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Mask: My Race Through the Belly of Hollywood to Self-Discovery
Eli Wehbe lived at the white-hot center of Los Angeles nightlife. More than a decade of hustle, scramble, and hard work put him at the pinnacle of the life he always celebrity friends, beautiful women, fast cars, popularity—and plenty of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. He achieved his dream—and it left him empty. Then, a tragedy threatened to destroy him and everything he worked for.
In this raw, honest, and vulnerable memoir, one of America’s nightclub greats—a man who literally had his name in lights in Hollywood—shares his story and reveals the naked truth behind Los Angeles after dark. Riveting from first page to last, Mask describes the backstabbing, insecurities, and hollowness that drive the nightclub business and the people within it.
After plunging to the depths of despair, Eli refused to give up, embarking on a profound journey of self-discovery and reinvention. Mask chronicles his ultimate odyssey from teen outcast to Hollywood mogul to extreme athletic achievement—an inspiring American story of creation, failure, and redemption.
In this raw, honest, and vulnerable memoir, one of America’s nightclub greats—a man who literally had his name in lights in Hollywood—shares his story and reveals the naked truth behind Los Angeles after dark. Riveting from first page to last, Mask describes the backstabbing, insecurities, and hollowness that drive the nightclub business and the people within it.
After plunging to the depths of despair, Eli refused to give up, embarking on a profound journey of self-discovery and reinvention. Mask chronicles his ultimate odyssey from teen outcast to Hollywood mogul to extreme athletic achievement—an inspiring American story of creation, failure, and redemption.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 14, 2021
28 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 19, 2022
I was looking forward to reading this - there seemed to be a lot of hype out there about it, how inspirational it was, but I was disappointed. This is a basically a run down of his life, how he got what he wanted - to become a nightclub owner and to be a part of that scene and how drugs were a part of this life. He then seems to want to share how the drugs and party lifestyle ruined his life, but it honestly didn't, he still had his family and friends, his money, everything, once he stopped (if he actually fully has). Drugs devastate people waaaaay more than this guy ever experienced. Ultimately, he lost his partnership in the nightclub, but that was because of covid, not his partying lifestyle. This guy gets what he wants because of his personality - he is determined and he pushes through to succeed - he got his dream to own a nightclub, and his dream of running marathons - and this is all fantastic, but there is really no inspirational words to help others do the same.
Personally, I'd give this one a miss if you are looking for some inspiration in your life, but its a fairly short and easy read about his life.
Personally, I'd give this one a miss if you are looking for some inspiration in your life, but its a fairly short and easy read about his life.
June 16, 2023
Was excited for this book but felt more like a vanity project than an inspirational story. Quick read & mildly interesting.
June 9, 2025
4.75 stars! Super interesting story. Loved the audio because it offered interviews of Eli
January 17, 2022
Nothing gets me more hyped up than this…
A roller coaster ride story of someone, who had little to nothing, achieved it all, lost it, and has managed to create a major comeback with pride and resilience.
Eli Wehbe is a perfect example of this story.
From humble beginnings in California, 70 miles outside of LA, he was raised by immigrant parents.
His teenage years were spent with different crews trying to find his groove as he developed his big vision.
He knew he wanted to get to the glorious lights of Los Angeles and get into the nightlife scene.
As a young kid, after high school, he set out on this journey.
In his personal memoir, Mask: My Race Through The Belly of Hollywood to Self-Discovery, Eli shares his vulnerable story of sex, drugs, celebrity friends, beautiful women, all in the white-hot center of Los Angeles nightlife.
You will take the ride with him as he learns the ropes as an amateur club promoter, who quickly rises to be the top of his industry reaching the highest of heights and achieving “the life” we all see on TV.
Only to get falsely framed in a tragic fatal accident that pushes him to do some soul searching.
This event along with deep inner work leads him to leave the stardom life behind and embark on writing the next chapter of his story as who he truly is.
A runner. A giver. A man of his word.
You are definitely going to want to take this ride with Eli.
What I admire the most about this book and Eli is the realness and utmost level of vulnerability he displays in the details with his drug and alcohol addiction, troubles in his love life, backstabbing friends, falling back into his mistakes, and much more.
I crushed this book in 2 days and couldn’t get enough of it.
It left me with asking, “What’s Next?”
To answer that is more life for Eli to pursue his true identity and help others find the courage to live more honestly within themselves.
Grab this book, it’s a perfect early read in the new year!
A roller coaster ride story of someone, who had little to nothing, achieved it all, lost it, and has managed to create a major comeback with pride and resilience.
Eli Wehbe is a perfect example of this story.
From humble beginnings in California, 70 miles outside of LA, he was raised by immigrant parents.
