Books and beer pairing suggestions in time for the long weekend

With the August long weekend upon us, there is no better time to pick up a book and a beer, finding a quiet spot to enjoy them both.

Between an increasing number of Ontario craft breweries represented in the LCBO and the rise in breweries offering online shopping, it's easier than ever to explore the many great beers that this province has to offer.

So easy, in fact, that it can be hard to choose.

With that in mind, here's a list of pairing picks to enjoy in the heat of summer. Each has been chosen based on the basic principles of food and beer pairings: complement, contrast, and cut. 

The Sentence is Death by Anthony Horowitz

Horowitz himself is the reluctant narrator of this second instalment in a series about private investigator Daniel Hawthorne, where the writing is — quite literally — on the wall. A whodunit tale about the strange murder of a celebrity divorce lawyer, The Sentence is Death is clever and fast paced, with a healthy dose of humour. 

Beer pairing: Pompous Ass English Ale, Great Lakes Brewery (Toronto).

A stylistic complement to the British series, this English ale provides a light body with balanced notes of black tea and toasted malts, plus a name that fits Hawthorne himself.

Alternate pairing:  Brown Ale, Anderson Craft Ales (London).

Chop Suey Nation by Ann Hui

In 2016, Globe and Mail food reporter Ann Hui traveled from British Columbia to Newfoundland in search of small town Chinese restaurants.

Her resulting account is part travelogue, part history, part exploration of the immigrant experience, and all immensely readable. You might even find that it leaves you with a hankering for (Canadian) Chinese food. 

Beer pairing: Lemonade Brigade Barrel Fermented Lemonade Sour, Short Finger Brewing Co. (Kitchener).

Focusing on the food that's so central to this story, picking a light, citrus-forward sour beer will guarantee a pleasant contrast with the umami and spicy notes that are so common in Canadian Chinese cuisine. 

Alternate Pairing: Lemonade Stand Sour, Indie Ale House (Toronto).

The Last Astronaut by David Wellington

Disgraced astronaut Sally Jensen becomes humanity's last hope for survival in this addictive first-contact thriller. Known best for writing horror novels, Wellington adds his trademark creepy vibes to a science fiction adventure that's perfect for fans of the films Arrival and Alien alike. 

Beer pairing: Nocturne Oatmeal Stout, Counterpoint Brewing Co. (Kitchener)

The near-back colour sets the mood for an adventure in the darkness of space, while the smooth body and softly roasted malt flavours keep it light enough for the summer heat.

Alternate Pairing: Oater Limits Oatmeal Stout, Dawson Trail Craft Brewery (Thunder Bay)

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, ill. Renee Nault

Renee Nault's watercolours bring Gilead to life in a chillingly well-adapted graphic take on Atwood's speculative fiction classic. This is a great option for those looking for a refresher of the novel before its sequel, The Testaments, is released in September.

Beer pairing: Helles Lager, Wellington Brewery (Guelph)

With a graphic novel that's this tough to put down, it makes sense to choose a lighter brew for some marathon reading. This refreshing German-style lager will cut through the darkness to remind you that there's still light in the world. 

Alternate pairing: Vim and Vigor Pilsner, Tooth and Nail Brewing Co. (Ottawa)

Rules for Visiting by Jessica Francis Kane

More comfortable with plants than people, botanist May Attaway takes off on a journey to reconnect with old friends. Kane's meandering exploration of the role of friendship in the digital age is funny and heartening, begging for a bit of introspection. A perfect dock read.

Beer pairing: Janky IPA, Matron Fine Beer (Bloomfield)

Offering notes of floral and citrus, this balanced IPA is as bright as Kane's writing, making it the perfect summer sipper to complement a light-hearted read. 

Alternate Pairing: Golden Beach, Sawdust City Brewing Co. (Gravenhurst)