06
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June
Chicago Rage
a memoir of the 1960's Chicago riots
by Ronald Schulz (Author)
$13.42
Ronald Schulz didn't just live through the 1960s—he ran headlong into its blazing heart and came out scarred, wiser, and unflinchingly honest. In this powerful, unstructured memoir series, Schulz traces his tumultuous journey from a disillusioned teen in suburbia to a full-throated revolutionary immersed in the counterculture, radical politics, and personal upheaval that defined a generation.
Description
A time of turmoil. And a time of unrest. A five-part memoir as seen through the eyes of seventeen-year-old Ron, trying to earn enough money to continue his exploration of the emerging Counterculture after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
From Chicago to the streets of New York, this recollection of the riots and his first inter-racial romance tells of the trials we all face, even today. And then Karen entered his life - a young runaway with wild thoughts of tearing down Pig City.
From freedom to jail, Ron must re-evaluate his life’s direction and look at the world in a wider scope.
Take an amazing journey through the memory of a man from another generation as he struggled to find his position in life, as most of the world is doing today.
A perfect 5-Star rating from Reader's Favorite - https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/chicago-rage
Publisher Name : Tumbleweed Books
Publication Year : 2022
ISBN : 192809483X
Reader Testimonials / Reviews :
Editorial Reviews:
Title: Chicago Rage. Subtitle: A Memoir of the 1960's Chicago Riots. 5 Stars - Congratulations on your 5-star review!
Following Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, 17-year-old Ronald Schulz chose to leave home, establish a commune in Chicago, and join the Yippee revolution. Thus began his road trip, in which he encountered a variety of characters, including a sexually unsatisfied deacon, homosexual guys who gave assistance with a twist, both friendly and hostile police officers, financially dependent friends, helpful strangers, and whimsical lovers. Ronald Schulz, as a longhaired teenager, learned directly how people might evaluate individuals based on their looks. He also encountered people who treated him decently despite his appearance. Chicago Rage captures the reality of the rebellious young dropouts and runaways who protested against imagined and actual symbols of capitalism in Chicago during the US counterculture era from Ronald Schulz's point of view. Ronald Schulz's unpredictable, risky, and captivating journey ignited in me a yearning for adventure as well as a desire to de-clutter my life and live freely without suffocating duties and money ambitions. The book captures you from the first page to the last with its wild, carefree characters, the exhilarating themes of new friendship and youthful love, and highly detailed and poetic prose that leaves one in a dreamy, mesmeric mood. Chicago Rage, like a well-preserved movie tape, gives readers a vivid picture of what life was like for young rebellious hippies who rejected conservative American society in the 1960s by depicting the complexities of their reality, such as open relationships, drug experimentation, and their strong sense of brotherhood, among other things. I wholeheartedly urge anyone who wants to read an exciting historical tale about hippies and revolting against unfair governance to pick up Chicago Rage: a memorable trip back in time, with heightened emotions and dangers
Genre: Non-Fiction - Autobiography
— Official Review, Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite (5 stars)
In "Chicago Rage," Ronald Schulz paints a vivid picture of a tumultuous era in US history through the eyes of seventeen-year-old Ron. Set against the backdrop of the aftermath of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, Ron navigates the underground culture of Chicago and the streets of New York, facing trials that resonate even today. Schulz masterfully captures the essence of the Counterculture movement and the raw emotions of riots and inter-racial romance.
Ronald Schulz brings authenticity to "Chicago Rage" with his firsthand experiences during this transformative period in American history. As a participant in the emerging Counterculture, Schulz provides readers with a unique perspective, drawing from his own journey of self-discovery and activism.
Overall "Chicago Rage" is a compelling memoir that resonates with readers, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of a generation grappling with social upheaval. Schulz's narrative is both gripping and poignant, leaving a lasting impression and a reminder of the power of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
— Official Review, Janvi Santwani (5 out of 5 stars)
Ronald Schulz recounts four months of his life in the summer and fall of 1969 as an often homeless, often hungry hippie-freak on the streets of Chicago and New York City, and on the highways in between as he hitchhikes back and forth trying desperately to find a higher purpose and true love.
In this memoir. Schulz writes vivid and emotional descriptions of the sounds and scents of protest. The opening scene is dramatic, intense, and frightening. Yet while all this is happening, he humanizes the conflict by weaving in revelations of personal thoughts and decisions that add meaning to the choices he made.
I was reminded of Holden Caufield in A Catcher in the Rye. Schulz takes the reader on a journey through the counterculture and does so through a teenager's (himself) perspective. In this journey, Schulz throws himself into adventure and love with abandon. Just as he adjusts to his new circumstances, he is thrown into a new scene and with a new young woman in which he believes is going to be wonderful and special until they are not. But by then he has found a new direction to go in and a new lover to do it with.
I felt transported to the streets of 60s Chicago and found it fascinating. The characters described are also fascinating and raw and shown through the lens of drugs.
Yes, Schulz offers a window into a raw and open life many of us of that age did not experience. He presents his views and perspectives that drove his need to protest, but while comparing it back to his family of origin.
