Dreams can often turn into heartbreak. Just ask Kaleb, a renowned female illusionist whose tumultuous journey from Texas to New York to Hollywood, and back again, serves as the catalyst for this tragic but ultimately inspiring true story. Appearing on national television as his alter ego "Sarah Summers," Kaleb immerses himself in the Hollywood celebrity culture, including heavy drug and alcohol abuse. He uses his talents to beguile women while confusing men. When he falls in love with a famous rock star, his world is turned upside down. Every peak Kaleb reaches in the entertainment world is followed by stumbles into many self-imposed despairing valleys. A series of tragic events sends him back to New York where his world becomes even darker and more ominous as this once enchanting creature turns into a homeless alcoholic struggling through New York City's shelter system. Kaleb's determination to turn his life around and resurrect his entertainment career is hard fought and awe inspiring. This is the true story of my life. Some names have been changed to protect those involved.
Reader's Favorite 5 Star/Award-Winning Review:
Reviewed by Kathryn Bennett for Readers' Favorite Hollywood Heartbreak: New York Dreams by Kody Christiansen introduces us to Kaleb, a well known female illusionist whose journey took him from Texas to New York and then to Hollywood. A story that is tragic, inspiring and very true. Kaleb goes onto national TV as an alter ego known as Sarah Summers and gets lost in the famous and sometimes toxic Hollywood culture. Kaleb abuses alcohol and drugs in a story of success, love, rock bottom, and the struggle to come back from that. Wow is the very first word that comes to mind when I think about the experience I had while reading this book. All of us have ups and downs in life, but few can probably say they have experienced the extreme highs and extreme lows that Kaleb has. This story is emotional and follows such a journey that I found myself wondering what could possibly happen next. The ebb and flow of the book is good and sometimes you can almost find yourself forgetting this is all based on a true story. This is not a fictional tale being told for extremes, but someone's real life. I held my breath in parts, cried in others, and laughed as well. I was joyful when Kaleb managed to pick himself up from the pit of being addicted and on the streets of New York to find life again. A true inspiration to all of us. It leaves the reader with a feeling of the ability to overcome almost anything.
