Grillin' in 'da Blizzard: Tales from Life in Wisconsin

by Wayne Larson

Get ready to experience the ultimate slice of Wisconsin life with Grillin’ in a Tales from Life in the Great White Cheese State, a laugh-out-loud collection of stories, tall tales, and hard truths that every true Wisconsinite knows by heart. Wayne Larson captures the spirit of America’s Dairyland in this heartwarming, hilarious book that’s as comforting as a Friday night fish fry and as genuine as a Packers fan in a cheesehead hat.

From braving a blizzard to fire up the grill (because a little snow never hurt a brat) to debating the superiority of Kwik Trip’s glazers, Larson serves up a celebration of everything that makes Wisconsin special—its quirks, its characters, and its unapologetic love for all things cheese, beer, and football. Whether he’s recounting a legendary cookout in subzero temperatures or the universal struggle to navigate road construction season, Larson’s stories will have you nodding in recognition and laughing out loud.

In this book, you’ll Unspoken Rules of Kwik Why grabbing a coffee and a glazer is basically a rite of passage, and why you’ll never leave with just what you came for.The Fine Art of Grilling in Any Because in Wisconsin, the only thing tougher than the winters are the folks who grill in them.The Sacred Ritual of the Friday Night Fish The food, the feuds, and why it’s practically a religion.A Love Letter to Lambeau Where every Packer game feels like a pilgrimage, and “Go Pack Go” is the prayer.An Ode to “Ope!”: The little word that sums up the state’s big heart.And much more!
Written with the dry humor, down-to-earth warmth, and a deep love of all things Wisconsin, Grillin’ in a Blizzard isn’t just a book—it’s an invitation to pull up a lawn chair, grab a brat, and join in on the conversation. If you’ve ever shoveled snow in shorts, cheered for the Packers in a windstorm, or found yourself driving out of your way just to stop at Kwik Trip, this book is for you.

Perfect for Wisconsin natives, transplanted Cheeseheads, or anyone who’s ever wondered why we call it a “bubbler” instead of a water fountain, Grillin’ in a Blizzard is a celebration of life in the heart of the Midwest—one laugh, one brat, and one beer at a time.

Welcome to Wisconsin. Ope, let’s get readin’!

233 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2024

Reviews

[Gerald Matzke · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I don’t live in Wisconsin, I have spent enough time there over the past sixty years to be able chuckle and nog my head throughout this book about what makes life in the Badger State unique. The author describes events like the Friday night fish fry at the supper club in such a way that you taste the relish plate and the crunch of the fried perch. His style is aimed at being humorous without being silly. He exudes great respect for Wisconsin traditions that any visitor will soon encounter. What outsiders, otherwise known as people from Illinois, might consider quirky, Larson takes pride in the “Sconnie” culture. This was fun to read and it would be a good introduction for anyone planning a trip Up North.

[Becky Swanson · Rating 1 out of 5]

A friend Recommended I read this. I was hoping for more story. This is more like a watered down Charlie Beherns. No compelling stories. How many chapters and explanations of Ope does one book need? And we get it: it’s not about any of the quirky things it’s about relationships and community. But I also wonder about the author’s overuse of the word “sacred”. So much declared sacred, even in jest, is tepid. YMMV

[Mike Van Ryzin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was …… okay.
I had hoped and expected more, but, oh well. A lot of repetition of stories, etc.
Because I’m midwestern nice (and a transplanted Wisconsinite) 😀, it’s on to the next book in the series.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Repetitive and in need of an editor and better formatting. But charming and nostalgic for this Sconnie gal.