Buddhism, Booze, and the Four Noble Truths

Stephen T. Asma is a professor of Buddhism at Columbia College in Chicago, Illinois. He is the author of the illustrated, bestselling Buddha for Beginners and the highly acclaimed Stuffed Animals and Pickled Heads: The Culture and Evolution of Natural History Museums.

“Intense and revelatory . . . an electrifying and frank mix of hair-rising anecdotes and expert analysis.” — Booklist

“This may be an account of the ultimate intellectual hippie road trip.” — Dallas Morning News

“Gods is a raw, heartbreaking confluence of religion and adventure rarely encountered in works of nonfiction these days.” — Shambhala Sun

“Candid, funny, and insightful . . . an enjoyable read for both the practicing Buddhist and the casual seeker.” — Beliefnet.com

“A must-read for anyone with spiritual stirrings who finds organized religion wanting and Buddhism, American-style, deeply flawed.” — Seattle Times