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The Midwest Survival Guide: How We Talk, Love, Work, Drink, and Eat . . . Everything with Ranch
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.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published November 16, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
June 21, 2026
"In many ways, the inherent attitude of the Midwest is something the rest of the world may want to borrow: Find joy in the lows of life, because the lows lead to the highs."Comedian Charlie Berens got me through grad school - no joke - and when I realized he published a book - SNATCH!
For context, Charlie Berens is the creator of the Manitowoc Minute - a comedic YouTube show from waaaay back in the day where he would highlight and lightly poke fun at various midwestisms. The situational humor was spot on, the script was witty and clever, and it was genuinely heartwarming to have such a character hold my area in such high regard.
In grad school, I would bargain with myself - one hour studying = one Charlie Berens video. And so, over the next few years, I earned my degree. (He has made a LOT of videos).
Anyway, I stumbled upon this book and immediately picked it up. And luckily, Charlie Berens retains all his midwest charm and love for the state.
Throughout the book we get anecdotes about Charlie's life, various midwestisms that may only make sense to people who've lived in this state (Watch for deer! Ope! Casserole or Hot Dish?), and lots of fun quizzes, graphics and pictures highlighting the fun (if a bit wacky) tendencies.
"This book is, at its core, a tribute to life in the American Midwest: the good, the bad, and the Chicago Bears."
This was a wonderful lighthearted read and I'm really happy to have gotten a copy.
June 10, 2025
Amusement on every page! As a born-and-bred Midwesterner, many of the oddities you discover about this part of the country are absolutely true. I myself exemplify many classic Midwest attributes, and recognize many others in like-minded residents. On the other hand, I didn't realize some "Midwestisms" were uniquely Midwest until I saw them in print. This was particularly true of (some of) the language we use, or measuring distance in time, and using landmarks as directional points. I thought that was just something characteristic of me, or my family, but not necessarily a Midwest thing. Now I know just how different I must seem to people from other areas!
Charlie Berens is always entertaining and he good-naturedly pokes fun at the nice, ranch-loving, cheap beer drinking, Packers clad folks of the Midwest in such a way that you can't help but be proud of your Midwest roots, or wish that you had some Midwest in you. If you can't get your hands on a copy of this book, check out Charlie Berens and The Manitowoc Minute on YouTube for a sampling of Midwest culture, humor, and of course, the nonexistent Midwest accent. 😄
Charlie Berens is always entertaining and he good-naturedly pokes fun at the nice, ranch-loving, cheap beer drinking, Packers clad folks of the Midwest in such a way that you can't help but be proud of your Midwest roots, or wish that you had some Midwest in you. If you can't get your hands on a copy of this book, check out Charlie Berens and The Manitowoc Minute on YouTube for a sampling of Midwest culture, humor, and of course, the nonexistent Midwest accent. 😄
January 9, 2023
*Spoiler alert!*
As a proud Midwesterner (born in Michigan and currently living in Wisconsin), I will admit that my review is a bit biased.
However, The Midwest Survival Guide by comedian and podcast host Charlie Berens, is an absolute gem! With contributions from many writers and inspired by Charlie's trips around the country, everything from Midwestern culture to its hidden travel gems are explored in humorous detail.
You could tell that this book was proudly Wisconsin-centric, as many jokes were made about the state of Illinois, and its professional football team, "da Bears" (the Chicago Bears), chief rival to the Green Bay Packers. (As a Packer fan, I especially enjoyed this.)
I didn't listen to this one on audio, but having gone to one of Berens' shows in La Crosse, I could definitely hear his accent as I read it. (I had a grand time!)
(This quote comes from a section titled: "The Weather: Like a Box of Chocolates")
I felt especially seen when the unpredictable weather of our part of the country was brought up. I can attest to having to wear (or bring with me in the car) multiple layers in case it starts getting hot or starts to rain or sleet.
In the winter, I make sure to pack snowpants and winter boots, and always have an umbrella in my car ready to go. I don't put away the snow and ice scraper back into the trunk until May. Matching your clothes becomes less imperative in the face of unpredictable meteorological conditions.
(Quote from a section titled: "Midwest History")
Every the history nerd, another part of The Midwest Survival Guide that I really enjoyed was the section on Midwestern history, starting with that gem of a quote from 2,462,000 BCE, when the landscapes we know and love in Wisconsin and elsewhere were shaped.
