The Shaman

by Joseph Carrabis

Gio Fortuna, a boy spurned by his parents for being “slow,” is raised by his grandfather in the ways of the Practice, a rich esoteric discipline drawing upon mystic traditions passed down over thousands of years from a multitude of cultures. Written in five parts chronicling Gio's life, The Shaman sees Fortuna embark on a journey from initiate to adept, young boy to old man, as he navigates a network of teachers, each with their own unique lessons and challenges. Steeped in wisdom applicable to all, The Shaman is an inspiring story that proposes a unique path to self-discovery and growth unlike anything written before.

750 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2023

About the author

Joseph Carrabis is a master storyteller with a sharp sense of humor and linguistic expertise. Hailing from New Hampshire, USA, his passion for writing began at the tender age of seven while washing dishes with his older sister, Sandra. She’d read ‘Mission to the Heart Stars’ for a book report and shared her fascination and excitement over the story. Joseph, a plate in one hand and a dish towel in the other decided, “I want to give that to people.” With a career deeply embedded in evolving technologies, Joseph served as Chief Research Officer, Chief Neuroscience Officer, and Senior Research Fellow at several institutions and agencies while earning numerous awards for his journalism and trade technical writing.

Joseph refers to himself as boring - something loudly debunked by his readers and peers - and weaves wildly imaginative stories that dance on the boundary of the known and unknown sciences where natural, preternatural and supernatural intersect. Fans’ comments regularly mention Carrabis’ ability to bring together advanced mathematics, quantum physics, cybernetics, and neuroscience with believable multi-dimensional characters and spellbinding future technology. Joseph has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize, recommended for a Nebula Award, and received an honorable mention in ‘Writers of the Future’.

Reviews

[Lynn Hallbrooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was different than any other book I've read before. It was good overall, yet a little wordy for my taste in the opening area and again after the story ended.

This is my personal opinion. It's possible that everything in it may appeal to you if this is your type of genre.

[Rik Ty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a treasure trove for the right set of readers. It is packed full of short, shamanistic, mystical mind-excursions. Its story is loosely framed around the major life events of a man named Gio. When Gio is very, very young, his parents see him as different and unpromising, something close to learning disabled. His grandparents see him as a gifted child. Gio’s grandfather treats him to his own special knowledge, and starts giving Gio shamanistic lessons. “Shamanistic” is more my term than the characters’. “Lessons” is mostly what they call their mind-excursions, and the mind-excursions in the book are lots of fun. None are long. Each is between one and three pages in length, each is HIGHLY imaginative, often surreal, each potentially suggests a lesson of some type, and each is very nicely written — in plain language that is never purple in itself, but is always in service of mind-stretching concepts and happenings. The writing is always engaging and never taxing. The book is fun to read. Carrabis writes beautifully.
Way back in the early nineteen eighties, when I was taking the subway to college (and to my supporting jobs), I had a period where I binged through the Carlos Castaneda books. I remember liking them and the matter-of-fact way they described the impossible. (I remember exactly one scene all these years later, and it had nothing to do with mysticism.) It would not surprise me at all if readers of those books wouldn’t love this one as well.
This book anchors at major points in Gio’s life: his early, blissful days with his grandfather, his down period after his grandfather’s death, his resurgence in college, his occasional landings here and there, his marriage, and his late-life moments. None are explored much more than the listing I just provided. That doesn’t hurt the book at all. I mention it because there is a chance the lessons Gio goes on during the book (usually a conversation with someone—regarding a lesson—that quickly morphs into a mind-excursion.) there is a chance the lessons are tailored to Gio’s life points, but if they are, I couldn’t detect any connection. (I only read this casually, late at night.) The author is very generous with the excursions. There are a lot of them. My sense is that they could have been shuffled in any order, or half of them could have been removed altogether without making any difference to the book. BUT readers who are interested in what the book offers will WANT those extra bits. They make the book a better value.
I will go a little further and make a suggestion.
If mind-stretching excursions—that are not burdened by plot—and that are fun to read, are the reason you are considering buying this book— then buy the paperback version. That way, you can open the book any time you want and take a random hit of shamanistic goodness. (The after-material is also very good.) The book is a treasure trove for the right reader. Have fun!

[Ally Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Shaman by Joseph Carrabis tells the lifelong journey of Gio – a young boy who was not wanted or accepted by his parents. and as a result, was raised by his grandfather who opened his eyes to gifts and spiritual lessons that very few of us would ever be able to comprehend, and even fewer would be willing to believe. With the passing of his grandfather Gio returned to life with his birth parents who were not open to the old ways, adding confusion and frustration to an already existential way of thinking, and an ongoing battle to discover who and why he is.

I had my own battle while following Gio’s Lifepath.

