Arts & Events

Editior's Note: Who knew? Berkeley Unified School District's ex-Superintendent Jack McLaughlin has written a roman-a-clef about Our Town (but no competition with Thornton Wilder, I imagine.) For the full details, here's the press release we got from the "supported self-publishing provider:" 

Author Reveals the Inner Spirit of Berkeley, Calif. 

Jack McLaughlin pens new installment in trilogy centered around Berkeley culture, influence. 

CARSON CITY, Nev. (PRWEB) November 09, 2012  

Author Jack McLaughlin invites readers to experiences the colorful citizens of Berkeley, Calif., their issues and attitudes in his new novel, “mR. bERZERKELEY II: Big Games, Big Lies, Big Decisions” (published by iUniverse), the second installment in his latest trilogy. 

“I wanted to create a series that expresses my love for Berkeley, Berkeley citizens, Berkeley institutions, Berkeley lore, Berkeley mythology and memories of the sixties and provides insights into situations and conflicts faced by a multitude of individuals in a humorous, light-read atmosphere,” McLaughlin explains.  

In this lighthearted spoof, McLaughlin brings the 1960s into the 20th century. His story centers around a mythical, naked mayor and a cadre of fictitious boarding-house characters embroiled in political, controversial, sexual, mysterious conflicts.  

A cartoonist, a naïve freshman, a reformed prostitute, lesbian lovers, a sarcastic cook, the deformed son of a university bigwig and a Kansas politician react to the naked mayor’s antics and life in Berkeley, providing a deeper glance into situations many have faced.  

“mR. bERZERKELEY II” offers readers a cheerful view of the world that may differ from their own in this time of fiscal, political, religious and international crises. McLaughlin’s series brings together outrageous characters in edgy situations and lets the reader experience fantasies and freedoms unavailable to most in real life.  

About the Author
Jack McLaughlin worked as a public school superintendant[sic] for 33 years and received many honors, including the 1999 American Association of School Administrators California Superintendant [sic] of the Year. His 17-year residence in Berkeley, involvement in all aspects of their political landscape, knowledge of all racial, ethnic and sexual preference issues and intimate knowledge of Berkeley’s fabric serve as the foundation for the books in his mR. bERZERKELEY series. He is also the author of “mR. bERZERKELEY: The Naked Mayor of Berkeley” and “The POLAR Principle.”  

iUniverse, an Author Solutions, Inc. self-publishing imprint, is the leading book marketing, editorial services, and supported self-publishing provider. iUniverse has a strategic alliance with Indigo Books & Music, Inc. in Canada, and titles accepted into the iUniverse Rising Star program are featured in a special collection on BarnesandNoble.com. iUniverse recognizes excellence in book publishing through the Star, Reader’s Choice, Rising Star and Editor’s Choice designations—self-publishing’s only such awards program. Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, iUniverse also operates offices in Indianapolis. For more information or to publish a book, please visit iuniverse.com or call 1-800-AUTHORS. For the latest, follow @iuniversebooks on Twitter.