Bob Miller *** I just finished reading this interesting account and I highly recommend it! So many incidents and behind the scenes of what it was like back in those days. I don’t know who, today, would have the nerve to do what was done back then. Traveling through Europe and India to get to Afghanistan by road was astounding, especially in those days. I visualized a lot from Ron’s descriptions and give him a lot of credit for accomplishing all he did. Good read for sure.
Michael Randall *** "Brotherhood Hashish" is the true story of a pioneer of cannabis smuggling who was motivated by the awakening we all had because of using psychedelic substances. His stories are true in fact and into the Spiritual motives and principals that guided us all in the Brotherhood. Thank you Ronnie for a true story with a deep Spiritual message. Blessings Brother.
Nicholas Schou *** I only got to know Ron after I had already made a stab at telling the story of the Brotherhood. At the time Ron was living under a different name. The members of the group I interviewed, including his brother Rick, shied away from saying much about any of the other members who hadn't already gone public about their past lives. But everyone I spoke to mentioned Ron as one of the best examples of what the group aimed to be. The short amount of time I've spent around Ron confirmed what I'd heard. More importantly, Ron's book is a testament to the spirit of adventure and spirituality that the Brotherhood of Eternal Love represents. It's also an incredibly well-written and absorbing account of those days that unlike other tomes about the 1960s makes no pretense to speak for an entire generation. It is a deeply personal and reflective tale but also one full of wisdom and wit, just like the man himself. Kudos, Ron!
Tim Scully *** I was part of the Brotherhood LSD subsystem, and for security reasons I only got to know a few key Brotherhood members well, notably: John Griggs, Michael Randall and Ed May. So I was delighted to discover this book and to get to know a Brother who played such an important role in the Brotherhood hashish subsystem. Ron did a fantastic job of telling his story. My only regret is that the book wasn't longer because I wanted to spend more time with him and his story. I highly recommend "Brotherhood Hashish." Tim Scully
Rick Bevan *** I may be somewhat biased in that Ron is my brother and I have had the privilege of his friendship since my birth. But beyond all of this, Brotherhood Hashish is a remarkably captivating account of amazing adventures that could only have happened during a brief but important moment in our history. It shaped the world we know it today. This book is a must-read for anyone wanting to take a deeper look behind the heretofore hidden scenes of what helped to fuel the movement of the 60s.
Larry Collins *** Ron's book was everything I dreamed it would be. Ron asked for permission to share our friendship in his book, and we agreed, Chapter 43, becoming part of his family. When we partied back then, there were no topics of The Brotherhood, hash scams, acid or being on a wanted list. Peaceful read with spiritual up lifting. Knowing the new Ronnie and learning about the old confirms a few of my suspicions were true. Both my wife and I do agree with the union of the members of the Brotherhood of Internal Love. They did change the world.
Robert Colt *** What a ride! I didn't want to put the book down. Paradoxically I wanted to get to the end to see what finally happens but didn't want it to end. Each extraordinary event is indelibly etched in my mind and the love and sweetness in which the narrative is told bespeaks of a true artistic voice. I am telling all my friends and family to read Brotherhood Hashish and to appreciate the impact of the Brotherhood's counter culture heroism. A heroism that risked ALL to bring into the world a direct route to cosmic consciousness. One Love. Wow!
Ron Cecil *** Brotherhood Hashish is an authentic account of a period in American history difficult to describe in words. To reveal it's essence requires honesty, integrity and experience. Ronnie Bevan possesses all three qualities which gives his story credibility. Brotherhood Hashish captures the innocence, spontaneity and passion of a youth movement that changed the world forever. Interesting, factual and a contribution to understanding the mindset of a generation in their teens and twenties willing to risk it all in search of TRUTH.
Suki Glenn *** What a great, wild, adventurous life this friend has had, and I am glad to finally hear the whole story after hearing bits and pieces through the years. They made it through with panache and under some lucky star. A fun read and I hope more people get to find out about the Brotherhood and this part of the history of my generation. It's also a sweet love story between two wonderful people who almost didn't get to find each other.
