Flower Child

What a delightful journey back to a time of innocence when many things seemed possible on the journey of enlightenment and self-discovery! When there was so much going on with Vietnam and civil rights and political movements nationwide and worldwide to get involved in, the real 'seekers' paid little attention to the ongoing play of external dramas across the world, the transitory, impermanent world of the mind and ego, of power and polltics. I could relate to much of her adventures going through my own personal struggles, searches, and esoteric rewards reaped through that plunge into the unknown and mysterious emptiness, instead of retreating into safe patterns of fear and acquiesence of the 'standard' answers of the time given to so many issues which cried out for new discussion. Here is someone who lived her own life, flowing through the outer world like an artist, touching here, tasting there, but not getting attached to anything permanently on that 'inner search', and finding many realities along the way to embrace fully, and then move on to even deeper ones. Would we all have so much bravery and courage to leave the old, worn-out conditions and positions we find ourselves in and recreate our lives anew! Bravo to her for recalling the stories and the memories that many of us also lived through, and which changed our lives for the better forever!

What a magnificent, wonderful book! I could not put it down. It was like reading my own soul memories (even though I wasn't even born until the 70s!). It brought me to tears (both of joy and heartache) to read the stories and truly know the pain, joy, love, etc. It is amazing! I've never, ever had such an experience with a book. This is THE book for all true flower children and love-seekers. If the quest for love is in your soul, you will find this book a spiritual answer, companion, and friend. It is so hard to maintain a quest for love in this time, in this life, but I continue to try. And Farida's (Flower Child's) book rekindles my desire for such a search; her light guides the way...

The book Flower Child has been written by an original "hippie", a woman who tells her incredible inspiring, story of the true essence of the "hippie" movement. That of love. Farida Sharan humorously and generously shares insights of her profound life struggles, healing herself physically from breast cancer and emotionally from low-self esteem. Her spiritual quest to find Love was realized. Few hippies "stayed the course" Farida did and her story is provocative, enlightening and real. One can read her book for enjoyment, inspiration or guidance and direction but one must read her book." Dr. Janice Fletcher

Reading Flower Child brings the breeze of Life throughout your entire being! Farida's heart rending and gloriously uplifting true-life story of longing brings you firsthand into the life of a truly gifted woman searching for her life path, only to find she's been there all the while. It is an exclusive candid glimpse into her life which parallels the collective life beat of the heart of the sixties, this legendary time that has become lore for so many. Farida's archetypal and very human writing style truly makes you feel as if you are a guardian angel watching over her, holding her dear in her struggles and rejoicing at her many successes. You also feel like a fly on the wall, witnessing some of the sixties most "happening scenes" and most harrowing secrets. This book lifts the shroud of illusions and myths about the fabled sixties, while it also resurrects the deep beauty and universal truth at the root of those evolving times. While I read Farida's treasure trove of innocent insight and sage wisdom, I could literally feel my own spirit and creativity awaken, as though a fresh breeze were fluttering the silken sheets where they slumbered. My own life path, and purpose, and love for life glowed, in my whole being, infusing my life, charged with the message she delivers so fearlessly and so selflessly. It is truly the work of an evolved soul, who has a great gift for the world she is giving, and will give entirely, before she returns to the Love she came from.Mothers, Sisters, Fathers, and Brothers, Children of Flowers and Stars, bring your handkerchiefs and your hearts!

The journey through the pages of Flower Child was like a journey home for me. As a child born in 1960, I am old enough to remember the flower power period and the summer of love while I was not yet old enough to participate. Flower Child brought me back to those days, to the emotional feelings of love, possibility and uncertainty that permeated the world of my childhood. The author's journey as portrayed in the pages of Flower Child reflects the search for meaning and connection that I suspect most that were touched by the love generation have experienced. Flower Child has, to a large degree, helped me to refine a lifelong and core belief that humans have the potential to live in Love. My personal thanks to Farida Sharan for reminding me once again that the feelings and emotions I internalized as a child were the seeds of the real and powerful possibilities of love.