100,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ

Overnight NZ-wide delivery on in-stock orders πŸš€

The Greatest Beer Run Ever

THE CRAZY TRUE STORY BEHIND THE MAJOR MOVIE STARRING ZAC EFRON AND RUSSELL CROW
3.92 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 13,705 ratings, 1,425 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In The Greatest Beer Run Ever, John "Chick" Donohue embarks on a daring and humorous journey during the Vietnam War to deliver beer to his buddies serving on the front lines. This true story of camaraderie and adventure showcases bravery and the lengths one will go to support friends.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK Please add to wishlist to be notified when back in stock

Sorry, we're currently out of stock of The Greatest Beer Run Ever. Please add to your Wishlist and we'll send you an email as soon as it's back in stock.

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might like this book if you enjoy true stories of daring escapades and heart-warming friendships set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War. This travel and adventure memoir combines humour, courage and a unique perspective on an extraordinary journey.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The inspiration behind the movie starring Zac Efron, Russell Crowe and Bill Murray: an amazing true story of a young man who takes his buddies a few cans of beer - in the heat of the Vietnam war.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Greatest Beer Run Ever by J. T. Molloy and John 'Chick' Donohue is a heartwarming and captivating memoir that transports readers to one of the most tumultuous times in recent history. Set during the height of the Vietnam War, the book chronicles the extraordinary journey of ex-Marine and merchant seaman "Chick" Donohue who embarks on a seemingly impossible mission: to personally deliver beers to his friends serving in combat. What begins as a wild idea during a night of drinking at his local New York City bar soon turns into an unforgettable adventure filled with danger, camaraderie, and unexpected revelations.

Inspired by a sense of duty and armed with Irish luck, Chick sets sail for Vietnam with a backpack brimming with beer. His journey takes him from the bustling streets of New York to the war-torn landscapes of Southeast Asia. Upon arriving in Vietnam, Chick navigates through perilous conditions, relying on his quick wit and charm to make his way through checkpoints and frontline territories. Along his route, he experiences the raw realities of the war, finding himself in the Demilitarized Zone and smack in the middle of the Tet Offensive in Saigon.

As the story unfolds, Chick's mission becomes more than just delivering cold beers; it becomes a journey of self-discovery and contemplation. He reconnects with his friends and shares moments of camaraderie and solace amid the chaos. However, each encounter also forces him to confront the harsh truths about the war and its impact on those who fight. By the end of his trek, battered and exhausted, Chick begins to question the very reasons behind the conflict and the true cost of war.

The Greatest Beer Run Ever is the inspiration behind the major movie starring Zac Efron, Russell Crowe, and Bill Murray.

Malachy McCourt praises the book, stating, "You will laugh and cry, but you will not be sorry that you read this rollicking story." John Bruning, a New York Times bestselling author, calls it "An unforgettable wild ride from start to finish." Additionally, Publishers Weekly describes Donohue's memoir as "A fascinating, vividly narrated recollection of the chaos of the Vietnam war."

For anyone looking for a story that blends humour, heartbreak, and history, The Greatest Beer Run Ever offers a captivating glimpse into an extraordinary adventure during one of the most volatile periods of the 20th century. This is a tale of friendship, resilience, and the lengths one man will go to for his comrades.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Greatest Beer Run Ever by J. T. Molloy and John 'Chick' Donohue is praised for its humorous and heartfelt narrative that chronicles an extraordinary journey during the Vietnam War. Reviewers appreciate its unique blend of adventure, camaraderie, and historical context, highlighting the book's engaging storytelling and the remarkable true story at its core.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781800961227

Publisher: Octopus Publishing Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 29 September 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Monoray

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 28.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 202.0mm

Weight: 260g

Pages: 288

About the Author

John "Chick" Donohue joined the United States Marine Corps at the age of seventeen and spent several years as a Merchant Mariner after his discharge. His work took him to numerous foreign ports, including Saigon during the Vietnam War. After the war, he became a tunnel builder, and eventually became a Director of Sandhogs, Local 147, Laborers' International Union of North America, a post in which he served for over three decades. He is happily married to Theresa "Terri" O'Neil and spends his time between New York, Florida, and West Cork, Ireland.