From the indigenous peoples that originally inhabited the land to the present day, I learned a considerable amount of history not covered in detail in school, such as the first Midwestern city. Established in 1144, this first city, named Cahokia, was inhabited by 20,000+ Native American people.
The illustrations made the reading experience even more enjoyable for me. I picked up on the various bottles of ranch hidden on page corners or within much larger images throughout the book, in a humorous nod to the omnipresent, all-purpose condiment that's not just for salads, mind you.
While The Midwest Survival Guide leans hard into Midwestern stereotypes, it is done in a way that's not condescending to either Midwestern or non-Midwestern people. It gave me greater understanding of the cultural context my siblings and I were born into, explaining family gatherings in a way that confirmed I wasn't crazy that goodbyes took hours or that "uff-da" is a valid, multi-purpose exclamation of frustration or even sympathy with peoples' bad luck.
If you need a laugh and a break from the 24/7 bad news flood, The Midwest Survival Guide is your book!
Happy reading!
-Cora
Find this book and other titles within our catalog.
As a proud Midwesterner (born in Michigan and currently living in Wisconsin), I will admit that my review is a bit biased.
However, The Midwest Survival Guide by comedian and podcast host Charlie Berens, is an absolute gem! With contributions from many writers and inspired by Charlie's trips around the country, everything from Midwestern culture to its hidden travel gems are explored in humorous detail.
You could tell that this book was proudly Wisconsin-centric, as many jokes were made about the state of Illinois, and its professional football team, "da Bears" (the Chicago Bears), chief rival to the Green Bay Packers. (As a Packer fan, I especially enjoyed this.)
I didn't listen to this one on audio, but having gone to one of Berens' shows in La Crosse, I could definitely hear his accent as I read it. (I had a grand time!)
"Turns out the oceans regulate temperatures and are too big to push around weather-wise. So, when the West and East Coast landscapes try to act up, the Pacific and Atlantic usually quickly put them back in check...In Sioux Falls and Steubenville, however, it's come what may...Sans oceans in the Midwest, it gets extra hot in the summer and extra cold every spring, fall, and winter, and the weather just kinda does whatever it wants all day long. No telling what tomorrow--or the next hour--will bring."
(This quote comes from a section titled: "The Weather: Like a Box of Chocolates")
I felt especially seen when the unpredictable weather of our part of the country was brought up. I can attest to having to wear (or bring with me in the car) multiple layers in case it starts getting hot or starts to rain or sleet.
In the winter, I make sure to pack snowpants and winter boots, and always have an umbrella in my car ready to go. I don't put away the snow and ice scraper back into the trunk until May. Matching your clothes becomes less imperative in the face of unpredictable meteorological conditions.
"2,462,000 BCE to 650,000--On the Rocks: Giant glaciers say, 'Let me squeeze right past you der' and move over a continent, flattening every mountain in their path, creating thousands of lakes of various sizes, and establishing a chill in the air that's still freezing pipes and hearts today."
(Quote from a section titled: "Midwest History")
Every the history nerd, another part of The Midwest Survival Guide that I really enjoyed was the section on Midwestern history, starting with that gem of a quote from 2,462,000 BCE, when the landscapes we know and love in Wisconsin and elsewhere were shaped.
From the indigenous peoples that originally inhabited the land to the present day, I learned a considerable amount of history not covered in detail in school, such as the first Midwestern city. Established in 1144, this first city, named Cahokia, was inhabited by 20,000+ Native American people.
The illustrations made the reading experience even more enjoyable for me. I picked up on the various bottles of ranch hidden on page corners or within much larger images throughout the book, in a humorous nod to the omnipresent, all-purpose condiment that's not just for salads, mind you.
While The Midwest Survival Guide leans hard into Midwestern stereotypes, it is done in a way that's not condescending to either Midwestern or non-Midwestern people. It gave me greater understanding of the cultural context my siblings and I were born into, explaining family gatherings in a way that confirmed I wasn't crazy that goodbyes took hours or that "uff-da" is a valid, multi-purpose exclamation of frustration or even sympathy with peoples' bad luck.
If you need a laugh and a break from the 24/7 bad news flood, The Midwest Survival Guide is your book!
Happy reading!
