Review of home at the edge

[Mamta Singhal]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "home at the edge" by Ronald Schulz.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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"home at the edge" by Ronald Schulz.

Ronald James Schulz was arrested during the Days of Rage demonstrations in Chicago. Injured and bleeding, he had mug shots taken and was questioned by police. He was in legal trouble for serious things, like helping someone escape and hurting a police officer. Reflecting on his recent journey with his lover Karen and new acquaintance Kay, Schulz lamented his predicament. He had joined the protests to advocate for revolutionary change against the Vietnam War and societal issues. The arrest shattered his immediate plans. Ron leaves Riveredge to spend a trial weekend with the DalCerro family before his release. He reunites with old friends in the West End neighborhood, including Lee Swanson, who offers him a job running a head shop at a local church's youth coffeehouse, "The Place." The evening ends with a planned raid on John’s Tavern, led by Chris.

Despite some initial setbacks and growing concerns about getting caught, the group proceeds with their mission. Ron reflects on the blend of camaraderie and outlaw culture that defines their actions and ambitions. One day, Ron meets Bob Grady, an enthusiastic history buff who invites him to Wood Dale. They drive in Bob's unreliable car, clash with his demanding attitude towards his mother, and end up needing a jump-start from Bob's patient stepdad. Bob becomes their driver for future adventures.

Schulz's experiences in jail and mental institutions expose the harsh realities of the era’s psychiatric practices and judicial system. His relationships with various characters, including family, friends, and fellow activists, are depicted with raw honesty, showing the complexities of human connections under stress. The memoir also delves into Schulz's philosophical and spiritual musings, influenced by his experiences with drugs and his quest for a deeper understanding of life. Overall, the book is a powerful testament to one man's fight against conformity and his enduring spirit in the face of adversity. As well, the book's editing was excellent; I didn't find any errors in this book.

With some revisions, "home at the edge" by Ronald Schulz could become even more readable and engaging for readers. The book would be more compelling with tighter narrative cohesion. The shifts between personal stories and philosophical thoughts can feel sudden; making these transitions smoother would improve the flow. The memoir could use more context about historical events to help readers unfamiliar with the era understand the significance of the experiences of that time. Including brief explanations or footnotes could provide background without overwhelming the narrative. More dialogue and vivid descriptions in some sections would make the memoir more immersive, helping readers to visualize scenes and feel the emotions more intensely. By incorporating these changes, the memoir will become a more captivating read for a wider range of readers. Overall, the book gets 4 out of 5 stars from my side.

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home at the edge
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[Slippy Spectrum]

Hey y'all! After reading this review, I reckon "home at the edge" by Ronald Schulz seems like a mighty interesting read. It's a powerful memoir about one man's fight for change during the Days of Rage demonstrations in Chicago. The way Schulz depicts his experiences in jail and mental institutions is truly eye-opening. The book also explores his deep connections with family, friends, and fellow activists in a raw and honest way. I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars. Can't wait to dive in and discover more about his journey! Y'all should give it a go too! Touching moments, brought tears to my eyes.