What a story!

The men who transformed the way the world looks at consciousness. Especially relevant for those who believe in self-discovery by way of psychedelics.

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Interesting read

Interesting take on the journeys of Leary, Alpert, Smith and Weil. The book covers their lives in a broader spectrum.. in conjunction with cultural changes that were simultaneously taking place.

Recommended for anyone interested in the dynamics of new age spirituality and psychedelic experiences

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Great read

I was slightly skeptical about this book, after reading "How to change your mind" and " psychedelic explorer" I wasn’t sure if this was going o something I’d enjoy or be regurgitating stories I’d heard before. Its a great book that’s been really well narrated. It gives more insight into a time in history that’s sadly gone. I definitely recommend this to anyone with an interest in this era but would say “how to change your mind” is on another level and gives more research insight which I was more interested in.

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Fascinating characters

The psychedelic revolution remains one of the most important ongoing challenges to the established power structures of society. The four men at the centre of this story - Leary, Alpert, Weil and Smith - are absolutely crucial figures in that story. Understanding their struggle can serve to highlight the revolutionary potential - and pitfalls - in our own times.

I absolutely adore the way the book focuses on the right four people, but it does not execute fully on that promise. The author is enamoured by glitter. The narrative is shallow, hurried and uninspired. Potential revelations and insights are left unexplored while the author glues the narrative onto journalistic superficialities. The patchwork of the text feels like an untended garden - crammed full of exotic (and hallucinogenic) plants.

There are gems of insight, especially around Weil's sleazy duplicity and attempts at reconciliation, and around Ram Dass's struggles with his homosexuality. These are not enough to elevate the book much above mediocrity.

My biggest gripe, related to the superficiality aspect, is that it is just not long enough: I would have liked to hear much more backstory and anecdotes. Spreading the narrative thin over four luminary authors - each of whom deserves a book-length treatment of his own - serves to highlight how much content is left unsaid.

The tight pacing has its advantages and disadvantages. The scintillating brilliance and tragic flaws of the main characters are amply in display and the flashy story remains entertaining all the way through. But the reader is left wanting more. And better.

The book is an essential appetizer. But where's the main course?

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2 people found this helpful