-Cora
Find this book and other titles within our catalog.
April 2, 2022
From the inside front cover: “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.”
Charlie Berens’ delight is to unite people through his humor, because “When everyone is laughing, we forget what divides us.”
His philosophy is “Find joy in the lows of life, because the lows lead to the highs.” We learn to appreciate the good when we have sustained ourselves through the bad or difficult times.
We’ve all heard of the term ‘Midwest nice’ and when we moved here from New York in 1996 one of the first things we noticed was how polite and friendly people were in the local stores where we went to shop for supplies for our new home. According to Berens, ““Thank you” [is] The mighty spirit at the center of the Holy Trinity of Midwestern courtesy.”
I have always been curious about how the Midwest got its name and Berens explanation is extraordinary and involves cardboard and a nail! Originally it was referred to as the “Middle West,” however, “Always looking to speed things up, Americans eventually dropped a demanding syllable and just went with “the Midwest.”
What accent? Midwesterners don’t have an accent! However, Berens has some tips for approximating an accent, my favorite is “add vowels whenever possible. Elongate “cat” into “c-ea-t.”
Then, he has some tips for East Coasters: “treat your emotions like a moldy basement wall. Paint over it and hope for the best.” As for West Coasters: “Good news! We do have sustainably harvested, grass-fed meat; it’s in the back of the freezer marked “Venison-St. John’s Meat Raffle.”
What kind of people will you meet in the Midwest? Why, “from Swamp Angel, Kansas, to Watersmeet, Michigan, there are tens of millions of Midwesterners with more personalities than I-80 potholes.”
Today’s date is April 2, and it’s snowing steadily here in Crystal Lake, Illinois. In fact “consistently, the top-ten United States cities with the most unpredictable weather are all located in the Midwest.” Indeed, our weather can and does vary about 40ºF between one day and the next. We might say that the weather in the Midwest is “like a Box of Chocolates.”
Talking of food, “the Midwest’s love for ranch dressing is legendary.” Across America people are 3x more likely to put ranch dressing on their salad than any other salad dressing. However, “Midwesterners dump ranch on everything,” literally! Berens includes an extensive list of foods and adds “ranch dressing soda is made, sold, and consumed. When that’s not on hand, people will drink it straight from the bottle.” Midwesterners are truly serious about their ranch.
“Midwest culinary traditions are rooted in Indigenous and European culture, and more recently, immigrants from Somalia, the Middle East, and China have expanded the region’s better-known dishes.” Recipes for dishes such as Fish Fry French Toast, Cannibal Sandwich, Watergate Salad, Charlie’s (Mom’s) Casserole Hot Dish, Stir-Fried Instant Ramen, and Mistake Cake are included.
I learned some interesting laws in my state, Illinois, that I hadn’t known about. Namely, “You can’t fish in pajamas or fly a kite in Chicago,” and “You can’t drive a car without a steering wheel in Decatur.”
I’m not sure if I qualify as a true Midwesterner yet, as there are several items on Berens’ Midwest Bucket List I haven’t tried and I’m not sure if I ever will. After all, would you want to “wear shorts in below 30ºF weather, or dip your pizza or cereal in ranch?”
As Berens writes, “Language is the road map of a culture.” Here is a list of my favorite regional phrases from the glossary at the back of the book:
“jeet = “Did you eat,” pert’near = close (as in time or distance), sammich = sandwich, and sundog = circular rainbow formed around the sun on cold days.”
This is a wonderful book that had me laughing out loud often.
Charlie Berens’ delight is to unite people through his humor, because “When everyone is laughing, we forget what divides us.”
His philosophy is “Find joy in the lows of life, because the lows lead to the highs.” We learn to appreciate the good when we have sustained ourselves through the bad or difficult times.
We’ve all heard of the term ‘Midwest nice’ and when we moved here from New York in 1996 one of the first things we noticed was how polite and friendly people were in the local stores where we went to shop for supplies for our new home. According to Berens, ““Thank you” [is] The mighty spirit at the center of the Holy Trinity of Midwestern courtesy.”
I have always been curious about how the Midwest got its name and Berens explanation is extraordinary and involves cardboard and a nail! Originally it was referred to as the “Middle West,” however, “Always looking to speed things up, Americans eventually dropped a demanding syllable and just went with “the Midwest.”
