Turning On

by Rasa Gustaitis

288 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1970

Reviews

[Beer Bolwijn · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are so many different approaches to life explored here, there's bound to be some you'll like. However, Gustaitis is not a gifted writer. I skipped many chapters and passages. The author would apparently pen all collected notes, forgetting to scrutinize them. So many details mentioned are simply irrelevant. More an odd artifact from its time than a joy to read.

I especially liked the Morningstar Ranch chapter, it felt almost fleshed-out Gonzo.

Read in 2022 in Amsterdam. Had to put it down for some time due to boredom. I found it because I was hungry for more turnons after Dick Schaap's brilliant non-fic Turned On about the fate of two NYC junkies around 1966.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three and a half stars. I really enjoyed this journalistic approach to capturing a very weird and special time in America: the human potential movement in the late 60's. The first half of the book is better as Gustaitis travels to California to attend Gestalt encounter groups at Esalen, trip on acid, visit weird communes, and meditate at Tassajara zen monastery. The second half founders a bit as she writes more magazine-article-like chapters on various personalities (such as Ida Rolf) within this movement. These are good, but not as immediate and interesting as her personal experiences. Overall, this book is a great portrait of a unique (and more enlightened and hopeful) time in America.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone who ever wanted to hire someone else to investigate zen, acid, gestalt, Maharishi, Eselan, Morningstar ranch, hippies, Rolfing, etc.... And report it all back to you... This is it!