Jim Gibson *** Brotherhood Hashish is an amazing tale, well written, entertaining and hard to put down. I grew up in Anaheim also, a few years younger than Ronnie, but living in the same area at the same time. I was in eleventh grade at Anaheim High when I became aware that a few of my art class friends were changing in some mysterious ways that I just couldn’t figure out. As Bob Dylan’s popular song lyrics of the day went ...“something is happening but you don’t know what it is ... do you Mr. Jones?” As time went by I began to get the picture. They had begun to get into what I thought of then as Eastern religions. They were studying a guru by the name of Paramahansa Yogananda and something called the Self Realization Fellowship. They talked about tripping at some place called “The Church” up in Modjeska Canyon. A few told me of their LSD experiences and I could plainly see that what was going on was a lot more profound than just another youth fad. It was becoming clear to me that there was some kind of a major societal shift going on here. “Cosmic Conscientiousness “ was often spoken of. Later after High School I became friends and hung out with a few people who were active within the Brotherhood. We would travel to Laguna Beach just to visit their store, “The Mystic Arts”. It was an incredible time to be coming of age in Orange County when all of this cultural change was going on. And to this day I feel very fortunate to have experienced those times. Ronnie Bevan’s book was personally interesting for me to read. It brought me back to those years and answered a number of things that I had wondered about. I had lived and experienced things in my own way in those days as well, interacting I am sure with many of the same people that he mentions in his story. I am left with a great respect for Ron and his life’s journey and highly recommend his book which for me reads like a spiritual travel guide.
Bill Gann *** Follow the hippie trail and bounce a Volkswagen bus through the Khyber Pass. This is a love story and a spiritual quest. The camper van has hashish-lined walls, floors and doors. Psychedelic adventurers on board find self-realization under Afghan stars. This memoir tells of many Sixties road trips that brought magic to Laguna Beach.
Sharon Kelly *** Many of us have been on a spiritual quest at some time in our lives. The journey is a personal experience. Ron has written his story with love determined to share the innocence of the 60's and 70's devoted to Spiritual Awareness. In reading his story one begins to concur that he has found the answer by using psychedelics and hashish. With the changing of the times and stigma put on psychedelics, it is now a perfect time for Ron to share his journey. Much of the book is dedicated to his time as a father and devoted husband. A factual, well written story by one Brother of Eternal Love.
Peter Poole *** This was a fun read. Ronnie's story and it all rings true - as incredible as it might seem! Ron brings what was happening in 60's-70's to life in the sense that a lot of people had to live their lives secretly. The Brotherhood influenced a lot of people who didn't even know them. Sure, these outlaw smugglers were breaking the law, but they were good people with more guts than most of us. No cartels, no guns and violence, just peace and love.
Matthew Shaw *** If you like travel-history, adventure and psychedelics, read this book. It’s not only an instant classic, it’s the only true story to come directly from the core of the Brotherhood of Eternal Love.
Martin Izat *** Anyone interested in quite how the Counterculture came to be the shape it is will enjoy this account of The Brotherhood of Eternal Love. Not written by a journalist but by one of the actual participants. I really enjoyed it & highly recommend it.
Kathy Richer ***Wow, what an amazing story! I couldn't put it down!!! I never realized all the crazy things that you guys did. It was especially interesting reading all the adventures as you traveled through different countries on your way to Afghanistan. So many times things could of gone wrong and I can only think that you were somehow "protected". Thank you Ron for your exciting stories and your friendship.
Kat Levy *** Brotherhood Hashish is one of the greatest love stories I have ever read! True to name, The Brotherhood was all about love. You can feel the love throughout the book as Ronnie takes you back in time recounting his unique life and his wild travels around the world. As a millennial, I found it absolutely fascinating to read about the way the world once was. What a magical time to be alive. Amazing book with so much heart! Made me fall deeper in love with this era!
