Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Becoming a Badass: From Fearful to Fierce is a brutally honest memoir from noted travel writer and film producer Margie Goldsmith. Having grown up in a dysfunctional family, the author took the first opportunity to leave that environment after graduating from college and headed to Paris. There she met and married a film director who had been blacklisted during the McCarthy years and the House Un-American Activities Committee. In Paris, she lived a glamorous lifestyle alongside many of the famous literary and film icons of the day. Eventually, she returned to the United States, divorced, and began an incredibly successful film and video production company. After another failed marriage, she threw herself into her twin passions of travel and fitness, becoming a noted magazine contributor. Despite all her success, she was challenged by serious health issues for most of her middle years, and yet, she never stopped challenging herself, trying new activities, and searching for adventure.

Becoming a Badass is a seminal reminder that nothing in life is set in stone. You have the power to change the trajectory of your life and embrace everything, the good and the bad, with the same amount of determination, grit, and indeed gratitude. Margie Goldsmith never had it easy, even from a young age, and yet she made it her goal to overcome challenges and do what was right for her. I was impressed by how she was prepared to sacrifice a comfortable lifestyle to ensure that she fulfilled her need to nourish her soul. As the wife of a high-flying lawyer to the stars, she had a life that many would envy, yet she knew that it wasn’t fulfilling her need to travel and grow as a writer and a person. That she was prepared to walk away from situations and prioritize her needs says a lot about her grit and determination. Her dedication to the Blues Harmonica and her courage to go on stage and play indicate just how self-contained and assured she was. The overarching theme of this memoir is that you never have to be satisfied with the cards that life deals you; you can change your life and be whatever you want to be. This woman is proof of that maxim. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a little self-assurance and motivation.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Finding Home: From Cairo to New York by Djenane Nakhle is a memoir that traces the transformative journey from her childhood in Egypt to her life as an established academic in New York. This personal account blends history with individual experience, offering a vivid glimpse into the shifting landscapes of political, cultural, and personal upheaval. Nakhle starts her story in Cairo, where she paints a picture of a vibrant city marked by both beauty and the scars of political strife. The memoir navigates through her formative years during the tumultuous periods of the 1950s and 1960s, capturing the essence of a nation and a people in the throes of revolution and change. The narrative follows a young woman grappling with her identity and future while navigating migration and seeking stability.

What makes Djenane Nakhle’s narrative compelling is her candid recounting of the challenges she faced, from the struggle to fit into new cultures to the pursuit of academic and professional fulfillment in the United States. Her story is one of hope and determination as she moves from the familiarity of Cairo to the unknowns of New York while striving to maintain a connection to her roots. The book is both a memoir and a reflection on the broader themes of home, identity, and belonging. Nakhle’s prose is eloquent and rich with historical details and personal anecdotes that paint a broad yet intimate panorama of her life’s journey. Finding Home offers a unique blend of personal memoir and social history, providing insight into the complexities of cultural integration and the individual costs of political changes. It’s a story of perseverance, identity, and the continual quest for home, connecting with anyone who has ever had to find their place in a world far from where they began.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Adopted in 1955, T. Alex Blum’s memoir An Accident of Birth: A Story of Adoption and Identity describes a Manhattan upbringing by his adoptive parents, Nancy and John, who treat his adoption as a fact while keeping questions about his origins at a distance. At school, he learns the rules of an elite world, then sees his future rerouted after disciplinary hearings force him out of two preparatory campuses. He rebuilds his path at the University of Wisconsin, then enters advertising production, starting in Paris before returning to the United States, where commercial work opens a route toward filmmaking and shows how contracts can define a career. As his marriage to Mary Ann ends, his family life changes. An unexpected message arrives through DNA testing, pointing to a birth family story kept out of reach for decades.

