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Burning Wings : A mostly true story about love, light, fear, darkness, hallucinations, narcotics, spirituality, debauchery, and that thing in the desert.
"Destined for cult classic status as avante garde female-driven literature in contemporary counter-culture." SYNOPSIS She’s young, naive, broken, and wields a ticket to the fabled dust-filled experiment deep in Black Rock Desert, Nevada. She’s prepared herself with goji berries, magic dreamcatcher wings, and a drug filled suitcase way out of proportion to her petite frame. What begins as a party, full of dancing, debauchery, and all that is anticipated on the playa, quickly transcends the expected, and transforms into a mythical world where fairies and clowns become guides, and the line between truth and fantasy is shattered. Set amidst a backdrop of dynamic art installations with vivid hallucinatory imagery, she traverses the mysteries of life, of the heart, and of the darkness lurking under the surface of her soul. But to survive in a world of illusion, will loss of innocence result in wisdom, or is she simply losing her grip on reality forever? Burning Wings is a no-holds barred story of the intense spiritual awakening that can occur amidst the madness and epiphanies of drug culture, all told through a contemporary female lens and signature Gonzo flair. SNIPPETS FROM EARLY REVIEWERS "Blending fantasy, reality, tragedy, and love, Burning Wings encapsulates the mental and emotional roller coaster of surviving in an environment designed specifically to reveal your darkest shadows and brightest light." “The pleasure and pain of the whole experience is blended magnificently, and it somehow seems to eloquently cover the entire gamut of experiences with insight. The philosophy and imagery of the words are a masterful representation of what and why we do that thing out in that desert. It was like reading a drug-fueled, counter-culture version of The Alchemist and I loved it.” "Burning Wings tells a story that didn’t JUST flash me back to a special memory of one of my own burns, but it transported me to a realm where I tasted playa and wiped tears from my eyes, a place where I got butterflies in my stomach as it touched my soul and set it on fire. The playa is a place where all senses are utterly vibrating, and it’s really hard to experience the playa in all it’s glory unless you are physically there, but this story blends all these elements together and makes that sweet stimulation tangible all over again. If you want to experience any part of the playa, there is no better place to start than here." "Burning Wings whisks you away into a fantastical dream-like tale of love, fear and growth. The author’s honest vulnerability and playful writing style authentically captures the magic of experiencing Burning Man through the eyes of a first-time attendee. She pedals us through an emotional and psychedelic journey of the self, mirrored in the exploration of Black Rock City’s whimsical and darker sides alike. It’s the first book in years I was unable to put down." Burning Man, counter-culture, transformational festival, pop-culture, contemporary literature, feminist literature, dark humor, magical realism, biographical, autobiographical, coming of age, avante grade, Black Rock City
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2020
6 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 7, 2020
A week in the desert. A plethora of psychotropic drugs. A mind bending art installation transporting you to another dimension.
AKA Burning Man 🔥
I’ll be honest, before reading Burning Wings by @kyrabramble I didn’t have much experience with Burning Man besides what I read online or saw in movie portrayals. It’s a completely new concept for my Midwestern brain.
The closest I’ve ever come to a spiritual awakening like this was the time I had too much devil’s lettuce and watched Fantasia.
As Kyra relays her story of awakening, parts of her life and world take new shape, no longer being just people but fairies and clowns and mythical beings that are her spirit guides. At times it was almost scary and overwhelming, but it was truly beautiful to see her emerge on the other side.
If you’re looking for a mostly true and only slightly exaggerated tale of true enlightenment and epiphany, check out Burning Wings. This burgin (BM Virgin!) is glad she did.
AKA Burning Man 🔥
I’ll be honest, before reading Burning Wings by @kyrabramble I didn’t have much experience with Burning Man besides what I read online or saw in movie portrayals. It’s a completely new concept for my Midwestern brain.
The closest I’ve ever come to a spiritual awakening like this was the time I had too much devil’s lettuce and watched Fantasia.
As Kyra relays her story of awakening, parts of her life and world take new shape, no longer being just people but fairies and clowns and mythical beings that are her spirit guides. At times it was almost scary and overwhelming, but it was truly beautiful to see her emerge on the other side.
