The Goldfinch is a big book, both in physical size and ambition. What initially seems like a straightforward story of a teenage boy dealing with the death of his mother turns into an epic coming of age story that teases the us, the reader, with where our emotional investment should reside.

What am I drinking: Merry Maker Gingerbread Stout from Sam Adams

What I read:

• The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (just a few dozen pages left, so I'm considering it a win)
• Radium Girls by Amanda Gowin

What I'll be reading:

• White Noise by Don DeLillo (seriously this time)
• Incarnations by Chris Deal

What I'll be drinking:

• Rubaeus Raspberry Ale from Founders Brewing Co.
• Love Child #4 from Boulevard Brewing Co.
• Championship Ale from Boulevard Brewing Co.
• Imperial Biscotti Break from Evil Twin
• Imperial Doughnut Break from Evil Twin

I've never done a To Be Read video. Why? I don't care for them as a viewer, so I felt somewhat false in trying to project excitement for caring for them as a creator. However, I think I've found a way to easy my conscious. Introducing: To Be Read + To Be Drunk, in which I tell you the books I'll be reading as well as the beers I'll be drinking. Enjoy.

What I'll be reading:

• The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
• White Noise by Don DeLillo

What I'll be drinking:

• Steel Toe Stout from Ska Brewing
• Samaels from Avery Brewing
• Huge Arker from Anderson Valley Brewing
• Raspberry Imperial Three Blind Mice from Mother's Brewing
• Lil' B from Evil Twin Brewing