T. Alex Blum’s An Accident of Birth is an intelligent, witty, and frequently heartening look at Blum's life in raw, honest detail. This is not a memoir for the pearl-clutching crowd, as instances of sexual curiosity and the lines between consent are often breached, but everything is described in a relaxed, conversational tone. I appreciate that Blum does not spend time in a 'woe-is-me' funk, instead simply stating what is as opposed to leaning into philosophical exposition. Blum has had an extraordinary life, spilling over with grit and a fair share of loss, whether it is striking out on his own with a production company when earlier ventures failed, or sitting beside his mother during her illness and reading poetry aloud to her. Yes, there is the exciting dive into a life-changing discovery and the full extent of his birth family, but the most fascinating parts are when he is doing what the average American understands, like the impact of the financial crisis and having to sell personal items to make ends meet. Overall, this is an interesting, well-written memoir. Recommended.

Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

Life can be exciting, challenging, or dull, but for Sandy Pearl, it was always eventful. She shares her story in Then the Phone Rang: My Journey from Hitchhiking Hippie to the Hollywood High Life. She begins by taking readers back to the family dinner table in Santa Barbara in 1959, aged 8 years old. She had two older brothers, a distant father, and a mother who tended toward narcissism. She dropped out of college in 1971 to travel overseas, with its adventures and misadventures. She returned to the USA to become a hostess at a restaurant in Los Angeles, meeting famous people. A receptionist position at Atlantic Records on the famed Sunset Boulevard followed, before being promoted to Publicity Department Assistant. Finding romance in the office, she resigned but stayed in the thriving music, television, and movie industries. She moved in with her eccentric partner, but with no prospect of marriage, they split after 12 years. She underwent therapy and revisited her relationship with her mother. The vibrant music scene of the ‘70s and ‘80s is described in fascinating detail, with all its glamour and shadows exposed. The author does not set out to make startling disclosures about the celebrities that she encountered, remaining tactfully silent, but telling some interesting anecdotes. The celebrities that Sandy mingled with certainly were an eclectic bunch. The ringing phone always preceded change, generally for the better.

Sandy Pearl shares life-changing moments, such as being diagnosed with pneumonia after collapsing at the age of 58. This forced a change of pace and a shift to freelance work. Romance eluded her at times, and she went through both marriage and divorce, followed by more therapy. Friends and family members died or moved on. The short, punchy chapters unfold in rapid succession. The style is candid, chatty, and amusing. There is never a dull moment, making for easy and enjoyable reading. The book is illustrated with family photographs that bring the players to life. A bonus is a retrospective update as to what became of the main characters. Then the Phone Rang illustrates that life can have its synchronicities, although sometimes you have to use your contacts. Sandy shares her resourcefulness and vivacious character to the full, reflecting that a career in the music, television, or advertising world is not for the faint-hearted. This is a thoroughly entertaining memoir that is both charming and insightful.

Reviewed by Lucinda E Clarke for Readers' Favorite

Tortured Soles by Fran Weinstein is a memoir from her childhood to retirement. Growing up in New York in a dysfunctional family, she was frequently subjected to her parents’ constant fights. Her mother, a refugee from Europe, suffered bouts of depression, and her father was browbeaten and belittled. It’s no surprise that Fran did not do well at school, mixed with the wrong crowd, and relished the drug scene. Then she stumbled into journalism, followed by a break into television production, and later became a very successful celebrity journalist. She honestly describes the ups and downs, the single parenthood, and the final realization of what is truly important in life. Even today, she is remembered fondly in the industry that is notorious for pulling back the curtain on the lives of the rich and famous.