If you’re looking for a mostly true and only slightly exaggerated tale of true enlightenment and epiphany, check out Burning Wings. This burgin (BM Virgin!) is glad she did.
August 10, 2021
This is truly the most beautifully written novel bringing to life the magic of the Burning Man experience! <3
Bringing to life the beauty of the Burning Man experience is not an easy feat, but this book took me back to Black Rock City in such a visceral way that I couldn’t read it all in one sitting. I savored it for WEEKS just to feel that I was being transported back to the Playa.
Kyra did such an incredible job hooking me from the very beginning. It is truly such an honest, genuine, and (for a Burner like me) relatable book that really captures the magic of what it means to shed a version of yourself to make way for hard truths, lessons learned, and above all, connection.
Even for those who perhaps have not gone to the Burn, but are interested in taking a peek at what it’s like, this book really paints a fantasy world that takes the reader on a journey. But more than that, it features the difficult lessons that come with the human experience in a way that leaves much room for self-reflection.
It’s witty, funny, and a truly astounding piece of work. If you’re looking to be taken to another dimension that blurs the lines between reality and psychedelic fantasy, this is for you.
Bringing to life the beauty of the Burning Man experience is not an easy feat, but this book took me back to Black Rock City in such a visceral way that I couldn’t read it all in one sitting. I savored it for WEEKS just to feel that I was being transported back to the Playa.
Kyra did such an incredible job hooking me from the very beginning. It is truly such an honest, genuine, and (for a Burner like me) relatable book that really captures the magic of what it means to shed a version of yourself to make way for hard truths, lessons learned, and above all, connection.
Even for those who perhaps have not gone to the Burn, but are interested in taking a peek at what it’s like, this book really paints a fantasy world that takes the reader on a journey. But more than that, it features the difficult lessons that come with the human experience in a way that leaves much room for self-reflection.
It’s witty, funny, and a truly astounding piece of work. If you’re looking to be taken to another dimension that blurs the lines between reality and psychedelic fantasy, this is for you.
January 1, 2021
Let me start by stating that I have never been to Burning Man. But since I live in San Francisco, I know many, many, many people who attend every year. They have told me many times what is like to attend, and their tales never came close to what Kyra Bramble does in her book.
In a few words: it is a wonderful and vivid story!
Reading the book made me feel as if I was right there at Burning Man. I could feel the fine sand on my feet, the warmth of the sun on my skin, hear the beat of the music, feel the power of the Temple and much more.
Throughout the book I kept thinking, processing and self-reflecting on the many different topics Kyra Bramble touched upon, such as love, pain, darkness, illusion, and forgiveness. This book is the perfect companion to the quarantine because it gives you wings, allowing you to travel to the playa, and experience everything Burning Man offers to those who are looking for something, but not quite sure what that something is.
In a few words: it is a wonderful and vivid story!
Reading the book made me feel as if I was right there at Burning Man. I could feel the fine sand on my feet, the warmth of the sun on my skin, hear the beat of the music, feel the power of the Temple and much more.
Throughout the book I kept thinking, processing and self-reflecting on the many different topics Kyra Bramble touched upon, such as love, pain, darkness, illusion, and forgiveness. This book is the perfect companion to the quarantine because it gives you wings, allowing you to travel to the playa, and experience everything Burning Man offers to those who are looking for something, but not quite sure what that something is.
November 12, 2020
WOW! Way to travel time.
Reading this book really transported me to Burning Man. Whether you are a burgin (BM virgin) a seasoned burner, or something who doesn’t want to go but wants to know what’s it’s like, Burning Wings, is a stellar inside on what BM is like.
As a woman who had a miscarriage the day this book arrived (I was waiting impatiently) it couldn’t have come at a better time as sad as that may be; it truly helped my mental state, helped me heal from a very heartbreaking experience and it out me back HOME through someone else’s eyes.
I highly recommend this to anyone who’s ever been curious about that thing in the desert.
Reading this book really transported me to Burning Man. Whether you are a burgin (BM virgin) a seasoned burner, or something who doesn’t want to go but wants to know what’s it’s like, Burning Wings, is a stellar inside on what BM is like.
