Josh,
Josh, You are a man among boys and it really shows in your work ethic. You are an inspiration and your light shines through this book. It isn’t easy to go through peaks and valleys and keep the kindness of a seasoned vet. Many people don’t come back from what you have been through and your testament will be heard for years to come. One thing I have learned from being a veteran, fighter, and business owner is that sometimes we go through things for other people’s lessons. It teaches us that it isn’t over, we just need to dig deeper. Stay strong and all my best to you.
- Brian Feury
13x ultra heavyweight world champion, UFC veteran, USAF veteran, and UFC coach.
"Privilege Lost" is a hauntingly beautiful story of survival, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bonds that emerge in the most unexpected places.
- Juan B.
Drummer for Havoc305 and Project X
Josh,
This book is powerful, very moving and quite emotional. Amazing work illustrating a difficult struggle, which ultimately concludes with personal triumph.
Great job!
I would really love a signed copy.
Onward!
Dan
- Colonel Daniel K., Founder and headmaster of Sarasota Military Academy
Joshua,
Mr. Elyashiv has written a gripping, in-the-trenches memoir about prison life that is as compassionate and insightful as it is death-defying and dangerous. You will meet characters you will never forget, and experience face-to-face battles you did not know a person could survive. Try putting this one down. I dare ya."
- Daniel Weizmann, author the Pacific Coast Highway Mystery Series
"A Tour de Force in Storytelling"
Joshua Elyashiv's "Privilege Lost" is a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit.
- Mitch D.
USMC Ret, Newbreed Brazilian jiu-jitsu World Champion, American Top Team coach
"A Story that Will Stay with You"
"Privilege Lost" is not just a book; it's an experience. Prepare to be moved, challenged, and ultimately uplifted.
- Bonnie D., M. Ed.
Owner/CEO of Bonnie's Plumbing
"A Masterful Debut"
In "Privilege Lost," Elyashiv navigates the complexities of the human condition with a deft hand, leaving readers both heartbroken and hopeful.
- Sheree D.
Stenographer and avid reader
"A Must-Read"
Joshua Elyashiv's "Privilege Lost" is a literary triumph, taking readers on an emotional rollercoaster through the depths of despair and the heights of human triumph.
- Robert C.,
Addiction and rehab counselor
Elyashiv's portrayal of the human spirit in the face of adversity is nothing short of awe-inspiring. "Privilege Lost" is a gem of a memoir.
- Aldo M.
Guitarist for Project X, Grindstone, and Breakout
Josh,
Awesome to see you take something dark and turn it into light. Amazing story that shows no matter how bad things can get, we can bounce back and turn it into something positive. Being a UFC fighter, I get chills knowing it could have been anyone of us. One thing remains the same: Hardwork always pays off!! Keep up the hard work, and a great job telling your story.
- Charles "Boston Strong" Rosa
"A Must-Have for Your Bookshelf"
Don't miss out on this groundbreaking debut work. "Privilege Lost" deserves a place on every reader's bookshelf.
- Patrick H.
Founder of Florida Junkanoo
"Gripping and powerful!"
To be honest, I am surprised this guy is standing on his own 2 feet at all. After going through all that it is chilling to the bone how can a person overcome so much. I devoured it from cover to cover, and I have to say that it is a must read, and it sits in a bookshelf at home in full display. You won’t regret it! Literary masterpiece!
- Aldo
"Deeply important discovery of inner strength"
Privilege Lost is an incredibly powerful story of strength and deep intelligence. It is motivational and inspirational. This book will change your life as it demonstrates the determination we all must locate at some point in our lives. Get ready for a true page turner.
- Daniel K.
"A memoir that reads like fiction"
Joshua Elyashiv's Privilege Lost took me on an electrifying rollercoaster ride through the gritty underbelly of America's prison system. Right from the get-go, Elyashiv's narrative voice hooked me, and the story blends heart-pounding action with profound moments of self-reflection.
What struck me most about this memoir was its unflinching portrayal of life behind bars. Elyashiv doesn't hold back in describing the harsh realities of prison life, from the brutal fights to the constant threat of violence. With vivid detail and crisp prose, he paints an intriguing portrait of the chaos and despair that define his daily existence.
But amidst the darkness, "Privilege Lost" also illuminates friendship, compassion, and inner strength themes. Through his interactions with fellow inmates and moments of deep introspection, Elyashiv discovers unexpected sources of courage and learns valuable lessons about empathy and forgiveness.
What indeed kept me glued to the pages was Elyashiv's honest exploration of identity, privilege, and justice. As he struggles with his preconceptions and biases, he undergoes a profound transformation, emerging with a newfound understanding of himself and the world around him. There is humor, adventure, and people constantly on edge, and these make the story even more satisfying.
