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Como Flats: A Novel
Discover a tale of human authenticity told through a sweet-souled alcoholic who means well and sees good in people.
When the residents of Como Flats see Lonnie Klipsen in the same bar, drinking the same beer, telling the same stories, night after night, year after year, they ask themselves, "How can a man with so little lose so much?"
With no close family and no significant other, Lonnie and his longtime roommate Stan, a widow and non-practicing alcoholic whose been on the on the wagon for many years, etch out an obscure corner of Como Flats to live their lives in modest simplicity.
When personal losses hit close to home, Lonnie struggles to process the feelings, cultivate friendships, and search for a place of belonging and love. A colorful cast of characters kaleidoscopes in and out of Lonnie's life, proving the perceived unrequited love of his life wasn't so unrequited after all.
When the residents of Como Flats see Lonnie Klipsen in the same bar, drinking the same beer, telling the same stories, night after night, year after year, they ask themselves, "How can a man with so little lose so much?"
With no close family and no significant other, Lonnie and his longtime roommate Stan, a widow and non-practicing alcoholic whose been on the on the wagon for many years, etch out an obscure corner of Como Flats to live their lives in modest simplicity.
When personal losses hit close to home, Lonnie struggles to process the feelings, cultivate friendships, and search for a place of belonging and love. A colorful cast of characters kaleidoscopes in and out of Lonnie's life, proving the perceived unrequited love of his life wasn't so unrequited after all.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2023
4 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 13, 2024
Como Flats” by Mike Dougherty is a small town with a rich community embedded in any state, filled with local bars, friendly faces, and deep interpersonal connections. Let me share the story of Lonnie Klipsen, a resident of Northern Minnesota. Lonnie faces the daily struggles of alcoholism and battles with Crohn’s Disease. Despite these challenges, Lonnie’s unwavering optimism allows him constantly to see the best in others and strive to bring joy into people’s lives.
Lonnie resides in a rundown apartment with his roommate and best friend of twenty years, Stan. They both frequent the local bars, often leading to complications from excessive drinking. How they manage to make it home safely remains a mystery to many. Lonnie has endured profound losses, resulting in periods of deep depression. When the system fails him, his friends help him navigate life’s challenges. Lonnie’s journey is a remarkable tale of resilience, inspiring in its portrayal of his profound impact on the lives of those around him.
Mike Dougherty’s novel explores the hardships and complicated emotions of being an alcoholic. Through his writing, he delves into themes of depression, heartache, and the pain of losing friends. He seems to capture Lonnie’s emotional struggle, depicting his longing for companionship and his ongoing battle with inner demons. Lonnie’s emotional journey will resonate with readers, evoking a deep sense of empathy.
Lonnie, his best friend Stan, neighbor Kraley, and new love Sidney are compelling characters who are both endearing and relatable. Their challenges with death, homelessness, alcoholism, and depression are profoundly universal, creating a sense of familiarity that resonates with readers. The town and its inhabitants will likely evoke a personal connection for many readers.
The town of Como Flats is a compelling destination. The area offers a unique mix of attractions, including charming picnic spots, well-maintained playgrounds, and a peaceful Japanese Garden that provides a serene escape for visitors. A highlight is the Victorian Crystal Conservatory, renowned for its breathtaking beauty, attracting visitors from across the region. Nearby, Lonnie and Stan live in a lively, diverse working-class community known for its mix of people from different religious traditions. It makes me want to take a road trip and find this little town in Minnesota.
Love can be painful and debilitating, but Lonnie came to learn that he was fortunate to be loved and had been loved. Lonnie would never again resemble the voluble, convivial drunkard who used to hit up every bar in Como Flats.
Lonnie’s journey from pain to realizing the love he has received is so powerful. It’s incredible to see how he’s transformed from his past self, and it’s a great example of redemption, forgiveness, and compassion. Dealing with depression and reaching out for help, as well as supporting others in need, are all such important topics that many of us can empathize with.
This book is for all ages and offers many valuable life lessons. The engaging content and thought-provoking issues this novel explores will deeply resonate with every reader. I was captivated by the powerful and unapologetic portrayal of life’s complexities and harsh realities.
Como Flats delves into emotionally challenging subjects, pulling at the reader’s heartstrings and powerfully engaging their emotions. I wholeheartedly recommend this novel, as it deeply resonated with me on a soulful level.
