to read this one man’s story of a crazy, drunken week on the beach, but as I read further, I soon realized the tale wasn’t one of a guy’s spring break. It was a bash fest of almost every group of people he could think of.

And we’re not just talking about spring breakers, but immigrants, religious groups, cheerleaders, military recruiters – and yes, even IU students.

One such passage about IU and Michigan students read: “Their wholesome state fairs likely shut down after local governments mandated sex offender registries for each corn field carnival. ... Deprived of their squalid entertainment, these farm scholars flocked to a low-class beach ... The Redneck Riviera ... Panama City.”

Really? It isn’t that I am not ashamed of the golden cornfields from which I came, but it sounds to me like someone’s a little jealous of IU’s assets.

Not only does Strausbaugh poke fun at any and every group of people, it seems as though the author took every opportunity to rant about all possible topics, evidenced by his page-long opinion of smoking and his bizarre views on military recruiters.

I applaud anyone for citing their views, but I thought I was reading about spring break, not Strausbaugh’s outlooks on life.

Although I wasn’t completely convinced with this book, it wasn’t a total waste of 82 pages. His raw and crude language was admirable, and wit and humor was laced in most of Strausbaugh’s adventures. His tactics for hitting on women and his genius idea of shaving off his friend’s eyebrows definitely had me laughing.

Still, I am not sure this book is anything worthwhile. I’d almost prefer to read my textbooks than this novel – almost. Either way, anyone interested in getting a copy can go to www.booksurge.com.

Or just see me. I’d be happy to give you my copy.