I found Fran Weinstein's memoir Tortured Soles: High Heels, Low Expectations and the Hollywood Gossip Mill a fascinating read. While she met dozens of celebrities, often after waiting for hours in the most uncomfortable conditions, she got her story. Her book is a very easy read, and what you would expect from a professional writer, but she also shares the truths that those who live in the spotlight do not lead charmed lives. Despite the money, the trappings, the adulation, all too frequently, there is heartbreak and sorrow. She questions how far a reporter should go in getting a scoop. I admired her honesty, recounting the mistakes she made, the miscalculations, and the personal shame she felt on some occasions. The title refers to the high-heeled shoes she wore, along with the designer fashion clothes and accessories, to offset her small stature. If you are, like many, curious about the lives of the stars, then grab this book and take a journey behind the scenes.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

In his memoir, Always Moving Forward, David A. Jones recalls growing up in 1930s-40s Louisville, where he excelled in academics and athletics despite the financial insecurity his family was up against. As a Navy ROTC scholar at the University of Louisville, he met Betty, his future wife, and later co-founded Humana with Wendell Cherry. Beginning with a nursing home, they expanded into hospital management, rebranding as Extendicare in 1966 and going public in 1968. Jones, influenced by Peter Drucker, guided Humana’s growth and international expansion. He played a significant role in local arts, healthcare innovations, and education reform, including contributing to the Kentucky Education Reform Act. Despite a financial setback from the Belknap Hardware acquisition, he supported civic projects, such as affordable housing and the Parklands of Floyds Fork. Post-retirement, Jones continued civic engagement, notably with the Parklands project, funded partly by a $38 million federal grant.

If Always Moving Forward by David A. Jones isn't one of the ultimate boot-strap memoirs circulating today, then I don't know what is. I wasn't familiar with Jones before picking the book up, but on a flick-through, it seemed like a safe bet. There is an inspirational element to the arc but it truly does read as a traditional autobiography, even going back to times before his birth and his family pushing through the Great Depression. Jones is at his best in conveying his life story when it is within the orbit of what an everyday reader who does not know him, or know of him, recognizes or can relate to. The standout here is the 9/11 attacks at the World Trade Center when Jones was doing a media rollout. Dinner on the 10th was at Windows to the World. Breakfast on the 11th was skipped, and that's why he's here to share his story. The writing is mostly conversational in style and there are moments where I laughed, like when Jones says, “...we could not pass up a chance to grow the company through a traditional business formula: Use other people’s money.” Overall, this is a well-written and insightful look into the story of a man who has accomplished so much in a single lifetime, and I have no doubt his legacy will resonate for generations to come.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

My Rude Awakening by Edward Charles Featherstone is an unfiltered memoir that recounts his extraordinary life journey from the elite circles of English society to the unforgiving world of combat aviation. Raised in privilege, Charles undergoes personal and emotional transformations through intense experiences, from his passionate and socially forbidden love affair to the perils of flying combat helicopters in the Middle East. This raw and candid autobiography highlights the complexities of love, war, and self-discovery, revealing the profound impact of trauma and passion on his path to adulthood. Featherstone's unflinching honesty shines throughout the memoir, giving readers an authentic glimpse into both the emotional highs and the painful realities of his journey from passion to peril. His ability to vividly recount his experiences in combat, explaining the interesting nuances and the terrifying dangers of military aviation, speaks of his skill as a powerful storyteller.

I was particularly moved by Edward Charles Featherstone's exploration of societal expectations and his personal awakening through a forbidden relationship, which added an unexpected element of intrigue and high drama, making his story not just one of action, but also of profound emotional growth. The pacing and structure of the memoir keep the reader engaged just like a military novel would, with seamless transitions between reflective personal moments and high-stakes combat, and a great balance of intensity and reflectiveness. As I read this brutally honest account, I found myself deeply affected by his journey, feeling the weight of his decisions, the thrill of his passions, and the terror of his combat experiences, all of which combined to create a transformative story that left its mark on me. Overall, I highly recommend My Rude Awakening to readers who appreciate raw, honest memoirs that offer a unique perspective on love, war, and personal growth, challenging our perceptions of privilege and duty.