What accent? Midwesterners don’t have an accent! However, Berens has some tips for approximating an accent, my favorite is “add vowels whenever possible. Elongate “cat” into “c-ea-t.”
Then, he has some tips for East Coasters: “treat your emotions like a moldy basement wall. Paint over it and hope for the best.” As for West Coasters: “Good news! We do have sustainably harvested, grass-fed meat; it’s in the back of the freezer marked “Venison-St. John’s Meat Raffle.”
What kind of people will you meet in the Midwest? Why, “from Swamp Angel, Kansas, to Watersmeet, Michigan, there are tens of millions of Midwesterners with more personalities than I-80 potholes.”
Today’s date is April 2, and it’s snowing steadily here in Crystal Lake, Illinois. In fact “consistently, the top-ten United States cities with the most unpredictable weather are all located in the Midwest.” Indeed, our weather can and does vary about 40ºF between one day and the next. We might say that the weather in the Midwest is “like a Box of Chocolates.”
Talking of food, “the Midwest’s love for ranch dressing is legendary.” Across America people are 3x more likely to put ranch dressing on their salad than any other salad dressing. However, “Midwesterners dump ranch on everything,” literally! Berens includes an extensive list of foods and adds “ranch dressing soda is made, sold, and consumed. When that’s not on hand, people will drink it straight from the bottle.” Midwesterners are truly serious about their ranch.
“Midwest culinary traditions are rooted in Indigenous and European culture, and more recently, immigrants from Somalia, the Middle East, and China have expanded the region’s better-known dishes.” Recipes for dishes such as Fish Fry French Toast, Cannibal Sandwich, Watergate Salad, Charlie’s (Mom’s) Casserole Hot Dish, Stir-Fried Instant Ramen, and Mistake Cake are included.
I learned some interesting laws in my state, Illinois, that I hadn’t known about. Namely, “You can’t fish in pajamas or fly a kite in Chicago,” and “You can’t drive a car without a steering wheel in Decatur.”
I’m not sure if I qualify as a true Midwesterner yet, as there are several items on Berens’ Midwest Bucket List I haven’t tried and I’m not sure if I ever will. After all, would you want to “wear shorts in below 30ºF weather, or dip your pizza or cereal in ranch?”
As Berens writes, “Language is the road map of a culture.” Here is a list of my favorite regional phrases from the glossary at the back of the book:
“jeet = “Did you eat,” pert’near = close (as in time or distance), sammich = sandwich, and sundog = circular rainbow formed around the sun on cold days.”
This is a wonderful book that had me laughing out loud often.
May 28, 2026
Despite never having lived in the Midwest myself (just visitation), I recognized myself in SO MUCH of this.
My dad is from Iowa, but I don't think that anyone would ever call him "nice". (I've seen him wish dismemberment on someone who hesitated too long at a light. LOL) I think I actually got my Midwest from my mom's side - though she's second gen herself (her dad was from Minnesota) and grew up in SoCal with the other half of her genetic donor set being a wayward hippy.
So anyway, that probably explains a lot about me and how I can be the nice person who will hold the door for you even if you're 50 feet behind me, but I'll cut you out of my life like you don't even exist if you say some racist/sexist/homophobic/transphobic/xenophobic/other ick shit around me.
I have a lot of patience at times. Other times I have less than none. My "love language" is acts of service, but I hate when people don't/can't/won't communicate.
I love fish. I hate TO fish.
I have two modes of exit: Midwest or Irish.
I'm a wealth of contradictions.
This book was a lot of fun though. I have enjoyed Charlie Berens' comedy for a while, so when I saw this book existed (only 5 years late, it's cool. I'm with the times and all that), I grabbed it.
It's not deep, unless you measure by the snowcover in Winnetka! (I assume?)
Listening to this on audio was great, because Charlie's voice cracks me up. But it was a bit repetitive, and despite some cool history trivia stuff that I didn't know, and the inclusion of more than a few callouts of the accomplishments and legacies of Native people from the Midwest, most of it focused on the folksiness and community... I guess something that's important if you're out in the middle of nowhere and it's Winter: Month 13 and you're about to lose your shit. Community is what brings you that hot dish and a sixer and will watch the game with you so you don't lose your shit and murder a whole buncha people, a la The Shining.
