Bound 4 Escape

Sex, Drugs, and Spiritual Enlightenment (but mostly the first two) by Karuna Das

Publisher:  DX Varos Publishing (March 28, 2023)
Category: General Fiction, Fictionalized Memoir
ISBN: 978-1955065764
Available in Print and ebook, 280 pages

Description

On the cusp of turning eighteen, it’s time for Drew Lovell to become a man.

But deep within, Drew has questions—ones he doesn’t know how to phrase—about what that means and how to go about it.

During three intense stretches between 1985 and 1993, taking him into his mid-twenties, Drew undergoes a series of profound experiences—often wild, sometimes painful, and always revealing—that force him to rethink his current assumptions. Only after nearly dying from trying to conform to conventional models of masculinity does he begin to become the man he wants to be and not the one he thought the world required him to be. Still, he’s unable to live with full integrity until interaction with a pair of awakened humans inspires new awareness that helps him at long last embrace the truth of who he is.

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Guest Review by Sal

I felt a compulsion to force myself upon the world, to exert a positive impact on it, and that I imagined I’d do so through my writing. But the only “more” I wanted out of life—right then, in that particular moment– had nothing to do with those grand plans.”  

Part novel and much a fictionalized memoir, ‘Sex, Drugs, and Spiritual Enlightenment (but mostly the first two)’, takes the reader on a journey that surprises you on every single page. I found this book to be enlightening in ways that I was not expecting. I guess this shouldn’t have been surprising given the title! I can’t say I’m much of one for spirituality, but this book provides an insight into a side of religion that I had never considered.  

Das has a great way with words, and he really paints a picture for the reader about the different phases of the life of his main character, Drew, as he seeks enlightenment in his own life and sheds the image that society created for him. Drew goes through somewhat of a metamorphosis throughout the novel and comes out the other side a much-changed indivi…dual with a different perspective that leads him into a wholly different life.  

I think everyone could stand to do a little introspection into themselves, and this book provides a good jumping off point for that, even if your beliefs don’t necessarily align with the author’s.  

There is a lot here to dissect and, to be honest, some of it went over my head, but I do feel that this is a great book for those just starting out in their spiritual journeys. This is a book for adults of all sizes, shapes and creeds. You just need to have an open mind.  The writing is excellent! 

About the Author

Karuna Das is the pen and spirit name of Kyle Bostian. Born in Wisconsin, he grew up in Massachusetts and now resides in Pennsylvania, but he lives wherever he happens to be at that moment and feels at home everywhere in the universe. He holds a BA in English and an MFA in Playwriting. In addition to his dramatic writing, he’s published the sci-fi novel Kat’s Cradle as well as short fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. He and life partner Ti share their house with five wonderfully wacky cats.

Website: https://www.karunadaswriter.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarunaDasWriter
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/karunadaswriter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karunadaswriter/

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