Sex, Drugs & Islam: Autobiography of an X Fighter Pilot

"Sex Drugs & Islam is the provocative and controversial memoir by Pakistani author, Dari Ghaznavi. In a conversational style, Ghaznavi tells tale of his time in the military, running drugs and other criminal activity, traveling the world, and, especially, chasing women. Despite its dark topics, the narration is breezy and spirited. Dari Ghaznavi really has lived a life like no other. The title alone suggests that Ghaznavi is a man who takes chances and fears no one. Again and again, Ghaznavi puts himself in situations that would kill most people, or at least end up in an extended prison stay. That he is writing this memoir having been paralyzed from the chest down after being shot by an acquaintance should tell you this is a man who has lived, and lived hard. Through it all, Ghaznavi covers the highs and lows of his life with good humor. There's not a lot of self-deprecation or judgment here. Ghaznavi doesn't make any apologies. The book reads like Ghaznavi is regaling you with stories over dinner, which is part of the book's charm. One can't review this book without pointing out that it is highly controversial, especially in this political moment. Ghaznavi pulls no punches in his criticism of Islamic culture, and Pakistan in general. On the one hand, it's a fascinating window into a particular worldview. On the other, he's playing with fire. That's part of his story, however: his fearlessness. But there is a fair amount here that some could find offensive. All that said, as a portrait of a man who's led an extraordinarily varied and interesting life, most any reader will find Ghaznavi's memoir an eye-opening and page-turning read."