- The Serial Reader
"A must read! If you haven't read this book yet, BUY IT NOW!"
This book took me on a whirlwind journey that left me emotionally conflicted and deeply unsettled. From start to finish, this book challenged my preconceptions and pushed me to question the very meaning of morality and survival.
Let's start with the title. It's a bold choice, one that immediately grabs your attention and forces you to confront uncomfortable truths. Joshua doesn't shy away from the tough questions, posing inquiries about the behavior of "nice Jewish boys" in the face of temptation and adversity. It's a provocative stance that sets the tone for the entire book.
As I delved deeper into Joshua's narrative, I found myself grappling with a wide range of emotions. Disgust, shock, and disbelief mingled with moments of admiration and even awe. The author's depiction of the prison system is nothing short of harrowing, painting a vivid picture of a world where brutality and corruption reign supreme. It's a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by countless individuals within the American justice system.
Joshua's personal journey through the prison system is both captivating and terrifying. His descriptions of life behind bars are gritty and raw, pulling no punches in portraying the violence and despair that permeate every corner of the facility. Yet, amidst the chaos, there are moments of resilience and humanity that shine through, reminding us of the indomitable spirit of the human soul.
One of the book's most striking aspects is Joshua's portrayal of survival within the prison environment. His ability to navigate the complex social dynamics and establish himself as a respected figure is nothing short of remarkable. From intense fight scenes to strategic alliances, his story reads like a gripping action thriller, leaving you on the edge of your seat with each turn of the page.
"Privilege Lost" is a powerful and thought-provoking read that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a stark reminder of the injustices that persist within our society. Joshua's courage in sharing his story is commendable, and his journey serves as a beacon of hope for those facing their own struggles.
In conclusion, "Privilege Lost" is not an easy read, but it is an important one. It challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths and inspires us to take action in the face of injustice. So here's to Joshua, for his bravery, his honesty, and his unwavering determination to start anew. May his story serve as a beacon of hope for others, and may we all strive to create a world where survival is not the only option.
- Justin W.
Excerpt from my Upcoming Memoir, Privilege Lost
I swear they broke my jaw. It was so swollen that I couldn’t cry out. I couldn’t scream for help, I couldn’t beg for my mother, I couldn’t even whisper the words, "I’m sorry.” I knew that today was going to be the day that I died; this was when they were finally going to kill me. I tried to curl into a fetal position to protect as much of myself as possible. I wasn’t very successful though, because my hands were cuffed behind my back and my feet were shackled together while four men kicked me with combat boots and steel toed shoes. Fire lanced from my fingers to my shoulders as one of them stomped on my hands and the handcuffs bit further into my wrists. I tried to swallow the vomit that came up immediately after a boot connected with my kidney because I knew that if I got puke on any of the men the beatings would intensify. I tried desperately not to make a sound as the tears streamed down my face. There was an explosion of pain in my head, and everything went dark.
Despite the pounding in my head and the throbbing in my jaw that was ballooned to the size of Texas, I tried to open my eyes; one of them was swollen shut but the other opened after an eternity of trying. White. All I saw was white. I realized that I was facedown and the white that I was seeing was the corner between the concrete wall and the floor, inches from my face. I slowly, gingerly pushed myself up into a sitting position while the world spun. It took a few seconds to remember where I was. This was the second time that I had been beaten unconscious today, I think. Although I don’t remember how I got back here, I was back. Again.
I was in a concrete box, approximately 7’ x 10’ with a stainless-steel toilet on one wall and a rusty steel bunk on the other wall. A cloudy 6“ x 6“ Plexiglass window allowed a small amount of light into the box from the solid steel door. I gently massaged my wrists as I recognized that I was back in the cell. As I glanced down at myself, I saw that there were fresh blood stains on the front of my shirt and I realized that my lip, my nose, and my swollen-shut eye were bleeding. I thought it was Tuesday, but I wasn’t sure. I also thought it was August, but it could have been September. And I guessed that it was late afternoon because I had only been beaten twice so far and the evening crew had not arrived to have their go. My lips were cracked, and I was so thirsty. Unbearably thirsty. They had had the water to the cell turned off for a week, maybe longer. As I stood up to go drink from the toilet bowl, I collapsed onto the floor when my knee gave out from the torn ACL. I took a moment to just lay there on the floor. Everything hurt too much to attempt getting up again. My stomach grumbled, and I couldn’t remember the last time I had something to eat. Was it two weeks ago that I was given a slice of white bread to eat, or three? I wasn’t entirely sure.
Joshua Elyashiv, The Author
Joshua is the author of the upcoming book "Privilege Lost" which tells the true story of survival of one unique man inside the world's darkest prisons