Dave Schreck *** Excellent read! It answered many of the questions I had. What an adventure. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Darrel Blackmun *** This book really brought back some wonderful memories. I really enjoyed it from start to finish. Ronnie did a wonderful job telling his stories. Thanks Ronnie
Christian Clark ***A fantastic story of a truly modern pioneer. The tale of Ronnie Bevan is one that not many people have fully known but the effects of his life have been felt by millions. From the beaches of Malibu to Afghanistan, Hawaii to the Caribbean, truly one-of-a-kind story that you won't find anywhere else. Five stars.
Ron Brettin *** Outstanding read and beautifully written. Ronnie, thank you for sharing your story!
Bob Regan *** Those of us who lived through the 60s understand it shaped a generation. The Viet Nam war, British invasion, Woodstock, psychedelic drugs, civil unrest, the burning of American cities; the 60s represented and presented our nation its greatest challenges. It was clear, "times they are a changing" also offered hope. The story of Ronnie Bevan captures what transpired in the 60s.To bring peace to the world was the mission of the Brotherhood and Hippie Movement. Psychedelic drugs became its fuel and energy. Ronnie's story captures how he discovered the worlds finest hashish in Afghanistan and brought it to America. This book takes the reader through a remarkable adventure during a revolutionary time. To a Middle Eastern culture few Americans knew anything about. A dangerous journey to be sure. This is a must read!
Bob Buroza *** Growing up in Rossmoor was special. Waiting for a new Beatles album to come out. Getting that fine Oaxaca’s was special but the finest in the land was the Primo Hashish. Hearing tales about Ronnie and his brother from the older guys was mystifying. I remember one beautiful December and the layered round patties with little white mold around the edges. Being under some beautiful trees in Big Bear trying to hold it in and it would burst out with so much force. Then feeling like I was in heaven. All I have to say is the book is amazing. Thank you Ronnie for the risk and the product that so many of us got to sample.
Rick Arnold *** Great book! It was hard to put down. It felt like I was there. A must read ... History that was almost lost. Thanks for sharing
Michael Randall *** "Brotherhood Hashish" is the true story of a pioneer of cannabis smuggling who was motivated by the awakening we all had because of using psychedelic substances. His stories are true in fact and into the Spiritual motives and principals that guided us all in the Brotherhood. Thank you Ronnie for a true story with a deep Spiritual message. Blessings Brother.
Nicholas Schou *** I only got to know Ron after I had already made a stab at telling the story of the Brotherhood. At the time Ron was living under a different name. The members of the group I interviewed, including his brother Rick, shied away from saying much about any of the other members who hadn't already gone public about their past lives. But everyone I spoke to mentioned Ron as one of the best examples of what the group aimed to be. The short amount of time I've spent around Ron confirmed what I'd heard. More importantly, Ron's book is a testament to the spirit of adventure and spirituality that the Brotherhood of Eternal Love represents. It's also an incredibly well-written and absorbing account of those days that unlike other tomes about the 1960s makes no pretense to speak for an entire generation. It is a deeply personal and reflective tale but also one full of wisdom and wit, just like the man himself. Kudos, Ron!
Tim Scully *** I was part of the Brotherhood LSD subsystem, and for security reasons I only got to know a few key Brotherhood members well, notably: John Griggs, Michael Randall and Ed May. So I was delighted to discover this book and to get to know a Brother who played such an important role in the Brotherhood hashish subsystem. Ron did a fantastic job of telling his story. My only regret is that the book wasn't longer because I wanted to spend more time with him and his story. I highly recommend "Brotherhood Hashish." Tim Scully
Rick Bevan *** I may be somewhat biased in that Ron is my brother and I have had the privilege of his friendship since my birth. But beyond all of this, Brotherhood Hashish is a remarkably captivating account of amazing adventures that could only have happened during a brief but important moment in our history. It shaped the world we know it today. This book is a must-read for anyone wanting to take a deeper look behind the heretofore hidden scenes of what helped to fuel the movement of the 60s.
