Leaves of Elvis’ Garden

Larry Geller
Bell Rock Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9780976435006
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (12/07) 


Ah, Elvis! Although I was born too late to actively participate in the Elvis craze when he was at his most popular, I was not and still am not immune to his particular charm. Has there ever been another artist that people were so curious about? Another one that so many people to this day refuse to believe is truly no longer alive? It’s been 30 years since Elvis left us, but the fascination with him, his life and his music has not really waned.

Larry Geller’s “Leaves of Elvis’ Garden” shows us a very different picture of Elvis. While I’ve always admired his spirituals, I had no idea Elvis was so interested in spiritual studies and so very involved in learning and sharing his knowledge. Larry Geller came to Elvis as a hair-stylist, but he immediately became much more than just that. For over a dozen years Mr. Geller was a friend, a confidant and a spiritual advisor to Elvis. They shared an instant connection from the time they first met in 1964 until Elvis’s death in 1977.

“Leaves of Elvis’ Garden” gives us a series of fascinating insights and glimpses into the life of a very private Elvis. We get to see him on the road with his entourage, we get to see him in action as his most charming self, we also glimpse him sharing his knowledge and trying to persuade other people to choose a more spiritual path. We rejoice with him in his moments of triumph, but we also cringe observing him on his self-destructive path. We learn about his favorite books and most influential teachers, with wonder we find out about his belief in spiritual healing and his active involvement with it. Larry Geller shows us a very real, very human Elvis – one who never ceased to look ahead and who never stopped searching; but also one who was all too fallible and whose weaknesses hastened his early demise.

Well written and very personal, this was indeed an enlightening book. My sole criticism of “Leaves of Elvis’ Garden” would be that in parts it reads more like a book about the author himself than about Elvis; but since Mr. Geller was obviously so deeply enmeshed in Elvis’ life, it was probably unavoidable. An interesting read for any fan of Elvis and a book that should make you think about your own spiritual quest as well; and as such a book I’d recommend to any mature lover of Elvis’ work.

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