Good Books Lately | Eric Karlson

Fall to Grace: A True Story of Sex, Drugs, Vietnam, and Enlightenment
Eric Karlson. Mariposa Press: 1999 (paperback). ISBN: 0967022908. 425 pages.

"A rough and tumble ride on a roller coaster forged in the heat of American policy in the '60s. A true story that begins in the drug alleys of Brooklyn when Karlson is 18. After a buddy ODs and dies, the author joins the army, ships out to Vietnam, runs opium on the side and goes AWOL. For those who imagine the gates of Hell, meet a customer. One who manages to get an upgrade with a taste of what Heaven must be. Emotionally polarized. Gripping!”

--The Book Reader

"After reading the first chapter, I was completely hooked and spent every possible moment reading. I called in sick to work the day I completed the book--just so I could stay home and finish it! One of those rare reads; a titanic pleasure, with large lessons, contemplations, compassions."

--Brian Comerford

"Eric Karlson's struggles and ultimate triumphs are presented throughout "Fall To Grace" with engaging detail, brutal honesty and a surprising innocence; I have read few tales which simultaneously disturbed and inspired me as this one has. Don't be fooled into thinking that this is just a sensationalist, glamorized account of sex, drugs and war; rather, it is a very real and sharp journey through personal and political conflicts, told in a straight-forward manner that makes the reader feel as if he is right there. Evolving from the darkest of circumstances into an enlightened state of awareness, Karlson's experiences represent both the best and the worst aspects of the human condition. This book comes with my highest recommendation!"

--Beth Spradley

In Fall to Grace the author takes you on a journey from the streets of New York, as an 18-year old heroin addict, to an intense spiritual awakening in Vietnam. Eric writes with passion and clarity about the hidden war between the enlisted men and the officers, his gradual understanding of the truth about Vietnam, his decision to oppose the strident U.S. military presence by going AWOL and the golden angel of light who appeared to him in his darkest moment. Written as a novel, Fall to Grace weaves adventure, history, sex, social commentary, violence and compassion into a dynamic tale.

With more than 25 years of public speaking experience, Eric will share his remarkable story with your school, club or organization. He will also send a sample copy of Fall to Grace to groups who are potentially interested in having him come to speak. His publisher offers a discount to groups who purchase five or more copies.