Drink Between The Lines

Monthly book club Books & Bars uses the Aster Café’s informal and intoxicating setting to its advantage. Every meeting, a large group of locals swarm the St. Anthony Main area bar for a helping of literature and alcohol.

“It absolutely helps loosen the tongue. It provides a bit of liquid courage that some people might not have otherwise,” said Jeff Kamin, moderator of Books & Bars.

Every second Tuesday of the month, the group meets to soak up interpretations of novels like “Room” by Emma Donoghue and “The Lonely Polygamist” by Brady Udall.

Disagreement along gender lines invariably created lively conversation for Udall’s novel that dissects a man’s relationship with four women. The argument of polygamy became the core topic for the evening — the inexpensive beer fueling the debate all along.

“After that second or third Fulton or Surly, they let loose their opinion andthey have no problem letting others know if they disagree with them,” Kamin said. “It gets people talking. It definitely helps.”

Literally a literary happy hour, prices for locally brewed Fulton beer, which co-sponsors the club, drop to $3. Along with The Onion and Magers and Quinn, Kamin’s euphoric night of fiction relies on the spontaneity of a wide range of readers.

With bar-goers anywhere from 25 and 45 years old, the monthly meetings garner diverse points of view with an open format, easily accessible for non-English majors to experiment with analysis.

Kamin’s comedic ability keeps things open for everyone over 21. His snide reactions and quips maintain the lighthearted (hopefully not lightheaded) live experience. But the entertainment from active discussion wouldn’t arise with unanimous agreement.

“Even if you didn’t like it, it’s great to come and share your opinion, and you’ll hear someone else’s perspective,” Kamin said.

On Oct. 4, Books & Bars will be expanding, bringing its 100th discussion to The School II’s wine bar in Chanhassen, Minn.

Kamin’s choices in fiction often reflect the time of year. October’s selection, Andrew Davidson’s “The Gargoyle,” presents darker subject matter — much like Kamin’s seasonal changes in drinking.

“Clear liquors in summer, brown liquors in winter,” he said.

But whenever Books & Bars takes on darker brews — and themes — the group provides a community outlet unmatched by any other book club.

“It’s a hundred people getting together to talk about literature as opposed to whoever won on American Idol,” Kamin said.

Upcoming books:

October – “The Gargoyle” by Andrew Davidson

November – “Friday Night Lights” by H.G. Bissinger

December – “Freedom” by Jonathan Franzen