Thursday, January 21, 2010

What is Garrett Peck reading?

The current featured contributor at Writers Read: Garrett Peck, author of the recently released The Prohibition Hangover: Alcohol in America from Demon Rum to Cult Cabernet.

His entry begins:
Helen Thomas and Craig Crawford, Listen Up, Mr. President: Everything You Always Wanted Your President to Know and Do. I picked this book up at a book fair and got both authors to sign it. Helen Thomas is the dean of the White House press corps, having served as a reporter there since the Kennedy administration. It's an easy read and well-written, serving as a civics lesson and history guide to presidential behavior (both good and bad). They take an especially harsh view of George W. Bush, calling him the worst president of the post-World War II era, a judgment that I personally agree with. At times, the book strays into direct advice for the president himself, such as to work on...[read on]
Garrett Peck is a freelance journalist who has written mostly within the alcohol industry trade circles. Based in Washington, D.C., he also regularly conducts tours of historic sites that hold a significant place in the temperance movement in and around the district.

Among the praise for The Prohibition Hangover:
"The culture of prohibition promotes irresponsible drinking, putting health and even life at greater risk. Kudos to Garrett Peck for advancing this unpleasant yet unassailable truth with a convincing combination of fact and verve. Impeccably researched and written in a most engaging style, The Prohibition Hangover brings us face-to-face with those who would have us continue down the path of righteousness, and shows us how, far too often, that path can lead to treacherous results."
--John M. McCardell, Jr., President Emeritus, Middlebury College, founder and president of Choose Responsibility

"The Prohibition Hangover is an excellent book in every way: it is well researched, thoughtful, and entertaining to read. From discussions of policies since Prohibition to Americans' tastes for drinks throughout the decades, this book will be of interest to anyone interested in alcohol."
--Edward Stringham, Trinity College, and author of "No Booze? You May Lose"

"Garrett Peck effectively captures the essence of America's love/hate relationship with alcoholic beverages. While some of his conclusions are controversial, his book is well-written and comprehensive."
--Dan Tearno, industry executive
Visit Garrett Peck's website.

Garrett Peck's best books about Prohibition.

Writers Read: Garrett Peck.

--Marshal Zeringue