About the book:
In 1977, when 18-year-old Berkeley college student, Derek moved into the student residence co-op, Cloyne Court, sight unseen, little did he know he would learn about life, love, sex, drugs, music, alcohol and co-ed showers—all on the first day.
Located one block North of the University of California, Berkeley campus, this real and notorious student-run house has provided an alternative, counter-culture, hedonistic, raucous, and unique living experience for the “Clones”, as the students call themselves, who choose to live here each year, despite the public and parents calling for a permanent shut down of this enduring and historic building.
Based on his journals and memories of his college days at this real-life “Animal House”, author, Dodie Katague weaves true events of life at Cloyne Court co-op into a zany, wild, and nostalgic story about the carefree time of every college student’s life.
About Dodie Katague:
Dodie Katague lived at Cloyne Court from 1977-79, while attending the University of California, Berkeley. He is an attorney and lives with his wife and family in Walnut Creek, California.
Dodie's Website.
My Review:
Let's go back in time to the 1970's to UC Berkely in California. Cloyne Court, a co-ed student housing co-op, is the central location for much of this story. Hour leading man, Derek, moves in half way through his Freshman year. Before living at Cloyne Court, Derek commuted from his parent's house to school every day. The experience would be an eye opener and life changer for Derek as he experienced life in a whole new way. We follow Derek from his Freshman year through graduation. He experiences his first love and first hearbreak. He meets people and participates in events that were new and at times exciting, at times disturbing. Derek goes into the house one person and one outlook on life, and leaves changed and slightly damaged. Who wouldn't come away from a real life "Animal House" a changed man?
It has taken me a long time to figure out what to say about this book. I hope my brief description hasn't scared you away, because it is well worth the read. It's a story that is difficult to describe without telling too much. I was amazed at many of the characters that came and went in Derek's life while he lived at Cloyne Court. Many were such a positive influence, often without anyone realizing it until much later. On the other hand, many were what gave the co-op housing such a bad name. The housing politics were some of the best parts, with elected positions and assignments that were highly sought after at times. There was also a little of the high school drama mixed in, especially when it came to where and who you sat with at dinner.
A very unique type of coming of age story that I wish I could have lived part of. The story was entertaining and enlightening at the same time. Keep in mind that this is definately an adult book, with language, drugs and a sexual theme that runs througout. However, it is not over the top, it's just an important part of the story.
4/5
I have one copy of Cloyne Court up for grabs. If the winner is from the U.S. or Canada,they will have the choice of paper or ebook. If the winner is International, they will receive the ebook. For the ebook, Dodie will be sending the ebook winners a free coupon code for Smashwords.com
Just fill in the form to enter. Contest ends Nov 13.
It has taken me a long time to figure out what to say about this book. I hope my brief description hasn't scared you away, because it is well worth the read. It's a story that is difficult to describe without telling too much. I was amazed at many of the characters that came and went in Derek's life while he lived at Cloyne Court. Many were such a positive influence, often without anyone realizing it until much later. On the other hand, many were what gave the co-op housing such a bad name. The housing politics were some of the best parts, with elected positions and assignments that were highly sought after at times. There was also a little of the high school drama mixed in, especially when it came to where and who you sat with at dinner.
A very unique type of coming of age story that I wish I could have lived part of. The story was entertaining and enlightening at the same time. Keep in mind that this is definately an adult book, with language, drugs and a sexual theme that runs througout. However, it is not over the top, it's just an important part of the story.
4/5
I have one copy of Cloyne Court up for grabs. If the winner is from the U.S. or Canada,they will have the choice of paper or ebook. If the winner is International, they will receive the ebook. For the ebook, Dodie will be sending the ebook winners a free coupon code for Smashwords.com
Just fill in the form to enter. Contest ends Nov 13.
1 comment:
I'm so glad you enjoyed it. My college days in the early 80's were a lot tamer. LOL!
Post a Comment