He shared the confusion he experienced while sorting out his political beliefs and philosophy of life.
I read this book quickly and the scenes still play on inside my head.
— Official Review, Thomas Cannon, author, (5 out of 5 stars)
Review of CHICAGO RAGE by Ronald Schulz
This is a fascinating look back at a time that most of us Baby Boomers remember. The fact that it's based on the author's real life experiences makes it even better. If you saw the movie "The Trial of the Chicago 7" you'll definitely enjoy this book. It was filled with humor, pithy observances and just the right about of sex to make it an enjoyable and nostalgic read.
— Official Review, Sarah Nachin, Author, (5 out of 5 stars)
Top reviews from the United States on Amazon:
Author of Shattered
5.0 out of 5 stars. A Journey Through the counterculture
Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2024
Ronald Schulz recounts four months of his life in the summer and fall of 1969 as an often homeless, often hungry hippie-freak on the streets of Chicago and New York City, and on the highways in between as he hitchhikes back and forth trying desperately to find a higher purpose and true love.
In this memoir. Schulz writes vivid and emotional descriptions of the sounds and scents of protest. The opening scene is dramatic, intense, and frightening. Yet while all this is happening, he humanizes the conflict by weaving in revelations of personal thoughts and decisions that add meaning to the choices he made.
I was reminded of Holden Caufield in A Catcher in the Rye. Schulz takes the reader on a journey through the counterculture and does so through a teenager’s (himself) perspective. In this journey, Schulz throws himself into adventure and love with abandon. Just as he adjusts to his new circumstances, he is thrown into a new scene and with a new young woman in which he believes is going to be wonderful and special until they are not. But by then he has found a new direction to go in and a new lover to do it with.
I felt transported to the streets of 60s Chicago and found it fascinating. The characters described are also fascinating and raw and shown through the lens of drugs.
Yes, Shultz offers a window into a raw and open life many of us of that age did not experience. He presents his views and perspectives that drove his need to protest, but while comparing it back to his family of origin.
He shared the confusion he experienced while sorting out his political beliefs and philosophy of life.
I read this book quickly and the scenes still play on inside my head.
Gary Sosniecki
4.0 out of 5 stars Memoir of 17-year-old trying to 'fight back against the Establishment' during turbulent '60s
Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2022
Full disclosure: I went to high school in suburban Chicago with “Chicago Rage” author Ronald Schulz. Ron was a year behind me, and we didn’t know each other. We look similar in our yearbook photos, we both explored Fischer’s Woods with childhood friends, but, as I learned from his book, we were very different philosophically. I was active in Teen-Age Republicans, wrote for the school and local newspapers, and was determined to go to college to study journalism. Ron dropped out at 17, became a Buddhist, and hoped to form his own hippie commune. Ron wanted to “fight back against the Establishment,” protest the Vietnam War, fight racism and all the other ills he saw in 1960s society. We led different lives but became acquainted recently on Facebook as authors with roots in the same high school. Ron’s memoir, “Chicago Rage,” isn’t as much about the “Weatherman Rage” — the Chicago riots of October 1969 — as it is about the experiences of an idealistic 17-year-old kid wandering around Chicago, New York City and points in between, often homeless, hungry, and quick to fall in love with various young women on similar idealistic journeys. Ron is an excellent writer, and that’s what kept me coming back each night to read a few more chapters. I wanted to know what his next adventure would be. Would he find a “crib” for the night? What would he eat? Would Sherry, or Bonnie, or Karen still be with him the next day? My only complaint is that Ron recounts full conversations from more than a half-century ago. His memory would have to be better than mine for those conversations to be accurate, but the extensive dialogue does make it a better read.
Flash
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting memoir
Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2022
In his memoir, Chicago Rage, Author Ronald Schultz writes vivid and emotional descriptions of the sounds and scents of protest. The opening scene is dramatic, intense, and frightening. Yet while all this is happening, he humanizes the conflict by weaving in revelations of personal thoughts and decisions that add meaning to the choices he made.
Shultz offers a window into a raw and open life many of us of that age did not experience. Perhaps what we knew of this alternative was from television. He presents his views and perspectives that drove his need to protest. His augments are eye opening, valid, and thought provoking. I enjoyed his revealing of his first crushes, and the lessons he learned from watching his family dynamics. He shared the confusion he experienced while sorting out his political beliefs and philosophy of life.
2 people found this helpful
Joseph Mark Glazner, Author of THE BOOK OF HAPPINESS: A MEMOIR
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding
Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2022
Chicago Rage a literary gem of a memoir that captures the heart and soul of the wild and crazy counterculture gripping America in the late 1960s.
Ronald Schulz recounts four months of his life in the summer and fall of 1969 as an often homeless, often hungry hippie-freak on the streets of Chicago and New York City, and on the highways in between as he hitchhikes back and forth trying desperately to find a higher purpose and true love.
