Customer Reviews

Domers: A Year at Notre Dame

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If you've ever wondered what a year at one of the world's most prestigious universities is like, or if you're just a diehard Irish fan who can't wait until the band strikes up the Victory March every fall, read this book. Coyne captures the magic which is Notre Dame and brings it to life for those who have lived and breathed the experience or for those who maybe dreamed that they could. A must read if you have even a passing interest in the ways of ND. The people, the experiences, and the spirit Coyne describes are not fictional. Many in the book have moved on in the world, although quite a few still walk under the Golden Dome each day, but even as time marches on, a new generation enters and lives the stories and traditions found within the book's cover. It is written evidence as to why so many "Love Thee Notre Dame!"

The book explores in interesting detail the workings of a large university in the late 90's. What made this book more enjoyable for me was that it focused on the tradition that is Notre Dame, and adequately addressed campus life at the most renowned Catholic university in the world. It brought to light how the school deals with today's social issues through the eyes of faculty, administration and students. For those interested in the mystique and history of Notre Dame, or the struggles of surviving with your unique message in a time when the world may not agree with you, I recommend you take the time to enjoy this book

If you want to get under the covers of the public face of one of the world's most prestigious institutions, this book does it. It shares the personal experiences of domers as they deal with the pressures of academia, the experiences of meeting many influential people on campus (e.g., Bill Clinton, George Bush, Jimmy Carter, Muhammad Ali, Jesse Jackson, Regis, among others), and indulging in the athlectic rigor - all on one of the most beautiful campuses in the world. It will make you want to go back again and again.

I would describe it a bit like the movie "Titanic" - you know how it's going to end but it's the personal stories along the way that make it a captivating story - and the author tells the story well.

I went to Notre Dame and really felt this insightfully reflected what it was like to be there and what makes this place so special to its alums.

I'm sure I will read it again.