In early 2021, author Robert Paul released Asleep (Drifting), the harrowing first installment in a three-book series about his life. In contrast to childhood abuse and struggles with addiction, Robert has terrific memories of the loved ones who stuck with him through his trials. He was inspired to write about these two opposing worlds hoping that his experiences will show others peace is waiting beyond even the darkest moments. Asleep will resonate with fans of true stories and compelling memoirs. Robert believes that every individual has their own unique story, like a fingerprint. He hopes that sharing his experiences will empower others to pursue their happiness. The Asleep book series chronicles Robert's early life as the child of an abusive mother in an unstable household. His mother's temper and a constant stream of strange men threw his younger years into chaos. Robert has one brother and two sisters, all born to different fathers, thus adding more confusion to an already tumultuous childhood. He was only able to survive with the help of his loving grandmother and aunt. In his misguided search for healing and purpose, Robert sought solace in all the wrong places. Yet, despite its rawness, the Asleep Series is very much a story of redemption, hope, and finding belonging. Asleep (Hypnotic Rhythm) Book Two was released, June 20, 2021, and Asleep (Awakening) Book Three is set for release on October 27, 2021. In his work, Robert explores themes of forgiveness versus acceptance, mental health, and self-awareness. Instead of lingering in resentment, he promotes an introspective approach that encourages survivors of abuse and addiction to invest in their futures instead of wasting energy looking back at more challenging times. In addition, the Asleep Series showcases humor's power and uses positive influences—like Robert's grandmother and Aunt Betty—as an anchor against negativity. Their love is what kept him optimistic, hanging on to sanity and his belief in the goodness of humans. As one enthusiastic reader wrote, "ASLEEP, Drifting––Book One was great! It left me eager to read each next chapter!" And many applauded his courage in dissecting such a traumatic period in his life. Through his emotive narrative style, Robert Paul transports the audience to another time, reflecting on poignant memories like waiting for his beloved Aunt Betty to return home from high school on the bus or falling off his friend's roof while flying a kite, along with a slew of hilarious, tragic, and riveting stories. When asked about his writing process, Robert reflected on the importance of Henry David Thoreau's classic command: "Go confidently in the way of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined." From the day he was born in the small town of Espanola, New Mexico, Robert Paul's life was destined to be an obstacle course of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Born into utter poverty to an out-of-control mother, Robert's childhood and early teenage years were a blur of non-stop abuse and constant relocation. Each move forced him to build his life from scratch in a world different from the one he was settling into. As Robert grew, his mother's toxic influence began to wear on him, allowing Robert to choose between succumbing to the years of abuse and becoming an even worse adult than his mother was or shrugging off the abuse and beginning his journey to healing. Robert chose the latter.