How many have the courage to eat the forbidden fruit and find yourself? Finding out who you really are is a little underrated in society, don’t you agree? So often we find ourselves restricted by certain norms, beliefs, and doctrines that tell us how to live our lives and what is considered right and wrong. In truth, though, what is “right” and what is “wrong”? What may seem good to one person (or society) may be bad to another.
Questions About Life
So many questions, and Eric Lokian isn’t the first to ponder this. I believe that many of you ask yourselves these – or similar – questions sometimes. When I got my hands on Forbidden Fruit, I swallowed the author’s words. I love, absolutely love his ideas. Starting at page 1, I was hooked. It was like I finally found someone I could talk to, someone I could share my thoughts with – which I also do, because I know the author of this book 🙂
Since Eric and I have already had many engrossing discussions about several topics he mentions in his book, reading Forbidden Fruit was a welcome dive into the farthest depths of his mind.
My Honest Thoughts
It may sound like I’m raving, and you may say, “yeah, well, you know this guy, of course you’re going to praise his work”, but that’s not it. If I didn’t like his work, I wouldn’t write such praise. He knows it. He didn’t ask me to write this review, but I’m writing it, because I love this book and I want to share it with the rest of the world – or at least that fraction of the world that visits my website. 🙂
Forbidden Fruit is philosophy about the Free Man that bases itself somewhat on Nietzsche, then on Hesse, the more modern Palahniuk, and other great philosophers. As the author states:
“It’s time for the strong, for the Free Man or Woman, to surface, to step forward, to break free, to let go, to live. To think on his own, kill or dominate his demons, his issues, his abusers, and indulge deeply in every emotion, every passion. To live.
This philosophy is for the few. You’ll know quickly upon reading if you are in that few. It consists of things man already knows but either forgets or ignores or doesn’t take the time to realize.”
Book Topics
Eric Lokian discusses several fascinating topics in his book, such as society and how we live, solitude, self-realization, change, another fascinating section he calls “blank-slating”, letting go, and last but not least he explains his views on light and dark.
As I stated in my Goodreads book review, my favorite sections were the ones on solitude and light and dark. I could relate to the chapter on solitude and how it shouldn’t be feared but it is rather necessary for everyone. It is in solitude that we can see ourselves, find ourselves, and reflect on who we are, having the opportunity to meet ourselves, which can often be daunting, but in the end, isn’t it vital to know who you really are?
The author’s views on light and dark are also compelling and make more sense than what we have been taught in schools.
Any Final Thoughts
I like reading and there are many books I enjoy and others I just don’t want to continue reading, but it rarely happens that I am raving about a book. I can count on one hand the books that have really made a lasting impression on me and Forbidden Fruit is one of them. Even if it is not for everyone, I believe that everyone should read it.
Additionally, a mind as brilliant as Eric Lokian’s should not be locked up. He should be free. Eric is incarcerated in Iowa on a murder 1 charge when in truth it was manslaughter (self defense). The full story about the why and how of the events that led to the crime and the abuse and negligence of the Iowa court is explained in his other book Why Miller Turned Killer.
Want to know more? Click on the highlighted text to get Forbidden Fruit, and if you like the book, please leave a review on Amazon. Thank you!
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I’m not really a fan of philosophy that much. I usually prefer detective and mystery novels, but a good friend (an avid reader) recommended the Forbidden Fruit to me, so I decided to give it a chance.
The book is impressive and consists of things those things that a person usually knows, but for some reason, forgets or decided to ignore altogether.
Anyhow, I highly recommend it.
Christine,
I clicked on the Amazon book to read more, since it sounded appealing, but I have to admit, I don’t know who Nietzsche is, or the other ones as noted. So, being curious as usual, I wanted to read a bit more about this book.
I find it fascinating that he speaks of people as sheep, which, in society today, most people are. I tend to not share my personal views on very many social networking channels, as often that leads to unnecessary arguments, and of course, many people telling me that I’m wrong, or how can I side this way, how can I view these terrible things this way.
Basically, I don’t view things the same as others. In any aspect of life, or spiritualism, I view things differently than others around me. I’ve always questioned things when others try to tell me things are they way they are just because. Even as a kid in school, I questioned when things didn’t seem right.
Of course, this got me into trouble all the time. I fact, in my freshman year I had 165 detentions, and 3 ISS’s. In just one year. Often when I questioned what a teacher was telling us or teaching us.
Over the course of my life, I have lost friends and family. Usually over my beliefs being different from theirs. While it might bother most people, it never bothered me, honestly. I’ve always stood by what I believe, and often results in research that confirms that what they said didn’t seem right, or factual.
I think I might like this book. Especially since I’ve never been part of the herd.
Thanks for sharing this!
Katrina
Hi Katrina,
It sounds as if this book is perfect for you.
In school we are taught to obey, to accept everything because “it’s the way it is”, and not to question things, but people who question everything, who stand aside from the herd are the ones who change the world.
