Chicago: Days of Rage: The Woodstock Trilogy

by Martin Rots, Sparky4Peace Creations (Cover Design)

..".strap on your seat belt, it's a wild ride. Take a little Hunter Thompson, add some Dashiell Hammett, throw in a pinch of noir, and let it ferment for five minutes in a bottle of Boone's Farm...that's the mix these books deliver on." R. Baker "The only author to fictionalize with historic accuracy one of the most divisive and monumental periods in modern American history, the 1960's." "Chicago: Days of Rage" is the second book of "The Woodstock Trilogy" which also includes "Monterey Pop: Summer of Love" and "The Woodstock Conspiracy." It tells of the dramatic rise of the 1960's counterculture as witnessed from the perspectives of an audacious flower child, an increasingly disconnected CIA assassin, and his boss who is determined to prevent a bloody revolution at any cost. "Chicago: Days of Rage" examines the evolution of the counter-culture and the events leading up to the disastrous 1968 Chicago Democratic Convention. Arriving in Chicago from assignment in South America, CIA field agent Monday is delighted to find his old boss and friend from Saigon, Percy Arnold, as his new partner. In Los Angles, Sandy makes the transition from flower child to super model and witnesses the birth of Crosby, Stills and Nash while Lennon ponders 'Revolution' in London. Detroit's MC5 perform at Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin's ill-fated Festival of Life in Chicago held concurrent with the convention. Sandy and Marla's reunion at the festival turns deadly as Country Joe McDonald is beat bloody in a hotel elevator for having long hair, and no one moves to stop his attackers. Such is the mood in Chicago. "Chicago: Days of Rage" dramatizes events that helped change the peace sign into a raised, clenched fist in less than a year.

246 pages, Paperback

First published November 13, 2011

Reviews

[Ronald Schulz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book of historical fiction weaves together a number of threads, from the Manson, Hip Music biz to the dirty Cold War assassination squads with plenty of realistic sex thrown in (as one who was there I can vouch for that) in a plausible scenario. Some day we may find how close to truth it is, but fiction or not, I recommend reading this to get a good feel (sexual and figurative) of the times. My own memoirs of the times, although experienced in a psychedelic haze, try to stick to facts of my direct experience, but this book will carry you beyond the verifiable into the blended perceptions of several characters, including Manson Family members, CIA hit men and Hippie Chicks. I only met some of the Manson people in passing, although I'll give a belated thanks to Leslie (?) for her enticing massage, still heavy on my mind after all these years, and I'm almost sorry I didn't take her invitation for a familial visit. Sad I missed the orgy but glad I didn't get pulled into any of the murderous horror that followed soon after.
Well, there is much more to write about this fascinating era, and I'd better get back to it. You too? Document it while you still can and give me a peek. Adios and enjoy the ride, Motherf**kers! All LOVE, Baby.