From Punk to Monk

The heartfelt memoir of Ray Raghunath Cappo, a legendary hardcore punk musician-turned-monk—and pioneer of the straight-edge movement—told with warmth, candor, and humor. Ray Cappo was a hardcore punk singer and pioneer of the straight-edge movement living on the Lower East Side of New York City in the ’80s; where his band Youth of Today played to packed houses and thousands of fans. But despite releasing several hit records and touring all over the US, Ray wasn’t satisfied. Fame and success hadn’t brought the happiness he’d been hoping for. They’d only left him feeling empty inside. This, along with his father’s untimely death, led Ray to abruptly quit the band and buy a one-way ticket to India in search of the answers to life’s great mysteries. Living among monks in the sacred city of Vrindavan, Ray embraced the rich, spiritual culture he discovered there. When he returned to the US, radically transformed, he founded the band Shelter, devoted to spreading a message of hope. Told with warmth, candor, and humor, this heartfelt memoir chronicles Ray’s journey from punk to monk and beyond. HISTORICAL: Offers a unique glimpse into the punk and hardcore scene of the Lower East Side during the 80s and the birth of the straight-edge movement. SPIRITUAL: Asks (and answers) deep questions about our relationship to the world around us and the living beings that populate it. PERSONAL: Chronicles Ray’s spiritual journey in his own words, with warmth, candor, and humor.