Lonnie resides in a rundown apartment with his roommate and best friend of twenty years, Stan. They both frequent the local bars, often leading to complications from excessive drinking. How they manage to make it home safely remains a mystery to many. Lonnie has endured profound losses, resulting in periods of deep depression. When the system fails him, his friends help him navigate life’s challenges. Lonnie’s journey is a remarkable tale of resilience, inspiring in its portrayal of his profound impact on the lives of those around him.
Mike Dougherty’s novel explores the hardships and complicated emotions of being an alcoholic. Through his writing, he delves into themes of depression, heartache, and the pain of losing friends. He seems to capture Lonnie’s emotional struggle, depicting his longing for companionship and his ongoing battle with inner demons. Lonnie’s emotional journey will resonate with readers, evoking a deep sense of empathy.
Lonnie, his best friend Stan, neighbor Kraley, and new love Sidney are compelling characters who are both endearing and relatable. Their challenges with death, homelessness, alcoholism, and depression are profoundly universal, creating a sense of familiarity that resonates with readers. The town and its inhabitants will likely evoke a personal connection for many readers.
The town of Como Flats is a compelling destination. The area offers a unique mix of attractions, including charming picnic spots, well-maintained playgrounds, and a peaceful Japanese Garden that provides a serene escape for visitors. A highlight is the Victorian Crystal Conservatory, renowned for its breathtaking beauty, attracting visitors from across the region. Nearby, Lonnie and Stan live in a lively, diverse working-class community known for its mix of people from different religious traditions. It makes me want to take a road trip and find this little town in Minnesota.
Love can be painful and debilitating, but Lonnie came to learn that he was fortunate to be loved and had been loved. Lonnie would never again resemble the voluble, convivial drunkard who used to hit up every bar in Como Flats.
Lonnie’s journey from pain to realizing the love he has received is so powerful. It’s incredible to see how he’s transformed from his past self, and it’s a great example of redemption, forgiveness, and compassion. Dealing with depression and reaching out for help, as well as supporting others in need, are all such important topics that many of us can empathize with.
This book is for all ages and offers many valuable life lessons. The engaging content and thought-provoking issues this novel explores will deeply resonate with every reader. I was captivated by the powerful and unapologetic portrayal of life’s complexities and harsh realities.
Como Flats delves into emotionally challenging subjects, pulling at the reader’s heartstrings and powerfully engaging their emotions. I wholeheartedly recommend this novel, as it deeply resonated with me on a soulful level.
November 12, 2023
Every once in a while a writer has the wisdom to step outside their front door and realize that each day is a story~ with a brilliant cast of characters right in front of them. And so it goes in Como Flats, Mike Dougherty’s debut novel.
Doughetry has the ability to see the extraordinary in the Ordinary, because if you look closely enough as he does, the Ordinary is wonderful.
The setting is a ‘rough around the edges’ neighborhood in St Paul, MN. But you don’t need to be from anywhere near there to appreciate the universal themes brought up in this book.
In one scene, where lifelong friends Max and Lonnie are driving together, Doughtery writes “While driving, two people could talk intensely about intimate subjects without the need to look at one another. So, Lonnie could pour his heart out to his captive audience, Max, without betraying the hurt in his eyes.”
I appreciate this, as I have the best talks with my young adult kids while driving.
This book is written with the gentle wisdom that comes with the gift of age. Como Flats delivers that with the humor, acceptance, and a healthy amount cynicism.
Cheers!
Doughetry has the ability to see the extraordinary in the Ordinary, because if you look closely enough as he does, the Ordinary is wonderful.
The setting is a ‘rough around the edges’ neighborhood in St Paul, MN. But you don’t need to be from anywhere near there to appreciate the universal themes brought up in this book.
In one scene, where lifelong friends Max and Lonnie are driving together, Doughtery writes “While driving, two people could talk intensely about intimate subjects without the need to look at one another. So, Lonnie could pour his heart out to his captive audience, Max, without betraying the hurt in his eyes.”
I appreciate this, as I have the best talks with my young adult kids while driving.
This book is written with the gentle wisdom that comes with the gift of age. Como Flats delivers that with the humor, acceptance, and a healthy amount cynicism.
Cheers!
July 1, 2024
Drunkalog...
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews