Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Free Spirit by Joshua Safran Review

About the book: When Joshua Safran was four years old, his mother took to the open road with her young son, leaving behind the San Francisco countercultural scene where he was born. Together they embarked on a journey to find a utopia they could call home. Encountering a cast of strange and humorous characters along the way, Joshua spends his early years living in a series of makeshift homes, from a shack to a lean-to on a stump. His colorful youth darkens, however, when his mother marries an abusive guerrilla/poet.
Eventually, Joshua finds the strength to fight back and help his mother find peace. But Free Spirit is more than just a coming-of age story. It is also a journey of the spirit.

About the author: Joshua Safran is an attorney, writer, speaker, and occasional rabbi, and was featured in the award-winning documentary Crime After Crime,which premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and had its television debut as part of the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN)'s Documentary Film Club. He is a nationally recognized champion for women's rights and a zealous advocate for survivors of domestic violence and the wrongfully imprisoned. For his work he has received national media coverage and numerous awards. He lives in Oakland, California.

My Review:
This book, to me, was a cross between a 60's flower child and a nomad. It was definitely an interesting to read about the author's experience in the 60's growing up. When I saw the cover I thought that it was going to be about homesteading and living off the grid, away from the eyes of big brother. However I was wrong. This book is about Joshua and his struggle to be a free spirit away from his childhood. He was trapped with abuse, a mom that took drugs, etc, and he was poor. Poor enough to live off the grid in the woods. I liked the ending and thought that it was fitting, but it is only the beginning. I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own.

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