This picaresque tale of a seventeen-year-old, working class, high school dropout, street kid, self-taught Buddhist, budding revolutionary, and optimist, and his star-crossed love affairs and misspent revolutionary rage, reminded me at times in its earthiness, its grit, and its authenticity of a counterculture version of two other great works by writers out of Chicago at their best—A Walk on the Wild Side by Nelson Algren and The Adventures of Augie March by Saul Bellow.
Kudos to Mr. Schulz.
Goodreads Reviews:
Arielle Miller, Author, April 23, 2025, 4 out of 5 stars.
Take a deep breath and get ready for a non-stop, mindblowing ride through the streets of Chicago and beyond during one of the most chaotic and profoundly intense period of modern history - the 60s.
Ronald Schulz takes us into the mind of a confused, yet highly idealistic teenager, as he stumbles through life-changing experiences - from hour to hour. At just 15 years old, this unlikely protagonist left school and home and now, at the wise old age of 17, finds himself in unique, strange, exciting and perilous situations as he hitchhikes with strangers, tries out mind-altering substances, practices his understanding of Eastern philosophy, enjoys his newfound sexuality and even takes part in historical justice riots.
Not a boy anymore, Schulz discovers just how racism, sexism and homophobia are deeply embedded in a society not quite ready to change, but on the cusp of being so - and is determined to push that inclination over the edge - no matter how dangerous an undertaking, and no matter how unlikely he is to succeed.
A wild ride for sure - and only the first of a series by this brilliant author! Can't wait to read the rest!
Janvi Santwani, April 15, 2024, 5.0 out of 5 stars
In "Chicago Rage," Ronald Schulz paints a vivid picture of a tumultuous era in US history through the eyes of seventeen-year-old Ron. Set against the backdrop of the aftermath of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, Ron navigates the underground culture of Chicago and the streets of New York, facing trials that resonate even today. Schulz masterfully captures the essence of the Counterculture movement and the raw emotions of riots and inter-racial romance.
Ronald Schulz brings authenticity to "Chicago Rage" with his firsthand experiences during this transformative period in American history. As a participant in the emerging Counterculture, Schulz provides readers with a unique perspective, drawing from his own journey of self-discovery and activism.
Overall "Chicago Rage" is a compelling memoir that resonates with readers, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of a generation grappling with social upheaval. Schulz's narrative is both gripping and poignant, leaving a lasting impression and a reminder of the power of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
Sarah Nachin, Author, 5 books, Following, August 1, 2022. 5 out of 5 stars.
This is a fascinating look back at a time that most of us Baby Boomers remember. The fact that it's based on the author's real life experiences makes it even better. If you saw the movie "The Trial of the Chicago 7" you'll definitely enjoy this book. It was filled with humor, pithy observances and just the right about of sex to make it an enjoyable and nostalgic read.
Carol, 3 reviews, Friends, July 17, 2022, 5 out of 5 stars.
A very well-written memoir of a young man, raised in the suburbs, who is initially attracted to the counter-culture movement in an attempt to force an end to the War in VietNam and to live an idealistic communal lifestyle.This is a totally honest and well-written account of how he tries to stay true to his values while dealing with homelessness, budding sexuality in the the age of “Free Love,” the widespread psychedelic drug culture of the time, and trying to just find a sense of belonging and fulfillment as he travels the United States. Most of the characters are well-developed, although I think there are a few too many that aren’t really necessary and take away from the main story of a man’s coming of age in the 60s/70s and the people who truly mattered to him. I could not put the book down and finished it the next day. Luckily, I am retired or I would have taken a sick day. Highly recommend.
Full disclosure: I am a Chicago girl who also grew up in this time period, but now live in CT.
Thomas Cannon, Author, 3 books, 5 our of 5 stars. Following.
March 9, 2024
Ronald Schulz recounts four months of his life in the summer and fall of 1969 as an often homeless, often hungry hippie-freak on the streets of Chicago and New York City, and on the highways in between as he hitchhikes back and forth trying desperately to find a higher purpose and true love.
In this memoir. Schulz writes vivid and emotional descriptions of the sounds and scents of protest. The opening scene is dramatic, intense, and frightening. Yet while all this is happening, he humanizes the conflict by weaving in revelations of personal thoughts and decisions that add meaning to the choices he made.
I was reminded of Holden Caufield in A Catcher in the Rye. Schulz takes the reader on a journey through the counterculture and does so through a teenager’s (himself) perspective. In this journey, Schulz throws himself into adventure and love with abandon. Just as he adjusts to his new circumstances, he is thrown into a new scene and with a new young woman in which he believes is going to be wonderful and special until they are not. But by then he has found a new direction to go in and a new lover to do it with.
I felt transported to the streets of 60s Chicago and found it fascinating. The characters described are also fascinating and raw and shown through the lens of drugs.
Yes, Schulz offers a window into a raw and open life many of us of that age did not experience. He presents his views and perspectives that drove his need to protest, but while comparing it back to his family of origin.
He shared the confusion he experienced while sorting out his political beliefs and philosophy of life.
I read this book quickly and the scenes still play on inside my head.
Author Website: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22470023.Ronald_Schulz
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