Go Packers.
My dad is from Iowa, but I don't think that anyone would ever call him "nice". (I've seen him wish dismemberment on someone who hesitated too long at a light. LOL) I think I actually got my Midwest from my mom's side - though she's second gen herself (her dad was from Minnesota) and grew up in SoCal with the other half of her genetic donor set being a wayward hippy.
So anyway, that probably explains a lot about me and how I can be the nice person who will hold the door for you even if you're 50 feet behind me, but I'll cut you out of my life like you don't even exist if you say some racist/sexist/homophobic/transphobic/xenophobic/other ick shit around me.
I have a lot of patience at times. Other times I have less than none. My "love language" is acts of service, but I hate when people don't/can't/won't communicate.
I love fish. I hate TO fish.
I have two modes of exit: Midwest or Irish.
I'm a wealth of contradictions.
This book was a lot of fun though. I have enjoyed Charlie Berens' comedy for a while, so when I saw this book existed (only 5 years late, it's cool. I'm with the times and all that), I grabbed it.
It's not deep, unless you measure by the snowcover in Winnetka! (I assume?)
Listening to this on audio was great, because Charlie's voice cracks me up. But it was a bit repetitive, and despite some cool history trivia stuff that I didn't know, and the inclusion of more than a few callouts of the accomplishments and legacies of Native people from the Midwest, most of it focused on the folksiness and community... I guess something that's important if you're out in the middle of nowhere and it's Winter: Month 13 and you're about to lose your shit. Community is what brings you that hot dish and a sixer and will watch the game with you so you don't lose your shit and murder a whole buncha people, a la The Shining.
Go Packers.
December 15, 2021
So fun! Loved the playful nature of this book and illustrations. All of this *might* be true 😉
January 10, 2023
A love letter to the flyover states, a rebuttal to the geography shaming often heaped upon the Midwest. It was heartwarming to be regaled with observations about this "country" of 13 states and 45 million people and all their quirky customs, food, and idiosyncrasies; our Midwestern Nice and the things we say... Ope! I'm gonna scoot by ya if ya don't mind. Jeez oh man!
Made me proud. 3.5 stars. Great coffee table book! But a skosh less charming, and kinda repetitive, when read cover-to-cover.
September 15, 2022
An amusing coffee table book, this was hard for me to get through like I would a normal book. Maybe it was the accent that I could hear in my head that was driving me nuts. There were a lot of moments that made me laugh. I honestly wish Charlie had made the book just a guide to Wisconsin. It would have hit home for me better and I think he would have done a better job with it too. Write what you know best right? Pick it up and read a page or two for a laugh. Then keep reading your novel.
January 10, 2022
In true Charlie Berens fashion he has you laughing throughout. He has that balance of poking fun and pride in his writing about the Midwest ways. This will remain on my coffee table for it is sure to start a few conversations.
May 6, 2022
Haha, this was just as great as his Youtube videos! Yep, my husband and I are big fans of his Youtube stuff and we are always happy when there is new stuff! This book took a bit to get it (pre-ordered on Amazon last year November.... gave up in April this year and just bought it elsewhere that DID have it in stock), but 100% worth it.
In this book we learn all about the great Midwest from food to universities to games to living there to phrases and so much more! And we also get some personal stories from Charlie about his family or events that happened when he was younger. There are fun illustrations and photographs and there are also quizzes and games to do!
The book really made me laugh, smile, chuckle, and now I would love to visit the Midwest.
Highly recommended.
In this book we learn all about the great Midwest from food to universities to games to living there to phrases and so much more! And we also get some personal stories from Charlie about his family or events that happened when he was younger. There are fun illustrations and photographs and there are also quizzes and games to do!
The book really made me laugh, smile, chuckle, and now I would love to visit the Midwest.
Highly recommended.
May 23, 2022
I loved this book -- so funny, especially if you live in the Midwest! While Berens covers 12 states, it is very Wisconsin-centric (you can tell from the Illinois jokes!), and you can practically hear the accent as you read. The author also does The Manitowoc Minute on YouTube, if you crave more Wisconsin humor. Looking for something laugh-out-loud funny amid all the sad and awful news in the world? Read a bit of this book every day.
December 26, 2021
This, children, is what happens when you don't specify what books you want as gifts.
Be warned.
