The Agonizing Road to Self

by Yusuf Blanton

Follow the story of Devin Smith - a product of modern-day suburbia whose wholesome upbringing spirals into an American nightmare - as he relentlessly seeks inner peace in a world where all that glitters truly is not gold. The book marks author Yusuf Blanton's debut to the literary world, as he bravely dances the line between brutally honest memoir and riveting modern fiction. Dealing interchangeably with drug addiction, raucous sex, urban music, and the objective pursuit of spirituality, The Agonizing Road to Self seeks to turn heads, engage minds, and touch hearts. "If every person on Earth wrote something this personal, forthright, and honest, we might all be able to understand one another and appreciate each others' faults, downfalls, despairs, and joys . . . Through it all, Yusuf never fails to inspire". - Mason Hall, editor "If you were touched by Cupcake Brown's phenomenal autobiography, A Piece of Cake, then the floodgates of compassion and hope are bound to burst open after reading Yusuf Blanton's dose-of-reality debut novel". - Gigi James, television writer and award-winning author of I Didn't Sign Up For This! "The intensity of this book is sure to strike some chord in anyone who reads it . . . The Agonizing Road to Self is a powerful testament to the struggles of humanity". - James Lord, Zojak Worldwide

214 pages, Paperback

First published February 19, 2014

Reviews

[Raynesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I began reading this book I never imagined the journey I would be taken on. From the struggle between addiction, standing strong in his religious beliefs and sudden dangerous change in moods Devin's story took me on a ride I hadn't prepared for. I found myself hoping he'd find peace in his many life changes and becoming upset every time he let me down. This was a heavier read than what I'm used to. I found myself in tears, I've never read anything like it before. The editing was A-1 which is a rare find in books during these E-book, easy to self-publishing times which made for a smooth and easy read. I wish the ending gave more depth of Devin's next step in life but all together this was a great read. I applaud the author!

[Philip Schmohl · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title is apt, this is agonizing for me. The book is touching strings in my own life, painfully plucking them... It is slow going. No, it's 'no-going' I'm finished with this mess...

[Philip · Rating 1 out of 5]

The title's apt - too agonizingly written to finish. Don't waste your time or money on this 'self-publish', he fancies himself an author...