Three lifelong friends move to a major college campus in an even larger metropolis. Acclimation proves just about impossible. Can they figure out this hostile scene before the city eats them alive?In this riotous though insightful coming of age memoir, author Jason McGathey recounts his experience relocating to ground zero at Ohio State University, in the heart of Columbus, Ohio. With unflinching honesty, he relates the off-kilter adventures he and his roommates endure, in their attempts to establish themselves in such unfamiliar terrain, and the growing suspicions that they must have the word OUTSIDER stamped upon their foreheads. Yet as their warped minds push against the city beyond, the barrier gives in ways neither they nor the fantastic cast of characters they encounter could foretell in a thousand years. A thousand years, or a thousand madcap experiments, as these unstable elements combust in a witty, introspective look at the modern twentysomething experience.
First order of business is renting the most outlandish, busted up house on campus, which prompts one parent to dub it, “like something the Munsters would live in.” Next up are the creative decorating flourishes, among them the decision that they simply must wallpaper the kitchen with as many undergarments as possible. A mannequin, duct taped into place like a sentry, becomes an indispensable piece of the scenery as well, as does a jam space for all their music equipment in lieu of an actual living room.
Ultimately, however, they must turn most of their efforts outward, to this strange and sometimes hostile new external landscape. Securing work and attending classes introduces them to increasingly outrageous individuals, ones departing wisdom and showing the way in secret handshake form to the worthy local nightlife options. Their attempts to acclimate by day to the equally challenging “serious” pursuits are no less challenging, as this otherworldly, distorted sense of not belonging persists. No less in their romantic efforts, which finds them on equally shaky ground, never quite sure what is going haywire, nor why, and what it is about this terrain making every aspect much more difficult than envisioned.
It will take a series of mental overhauls and spotlit epiphanies before any of them begin to feel they somewhat belong, that they are beginning to get the hang of this scene. Even then, the lessons imparted are debatable, victories not exactly earth shattering ones, as the fellows begin to wonder if we ever really truly learn anything at all.
Get Your Copy Today!
click image below to place your secure order:
paperback
ebook
The cover I recently updated and I think it really pops now. I love how that shade of green matches the grimy kitchen floor and overall tint in the front photo (which is untouched, presented exactly as it was taken/developed). This new version also includes the numerous errors I corrected in a 2017 revised edition. As for the original cover, though it actually turned out exactly like I had in mind at the time, now I’m wondering why I was so determined back then to have such a plain, minimalistic look. But at least now I suppose it’s extremely easy to distinguish between the versions. And if nothing else it gives you “early adopters” somewhat of a collector’s item, as there aren’t exactly a million in print like this one below…
Satisfied Readers ! (I Think)
- ASIN : B00BWFJJ6S
- Publisher : Exquisite Noise Publishing
- Publication date : December 1, 2006
- Language : English
- Print length : 400 pages
- ISBN-13 : 978-1977000361
- Item Weight : 1.18 pounds
- Dimensions : 6 x 0.94 x 9 inches