Leaves of Elvis' Garden: The Song of His Soul [Paperback]

As a life long fan I have read many fascinating books on Elvis, however, most just touch the surface of Elvis' spirtual side and inner thoughts, and to be honest, most cover Elvis' life as a history lesson or chronology of events without deep analysis or penetration into the mind and spirit and soul behind the icon. "Leaves of Elvis' Garden" takes the reader into the inner sanctum of Elvis' deepest feelings on topics such as religion, stardom, life and death, and it builds the backstory and sets the stage in a way that explains not only the "what", but the "Why" in Elvis' search for meaning and purpose and understanding of who he was.

I think most of the passionate Elvis Fans know Elvis was fascinated with the study of different religions, numerology and a search for a deeper meaning of his life, but many cannot explain the "why". I think Larry does an excellent job in explaining the why...from his persective, and he really gets to the point in quick order in his writing style. This book covers much ground in a very clear, complete and concise manner and actually covers more material and insight into Elvis the person than other much longer books.

One amazing thing I found about Larry Geller's book was his ability to step back and understand and relate not only his and Elvis' relationship, but the relationship with others toward him and his closeness with Elvis. Many Elvis books have been written in a style where the author obviously has an ax to grind toward someone else that knew Elvis and never goes out of the way to try and understand different viewpoints and feelings, however, Larry not only accepts different viewpoints by those that where around Elvis at the time, but he has the ability to step back and understand the perceptions and views of others. After reading 'Leaves of Elvis Garden' I don't have any lesser view of any of the other "guys" in Elvis entourage, or Priscilla, or anyone else that knew Elvis, and instead have a better understanding of their position on certain topics, especially relating to Elvis search for God and his own spirituality and close relationship with Larry. I think that in itself speaks volumes about Larry Geller and is very refreshing.

Larry's love and reverence for Elvis Presley shines throughout this book, and have to say it has affected me on many levels. This book was an emotional roller coaster ride for me and don't mind admitting that when I read through the 'Unchained Melody' chapter near the end I was a pool of tears. This book drew me into the heart and soul of Elvis, the one person that has touched the lives of millions including myself, and I highly recommend this one for anyone that is ready to explore the human side of Elvis and understand the love and the passion of one of the most extraordinary men to walk the planet.

This magnificent book reveals the deeper,spiritual side of Elvis. Beautifully written by Elvis Presley's closest friend Larry Geller, it describes the love and beauty at the heart and soul of not only Elvis, but of Larry as well. Elvis was extremely lucky to have a wonderful friend as Larry to help him on his spiritual path. This book is a wonderful gift to all Elvis fans everywhere, may their love grow deeper, as their own souls sing with every turn of the page, as mine did.

If you are an Elvis Presley fan, it will come as no surprise to you that he had a deep spiritual belief. He showed this by many of the gospel songs that he sang throughout his career. The one thing you probably did not realize is just how deep Elvis' spiritual beliefs go. I have read many books on the life of Elvis Presley and followed his career throughout the years but I was amazed by how spiritual Elvis really was and how he yearned to find answers to many of the questions he had been harboring through the years.

Elvis had many questions that he wanted answered. Two of the most important to him were: Why did my twin brother die at birth? He wondered why he was the one chosen to live. The other question had to do with his mother with whom he was very close. Their family was very poor and his mother would take on all kinds of jobs to help get Elvis items so he could have the same as the other children in school. Just when his career started to really take off, his mother passed away. He was happy that she was able to enjoy some of his success but he wanted to do much more for her.

Larry Geller came to Elvis as a hairdresser. While riding in a car with Larry one day, Elvis had a spiritual sighting. Elvis was so taken by this sighting that he was ready to give up everything and wanted Larry to help him find a monastery so he could become a monk. This is probably something that no Elvis fan knows. Larry was able to change Elvis' mind by telling him that he had a responsibility to the world and that the world needed him.

Elvis, who was very impressed by Larry Geller, hired him. Elvis believed Larry came to him - not as a hairdresser but for a reason. Larry would bring several metaphysical and spiritual books along on the customized bus where he would sit next to Elvis who was at the wheel. Elvis would pull the bus over every so often to have a chance to do some reading. He also asked Larry to speak to the other guys on the bus. He wanted to help them make the same spiritual journey.

Larry explains that he wrote this book because it is something Elvis wanted done. Larry stated that Elvis said, "The world knows Elvis Presley all right, but they don't know me. I want them to know me, the real person, Larry, I'm counting on you."

Larry Geller has written a very intriguing book about the private side of Elvis Presley. I did not know many of the things that Larry mentions about him. It is nice to read a book about Elvis written by a close confidant and to hear some of the singer's innermost thoughts about his beliefs in the spiritual realm. I always heard that Elvis was very close to his mother but you don't realize just how much she meant to him until you read this book. The author has done an excellent job of conveying Elvis' spiritual beliefs to the reader and especially to all of his fans. If you are an Elvis Presley fan, this is a must read book.