Sam Lansky

This memoir like novel finds a new angle to tackle self-loathing. At times it reads like a self-help book but with enough drama to make it entertaining medicine. The writing is excellent with good use of metaphors and observations. The use of a weekend get-away to let a Shaiman cure him is a mixed bag of acceptance by the reader. But Lansky pulls the ending off with brilliant gusto.

Featured in a blog post at https://booksbeyondbinaries.blog/2020/04/13/changing-of-the-seasons/

A well-written memoir of an addict who happens to be gay. Offspring of a broken home, Sam is a very intelligent young man who makes some poor choices. He relates a dissolute period in his life with a sort of panache and an attitude that takes the edge off of some of the darker aspects of his addiction. I surprisingly enjoyed the book probably because I appreciate good writing and the sex scenes were a bonus.

First this book is mainly about the characters and recalling memories. There is no plot. I found Sam, tiring. I could not sympathize with him. He has been searching with help from drugs and finds a shaman at a wellness retreat who promises to help him. Its not the gay aspect of his lifestyle that bothers me, its just the personality of Sam and so many beautiful, white people.