Also by J. T. Molloy

View all
  • The Greatest Beer Run Ever
    NOW A MAJOR MOVIE STARRING ZAC EFRON, RUSSELL CROWE AND BILL MURRAY 'An extraordinary story.' - Daily Mail 'An unforgettable, wild ride from start to finish.' - John Bruning 'The astounding true story - from the streets of Manhattan to the jungles of Vietnam.' - Thomas Kelly IT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA AT THE TIME. As a result of...
    Paperback
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow

More from Travel & Adventure

View all
  • The Salt Path
    The bestselling true story of the couple who lost everything and embarked on a journey not of escape but salvation, soon to be a major motion picture starring Golden Globe winning Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs. Just days after Raynor learns that Moth, her husband of 32 years, is terminally ill, the couple lose their home and their livelihood. With...
    Paperback
    $2700
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Lonely Planet Japan
    #1 Bestselling guidebook to Japan "Classic. Comprehensive. Crucial." - Library Journal Lonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan the trip of a lifetime to Japan. Discover popular and off the beaten track experiences from visiting Yoshino for Japan's most famous cherry-blossom-viewing festival to sipping sake at a 300-year-old brewery in Niigata, and exploring the...
    Paperback
    $4100
    Elsewhere:
    $4499
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Maintenance: Of Everything
    The first in-depth exploration of maintenance and a powerful argument for its civilisational importance from the author of How Buildings Learn and creator of the Whole Earth Catalog. Maintenance is what keeps everything going. It's what keeps life going. Yet it's also easy to shirk or defer until the thing breaks, the system falters, and everything stops. The apparent paradox...
    Hardback
    $7999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Abroad in Japan
    The hilarious number one bestselling memoir from YouTube sensation Chris Broad, a Brit trying to assimilate into life in Japan as he unravels the wonders and eccentricities of one of the world's most mysterious cultures. When Englishman Chris Broad landed in a rural village in northern Japan, he wondered if he'd made a huge mistake. With no knowledge of the...
    Paperback
    $2500
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Cat's Tales
    Once upon a time, the enchanting creature that is the cat infiltrated our lives – and our folklore. Cats have a long association with the supernatural – from being worshipped as gods in ancient Egypt to vilified as witches’ familiars in Europe – and they appear in countless fairy tales throughout history. Every part of the world has its own...
    Hardback
    $3099
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Penguin Lessons
    Now a major film, this is the true story of an unlikely friendship between a flightless bird and a teacher out of his depth. When schoolteacher Tom Michell pulls a penguin from an oil slick off the coast of Uruguay, he has no idea what to do. Back at his apartment, Tom cleans him, but upon returning to the beach,...
    Paperback
    $2400
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Rambling Man
    THE NUMBER ONE BESTSELLING HILARIOUS NEW BOOK FROM THE NATION'S FAVOURITE COMEDIAN, BILLY CONNOLLY "Being a Rambling Man was what I always wanted to be, to live the way I damn well pleased. I've met the weirdest and most wonderful people who walk the Earth, seen the most bizarre and the most fantastic sights - and I've rarely come across...
    Paperback
    $2299
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • On Sale
    22% off
    Lonely Planet Pocket Lisbon
    Lonely Planet's Pocket Lisbon is your guide to the city's best experiences and local life - neighbourhood by neighbourhood. Experience the city's most scenic tram routes, find the best pastΓ©is de nata and discover the winding backstreets of Alfama; all with your trusted travel companion. Uncover the best of Lisbon and make the most of your trip! Inside Lonely Planet's...
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Cozy Bookshops: Colouring Book
    Cozy Bookshopsβ€”your ultimate escape into a world of bookish bliss and mindful relaxation in 46 adorable scenes, from the coziest book nooks. Wander labyrinthine bookshelves, sink into soft armchairs by roaring fireplaces, and lose yourself in snug, atmospheric corners. Escape, relax, and unwind with this colouring book for all skill levels and bring your own personality. The possibilities are endless!...
    Paperback
    $2000
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • On Sale
    22% off
    Lonely Planet Pocket Porto
    Lonely Planet's Pocket Porto is your guide to the city's best experiences and local life, neighbourhood by neighbourhood. Experience the historic Se cathedral, marvel at the stunning Palacio da Bolsa, and visit peacocks in Jardim do Palacio de Cristal, all with your trusted travel companion. Uncover the best of Porto and make the most of your trip! Inside Lonely Planet's...
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Auto Biography
    From one of the world's most popular motor journalists, a highly entertaining, clued-up and panoramic guide to cars. A highly entertaining, clued-up and panoramic guide to cars by Mat Watson, the world's most followed car journalist on social media. Mat Watson knows everything there is to know about cars. In his 25-year career as a motor journalist, he has driven...
    Hardback
    $4600
    Elsewhere:
    $6000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Brilliant Maps
    With a foreword by Tim Harford Which nations have North Korean embassies? Which region has the highest number of death metal bands per capita? How many countries have bigger economies than California? Who drives on the 'wrong' side of the road? And where can you find lions in the wild? Revelatory, thought-provoking and fun, Brilliant Maps is a unique atlas...
    Paperback
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.