On one side, was the in-depth, almost LSD-like out-of-body detail, that was placed into every “lesson”, experience, and encounter. Although several of the descriptions and storylines were relevant, other times it got to be a bit much, at least for me. I feel that the author could have gotten the story across with more of an impact using fewer words. Had he picked out the most important lessons for Gio to learn and allowed Gio to be more “human” and connect with his readers on a more personal and emotional level, this reader would have been more receptive to what was being shared. The few moments that were humanizing of Gio’s teenage and adult years did not resonate with me.

On the other side, the author portrayed parts of the journey in a way that I was overcome with warmth and the joy of human kindness. A boy grew into a man, who despite all odds, embraced the gifts given to him by his grandfather. Throughout his life, he used these gifts not only to embrace his grandfather’s memory, but to keep learning, to discover the why of behaviors, and to help ease the pain of so many. The author portrayed life and even death as hopeful, beautiful, and magical.
One of my favorite parts was the long list of lessons at the end of the book after the journey ended. I suggest you start there. Not only are the lessons worth reading and embracing, but they will also provide insight into the journey in which you are about to take part. Knowing the lessons ahead of time may instill sufficient intrigue to make the more drawn-out portions palatable enough to encourage you to keep on reading.

Overall, if you are looking for something that will cause you to think out of the box and enjoy perhaps looking at the world and human capabilities a bit differently, then this is your read.

A small spoiler, if you have read other works by Joseph Carrabis, you will enjoy picking up on the slight connections made between other stories and this one. Kudos to the author on that!

[Kaye Lynne Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The magic of shamans lies within Gio Fortuna and Shaman is the story of his journey to discover the magic within himself, learn to use it, and teach others who are eagar to learn. But as he learns, others don’t understand, and they fear him for what he does. Feeling outcast and trying to find his place in life, Gio is on an amazing life-long journey of self-discovery. He learns something new with every interaction, whether they be teacher or student. For Gio, the incredible is ordinary, although most everyone else is left in awe.

Carrabis skillfully crafts his tale into life lessons learned by his character, Gio. As Gio ventures through life on a soul searching journey, each lesson is portrayed in a way which leaves them open to interpretation, for the reader to attach their own meanings. If you read this book, you will, too, without even realizinng that you’re doing it. I read chapters over repeatedly in order to grasp the meanings that were waiting there for me, although sometimes differing from their meanings for Gio.

See my full review here: https://writingtoberead.com/2023/11/1...

[S. Lynn Helton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of one man's life, but at the same time, so much more: a sort of magical realism, with philosophy, some science, different world views, and teachings of how to live. It's a compelling tale of Gio Fortuna's mystical, metaphysical journey.

It's not a story to read quickly. Rather savor what it's saying through gentle lessons of respect, honesty, forgiveness, kindness, and so much more. Lovely illustrations - relevant to the learning in each part - mark the beginnings of each of the sections. I really enjoyed how the language just flows, taking me from scene to scene and discovery to discovery.

There's some abuse and cruelty in the tale, but also poignancy, and humor, too. One of my favorite humorous moments is Gio wondering if the small green lizards make fly sandwiches with the little balls of rye bread that they like!

The story has many levels to it, likely not all grasped during an initial read. It's a book to read for what it says to you now, then read again in the future for new discoveries that speak to you. Well worth it! Enjoy!

[Florian Armas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is more a tapestry of disjointed stories than a novel; there is no plot, and this is challenging. One moment you are in the real world, the next moment you can be … anywhere. It’s difficult to connect the dots, but the dots are well written, sometimes using a colorful language. The Shaman has all the characteristics of a magical realism novel:

Realistic settings in a world that is familiar to the reader.
Magical elements that are considered normal.
Limited information – the author excelled in this aspect.
It doesn’t follow a typical narrative line – the author excelled here too.

Gio is an exceptional psychic, and we learn his story starting from early childhood when he is rejected by his parents as being too ‘simple’. Great shamanic education starts with great trainers, and there is a long list of teachers, human and non-human. These experiences take him, and the reader, across the world and several spiritual realms.
The novel is well written, but some readers may find it challenging.

[Clarabelle Miray Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richly emotive, mythical, and thought-provoking, The Shaman follows the life story of Gio Fortuna, a boy rejected by his parents and unsure of his place in a world full of violence and despair. Trying to make better sense of the mystic knowledge gifted to him by his grandfather, Gio embarks on a Campbellian journey of personal and spiritual transformation, traveling to different parts of the globe, encountering many diverse teachers, and learning many truths--both metaphysical and material--along the way. Written with Carrabis' usual dexterity and brilliance, The Shaman is more than just the narrative of Gio's life: it also serves as an invitation for the reader's own personal growth and a guide for those who wish to explore the many layers of human experience and the ultimate nature of the universe.

