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Flashing Back - Coming of Age in the American 1960s - A Missing Link in the history 1960s

Flashing Back - Coming of Age in the American 1960s - A Missing Link in the history 1960s

$ 19.95

This book is my story as well as the story of our generation: where I went, who I met, what I saw, what I did, and how it has affected my life. It is told in an uncensored and profane manner, sometimes tender, sometimes brutal, just like life.

In the 1960s, young Americans were on a search for more than that which was presented to them by the establishment. Their parents grew up with the privations of the Great Depression to then be presented with World War II.

Born into the booming postwar economy, the counterculture generation was raised in a spiritual wasteland of materialism concocted by Madison Avenue and puked out by the newest form of mass  communication,  television. 

The emergence of rock and roll as a musical art form in the middle 50s was the first crack in the American cultural monolith. A youth culture, something not seen before in America, coalesced around it. In the mid 60s the Beatles widened this cultural gap by making it cool for men to have long hair.

The CIA bought up the world’s supply of LSD in 1952 and tested it on human subjects, essentially releasing it into the general population giving rise to the counterculture. Without the CIA there would have been no hippies.

Rejecting what they saw as the empty materialism of their parents, the 60s generation sought contact with spirit, the essence of God existing in all sentient beings.

Arising from the convergence of rock n' roll, LSD, and the Vietnam War, freak culture lasted for a while and then it disappeared. Bits and pieces of it live on, integrated into the mainstream culture. It was one hell of a ride while it lasted.

I was a good Catholic boy, an altar boy, Boy Scout, and second prize winner of the American Legion Post 138 “Americanism Today and Tomorrow” essay contest in seventh grade. I went from being a working class Pennsylvania kid to a long-haired misfit adrift with my peers in a sea of social, political and spiritual alienation. I defied the government and my father’s wishes when I successfully resisted the Vietnam draft. Embarking on a spiritual journey, I explored altered states of consciousness through psychedelic drugs.

Some of the highlights include the psychologically damaging effects of Catholicism, dropping acid, being involved in an effort to assassinate presidential candidate George Wallace in 1968, and a detailed account of beating the draft on my induction day.

This book is illustrated with clippings from underground publications of the day that help give the reader a view of the 1960s counterculture from the inside.

REVIEWS

Reviewed by Turbocane in the United States on February 6, 2020
The introduction drew me in and the story captivated me so I was staying up until the wee hours of the morning. This is the true story of one man's .experience in the 60s. It isn't Ozzie and Harriet. This book should become a classic because it is a classic. If you lived through these times you will love stepping back. If you did not you need to read it to be able to understand those times.

Reviewed by Asa in the United States on January 10, 2020
As a Bradford resident (a town mentioned in the book) I found this book to be amazingly accurate toward the modern atmosphere of the town and that which Gene was seeing in the 1960s... I definitely vibe with Gene as I consider myself associated with modern counter culture in Bradford. Gene is a hero, and this book ought to be the Bible of every Bradford resident who stands opposed to the redneck/drinking/Confederate Flag-culture of rural PA ... and who has even a little bit of taste for the hippy/art/psychedelic perspective. I feel like this book is one giant Door of Perception that can really change someone's life, particularly those who are involved/struggling with rural alcohol culture in a spiral of nihilism and routine. This book and the right compounds could really be someone's first step into the Cosmic Consciousness and serves as a strong beacon of appreciation and familiarity to those who already vibe on that level. Much Love Gene, met him once only would love to meet him again after reading this for an autograph.

Reviewed by Historian 1895 in the United States on February 11, 2020
Just Brilliant ! This book fills in a missing link of 1960’s history. A fascinating and masterfully written 
"local history" with national implications. The amazingly bright clarity of detail shines a spotlight on a part of
national history bypassed and missed by other historians.
The creatively gifted author has an remarkable talent of weaving history into a page-turning adventure! A
first class and bumpy ride through the streets and back alleys of the turbulent late 1960s.


Reviewed by Michael Z. in the United States on February 21, 2020
Gene, you're a few years older than I am, but I remember a lot of what you write of. Your
story takes me back to my own high school years living in a small Northeastern town and the
dissonance between my opposition to the war and most of the rest of the community. I didn't
get into mind-altering substances for the same reasons, but it seems we shared some of the
same feelings. A great read.


Reviewed in the United States by Patrice P. on February 20, 2020
Great Read! I loved stepping back in time to the 60's to relive those days. Always interesting
to hear another viewpoint. The author does a great job in bringing the 60s to life again. A very
enjoyable read. Think it will be of interest to those who lived through it and give good insight
to others who are curious about those times.
  Reviewed by John B. in the United States on February 19, 2020
A fascinating portal to growing up in post World War II rural America and the experiences of
a young man coming of age while living in the big city 1960's and 70's. A vivid picture of those
times. Highly recommended.


Reviewed by Heather M. in the United States on February 7, 2020
Both entertaining and enlightening. This journey brings historical turbulence into perspective.
Refreshingly candid and genuine, but not for the faint of heart.


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