(it was kind of funny though)
Be warned.
(it was kind of funny though)
Read
December 29, 2021How can you not like a book that mentions the Center of the World (Trumbull County, Ohio)? 😄
July 19, 2022
A very enjoyable read! Found myself giggling quite a bit.
November 27, 2021
I was born and raised in Kansas and this guide encompasses everything Midwest. I love it. My only criticism is that Kansas is not flatter than a pancake and I would like to add that everyone should visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri, see The Christmas Carol by the KC Rep, and visit the Johnson County museum in Johnson County, Kansas.
November 28, 2021
I feel seen! I'm a born-and-bred Minnesotan. This book does explain the Midwestern way of life to those on the outside. Yes, we have four hour-long goodbyes, it’s called hot dish not casserole” and "Ope" is frequently said. I laughed so many times as I listened to this audiobook narrated by the author/comedian himself, Charlie Berens. I recommend this book to my fellow Midwestern bookstagrammers. You will appreciate the humor! I also recommend this to the bookstagrammers elsewhere so you can prepare for our future in-person meetings in 2022. It’s going to happen!
Thank you, @harperaudio, for my complimentary audiobook for this honest review.
Thank you, @harperaudio, for my complimentary audiobook for this honest review.
January 23, 2022
The perfect gift for the midwesterner in your life. Charlie gets 5 stars for celebrating the diversity of the midwest (he includes Hmong voices, highlights Black achievements and Indigenous art and cultural influences) and for including a land acknowledgement.
January 20, 2022
This genuinely made me laugh out loud. It's the sort of tongue in cheek humor I enjoy, while actually being informative, even for someone who's lived in the Midwest their whole life.
November 16, 2023
Listened to audiobook. Hilarious. Though my boundaries of the Midwest are narrower. Just WI, MI, IL, IN, IA, MN and OH. Those other ones are the Plain States.
December 24, 2022
I'm not sure if people outside of the Midwest would enjoy it, but I saw so many members of my family, my neighbors, and even myself in the pages of this book. It was the lighthearted read I needed right now.
February 5, 2022
3.5 stars, rounded up for MN Nice.
January 8, 2023
*Spoiler alert!*
As a proud Midwesterner (born in Michigan and currently living in Wisconsin), I will admit that my review is a bit biased. However, The Midwest Survival Guide by comedian and podcast host Charlie Berens, is an absolute gem! With contributions from many writers and inspired by Charlie's trips around the country, everything from Midwestern culture to its hidden travel gems are explored in humorous detail.
You could tell that this book was proudly Wisconsin-centric, as many jokes were made about the state of Illinois, and its professional football team, "da Bears" (the Chicago Bears), chief rival to the Green Bay Packers. (As a Packer fan, I especially enjoyed this.) I didn't listen to this one on audio, but having gone to one of Berens' shows in La Crosse, I could definitely hear his accent as I read it. (I had a grand time!)
(This quote comes from a section titled: "The Weather: Like a Box of Chocolates")
I felt especially seen when the unpredictable weather of our part of the country was brought up. I can attest to having to wear (or bring with me in the car) multiple layers in case it starts getting hot or starts to rain or sleet. In the winter, I make sure to pack snowpants and winter boots, and always have an umbrella in my car ready to go. I don't put away the snow and ice scraper back into the trunk until May. Matching your clothes becomes less imperative in the face of unpredictable meteorlogical conditions.
(Quote from a section titled: "Midwest History")
Every the history nerd, another part of The Midwest Survival Guide that I really enjoyed was the section on Midwestern history, starting with that gem of a quote from 2,462,000 BCE, when the landscapes we know and love in Wisconsin and elsewhere were shaped. From the indigenous peoples that originally inhabited the land to the present day, I learned a considerable amount of history not covered in detail in school, such as the first Midwestern city. Established in 1144, this first city, named Cahokia, was inhabited by 20,000+ Native American people.
The illustrations made the reading experience even more enjoyable for me. I picked up on the various bottles of ranch hidden on page corners or within much larger images throughout the book, in a humorous nod to the omnipresent, all-purpose condiment that's not just for salads, mind you.
