College in the 80s

One Syracuse Story

Non-Fiction - Autobiography
298 Pages
Reviewed on 08/01/2022
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Kayleigh Perumal for Readers' Favorite

If you have studied at almost any university, Dave Rotell’s memoir, College in the 80s: One Syracuse Story – which encompasses the typical characteristics of drinking, partying, drugs, financial distress, and making lifelong friends – is likely to sound quite familiar and relatable. However, the 1980s were a special time during which to study, and Rotell’s experiences of working as a stage hand at the Carrier Dome (now known as the JMA Wireless Dome) were just one of many unique aspects of his time at Syracuse University. Rotell was lucky enough to help set up shows for and watch legendary bands such as The Police, REM, Bruce Springsteen, and more. As such, Rotell’s memoir describes both a formative and wonderous period of his life.

Dave Rotell chronicles his best memories and the challenges he faced while studying at Syracuse University. The writing style of College in the 80s: One Syracuse Story is simple and easy to follow. Rotell’s descriptions of his friends are quirky and pleasurable to read. I particularly enjoyed the accounts of the sports matches that Rotell and his friends attended, as the excitement felt palpable. The reference to a different song at the beginning of each chapter adds another layer of depth to the memoir and gives an understanding of the setting. Additionally, including authentic snapshots from Rotell’s years at college paints a more solid image of life at SU. Anyone who enjoys listening to music from the 70s and 80s, and appreciates the popular culture from this period, will find Rotell’s memoir insightful and enjoyable.