His teenage years were spent with different crews trying to find his groove as he developed his big vision.
He knew he wanted to get to the glorious lights of Los Angeles and get into the nightlife scene.
As a young kid, after high school, he set out on this journey.
In his personal memoir, Mask: My Race Through The Belly of Hollywood to Self-Discovery, Eli shares his vulnerable story of sex, drugs, celebrity friends, beautiful women, all in the white-hot center of Los Angeles nightlife.
You will take the ride with him as he learns the ropes as an amateur club promoter, who quickly rises to be the top of his industry reaching the highest of heights and achieving “the life” we all see on TV.
Only to get falsely framed in a tragic fatal accident that pushes him to do some soul searching.
This event along with deep inner work leads him to leave the stardom life behind and embark on writing the next chapter of his story as who he truly is.
A runner. A giver. A man of his word.
You are definitely going to want to take this ride with Eli.
What I admire the most about this book and Eli is the realness and utmost level of vulnerability he displays in the details with his drug and alcohol addiction, troubles in his love life, backstabbing friends, falling back into his mistakes, and much more.
I crushed this book in 2 days and couldn’t get enough of it.
It left me with asking, “What’s Next?”
To answer that is more life for Eli to pursue his true identity and help others find the courage to live more honestly within themselves.
Grab this book, it’s a perfect early read in the new year!
December 24, 2021
I saw this book on Amazon and thought it sounded good, so I went ahead and bought it.
I have always been intrigued by the way Hollywood parties, so this was the perfect read for me.
I really, really enjoyed this book. Wehbe's determination is impressive and pretty much a constant in his life.
I am not sure if he glossed over the bad things in his life, but other than Amber dying, he does not seem to have horrible things happen to him, like other people do. I know this should be a good thing, but it would help, I think, if he could give us more a balance, especially in his private life, although being into drugs and alcohol certainly brings us down the rabbit hole. Yet, he keeps saying he needs to change and then one day, miraculously he does - with no help at all. No longer an alcoholic and no longer a drug user. If only it was like that for all.
The strengths in this book is his honesty, I love his honesty. It must be hard writing a memoir, so props to him for writing such a real and engrossing read.
The writing is down to earth with no flowery description - because this story does not need "flowery".
I wish him well and that he continue on his journey.
For those hesitating in buying this book, don't it is a very good read.
I have always been intrigued by the way Hollywood parties, so this was the perfect read for me.
I really, really enjoyed this book. Wehbe's determination is impressive and pretty much a constant in his life.
I am not sure if he glossed over the bad things in his life, but other than Amber dying, he does not seem to have horrible things happen to him, like other people do. I know this should be a good thing, but it would help, I think, if he could give us more a balance, especially in his private life, although being into drugs and alcohol certainly brings us down the rabbit hole. Yet, he keeps saying he needs to change and then one day, miraculously he does - with no help at all. No longer an alcoholic and no longer a drug user. If only it was like that for all.
The strengths in this book is his honesty, I love his honesty. It must be hard writing a memoir, so props to him for writing such a real and engrossing read.
The writing is down to earth with no flowery description - because this story does not need "flowery".
I wish him well and that he continue on his journey.
For those hesitating in buying this book, don't it is a very good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2025
Eli Wehbe, author of Mask, is a liar, fraud, and narcissistic of the highest order. He deliberately was involved and took actions that caused Kim Fattorini to die from GHB overdose in 2017. He lacks the self-awareness and reflection that many of these reviewers profess just to help him sell his material as they are hive mind, an echo chamber, and fans of his narcissistic qualities. I had the displeasure to meet Eli and recognized this right away as he will completely take all credit for work and help that anyone has given him without giving credit where due. He pretends that he is a one-man show when he has built everything he has on the backs of others. He is a coward of the highest magnitude, this book is a farce, and he is an embellished influencer of mediocrity.
His growth story is a fake and word should be spread though not to make him more infamous. Just to get the truth out there for people to stay away from his hidden toxic nature. You can repost this story again and quote me on it.
His growth story is a fake and word should be spread though not to make him more infamous. Just to get the truth out there for people to stay away from his hidden toxic nature. You can repost this story again and quote me on it.
July 25, 2025
I’ve been following Eli on social media for a while and have seen his shift from nightlife guy to ultrarunner. His story hits home for me, as I got into running too, partly for my mental health and to build better habits, so I’m always looking for inspiration.
I kind of expected the book to focus a bit more on his growth and current lifestyle, not so much on the cokehead era (though I get it’s a big part of what he had to work through). Still, it’s an easy, relaxed read you can pick up and put down without losing track.
All in all, if you’re into stories about transformation, LA culture (especially as someone not from the U.S.), or just want to hear about someone flipping their life completely, it’s worth a read.
