Higher Love
a psychedelic travel memoir of heartbreak and healing
by Anne Kiehl Friedman
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Pub Date 30 May 2024 | Archive Date 9 Oct 2024
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Description
This is not your average love story…
Her entire life, Anne Friedman chased everything that society told her she should want: Marriage. Professional achievement. Thighs that didn’t touch. But all that got her was depression, anxiety, and disordered eating.
When her fiancé dumps her without explanation, she buys a one-way ticket to Costa Rica in search of answers.
First, a spontaneous psychedelic experience in the jungle brings her peace with three simple words. Then, in Amsterdam, on magic mushrooms with her dad, she has a series of visions that allow her to let go of the self-blame for her broken engagement.
In captivating detail, Higher Love shares the life-changing wisdom gleaned from psychedelic experiences on psilocybin, ayahuasca, LSD, and cannabis. Traveling through the Netherlands, Morocco, Turkey, Spain, and other richly sensuous locations, Anne invites the reader on a globe-trotting search for healing that ultimately leads to the very last place we ever think to look.
For fans of Eat, Pray, Love and Untamed, Higher Love is a guide for self-discovery with a delightful psychedelic twist. Don't miss out on this liberating tale of joy, self-acceptance, and the power of love in all its forms!
Advance Praise
“As someone who’s never tripped on anything but carpets and stairs, I was SPELLBOUND by Higher Love. Think Eat Pray Love on acid; insight woven with irreverence, wit with wisdom, devastating heartbreak with laugh-out-loud humor. There's a long and esteemed tradition of men writing about drug use and their attendant spiritual experiences. Why no women? Science, branches of the military, and government are embracing the potential of psychedelics to save and transform lives; Higher Love has life-changing potential. If what exists in this genre is all Walt Whitman, Anne Friedman is Emily Dickinson.”
- Linda Sivertsen, Bestselling Author and Host of the Beautiful Writers Podcast
“Higher Love is a self-aware memoir that catalogs multiple personal struggles and follows a dedicated pursuit of self-transformation… The text is variously funny, self-critical, wry, cheesy, and reflective of longing. It cracks jokes about difficult moments in the past, but it also becomes serious at the right moments… Higher Love is an empathetic memoir that catalogs instances of self-love, discovery, and healing influenced by a healthy dose of recreational drugs.”
- Clarion Review
“A memoir that’ll have you traveling, tripping, and seeing yourself in the passenger seat of a meaningful story of discovery.”
- Independent Book Review
“movingly explores romantic loss, construction of identity, and family dynamics”
- BlueInk
“This riveting book by Anne Friedman almost made me miss an appointment because I was so enthralled reading it in the waiting room of my Dr.’s office that I didn’t hear my name being called! Whether you want a soulful exploration of a spiritual journey, a gentle introduction to the transformative powers of plant medicines, or simply an engrossing story that takes you around the world and beyond, this is it. I loved every word.”
- Lynne Twist, Best-Selling Author and Featured Guest on Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday
“Takeaway: Kaleidoscopic roller-coaster ride toward loving oneself.”
- BookLife
“A probing, often surprising memoir about the search for self.”
- Kirkus Review
“Everything in this book, from start to finish, spoke to me on a personal level and invited me to look deeper into myself, ask harder questions, and accept gentler answers.”
- Iris, a Spun Yarn reader in her 30’s from Michigan
Available Editions
| ISBN | 9781964437040 |
| PRICE | US$7.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 259 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Reviewer 1462268
## Book Review: *Higher Love* by Anne Kiehll Friedman
Anne Kiehll Friedman’s *Higher Love* is a deeply moving and introspective novel that masterfully explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Set against the lush and mystical backdrop of the Pacific Northwest, Friedman crafts a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, leaving readers with a profound sense of hope and renewal.
The story centers around Emma, a woman grappling with the sudden loss of her husband, Michael. Devastated by grief, Emma decides to leave her bustling city life behind and retreat to a remote cabin in the Pacific Northwest, hoping to find solace and clarity. This decision marks the beginning of an emotional and spiritual journey that will change her life forever.
Emma's grief is palpable and beautifully rendered. Friedman’s prose captures the rawness of her pain, making her journey deeply relatable. The isolation of the cabin, surrounded by towering trees and serene lakes, serves as both a sanctuary and a mirror to Emma’s inner turmoil. It is in this tranquil setting that she begins to confront her loss and rediscover herself.
One of the novel's strengths is its richly developed characters. Emma’s transformation is guided by her interactions with a cast of intriguing and multifaceted individuals. Among them is Sophie, a free-spirited artist who becomes Emma’s confidante and guide. Sophie’s wisdom and unconventional approach to life challenge Emma to see the world from new perspectives, helping her to heal and grow.
The novel also delves into the mystical and spiritual aspects of the human experience. Emma’s encounters with the natural world around her, described in vivid and lyrical detail, are infused with a sense of wonder and reverence. These moments of connection with nature are pivotal in her journey toward healing and self-discovery. They remind readers of the profound impact that the natural world can have on our emotional and spiritual well-being.
Friedman’s exploration of love is nuanced and deeply affecting. Through flashbacks and memories, readers get a glimpse into Emma and Michael’s life together, their shared dreams, and the profound bond they had. These recollections are bittersweet, underscoring the depth of Emma’s loss while also celebrating the beauty of the love they shared. As Emma navigates her grief, she begins to understand that love is not confined to physical presence but transcends it, becoming a guiding force in her life.
The pacing of *Higher Love* is deliberate and reflective, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in Emma’s journey. Friedman’s writing is both poetic and precise, capturing the intricacies of human emotion with grace and sensitivity. The novel’s contemplative tone invites readers to pause and reflect on their own experiences of love, loss, and renewal.
*Higher Love* is more than just a story of grief; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love. Emma’s journey is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is potential for growth and healing. The novel’s ending, which is both hopeful and realistic, leaves readers with a sense of closure and the comforting belief that love can indeed guide us to higher, more fulfilling places.
In conclusion, Anne Kiehll Friedman’s *Higher Love* is a beautifully crafted novel that resonates on multiple levels. Its exploration of deep emotional themes, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Pacific Northwest, makes it a compelling read. The characters are richly drawn, and the prose is both evocative and poignant. For those seeking a novel that delves into the complexities of love and loss while offering a path to healing and self-discovery, *Higher Love* is an extraordinary and enriching experience.
Diane S, Reviewer
I seriously loved this book. Anne generously and vulnerably shares her experiences and the insights she has gained while on psychedelics and consequently, in her life. I really enjoyed hearing her voice, the book is written in a warm, friendly and honest tone. I would recommend this to everyone seeking to know themselves and understand more of the Universe we live in.
