Riding the Elephant

Unraveling the Mystery of My Childhood Trauma

By: Philip March

Narrated by: John Patrick Daly

They say what you don’t know can’t hurt you. But in this raw and powerful memoir, when Phil’s seemingly perfect life begins to unravel, he realizes there are secrets locked in his subconscious that, like a huge elephant surfacing beneath him, insist on forging their own path. After his unconventional brother, Holly, dies in a boating accident in San Francisco Bay, Phil is haunted by flashbacks and disturbing dreams, hinting at a buried trauma.

As the memories claw their way to the surface, Phil's world starts to crumble. His once-thriving career in Silicon Valley falters, his marriage disintegrates, and he spirals into substance use. Determined to uncover the truth behind his haunting memories, Phil takes on the role of a detective in his own life, piecing together fragments of the past and confronting the traumatic experiences he had long repressed.

Through all this turmoil, Phil finds hope, and a chance encounter with Kathy opens his heart to the possibility of love and healing. But even as he begins to rebuild his life, a psychedelic recovery weekend challenges him to face the elephant head-on, threatening both his newfound hope and everything he thought he knew about himself.

©2024 Philip Arthur March (P)2025 Philip Arthur March

Captivating Self-Discovery and Redemption

Phil’s perfect Silicon Valley life collapses after his brother Holly dies in a boating accident, unleashing repressed memories that destroy his career, marriage, and sobriety. Obsessed with solving the mystery of his own mind, he hunts clues like a detective while nightmares and substance abuse tighten their grip. A new love and a psychedelic weekend force him to confront the buried trauma head-on, risking everything for the chance to heal.

The author, Philip March, masterfully weaves a gripping narrative of psychological unraveling and redemption, showcasing his exceptional skill in building tension through repressed memories and personal turmoil. His ability to portray the disintegration of a high-stakes Silicon Valley career and a crumbling marriage feels authentically raw, drawing readers into Phil's descent with vivid, empathetic prose. March’s talent for blending detective-like self-discovery with themes of trauma and substance abuse creates a compelling character arc that keeps you listening. Ultimately, his nuanced handling of hope, love, and psychedelic introspection highlights a profound understanding of human resilience, making this a standout work in contemporary fiction.

The narrator, John Patrick Daly, masterfully captures and projects the emotional turmoil of each step Phil takes, infusing his voice with raw intensity during moments of despair and subtle vulnerability in scenes of introspection. His strategic pauses not only indicate reflective moments but also build suspense, allowing the listener to fully absorb the weight of Phil's revelations. Daly's cadence is well timed, rising with urgency during confrontations and softening to convey tender hope, while his smooth, resonant delivery creates an immersive experience that feels intimately personal. Overall, his performance elevates the story, making the audiobook a captivating journey through trauma and redemption.

This is a captivating tale through turmoil, self-discovery, and redemption.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.