Book Review: How To Make Top Shelf Profits in the Bar Business

How To Make Top Shelf Profits in the Bar Business by Chris Schneider

This book is thorough guide to profitably and comfortably letting people make merry. At the outset, author proves the soundness of his suggestion, as one coming from a respected, trend-setting bar owner in the Central Indiana area.

There are 75 lessons in this 8 part book. Part I covers the essentials of a bar, where he spells out what a bar isn't, what it is, who all to keep happy, etc. Next part is about the nuts and bolts of a bar, which looks at the space, its utilization, its appearance, and the tricks to keep it well oiled. Mixing, cocktails, and other lessons of 'guestkeeping' comes next, followed by a thorough insight into providing a good food service and a menu that sells. A part is dedicated to the most difficult part - discipline, for customers as well as employees. Next comes the most important part of a bar - marketing it. And the last part deals with what goes for all good scenes - behind-the-scene activities.

This is a complete list of dos and don'ts. The first one itself will ring a bell. Always stay sober in the bar. And the last one is all important. How to deal with the landlord.

Plenty of such advices and imaginative suggestions are there, and I also found, each one is logically concluded with fitting justifications. An excellent book, indeed.

Book Review: A History of the United States for Newcomers

 A History of the United States for Newcomers, by Aaditya Sengupta Dhar

This is a book in six parts. In part one, origins, it narrates the prehistoric period, the colonial era, and the days of the American revolution. Next part, independence, begins with the confederation period and traces the time through Jeffersonian era till the Jacksonian one. Civil war and reconstruction form the next part, which is followed by an insight into the civil war and its after-effects. Then comes Part IV, where begins the period of the fastest growth. Next part chronicles the world wars and the great depression. Part VI onwards, we are into familiar turf. Civil rights, cold war, and our brush with the modern days. The book concludes with a literary tableau of the current times.

Well, that is not all. I found plenty of information that anyone would like to have in one's fingertips, presented tastefully in various appendices to this book.

This is a good read. Dry historical facts are presented in a lively and enjoyable manner. A human touch is there everywhere, and this is one of the best books on American history.

Book Review: "The Teens Guide..."

 The Teens' Guide to Saving the World, by Aaditya Segupta Dhar, is a collection of stories of many teens who did something for the turbulent world around them. In this book, they all stand tall, whether as poverty pulverizers, wellbeing warriors, equality enthusiasts, or sustainability superstars. Each tale is an epic in itself, bringing another worthy hero to our midst.

Take the story of José Quisocala, his passion for finance, and his efforts to bring children out of poverty and becoming the youngest person on the planet to open his own bank. Or of Joshua’s Heart Foundation, an organization founded by a teen to help those less privileged than him. 

Such inspiring stories make one thing clear. The world may look messed up, but redemption is not far away. Climate change, environmental degradation, growing inequality, or a dearth of opportunities, teenagers shall be there to roll up their sleeves.

This is a fantastic read of well-structured and easily flowing prose. I find it difficult to accept that it didn't come from an expert source. The book also gives us a lot of hope, the persistence and determination shown by the teenage heroes, both in addressing these issues and in formulating corrective actions are without parallel.