Customer Reviews

Country Joe And Me

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Country Joe And Me is a coming of age testament as told by Ron Cabral detailing the life and times of himself and longtime friend Country Joe McDonald. Cabral reflects on Navy life, producing his band GOLD, the evolving atomosphere of life in the Sixties, Vietnam, the birth and lasting legacy of Psychedelic music and life today in the post-Vietnam era. This book is filled with recollections and memories as told by the people who were there, Barry Melton, David Cohen and Country Joe himself. The book is loaded with classic and updated photos, song lyrics to many classic Country Joe & The Fish songs and is considered the only true authorized biography of Country Joe McDonald by the man best qualified to tell the story, in his own words.

A true slice of "Americana" written with absolutely no apparent agenda. I don't see any biases in Ron Cabral's part as he does not try to either glorify or denigrate Country Joe or others. Even his writings on dealings with Bill Graham seem to be "here's the facts, you draw the conclusions." This was a thoroughly fun book to read. Wasn't action packed or "can't put it down," but enjoyable none the less - sort of a history lesson. Great information about Janis Joplin. I feel Ron Cabral had a LOT more interesting information to divulge but he felt it was better left out. I can understand leaving out off color or personal information, but a tale of an amusing Trip or two would have been interesting . . . I'm sure some were hilarious.

Ron Cabral's book, "Country Joe & Me" is an very interesting read. I became aware of it after interviewing Country Joe McDonald for Folkwax, ezine and the Wittenburg Door magazine. My knowledge of Country Joe was limited to his musical career, but the book expanded that knowledge into his military career as well. Previously I wasn't aware that he was a veteran, or of his relentless crusade for Viet Nam Veterans and their issues. Country Joe McDonald is a hero on many levels, who has somehow managed to be a viable force on both sides of one of the most controversial issues of the late 20th and early 21st century - "War". I would recommend the book to anyone wishing to understand how an individual can oppose a war that your country promotes, yet still be a patriot.

Ron Cabral's writing style is honest and direct. His book has brought back many memories. Memories of my "Beatnik" days in North Beach and evenings at Coffee & Confusion, listening to folk music and getting more and more confused about my own life! Memories of living in the Haight-Ashbury in the early "hippie" days with my beautiful new wife. And, some not so happy memories, above all of the Viet Nam war. Ron's book also gave me a look into the world of Rock Music, something I only knew from afar.
Especially topical is the chapter pertaining to Education. Ron shows us how young people should be taught, challenged and always encouraged. Good job Ron!

This book is great reading for anyone who remembers the 1960's and 1970's, or for those who would like to know more about those times.
The writing is concise but not terse. Its as if the writer was sitting with you having a cup of joe, and telling you a great true story.
This book is great reading even if you don't know Country Joe.

I enjoyed Ron's account of his dealings with Country Joe and others in the San Fran music scene of the 60's. Never having been a hippie or participant in those events(born in the 60's), this book is an inside account of what it was like to be in the middle of it all. The only objection I have with the book is that Ron gives us a small taste of different historical events that he actually attended or participated in (played trombone on-stage with Country Joe!), and then leaves us hanging as he moves onto another topic. This man has seen and done so much - maybe the lack of smaller details is a form of self-preservation? Or perhaps he doesn't want to embarrass his famous luge-athlete son? Believe it or not, your parents were cool at one time, but not many were as hip as Ron Cabral. I'll be waiting for the follow-up.

I read Country Joe and Me with pleasure and delight. I lived in San Francisco during the 60's and saw Joe perform many times. He always brought the crowd to their feet with his famous Fixin' to Die Rag. The book is filled with Cabral's humor, and the camraderie he and Joe had through their years together. For anyone who wasn't fortunate enough to "be there," now's your chance to see what was really going on. Thank you, Ron.

So, I was born after the 60's and all I ever hear about are the great parties, good music and fun of the day. It's tough hearing it second hand, but Cabral does a masterful job of getting you in the details of the times. His story is actually amazing. A school teacher and vet who happens to befreind a young Joe McDonald. It makes for a great story. The side charactors we get to meet along the way really juice the book up. How often do you get to talk about Janis Joplin!

I am a fan of Creative Nonfiction and the Memior, so I really enjoyed this book.

This is a great book.
Really brings the 60s & the San Francisco of that time alive again.
All the intense energy of the music, art, politics, education and everyday life is in here.
If you lived through this time, or if you missed it and want to get a taste of what was going on,
you need to get this book.
And it was really great to find out that Country Joe is still out there making music.

I've read Ron Cabral's funny and entertaining book about his long-time acquaintance with Joe. Ron writes with humor and intelligence. It was interesting to read about Joe's early years, particularly his experiences in Viet Nam, and also the stories about Janice Joplin. I never knew Joe and Janis were so intimate. Apparently there is a movie starring Renee Zeigweiler (spelling!) coming out about Janis's life. Renee will take on the role of Joplin, no easy task.

Anyway, thank you, Ron. Good luck.