165 detentions is a lot in one year! My goodness! I remember, though, when I was in school that we weren’t really expected to challenge general points of views, we were expected to accept … taught to be sheep, right?
Even if you have lost friends and family, I don’t always see it as a loss. I’ve also lost people in my life, but I do not consider it a loss. Perhaps there was no room for them in my life and now there is more room for the ones who do belong in my life.
You’re right to stand by what you believe. Absolutely!
Forbidden fruit seems like a good book to pick up and see what he has to say on letting things go in life it can be hard to do.
At times you want to hold grudges because it hurt you at the time but then you eventually have to get over it.
Making things peace with the past to move on to the future can be challenging at times.
We think that this book “Forbidden Fruit” is going to be a good book we are going to check it out
This article can help lots of people that have these issues in life and don’t know how to deal with them and need guidance.
Cheers,
Mathew&Deloris
Hi Matthew and Deloris,
Definitely, check it out. I loved it!
As with all things philosophical, I think coming to books like this with an open mind is important. I have been looking for something to read lately that is a bit more philosophical and less in the sci-fi realm (where I usually spend most of my reading time) where I can employ the escapism we often seek in our literary escapades. Thank you so much for the review, and I truly look forward to the read!
Hi Randi,
Very true, it’s important that we keep an open mind when we read philosophical books.
Enjoy Forbidden Fruit!
Hi Christine,
The topics that Eric Lokian talks about sound fascinating since I’ve thought about them quite often. This book does trigger my interests, and I would love to read the whole book. I always love this kind of book that can inspire me to think more spiritually to find ourselves, and I believe Forbidden Fruit is one of them.
Eric’s previous book, ” Why Miller Turned Killer,” sounds like a sad story, but he tries to reveal the dark side of our society and the court. Which might improve the current situation and make our world a better place to stay.
Thanks for sharing today. 🙂
Matt
Hi Matt,
Why Miller Turned Killer was indeed written to reveal the corrupt side of the court and legal system.
If you’ve been having similar questions as the author about society and life, then I highly recommend Forbidden Fruit. It’s a worth a read 🙂
I agree with you that the book is not for everyone but it would be nice to check it out. I personally have a different opinion from that of the author’s opening statement about society and people living by rules and norms. The problem with most people is that they follow things they don’t understand, just to please others. And they have that liberating feeling when they stop following these rules. But that doesn’t mean they will be better off. It just means they followed them without agreeing or understanding them in the first place.
Hi Paolo,
Interesting point that you bring up about pleasing others and it’s one that the author also mentions in his book. Give it a read, I think you will like it 🙂
Thanks for your comment!
Hi Christine,
It is always good to read and listen to different perspectives. There is a lot to learn when people’s life experiences are approached with an open mind. I feel individuality comes with its own kind of responsibilities. And societies and groups should respect individual existence, freedom, and dignity. It should be a mutual relationship ideally.
Hi Deepshikha,
Wise words! Thank you for your comment!
Hi Christine,
Love yiur intro about the book! Very engaging.
Books on philosophy are usually not everyones cuppa tea since the views oftentimes do not always align with everyone – but I guess that is exactly the point, because it is not supposed to. But reading the review with an open mind generated some further intrigue and curiosity from me – more about the author really.
I was glad to see that you ended the article with a note about the author. Now i am definitely going to read the book “Why Miller turned Killer”. No doubt about it – the criminal justice system is flawed!
Hi Ceci,
True, philosophy needs to be read with an open mind, I find Forbidden Fruit intriguing and a fantastic read. Why Miller Turned Killer is also a great book, it’s raw and authentic and written in an unconventional way as if the author is having a direct conversation with you. Why Miller Turned Killer definitely shows the flaws of the justice system. The sad thing is that it’s a true story …
Hi there Christine. I have read one Philosophy book before but it’s a book that is a requirement for a class. I find Philosophy quite interesting since it made me question life, about my beliefs. I am reading another book currently, however, I would really consider this for the next book I’m gonna read. Your review made it really catchy. Thanks!
Good to know. I really loved this book. 🙂
I don’t read books that much but this one caught my eye. I am getting curious on what it’s about. I have been trying to find myself for a very long time and I really don’t understand the society most of the time.
I also need to let go of a lot of things I have been carrying in my mind and heart. I would also like to read”why Miller turned killer”. I really want to know what really happened.
Hi Mimie,
If you’re trying to figure things out, then I highly recommend Forbidden Fruit. It’s an incredible read. I found that the book answered many questions I had about life and society too, and I agreed with much of what Eric Lokian had to say. Why Miller Turned Killer tells the author’s true story of why he was arrested and charged with murder when it was manslaughter, a raw and honest account. Worth a read too! If you decide to read those books, could you also leave a review on Amazon? That would really help the author.
Many thanks!