Larry Collins *** Ron's book was everything I dreamed it would be. Ron asked for permission to share our friendship in his book, and we agreed, Chapter 43, becoming part of his family. When we partied back then, there were no topics of The Brotherhood, hash scams, acid or being on a wanted list. Peaceful read with spiritual up lifting. Knowing the new Ronnie and learning about the old confirms a few of my suspicions were true. Both my wife and I do agree with the union of the members of the Brotherhood of Internal Love. They did change the world.
Robert Colt *** What a ride! I didn't want to put the book down. Paradoxically I wanted to get to the end to see what finally happens but didn't want it to end. Each extraordinary event is indelibly etched in my mind and the love and sweetness in which the narrative is told bespeaks of a true artistic voice. I am telling all my friends and family to read Brotherhood Hashish and to appreciate the impact of the Brotherhood's counter culture heroism. A heroism that risked ALL to bring into the world a direct route to cosmic consciousness. One Love. Wow!
Ron Cecil *** Brotherhood Hashish is an authentic account of a period in American history difficult to describe in words. To reveal it's essence requires honesty, integrity and experience. Ronnie Bevan possesses all three qualities which gives his story credibility. Brotherhood Hashish captures the innocence, spontaneity and passion of a youth movement that changed the world forever. Interesting, factual and a contribution to understanding the mindset of a generation in their teens and twenties willing to risk it all in search of TRUTH.
Suki Glenn *** What a great, wild, adventurous life this friend has had, and I am glad to finally hear the whole story after hearing bits and pieces through the years. They made it through with panache and under some lucky star. A fun read and I hope more people get to find out about the Brotherhood and this part of the history of my generation. It's also a sweet love story between two wonderful people who almost didn't get to find each other.
Jim Gibson *** Brotherhood Hashish is an amazing tale, well written, entertaining and hard to put down. I grew up in Anaheim also, a few years younger than Ronnie, but living in the same area at the same time. I was in eleventh grade at Anaheim High when I became aware that a few of my art class friends were changing in some mysterious ways that I just couldn’t figure out. As Bob Dylan’s popular song lyrics of the day went ...“something is happening but you don’t know what it is ... do you Mr. Jones?” As time went by I began to get the picture. They had begun to get into what I thought of then as Eastern religions. They were studying a guru by the name of Paramahansa Yogananda and something called the Self Realization Fellowship. They talked about tripping at some place called “The Church” up in Modjeska Canyon. A few told me of their LSD experiences and I could plainly see that what was going on was a lot more profound than just another youth fad. It was becoming clear to me that there was some kind of a major societal shift going on here. “Cosmic Conscientiousness “ was often spoken of. Later after High School I became friends and hung out with a few people who were active within the Brotherhood. We would travel to Laguna Beach just to visit their store, “The Mystic Arts”. It was an incredible time to be coming of age in Orange County when all of this cultural change was going on. And to this day I feel very fortunate to have experienced those times. Ronnie Bevan’s book was personally interesting for me to read. It brought me back to those years and answered a number of things that I had wondered about. I had lived and experienced things in my own way in those days as well, interacting I am sure with many of the same people that he mentions in his story. I am left with a great respect for Ron and his life’s journey and highly recommend his book which for me reads like a spiritual travel guide.
Bill Gann *** Follow the hippie trail and bounce a Volkswagen bus through the Khyber Pass. This is a love story and a spiritual quest. The camper van has hashish-lined walls, floors and doors. Psychedelic adventurers on board find self-realization under Afghan stars. This memoir tells of many Sixties road trips that brought magic to Laguna Beach.
