Now that the hit sitcom Cheers has been relegated to TV Land, finding a neighborhood joint like that famous bar in Boston might be a little harder. It's not, however, pure fiction; just ask Mary DeVoir, author of A Bartender's Recipe for a Happy Life.
"It's Cheers in live action," said DeVoir, referring to Bob's Sports Bar where she worked behind the bar for 10 years. "Everybody knows your name. [I] know their cocktail, [I'm] pouring it before they even get their coat off. No one's invited but everyone's welcomed."
DeVoir is originally from St. Joseph and moved to Grand Rapids, where she settled into a bartending position at Bob's Sports Bar (725 Michigan St. SE).
"I fell in love with it," she said. "The service industry is either in your blood or it isn't. Pouring a good drink...can be learned; it's how you take care of your customers that matters. It's the people industry.
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Mary DeVoir
Schuler Books and Music, 28th St., Grand Rapids Mar. 20, 1 p.m. schulerbooks.com, (616) 942-2561
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In fact, what her customers shared gave her an idea.
"My book was inspired by the memorable conversations I would have with my patrons," says DeVoir. "Being a bit of a journal writer and note taker on just about anything that comes my way, I began to write these bits of wit and wisdom on bar napkins and put them in my tip jar."
Regulars of the bar started having fun with DeVoir and would start saying, "Hey Mary, here's one for your book."
"It got to a point [where] if I was too busy to write something down, they would write it on a napkin," she said.
As time passed, she collected more and more sayings, jokes, and bits of advice.
She left Bob's and began to write A Bartender's Recipe for a Happy Life in August 2008. By September of the next year, she was ready to self-publish.
"It's the most fun I ever had. [I'm] extremely blessed and truly amazed at how smoothly it went."
The book contains more than 250 cocktail recipes as well "a shot of humor, a pint of advice, a jigger of quotes." To read a few pages from the book, visit DeVoir's Web site at whatsyourpleasure.net.
Other Literary Events
By Kelli Ponstein
Mitt Romney
Barnes & Noble, Woodland
March 11, 12 p.m.
barnesandnoble.com, (616) 940-0820
Former Massachusetts Governor and Honorary Chairman of the Free and Strong America PAC Mitt Romney is coming to Grand Rapids for a book signing. His book, No Apology: The Case for American Greatness, dives into his views on the current issues of the economy, health care, energy and education in America. Romney uses the book as means to express and discuss his "vision of a renewed America." Possible Republican front runner for the next Presidential election, Romney will speak on the changes he sees that need to be made and how he outlines them in his writing.
Linda Nemec Foster
East Grand Rapids Library
March 27, 2 p.m.
kdl.org, 616-784-2007
Poet Linda Nemec Foster will delight audiences with a reading from her poetry collections. Completing nine poetry works including Listen to the Landscape, Talking Diamonds and Amber Necklace of Gdansk, Nemec has written about her Eastern European heritage, responding to the natural world and the events of ordinary lives.
Used Book Sales
Spring is in the air and so is spring cleaning! With everyone going through their belongings, many KDL district libraries see it as the perfect time for used book sales! Check out the different sales for low-priced treasures of literature, movies and other media products. There is something for everyone.
Byron Township Branch
March 5-6 9:30 a.m., 8 &11 12 p.m. and 9, 10, 12 9:30 a.m.
Plainfield Township Branch
March 5, 6 & 8, 10 a.m., and 7, 1 p.m.
Cascade Township Branch
March 20, 10 a.m. and 21, 1 p.m.
kdl.org, 616-784-2007
