“A philosophy professor tries to expand the limits of his consciousness… Steinberg’s debut novel offers a quirky, engaging backdrop for an informative exposition on Vedic philosophy and religious symbolism… A lively novel that teaches the precepts of meditation and the roots of religion.”

Kirkus Reviews

“to be Enlightened by Alan J. Steinberg is one of the most compelling and in-depth introductions to meditation… It is not often that a great novel with interesting but flawed characters teaches you so much about reaching self-actualization but this superb story did just that.”

Readers’ Favorite Book Review

"The spiritual and philosophical blend together beautifully in this compelling novel by Dr. Alan Steinberg. His deep knowledge of Yoga, meditation, and human nature make for a page-turning read that will enlighten all readers.”
Iris Krasnow
New York Times bestselling author of Camp Girls: Fireside Lessons on Friendship, Courage, and Loyalty

“Dr. Alan J. Steinberg’s debut novel in some ways echoes other works with similar themes, e.g., Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra, or Siddhartha by Herman Hesse. But to be Enlightened provides a distinctive, twenty-first-century take on setting and characters, giving it a uniquely California flavor…. to be Enlightened is sure to illuminate the unenlightened readers, expanding their understanding of eastern philosophy and religion.”

Chanticleer Book Reviews

“Steinberg manages to bring together heady topics of Eastern and Western philosophy and spirituality, even science, in a breezy, easy-to-read novel. One couldn't make these extremely relevant topics—so urgent today given our dilemmas as a civilization—much more accessible. And as a bonus, we get to enjoy an entertaining and inspiring story.”

Bernardo Kastrup, Ph.D., author of Decoding Schopenhauer's Metaphysics and Rationalist Spirituality

"Alan J. Steinberg's new novel addresses the enlightenment debate in a scholarly yet very compelling and accessible way that will be helpful to readers of all ages and interest in the subject matter. What is enlightenment and what does it look and feel like to be enlightened? What are the arguments to and for the possibility of enlightenment? Can we find parallels in world religion and philosophy, both East and West, that support the view that enlightenment is an equal opportunity available to everyone? Read this book for a fascinating and thoughtful discussion. I myself learned much from it."

Allowah Lani, author of Who Am I? Yoga, Psychedelics and the Quest for Enlightenment

“If you’re searching for a book that clearly distinguishes between teaching about enlightenment and living an enlightening life, congratulations. Your search has ended. I loved reading to be Enlightened.” - Ronald Hulnick, Ph.D, co-author of, with Mary R. Hulnick, Ph.D., Loyalty To Your Soul: the Heart of Spiritual Psychology

“Dr. Steinberg’s novel, to be Enlightened, is a wonderful way to present the essence of meditation. Through everyday life experiences familiar to us all it tells the story of self-knowledge and enlightenment in a very comprehensible and fascinating way. I highly recommend it.”

Ivan Antic, author of Samadhi: Unity of Consciousness and Existence

“to be Enlightened introduces the reader to mind-bending concepts of quantum physics and teaches meditation through the medium of fantasy story-telling. It may be surprising that the two schools of thought, yet so different, come to similar conclusions about reality.”

Fred Alan Wolf, Ph.D., author of Taking the Quantum Leap, and Dr. Quantum's Little Book of Big Ideas.

“to be Enlightened by Alan Steinberg tracks the daily life of philosophy professor, Abe, as he navigates the demands of his marriage and career. Written from Abe’s point of view, the reader vicariously experiences Abe’s college course on Vedic philosophy, his life, and his meditations, which taken together, make his enlightenment an understandable and believable possibility. An intimate, highly intelligent, deeply thoughtful work, and an inspiring must-read for every spiritual seeker intending to fully awaken in this lifetime.”

Amanda Guggenheimer, author of The Twelve Hierarchies of Earth

“From Patanjali to Plato to Planck, to be Enlightened is a delightful romp through Eastern and Western thought, and a powerful rendering of how ancient wisdom has modern application. Entertaining and informative, this book will enlighten readers who are searching for meaning in a maddening world.”

Andrew Holecek, author of Dreams of Light: The Profound Daytime Practice of Lucid Dreaming

“Sci-fi meets Self-Help. Dr. Steinberg’s debut novel, to be Enlightened, is a sexy, refreshingly male voice on one of the most leading-edge topics of our time. I didn't want to put it down. I've never felt that way about a 'spiritual' book before.”

Siva Raakhi Mohan, MD, MPH Speaker, Teacher, & Author of Ayurveda for Yoga Teachers & Students

“In this one-of-a-kind book, Steinberg’s protagonist, philosophy professor Abe Levy, takes us through an intense, soul-searching journey with his classroom students that interweaves insights and the perennial teachings of yoga and advaita through the process of human interaction, meditation, and the enlightenment process. This is not just a novel, but a presentation of teachings to be pondered over again and again.”

Richard Miller, PhD, author of iRest Meditation: Restorative Practices for Health, Resiliency, and Well-Being

Publishing date: February 27, 2021

Language: English

Paperback: 340 pages

ISBN-13: 978-1-953510-60-0

Dimensions: 6 x 0.76 x 9 inches

Alan J. Steinberg, MD is board-certified in Internal Medicine and practices with the Cedars-Sinai Medical Group in Beverly Hills, California. He grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he learned Transcendental Meditation in 1975. His undergraduate degree in philosophy is from the Claremont Colleges in Claremont, California. Dr. Steinberg attended the University of Nevada School of Medicine, receiving an MD degree in 1984. He and Dr. Steven Krems have been the team internists for the Los Angeles Clippers NBA team for over twenty-five years. His first book was a non-fiction consumer’s guide, The Insider’s Guide to HMOs. It was well received and helped sway the direction health care was heading in the late 1990s.

Dr. Steinberg lives with his wife of over thirty years in Los Angeles, California. They are the proud parents of three young adults.