While The Midwest Survival Guide leans hard into Midwestern stereotypes, it is done in a way that's not condescending to either Midwestern or non-Midwestern people. It gave me greater understanding of the cultural context my siblings and I were born into, explaining family gatherings in a way that confirmed I wasn't crazy that goodbyes took hours or that "uff-da" is a valid, multi-purpose exclamation of frustration or even sympathy with peoples' bad luck.
If you need a laugh and a break from the 24/7 bad news flood, The Midwest Survival Guide is your book!
Happy reading!
--BookOwl
As a proud Midwesterner (born in Michigan and currently living in Wisconsin), I will admit that my review is a bit biased. However, The Midwest Survival Guide by comedian and podcast host Charlie Berens, is an absolute gem! With contributions from many writers and inspired by Charlie's trips around the country, everything from Midwestern culture to its hidden travel gems are explored in humorous detail.
You could tell that this book was proudly Wisconsin-centric, as many jokes were made about the state of Illinois, and its professional football team, "da Bears" (the Chicago Bears), chief rival to the Green Bay Packers. (As a Packer fan, I especially enjoyed this.) I didn't listen to this one on audio, but having gone to one of Berens' shows in La Crosse, I could definitely hear his accent as I read it. (I had a grand time!)
"Turns out the oceans regulate temperatures and are too big to push around weather-wise. So, when the West and East Coast landscapes try to act up, the Pacific and Atlantic usually quickly put them back in check...In Sioux Falls and Steubenville, however, it's come what may...Sans oceans in the Midwest, it gets extra hot in the summer and extra cold every spring, fall, and winter, and the weather just kinda does whatever it wants all day long. No telling what tomorrow--or the next hour--will bring."
(This quote comes from a section titled: "The Weather: Like a Box of Chocolates")
I felt especially seen when the unpredictable weather of our part of the country was brought up. I can attest to having to wear (or bring with me in the car) multiple layers in case it starts getting hot or starts to rain or sleet. In the winter, I make sure to pack snowpants and winter boots, and always have an umbrella in my car ready to go. I don't put away the snow and ice scraper back into the trunk until May. Matching your clothes becomes less imperative in the face of unpredictable meteorlogical conditions.
"2,462,000 BCE to 650,000--On the Rocks: Giant glaciers say, 'Let me squeeze right past you der' and move over a continent, flattening every mountain in their path, creating thousands of lakes of various sizes, and establishing a chill in the air that's still freezing pipes and hearts today."
(Quote from a section titled: "Midwest History")
Every the history nerd, another part of The Midwest Survival Guide that I really enjoyed was the section on Midwestern history, starting with that gem of a quote from 2,462,000 BCE, when the landscapes we know and love in Wisconsin and elsewhere were shaped. From the indigenous peoples that originally inhabited the land to the present day, I learned a considerable amount of history not covered in detail in school, such as the first Midwestern city. Established in 1144, this first city, named Cahokia, was inhabited by 20,000+ Native American people.
The illustrations made the reading experience even more enjoyable for me. I picked up on the various bottles of ranch hidden on page corners or within much larger images throughout the book, in a humorous nod to the omnipresent, all-purpose condiment that's not just for salads, mind you.
While The Midwest Survival Guide leans hard into Midwestern stereotypes, it is done in a way that's not condescending to either Midwestern or non-Midwestern people. It gave me greater understanding of the cultural context my siblings and I were born into, explaining family gatherings in a way that confirmed I wasn't crazy that goodbyes took hours or that "uff-da" is a valid, multi-purpose exclamation of frustration or even sympathy with peoples' bad luck.
If you need a laugh and a break from the 24/7 bad news flood, The Midwest Survival Guide is your book!
Happy reading!
--BookOwl
July 2, 2024
I'm a Wisconsinite through and through. So much so that when I moved twenty minutes away to Iowa (almost against my will) for almost 8 years, I spent almost 8 years dreaming of getting back to Wisconsin. And dreams do come true, folks!
I first saw Charlie Berens on Facebook ("old people social media" according to my teenage daughter) x number of years ago. He provided many laughs and prompted many share links to and from my dad. I bought his book when it released for FULL PRICE (although if anyone asks, I'll tell them I had a coupon). And yet I just got around to reading it now...
Despite being a pretty thorough examination of the Midwest and those who inhabit it, this book would be a little confusing and a little unfulfilling for anyone who doesn't live in the Midwest, has never lived in the Midwest, or doesn't even know anyone from the Midwest. But there are plenty of nice Midwestern folks to read this. And perhaps half a dozen non-Midwest people who plan to move here to read this.
