"Sorcerer's Apprentice" opens with Amy Wallace's first meeting with Carlos Castaneda, the world-renowned anthropologist turned-shaman, whose books described meetings with Yaqui Indian teacher don Juan. These propelled him to fame in the late 60s and early 70s, and inspired wide-eyed experimentation with psychedelics. The media dubbed Castaneda "the godfather of the New Age", he appeared on the cover of "Time" magazine, and appealed to a generation of spiritual seekers who scoured the Sonora desert in search of him. His enormous audience was enthralled by his continuing tales of wonder, and in particular by his secretive lifestyle. The debate over fact versus fiction made Castaneda all the more alluring and sought after. He was so well-known that when John Lennon said "Yoko Ono is my don Juan", no explanation was needed.As the daughter of best-selling novelist Irving Wallace, Amy grew up around Hollywood celebrities and literary icons and she was rarely shy around famous people. When her father insisted she meet Castaneda, she at first demurred. Little did she know that a delightful first meeting would begin a 20-year friendship, eventually leading to an electrifying love affair.
"Sorcerer's Apprentice" is a captivating and cautionary tale about the dangers of giving up one's power to an inappropriate and dubious authority figure. As the story unwinds, the reader is swept along in Amy's tale of confusion, sorcery, love, and broken promises.