Sharon Kelly *** Many of us have been on a spiritual quest at some time in our lives. The journey is a personal experience. Ron has written his story with love determined to share the innocence of the 60's and 70's devoted to Spiritual Awareness. In reading his story one begins to concur that he has found the answer by using psychedelics and hashish. With the changing of the times and stigma put on psychedelics, it is now a perfect time for Ron to share his journey. Much of the book is dedicated to his time as a father and devoted husband. A factual, well written story by one Brother of Eternal Love.
Peter Poole *** This was a fun read. Ronnie's story and it all rings true - as incredible as it might seem! Ron brings what was happening in 60's-70's to life in the sense that a lot of people had to live their lives secretly. The Brotherhood influenced a lot of people who didn't even know them. Sure, these outlaw smugglers were breaking the law, but they were good people with more guts than most of us. No cartels, no guns and violence, just peace and love.
Matthew Shaw *** If you like travel-history, adventure and psychedelics, read this book. It’s not only an instant classic, it’s the only true story to come directly from the core of the Brotherhood of Eternal Love.
Martin Izat *** Anyone interested in quite how the Counterculture came to be the shape it is will enjoy this account of The Brotherhood of Eternal Love. Not written by a journalist but by one of the actual participants. I really enjoyed it & highly recommend it.
Kathy Richer ***Wow, what an amazing story! I couldn't put it down!!! I never realized all the crazy things that you guys did. It was especially interesting reading all the adventures as you traveled through different countries on your way to Afghanistan. So many times things could of gone wrong and I can only think that you were somehow "protected". Thank you Ron for your exciting stories and your friendship.
Kat Levy *** Brotherhood Hashish is one of the greatest love stories I have ever read! True to name, The Brotherhood was all about love. You can feel the love throughout the book as Ronnie takes you back in time recounting his unique life and his wild travels around the world. As a millennial, I found it absolutely fascinating to read about the way the world once was. What a magical time to be alive. Amazing book with so much heart! Made me fall deeper in love with this era!
Dave Schreck *** Excellent read! It answered many of the questions I had. What an adventure. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Darrel Blackmun *** This book really brought back some wonderful memories. I really enjoyed it from start to finish. Ronnie did a wonderful job telling his stories. Thanks Ronnie
Christian Clark ***A fantastic story of a truly modern pioneer. The tale of Ronnie Bevan is one that not many people have fully known but the effects of his life have been felt by millions. From the beaches of Malibu to Afghanistan, Hawaii to the Caribbean, truly one-of-a-kind story that you won't find anywhere else. Five stars.
Ron Brettin *** Outstanding read and beautifully written. Ronnie, thank you for sharing your story!
Bob Regan *** Those of us who lived through the 60s understand it shaped a generation. The Viet Nam war, British invasion, Woodstock, psychedelic drugs, civil unrest, the burning of American cities; the 60s represented and presented our nation its greatest challenges. It was clear, "times they are a changing" also offered hope. The story of Ronnie Bevan captures what transpired in the 60s.To bring peace to the world was the mission of the Brotherhood and Hippie Movement. Psychedelic drugs became its fuel and energy. Ronnie's story captures how he discovered the worlds finest hashish in Afghanistan and brought it to America. This book takes the reader through a remarkable adventure during a revolutionary time. To a Middle Eastern culture few Americans knew anything about. A dangerous journey to be sure. This is a must read!
Bob Buroza *** Growing up in Rossmoor was special. Waiting for a new Beatles album to come out. Getting that fine Oaxaca’s was special but the finest in the land was the Primo Hashish. Hearing tales about Ronnie and his brother from the older guys was mystifying. I remember one beautiful December and the layered round patties with little white mold around the edges. Being under some beautiful trees in Big Bear trying to hold it in and it would burst out with so much force. Then feeling like I was in heaven. All I have to say is the book is amazing. Thank you Ronnie for the risk and the product that so many of us got to sample.
Rick Arnold *** Great book! It was hard to put down. It felt like I was there. A must read ... History that was almost lost. Thanks for sharing