And while I agree with a reviewer who says they wish Charlie would have focused on Wisconsin alone (I may be a bit biased), I also know that brawls can break out from one Midwest state "claiming" something that another Midwest state believes them get to "claim," so this was probably the best way to avoid copious amounts of hate mail.
This book has a ton in it and is pretty spot on but beware that it's a lot to take in at once. I read it all in a couple days and had to stop from skimming a couple times.
Besides jokes, family stories, and wisdom aplenty, this also includes a page of Midwest apparel sites, a blurb and web address for Indigenous-made films, travel advice based on budget and flash potential, and recipes (!!), so I can't rate it any lower than 4 Stars.
I first saw Charlie Berens on Facebook ("old people social media" according to my teenage daughter) x number of years ago. He provided many laughs and prompted many share links to and from my dad. I bought his book when it released for FULL PRICE (although if anyone asks, I'll tell them I had a coupon). And yet I just got around to reading it now...
Despite being a pretty thorough examination of the Midwest and those who inhabit it, this book would be a little confusing and a little unfulfilling for anyone who doesn't live in the Midwest, has never lived in the Midwest, or doesn't even know anyone from the Midwest. But there are plenty of nice Midwestern folks to read this. And perhaps half a dozen non-Midwest people who plan to move here to read this.
And while I agree with a reviewer who says they wish Charlie would have focused on Wisconsin alone (I may be a bit biased), I also know that brawls can break out from one Midwest state "claiming" something that another Midwest state believes them get to "claim," so this was probably the best way to avoid copious amounts of hate mail.
This book has a ton in it and is pretty spot on but beware that it's a lot to take in at once. I read it all in a couple days and had to stop from skimming a couple times.
Besides jokes, family stories, and wisdom aplenty, this also includes a page of Midwest apparel sites, a blurb and web address for Indigenous-made films, travel advice based on budget and flash potential, and recipes (!!), so I can't rate it any lower than 4 Stars.
March 7, 2024
Oh, as a Midwesterner, I laughed so hard at all the things that I completely identify with in this guide. It reminds me of the time I had to drive home from a basketball game in my VW Beetle that was iced over on the outside and fogged up on the inside. It took forever for it to warm up, and I was impatient. So, I stuck my hand out of the driver’s window and wiped a spot big enough to see through as I drove. It was “good enough” until the engine warmed up—just as I pulled into my driveway. This is a spot-on insight into who we are, quirks and all.
March 12, 2022
Audio book. The first couple hours was entertaining, but then it gets old, with generally the same observations.
DNF. And even though DNF, I heard at least 3 times the bit about the 4 way stop sign, which seemed to get longer with each telling.
DNF. And even though DNF, I heard at least 3 times the bit about the 4 way stop sign, which seemed to get longer with each telling.
March 25, 2022
Ope! There's a book written just for us. Charlie Berens delighted and enlightened me with his comedic yet accurate depiction of life as a Midwesterner and how transplants can acclimate to the culture. I highly recommend reading this book.
September 29, 2022
This was cute, and there were many moments that made me laugh aloud. I (from WI) listened to the audiobook with my Portuguese husband and we decided he's basically a Midwestern mom.
I will say this - I love that the audiobook is narrated by the author; it really brings the flavor of the book out in a way no one else could. However, there are definitely chapters of this book that do not translate well into audio. Namely, chapters that are lists/non-prose text. It's tedious to listen to a list being read, no matter who is reading it.
I will say this - I love that the audiobook is narrated by the author; it really brings the flavor of the book out in a way no one else could. However, there are definitely chapters of this book that do not translate well into audio. Namely, chapters that are lists/non-prose text. It's tedious to listen to a list being read, no matter who is reading it.
March 16, 2022
3.5 stars, but Midwest Nice means I round up to 4
April 24, 2022
I grew up in Michigan, and the chapter on Goodbyes had me howling with laughter! It’s so true. This is a feel-good, fun book. I enjoyed it!
June 21, 2022
I’ve purchased SO SO SO SO MANY kindle deals of the day (no seriously I have like 100 on my kindle…whoops) but this, this was a beauty and hilarious read.
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