I kind of expected the book to focus a bit more on his growth and current lifestyle, not so much on the cokehead era (though I get it’s a big part of what he had to work through). Still, it’s an easy, relaxed read you can pick up and put down without losing track.
All in all, if you’re into stories about transformation, LA culture (especially as someone not from the U.S.), or just want to hear about someone flipping their life completely, it’s worth a read.
May 14, 2024
I suppose I prefer some with masks.
It is very easy to discover those who were pseudonymous in the book. Dakota is who redeems the author and his story.
I had been familiar with the events that transpired through social media, websites, etc, so I remained open to his story, but when things are said in a certain way, it weighs heavily on my conscience.
But I could be completely wrong, and I did like that he portrayed Los Angeles in the artificial and superficial light that some are too blinded to see.
To avoid spoilers, I will not go into details.
It is a quick read for those who are familiar with him, the LA club scene, and some of the celebrities, stars, etc.
It is very easy to discover those who were pseudonymous in the book. Dakota is who redeems the author and his story.
I had been familiar with the events that transpired through social media, websites, etc, so I remained open to his story, but when things are said in a certain way, it weighs heavily on my conscience.
But I could be completely wrong, and I did like that he portrayed Los Angeles in the artificial and superficial light that some are too blinded to see.
To avoid spoilers, I will not go into details.
It is a quick read for those who are familiar with him, the LA club scene, and some of the celebrities, stars, etc.
November 9, 2025
Five stars for having the courage to publish a personal story of perseverance, with all the kinks, twists and warts of being human.
"Carl Jung's concept of the "mask," or persona, refers to the social facade that individuals present to the world, which conceals their true selves. This persona helps people navigate social interactions but can also hinder personal growth if one becomes overly identified with it."
This book is a good, hard look at what happened to the author, and those connected to him, as he finally recognized and then tried to remove his mask. And when he finally succeeded, the real perseverance began.
"Carl Jung's concept of the "mask," or persona, refers to the social facade that individuals present to the world, which conceals their true selves. This persona helps people navigate social interactions but can also hinder personal growth if one becomes overly identified with it."
This book is a good, hard look at what happened to the author, and those connected to him, as he finally recognized and then tried to remove his mask. And when he finally succeeded, the real perseverance began.
May 8, 2025
Is this a joke...? This guy was creeping on women at clubs in an effort to get them to isolated "after parties" where he would then message random men saying he had women who were available to have sex with them— all without the women's knowledge. Total clout chaser trying to make other men think he was "the man with beautiful women" in order to fill some pathetic insecurity. Way to stand by while Shawne Merriman got away with drugging Kim Fattorini with GHB and raping her. "Very inspirational." Complete pigs. I can't believe people are paying to read this book.
November 5, 2025
yesssssss
Idk why I waited so long!! I’m so happy your side is told. Beautiful and raw. 🩷🩷 From someone who’s been a fan since way back when. This book makes my heart so happy. I’m so happy for you. Your dad is so damn proud.
Idk why I waited so long!! I’m so happy your side is told. Beautiful and raw. 🩷🩷 From someone who’s been a fan since way back when. This book makes my heart so happy. I’m so happy for you. Your dad is so damn proud.
February 10, 2023
Great book. Highly recommend
October 27, 2025
Nothing inspirational about this book.
November 4, 2025
Solid read, just lacked personality towards the end. Timelines were sometimes hard to follow and themes were as well.
July 10, 2022
Eli Put it all out there. Good, bad, horrible, amazing, and truthful!
This book had me from the beginning. You put yourself in his position, and it was a magical thing to think about. I read It in 1 weekend. Thank you, Eli! I'm ready to challenge any obstacle that comes my way with a different kind of mindset after reading this book.
This book had me from the beginning. You put yourself in his position, and it was a magical thing to think about. I read It in 1 weekend. Thank you, Eli! I'm ready to challenge any obstacle that comes my way with a different kind of mindset after reading this book.
December 19, 2021
Unbelievable story
Couldn’t put it down , read it cover to cover within 3-4 hours .. amazing story on self development and the trappings of social media, toxic lifestyles and fame.
Great work Eli :D
Couldn’t put it down , read it cover to cover within 3-4 hours .. amazing story on self development and the trappings of social media, toxic lifestyles and fame.
Great work Eli :D
December 17, 2021
Amazing book
Amazing story, ups and downs, the journey to discover yourself. Great book Elias! Very inspiring, very truthful and realistic outcome of finding our happiness
Amazing story, ups and downs, the journey to discover yourself. Great book Elias! Very inspiring, very truthful and realistic outcome of finding our happiness
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews