Whiskey Rebels

Author: Davis Liss

One-sentence summary: Parallel stories of a disgraced patriot and a woman with more than monetary stock in the whiskey trade in the west converge in an unexpected and explosive conclusion.

B.A.D. Girls Book Rating: 7

Our favorite thing about it: We loved the two perspectives and interesting well-rounded characters.

Our least favorite thing about it: We felt that it was too long and wordy.

Main Topics of Discussion: Early American Banks, Settling the West, Justice/Law, Character Development, East vs. West, Slave Issues, British vs. American thinking/customs

Our favorite quote: “If we do nothing...and turn our backs now, in future generations, when rank corruption masquerades as liberty, it will be upon our shoulders. True patriots will then ask why we who were there to witness our nation at the crossroads did nothing.”

Notes: Despite the fact that we ALL thought that this book could be cut down by at least 100 pages, we all liked it for the most part. Not only did we think it too long, however, but also too wordy and detailed. The financial talk was confusing and while central to the story, did not have to be discussed in such detail for the story to be conveyed.

As for the story itself, we loved how it unfolded slowly and that it was told from two very different perspectives. I think we liked the Ethan character slightly more than Joan despite the fact that she was a woman narrator. Ethan’s character was so interesting to us and (we thought) very well-written. Joan’s was too, but just ever so slightly less interesting.

The fact that none of the charcters motives and pasts were entirely revealed until the end (or very near it) was suspenseful and interesting even when you did not know anything was being withheld.

From a historical standpoint, the story was also interesting as it factored in early American history and the beginnings of national banks. We all love a good historical fiction, and this aspect of the book was great.

Memorable Meeting Moments: We all had some honey whiskey shots and enjoyed planning our lake house trip for the following month.

What We Ate: Tomato Basil Orzo Salad, Chicken Salad with Salad Greens, Bread, and Fresh Strawberry Pie