As a woman who had a miscarriage the day this book arrived (I was waiting impatiently) it couldn’t have come at a better time as sad as that may be; it truly helped my mental state, helped me heal from a very heartbreaking experience and it out me back HOME through someone else’s eyes.
I highly recommend this to anyone who’s ever been curious about that thing in the desert.
November 28, 2020
Burn vicariously with Kyra’s epic tale of personal growth and mystic synchronicity in the desert. Burning Wings is a deep dive into the psyche, a rollicking romp through altered states. The perfect armchair travel companion for these times of staying home. Kyra’s writing enchants and delights, embodying the spirit of the playa, and the festival world that will never be the same. As an 8-times burner, and a thinly veiled character in her (mostly true) tale, I can attest, Burning Wings is real page-turner!
August 4, 2024
From Sparkle Pony to Sparkle Stallion!
This book was a fun read from start to finish. As a seasoned burner, I could taste the playa dust in my mouth. I could feel the heat of the Nevada desert, and the chaotic mayhem that makes up Black Rock City.
Both the worlds of Burning Man and Psychedelic drug use are often dominated by men. It was a refreshing take to trip through the week of the burn through the eyes of an empowered young woman. She was humble at the right times, and invincible in others. I sure hope that she writes some more of her adventures!
This book was a fun read from start to finish. As a seasoned burner, I could taste the playa dust in my mouth. I could feel the heat of the Nevada desert, and the chaotic mayhem that makes up Black Rock City.
Both the worlds of Burning Man and Psychedelic drug use are often dominated by men. It was a refreshing take to trip through the week of the burn through the eyes of an empowered young woman. She was humble at the right times, and invincible in others. I sure hope that she writes some more of her adventures!
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December 29, 2020Free flowing and deeply soulful book
I truly felt like I was flowing through all Kyra's experiences with her, in the midst of a fairyland while also feeling the physical sensations. I have never been to Burning Man but now feel as if I have.
There is much wisdom, philosophy and truths woven throughout which help you ponder your own perspective on reality. I highly recommend taking this real and raw journey with Kyra!
I truly felt like I was flowing through all Kyra's experiences with her, in the midst of a fairyland while also feeling the physical sensations. I have never been to Burning Man but now feel as if I have.
There is much wisdom, philosophy and truths woven throughout which help you ponder your own perspective on reality. I highly recommend taking this real and raw journey with Kyra!
June 24, 2023
A fun read with a few meaningful insights to take along. I wish there hadn’t been so many typos and grammatical issues, as they were somewhat distracting, but the author generally does a good job of painting a vivid picture and taking the reader on the journey. This book would have been better for me if the writing had been of higher quality, but I give it three stars because I did enjoy it and at times felt like I was there with her, which I think is a mark of a good story.
December 23, 2024
As close as you can get without actually going there
I loved this book. It had an easy flowing style of writing that made it very easy for me to read. I have never been to Burning Man, and probably will never go as I live in a completely different continent, very far away, but this book gave me such a vivid, lucid description.
In addition to the Burning Man experience, so much more is examined in terms of being, experiencing the world and why we exist. She has given me a lot to reflect on.
I loved this book. It had an easy flowing style of writing that made it very easy for me to read. I have never been to Burning Man, and probably will never go as I live in a completely different continent, very far away, but this book gave me such a vivid, lucid description.
In addition to the Burning Man experience, so much more is examined in terms of being, experiencing the world and why we exist. She has given me a lot to reflect on.
March 8, 2021
Kyra Bramble’s first novel based on her first Burning Man was an enjoyable read. It was touching, heartfelt, and insightful. I loved the main character’s vulnerability and loved being able to experience Burning Man through her eyes. My favorite chapter was Sunday. This is a must read book if you’re at all curious about Burning Man or have been.
December 22, 2020
I have never been to Burning Man, but have always wanted to go. This has definitely inspired me to prioritize going to my first burn. This beautifully written journey has so many stand out messages that you can apply to life even if you've never been to Burning Man. I highly recommend this.
May 2, 2022
This is a book that you won’t be able to put down. If you have been to burning man, never been to burning man or are just curious about peering down into the rabbit hole this is the book for you. I loved every page and hope you do too!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews