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In his debut full-length novel, Stripped, author Erik Austin delves into the desperation and depravity needed to survive after a seemingly perfect life turns into a nightmare. When he downloads a dating app, his American Dream quickly unravels, pulling him into a modern-day Dickinsonian tale. A group of homeless con-artists, desperate for drugs and shelter, steal from the rich and deliver their spoils to a devilish “Fagin” in exchange for their next fix.
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A raw, twisting memoir that reads like fiction, Stripped chronicles Erik’s dramatic fall after escaping rehab, ending up homeless, scavenging food from dumpsters, and spiraling through some of Los Angeles' most dangerous neighborhoods. He’s thrust into a world he never knew existed.
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With relentless urgency and unflinching honesty, Austin pulls readers into the underworld of addiction, exposing the grim decisions it forces upon those caught in its grip. A natural storyteller, Erik recounts his wild journey—from blackmail to a soul-shattering deal with a drug dealer—with suspense, unexpected wit, and harrowing honesty. Candid, shocking, and unforgettable, Stripped is a story about surviving one’s own destruction, and despite the darkness, it’s strangely filled with hope.
The Sadness bravely dives into the depths of depression, fearlessly addressing its complexities and making it easy for kids to understand what seeking help means. With creative storytelling and vivid imagery, the book gives a raw look into depression's impact - the heaviness it brings, the shadows it casts, and the challenges it presents in daily life. But amid the darkness, it also highlights the strength of love and empathy. Readers are taken on a journey of being seen and valued, finding hope in being supported and cared for, even during the toughest moments.
In this “children's book” version of what later became Stripped: A Memoir, Erik Austin recounts his life’s unexpected detour—from being pushed into rehab to facing homelessness and learning some of life’s most brutal lessons. It’s not exactly a new idea—think, “you can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube.” Once life squeezes it out, there’s no cramming it back in! Erik’s story serves as a humorous reminder that words and actions stick around, for better or worse. So, if you’re the blurting type, think twice before you squeeze the tube! It’s wisdom we could all use...with a laugh along the way.