[Sheila Oranch · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to get high without drugs, read a Carrabis book. The Shaman reads like a spiritual instruction book. Just reading it brings you closer to Nature and the inner-outer resonance of "as above, so it is below" of metaphysics. Some parts are difficult or painful, but that's life, isn't it? I read this in conjunction with The Inheritors (yes, I read more than one book at a time), and although the settings and world-building details are quite different, there are echoes between them. Each helps the other inform the reader. Joseph is not your guru or native guide. His path is his own, but reading his books may shine a light on the more esoteric, obscure parts of your path. It's well worth the effort.

[Charissa Wilkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Overview: Gio is a strange man. He was a strange child, one that seemed slower than most. Should he be institutionalized? After all he does seem to see more than those around him. Or is it something more?

Dislikes: Gio's parents were pieces of work. No amount of money will replace your family members, no matter what the cause of the strife is.

Likes: Gio was able to find those he needed to, when he needed them.

Robyn was a great woman.

We do have an appendix with this book. It has quite a few good pieces of advice.

Conclusion: This is a journey that will not be for everyone. If you can enjoy a slow river ride with a few rapids here and there, then you will enjoy this ride. Have fun.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting, well written novel. I found it easier to read than his last novel "The Inheritors". It tells the life story of Gio, who brought up by his grandparents, becomes a shaman like his grandfather.

The novel falls into sections; his childhood with his grandfather where he starts learning to be a shaman, then after his grandfather dies and he goes back to his abusive parents, where he loses his way for a while, then his training with various teachers and his experiences with various fake shamans and clients who come to him.

The author clearly knows a lot about anthropology and mythology from around the world.

It's a long novel and quite slow paced. It took me a while to get through it.

[Seth Hobbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is a bit mysterious and odd at first, but then it begins to gain traction. Carrabis shows us an unusual protagonist, through which we are better able to examine many human issues, and few beyond that. I love anything with an esoteric theme, so it is interesting that Gio is taught many interesting ways that draw from multiple times/cultures. Some of the meanings may be a bit wide open for you to figure out for yourself, but the story is layered with a lot of cool ideas or takeaways. This is not my typical read, but I enjoyed it, and I think most readers of fantasy or philosophical works would gain something from it, as well as many others.

[Aidan Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from the very beginning, I was fully gripped by this book. The story is about (among many things) the lessons learned throughout the life of a man from early childhood to mature adult. The writing is so immersive that it feels like you’re living out that same life time and doors for learning and self reflection are opened every step of the way.
There are so many heartfelt moments in the story that made me cry, a truly beautiful book. It was a joy to read and would strongly recommend.
Bonus points if you like short chapters that make you say “ok, just one more chapter” when it’s already way past your bedtime.

[Wayne McKinstry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Shaman is the story of a Sicilian-American boy who is born with psychic powers. His old Grandfather teaches him much but after the Grandfather dies he struggles in a world that does not accept anybody who is “different”.

His search takes him to a number of shamans, practitioners of traditional rites and such. He is also in and out of a lot of relationships.

I found some of the chapters to be repetitive, like the one before and after it. But I suppose that is the way life can be. A good read for someone who likes this type of Fantasy.

[Sezgin Ismailov · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book The Shaman tells about an unusual human story. Describing the life of Gio.
The writer is definitely a master of words. Rich epithets adorn every page, . The author wields a brush of words with mastery, revealing hidden fields. Despite the many pages, the book is read in one sitting. I can definitely recommend this book to read.

[Audrey Driscoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is told in first person, in a long series of snapshot-like scenes that are almost like parables. Gio Fortuna is brought up by his grandparents and learns his grandfather’s wisdom. The childhood scenes are full of warmth and colour, pervaded by unconditional love and flavoured by the language of Sicily. The grandparents’ deaths expel Gio from this paradise into the harsh world of his uncaring parents, the conflicts of high school, sexual experiences. Grandpa’s teachings are shelved and forgotten until Gio is compelled to return to them and seek further. This begins a years-long journey, both interior and exterior, learning from many teachers and traditions.

I think this book may be called magical realism. Gio lives in the world of the late 20th century, in the US, probably in or near Boston. He lives in the real, often harsh and cruel world, but much time is spent in other realms and realities. The external arc of Gio’s life can be inferred from brief glimpses of background (places, classrooms, apartments, houses, furniture), but the focus is always on the lesson of the moment, because this book isn’t a novel in the conventional sense. As much as it tells Gio’s life story, it is also intended as a guide readers may use for their own personal growth.

The brief chapters are written in vivid, colourful language, conveying both terrible and transcendent events. They are not explicitly connected, except by inferences made by the reader. Some of the chapters end abruptly, leaving readers to draw their own conclusions. It seemed to me the book could have been shorter without losing anything important. An appendix offers several dozen Principles for living that echo the lessons in Gio’s story.

Despite some impatience with sections where there seemed to be no discernable plot, I thought this book was a worthwhile read. Those looking for a novel that follows a familiar pattern may find it challenging, but for readers seeking wisdom and enlightenment it may be a helpful resource.