Greg DiStefano forges a compelling tale of individual redemption, weaving a spiritual tapestry that traverses one man's descent into the hollow depths of drug abuse, sexual proclivity and vacuous materialism; and ends with an ongoing insightful journey that leads to personal awakening, spiritual renewal and recovery. Intertwining threads of childhood and familial experiences with present day accounts, DiStefano draws on the temporal, metaphysical and philosophical with an adeptness that belies this, his first literary endeavor; delivering action against a backdrop spanning the globe and dotted with rich, intriguing characters. The author takes his reader on a search for salvation from a seemingly inexorable plunge into the nothingness of a drug and sex lifestyle. Despite being shackled by the empty cultural trappings of a high-powered job and the thin-crusted fa?ade of ersatz friendships among New York's gliterati, DiStefano holds a torch of revelation throughout his story. This account is not about personal descent and misery, but promises from the outset ascent and redemption. DiStefano accompanies his readers in an intelligently, well-written vehicle that makes you want to read just one more page. A tour de force that exposes shallow Western societal mores (or lack thereof) for what they are (or are not) and defines our collective questioning need in a fast techno-dependent world that offers few soul-reaching answers. "Breakdown" is a must-read for everyone, but especially for those dealing in any way with drug abuse and/or the search for truth.
Reading the final pages of this richly relevant book is a bifid experience: the reader is bound to be sad the journey as story has ended yet at the same time grateful for the evident spiritual growth the journey has provided.
Gregory John DiStefano is first a superlative writer and it seems incredible this is his initial literary outing. He writes with eloquent language, vivid verbal visualizations of myriad subjects, and with a keen sense of pacing that makes BREAKDOWN: DIAMONDS, DEATH, AND SECOND CHANCES so much more than the usual 'confessional turned self-help' book. This is a true story yet it surpasses memoir, so fine is the quality of writing. There are moments when this book reads like a finely spun novel that make the reader hungry for more stories after the current one is told.
DiStefano's childhood in a Roman Catholic family in Providence, RI included all the trappings of being an excellent student and athlete, yet this 'apple-of-the-eye' lad acknowledged early on some obsessions that predicted a duplicitous life: fame, fortune, glory, success were the public aspect of his persona while alcohol and a severe drug addition camouflaged his compulsion to act out on his dangerous sadomasochistic sexual addiction, a role as a gay man he was unable to replace with healthy gay relationships (his childhood included soliciting gay sex from straight men when he was only eleven, always desiring the demeaning role).
DiStefano was graduated from university but fled to New York where he gradually became involved with the PR industry, living the highlife of stars, wealth, exotic travel, and heavy drugs. At one point he acknowledges his disenchantment with the real world and longs to find some inner peace. "The hardest thing in life is letting go of what one believes is real. Grappling for something to grasp on to, I, too, was caught up in a smoke and mirror show...The VIP room, a reflection of ego, was a hollow, cold, meaningless tomb." He and his close friend Spiros set out on a journey to India and the East where he encounters avatars and spiritualists who introduce the yet skeptical DiStefano to the importance of the inner self/God. He explores Hindu philosophy, finds consolation in the Quakers' concept of God as based on the individual conscience, channeling - all manner of non-Christian philosophy he knew so well but found wanting.
Feeling an enriched person, he returns to the US only to re-enter the rat race of public appearances, gaining the lavish position of PR person for the De Beers diamond cartel, winning awards for this style while he became more deeply involved with cocaine, booze, Ecstasy and other designer drugs. One last promotion to the helm of PR for a disingenuous diamond dealer and DiStefano plunges toward near death and failure. This breakdown serves as his salvation as he migrates to Florida and begins his slow regrowth to wholeness. Joining AA he reaches the pit of his soul and embraces all of the spiritual elements to which he has been exposed and finds in himself a person he can finally love. "...the cravings for drugs and alcohol almost completely disappeared. Equally incredible, the incessant fantasies of sexual humiliation - that no amount of intellectual therapy could ever heal - also dissipated. At first I thought it was a miracle. But with its emphasis on surrender instead of control, cooperation rather than domination, forgiveness as opposed to punishment, and, as its driving force, self-love instead of self-loathing so central to the S&M mindset, a spiritual solution suddenly seem obvious. For whatever the reason, I was finally free from bondage."
The inner person of Gregory John DiStefano uncovered by this immense journey is one we grow to love and honor. BREAKDOWN is so much more than the multitude of celebrity recovery books that weight the shelves of bookstores. While the final chapter may come close to pollyannaism, the book as a book is an inordinately fine example of fine writing. Yes, the message DiStefano was destined to deliver is loud and clear. But it is the complete joy of discovering a gifted writer on his first venture that is equally as satisfying. Highly Recommended Reading and I hope more books are fomenting in this fertile writer's mind! Grady Harp, May 05
