Running through his life and times as a homebrewer William Mares has written a book that is both completely accessible to the novice, yet rewarding for even the experienced homebrewer. As enjoyable as it is informative, this anecdotal guide to making beer avoids drowning the reader in technical jargon, yet relates the essentials of the homebrewing experience, and includes several of the author's award-winning recipes. Subtitled "how to avoid the temptation of starting up your own brewery," Mares also explores the hard realities facing would-be commercial brewers, as he admittedly once was, and makes a persuasive case against plunking down one's life savings, or trying to raise the capital, for a dicey shot at real success in the tough-as-nails business of beer. Beer lovers and homebrewers shouldn't miss reading this slender volume.