GROOVIN’
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Groovin’: Horses, Hopes & Slippery Slopes
In this lighthearted memoir of adventure and self-discovery, Rich Israel takes us on his journey during the tumultuous and transformative ’60s. Eschewing societal norms, he hitchhikes across the country, tries his hand at mining, works at a circus, and rides a horse hundreds of miles through the Rocky Mountain wilderness—all the while, the draft and the Vietnam War are nipping at his heels. Written in vivid detail, this coming-of-age story offers an opportunity to tag along on a nostalgic trek through a unique period in our nation’s history, as well as to experience the colorful hippie culture of that time. If you were there to live it, this book is certain to spark treasured memories. If not, it’s bound to bring to life the flavor and exhilaration associated with catching that exceptional wave. Regardless of your background, these candid tales and unforgettable, quirky characters are guaranteed to warm your heart and bring a smile to your face. READ SAMPLE CHAPTER
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PRAISE
[Rich Israel] shares good times, difficult times, and certainly many humorous moments. Throughout it all, the basic need to create a more loving and compassionate world was at the core of his and other young lives.
The author is a highly skilled storyteller—he describes each scene and person so well that the reader feels he was actually present. The book itself is inviting with meaningful quotes at the beginning of each part, some artwork, and a few photographs. The dialogue is crisp and well-placed . . . Mr. Israel notes that this book is the first of a series he is calling The Hippie Adventurer Series. Looking forward to the next one! 5 STARS — Deborah Lloyd, Readers’ Favorite
Rich Israel’s playful, bright and fantastical memoir of the 1960s experience is a fun, well-written read for fans of counterculture and coming-of-age tales . . . The book reminded me of Jack Kerouac’s On the Road, full of crazy characters, road trips, adventures and drugs, but peppered with self-reflection, excellent insight and the running political commentary in the background . . . Israel’s quiet intelligence and good humor comes through every step of the way. — Lauren Cannavino, Luxury Reading
Israel’s flowing memoir . . . is well organized, recounting the laughs, the sensuality, the highs and the sometimes very real danger he indulged in without apparent residual regret or embarrassment. He was always ready to move to the next happening, loveliest or mountaintop trail, as befit the era and the ethos. With a sequel in the works, Groovin’ is poised to attract a tuned-in readership of former (and current) hippies, and armchair ‘60s fans seeking a contact high. RECOMMENDED. — US Review of Books
Readers seeking an evocative, ‘you are there’ feel to a series of often-zany 1960s encounters will relish the tone and presentation of Groovin’, a saga of hippie days gone wild.— Diane Donovan, senior reviewer, Midwest Book Review
If you missed the sixties or yearn to relive them, this book has it all: the music, the drugs, the sexual/political revolutions, and the loss (or gain?) of innocence. But what makes it a great read is that it’s also a sensitive and honest coming-of-age tale, a memoir told through stories—and what wild stories they are! Rich Israel has an engaging voice, a lively sense of humor, a quirky group of friends, and a thirst for adventure. Best of all, he knows how to tell a good yarn. Sit down, put up your feet, and start groovin’. — Rivvy Neshama, author of Recipes for a Sacred Life: True Stories and a Few Miracles
Groovin’ is a captivating read, full of fun, adventure, and spicy romance set in the spirited sixties. I wholeheartedly recommend adding it to your reading list. — Mitch Ditkoff, president of Idea Champions and author of Storytelling at Work