Its a short listthe famous ski hills of Wisconsinthat teaches one of lifes great lessons: things arent always what they are cracked up to be. In this collection of humorous essays, Scott Jacobs explores a boyhood of idyllic pastimes and the questions it led to later in life. Why is Budweiser beechwood aged? Is Black Friday a scam? And where have all the waysides gone? Here is proof positive that Wisconsin isnt a state, its a state of mind; and gentle good humor is the coin of the realm. A delightful mix of funny and affectionate tales . . . Jacobs makes junk shops, college cheers, little league baseball and, yes, even ski hills as fresh and inviting as Peshtigo after a new snow. -- Elizabeth Station, author of Casseroles