Whether the experience lasts four years or longer, a student's time at Penn State surely will be recounted for years to come.

Paul Laska's decision to put the experience down on paper in his book, Four Years, creates a story that all Penn Staters might be able to relate to. From transitions to complete freedom and new class schedules, to exciting but complicated relationships and a favorite bar downtown, this novel captures a time many wish they could hold onto forever.

Laska, who now resides in Huntington Valley, where he's a full-time accountant and part-time writer, graduated from Penn State in 1993 with a degree in accounting and a minor in business. "I really enjoyed my time at Penn State, and it was my dream to write a novel, so I combined the two," Laska said of his book, which he self-published through Xlibris Corporation.

The book consists of elaborate details that Laska said are mostly autobiographical but not all about him, which leaves readers guessing, especially about that threesome scene sometime during the protagonist's senior year. "Most of the things I wrote about are personal experiences, but there are pieces of other people's stories too," Laska said. "It's a combination of stuff that I've seen and stuff that I have actually been through."

Laska's long-time friend and college roommate Rob Ginieczki, portrayed as -- surprise -- the main character's best friend and roommate, said Four Years does a good job describing their time in State College. "It's actually quite accurate," Ginieczki said. "In a way, it's kind of like a diary for Paul. Also, he didn't change many names of places or buildings, which I think makes it more authentic."

Laska includes many of his favorite places, such as the All American Rathskeller, 108 S. Pugh St., The Gingerbread Man, 130 Hiester St., Zeno's, 100 W. College Ave., and Café 210 West, 210 W. College Ave., as well as his favorite events such as football weekends. "I still love football weekends," he said. "On Friday we hit the bars, Saturday you tailgate and watch the game. It's like one huge party. I try to make it to State College a couple of times a year."

The author, who called the Pattee Library his "home away from home" during college, said it's important to do well in school and be prepared for the future or the "real world," but offered some additional advice for college students. "Of course school is important, but when it comes down to it, what you have is your family and friends and your health," Laska said. "Live life to the fullest. Follow your dreams, if you have any, and stay focused. That's how I got this book done."

Laska currently has two other books in the works. One will consist of three short stories that elaborate on parts of Four Years. The other, which he plans on completing by 2005, focuses on current issues involving terrorism. He plans on going through a publishing company for this book and said he'd like to have more exposure the third time around.

Laska said college was a growing experience for him, and said he thinks his book shows the changes that occur in a young man throughout his time at school. "College is when you're molded into the person you're going to be," he said.

His brother, Phil Laska, agreed that the book shows these changes in an entertaining way. "It's well-written," he said. "It kept me laughing. It's a lot of fun, and I think it's a great book for anyone to read."