Reviewed by Juan Lynch for Readers' Favorite

Little Boy, I Know Your Name: A Second-Generation Memoir from Inherited Holocaust Trauma by Mitchell Raff is an insightful, heartwrenching story of the author's life. Mitchell's father and mother both endured the unspeakable evils perpetuated on the Jews during the Holocaust. This left them ill-equipped to take on the challenge of parenting. For a while in his early years, his paternal aunt, Sally, and her husband, Issa, took him in and loved him as best as they could; they were also Holocaust survivors. At four years old, Mitchell was enticed to live with his mom and little sister. He soon regretted this decision. His mother physically and psychologically abused him. This trauma went on to affect every relationship Mitchell would have.

I enjoyed reading Little Boy, I Know Your Name by Mitchell Raff. The story was conveyed mainly in chronological order and was well-paced. Raff's writing style kept me in suspense, always wanting to know what would happen next. His childhood was filled with sad episodes that helped me connect emotionally not only with Mitchell, but also with his sister Regina (Malka), Issa, and Sally. Raff masterfully captured the essence of every person that he spoke about, no matter how small their contribution to the story. This included lovable family members, slimy in-laws, and racist classmates. Additionally, Raff relates his battle as an adult against drug and sex addiction tactfully. The themes of self-discovery, family betrayal, life, and death are beautifully portrayed in this memoir. I highly recommend Little Boy, I Know Your Name to all avid readers.

Reviewed by Stewart Brian for Readers' Favorite

Twice Over a Man: A Fierce Memoir of an Orphan Boy Who Doggedly Determined a Finer Life by Orvin T. Kimbrough is an inspiring memoir that follows Orvin's life from trial to triumph. Orvin starts by sharing 23 personal growth principles that guided him throughout his challenges until he achieved his goals. He writes extensively about his early background, neighborhood, and childhood traumas, ranging from his mother’s drug addiction and her sudden demise to sexual abuse, hunger, poverty, and more. After the death of Orvin’s mom in August 1982, his journey into the foster care system began. Orvin further discusses how he overcame his reaction to perceived threats due to past traumas by identifying specific triggers. The book also highlights Orvin's journey through college and his ability to take charge of his life for good.

This book was quite intense due to the emotions it stirred up within me. Orvin’s story offers hope to anyone dealing with life challenges, isolation, rejection, and more. I commend Orvin for the courage to share his life journey with readers, as this book proves him to be an exceptional storyteller and a skilled writer. I found Orvin’s writing detailed, straightforward, and easy to comprehend. The narrative is also well organized and has a natural pace. The quotes featured in this book added to my reading pleasure. Orvin’s story covers themes of determination, faith, hope, resilience, and more. I recommend Twice Over a Man by Orvin T. Kimbrough to anyone struggling with trauma from their past and childhood.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

To Kill a Cockroach by Osvaldo Calixto Amador is an autobiography that fully spans the author's troubled childhood in Cuba, his issues with identity, and his search for meaning through art and relationships. Born into hardship and trauma, Amador faced constant relocation, bullying, and neglect, while his mother battled with depression and their separation from Cuba. During this, Amador found happiness in books and art, especially after discovering Black Beauty as a child. His move to self-acceptance was really hard, especially with his strained relationship with his father, reconciling with his sexuality, and painful losses including his dog Toto. Eventually, Amador embraced his identity and his art as an outlet, cultivating a true understanding of himself, and finding peace and purpose in self-love and creative expression.

Osvaldo Calixto Amador’s autobiography is a powerful look at human vulnerability, self-discovery, and empathy, all of which he shares with courage. I like how completely honest his writing is and the sheer volume of what he is willing to share. There is the central metaphor of killing a cockroach, which is a twist on the famed Lee novel, but in Amador's case, I think he does a great job of using it to raise questions about morality, compassion, and conscience. Amador's autobiography is singular in the fact that he was born under communism, isn't heterosexual, and has the odds entirely stacked against him. Still, he prevails, circumventing social expectations for an authentic life. There's a sensitivity and emotional intelligence to his words that come clearly through on the pages. Overall, To Kill a Cockroach is a thoughtful, historic capsule of one man's life and an inspiration to those who read it. Very highly recommended.