New York Times Bestseller
A hilarious full-color guide to Midwestern culture, from comedian and journalist Charlie Berens, creator of the viral comedic series “The Manitowoc Minute”
Have you ever had a goodbye lasting more than four hours? Do you lack the emotional capacity to say “I love you” so you just tell your loved ones to “watch out for deer”? Have you apologized to a stranger because she stepped on your foot? If you answered yes to any of these questions, there’s a good chance you’re a Midwesterner—or a Midwesterner at heart.
Even if you answered no, you probably know someone who held the door for you from two football fields away. He likely waved at you and said, “Hey there,” like you organized the church bar crawl together. That was a Midwesterner in the wild. We understand that your interaction was strange—but it’s likely to get stranger. Don’t wait until they stick their head in your second-floor window to invite you over for a perch fry because they climbed on your roof to clean your gutters. There’s no need to pull the pepper spray; this species is helpful by nature. And the relationship could be very symbiotic—but only if you let it happen. And that’s where this book comes into play.
Inspired by my comedy tours across the Midwest and life growing up in Wisconsin, this book is an exploration into my favorite region on Earth. Some may think the Midwest is just a bunch of bland flyover states filled with less diversity than a Monsanto monoculture. But scratch that surface with your buck knife and you’ll find rich cultures and traditions proving we’re more than just fifty shades of milk.
So whether you’re a born-and-bred Midwesterner looking to sharpen your skill at apologies or a costal elite visiting the in-laws for the holidays, this book will help you navigate the Midwest, with everything from the best flannel looks to dating and mating rituals (yes, casserole is involved) to climbing the corporate corn silo to how to handle a four-way stop—and every backyard brat fry in between.
And for those of you who don’t like reading, don’t worry—we’ve got pictures! Toss in illustrations, sidebars, quizzes, and jokes worthy of a supper club stall and The Midwest Survival Guide is just the walleye-deep look into this distinctive, beautiful, and bizarre American culture you’ve been looking for.
From the Publisher
ASIN : B08SMHWT21
Publisher : William Morrow
Accessibility : Learn more
Publication date : November 16, 2021
Language : English
File size : 161.9 MB
Screen Reader : Supported
Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
X-Ray : Enabled
Word Wise : Enabled
Print length : 304 pages
ISBN-13 : 978-0063074965
Page Flip : Enabled
Pamela Pace –
Good read!
Hilarious accurate and entertaining!
Jane E. –
My kids got a kick out of this book!
Funny, imaginative, and witty. Highly recommend.
redsand –
Great product
This is a wonderful guide
Marty Van Peebles –
Cheesehead certified
This is a great book. So much fun. He is a great cheesehead who knows how to make things funny. Its true. People from Wisconsin and the Midwest really are very kind. We also know how to not take themselves to seriously and used to having fun poked. In this world we just need to laugh and enjoy good humor. He does it every time.
kyle –
A must read for the midwest folks!
Charlie Berens is a well known must see comedian in the Midwest, known for his Wisconsin accent & humor. Ive been to multiple specials of his, and was estatic when he announced publishing his book. Each page provides essential tips for living in the Midwest in a comedic manor. Growing up in Wisconsin, this book is very relevant and provides humor throughout the entire read.
Gregory Kopish –
A fun book
A good slice of Berens humor.
wordplay2011 –
Charlie Berens is a Hoot!
Charlie Berens is a Wisconsin comedian and he knows how to tickle the funnybone of Midwesterners. This book was a gift to the family and we’ve all enjoyed reading his commentary and stories aloud. He hits the nail on the head of what it’s like to be a Midwesterner, from popular regional foods to jokes about mores and behaviors. Some of his tales are poignant and may bring a little tear to your eye. Great fun!
Laura H. –
Laughs for midwesterners!
Great holiday gift for grandpas (and anyone else) who love the unique language and quirks of being a midwesterner.
Hannah. –
I purchased this book as a gift to my brother and he really enjoyed it.