Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Dale Zurawski’s The Travel Bitch: Bouncing Across the Globe on a Bipolar High really begins after an Amazon trip sends her back to childhood, in a home changed by her father’s death. Later, a bipolar diagnosis gives a name to the behavior that had already shaped years of movement across borders. The memoir follows the author through travel that places ordinary reactions in unfamiliar public settings. In Switzerland, she learns how much daily life depends on language when her children enter local schools. In East Africa, she watches her children meet people whose homes make Southern California feel distant. In Iceland, bad weather follows the trip toward a glacier she would have skipped. Through each journey, Zurawski shows how travel records the person who arrives, including the history she takes into every new place.

Dale Zurawski’s The Travel Bitch is an extremely thoughtful memoir, and I love everything that the author shares with us. The memoir is loaded with a mix of heartening and jarring moments, whether describing reaching Antarctica to complete her seventh continent, or when an Amazon canoe fills with rain—which is also hilarious, in hindsight. The author is easy to like because she lets travel revise her assumptions, and helps readers do the same. The most eye-opening is in Palestine, where the realities of occupation in the West Bank change what she understands about the plight of the people. I also like the pure honesty and how sobriety helps her shape years of journals into a book. Readers benefit from a totally grounded view of bipolar disorder and its impact. Well written and immersive, readers who enjoy travel writing with a real twist will adore this. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Wrong Bird by Matthew West-James is a memoir built around moments when his confidence and his reality collided. The book begins with his teenage decision to mark a turning point in life with a phoenix tattoo that later proves to be nearly identical to the corporate logo of Japan Airlines. The author uses the discovery as the framework for a series of life episodes that examine how people commit to decisions long before experience provides a context. Military service, travel abroad, early encounters with technology, family life, and adulthood all become the settings where the author confronts the distance between his intention and the outcome. Through these experiences, the author argues that mistakes often remain visible long after the moment that created them, shaping one's identity and memories across decades.

Matthew West-James's Wrong Bird is a no-holds-barred, straight-shooting memoir that looks back at decisions he made after the passage of time, when reality settles in. It is said that hindsight is 20/20, and a lot of what he shares is downright hilarious when viewed through the rear-view mirror. The writing style is intelligently witty, with a conversational style that makes him instantly relatable. I almost fell over laughing at a second's-long cancer scare he had when the discovery of a cancerous mass on his body turned out to be an undigested shrimp from dinner the previous night. Let's face it: a guy who can make the terror of potential cancer hilarious is going to produce a first-rate memoir. The same goes for the suspicion of a fatal brain illness, and thinking your wife might just be a figment of your imagination. Overall, West-James offers readers the king of memoirs, and those who enjoy humor in honest recollections and personal accountability will likely find it here. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

D.M. Christensen uses satire in M.B.A. to examine what happens after entering an MBA program and realizing many professional systems reward appearances more reliably than practical judgment. Classroom discussions about leadership expand into criticism of universities selling prestige while employers treat credentials as proof of capability. Christensen follows students pursuing promotions through expensive programs while questioning whether institutional approval has replaced independent thinking inside modern workplaces. Humor drives the argument through exaggerated examples, exposing how organizations reward people who communicate confidence even when those individuals create confusion or delay decisions. Throughout the book, Christensen argues that people increasingly chase validation from institutions promising status, while practical ability develops only after someone accepts responsibility for choices.

D.M. Christensen’s M.B.A. asks a question plenty of working people already suspect they know the answer to: how much of professional culture is actually about competence, and how much is about appearance, vocabulary, and institutional approval? Christensen approaches that question through satire, but the humor works because the behavior being described feels familiar. Most readers have sat through meetings that solved nothing, listened to corporate language designed to sound important, or watched credentials become shorthand for authority before anyone demonstrated actual ability. Christensen understands the psychology behind that system. People want security. They want advancement. They want proof that their investment in education means something. M.B.A. keeps returning to the uncomfortable gap between professional presentation and practical usefulness. Christensen writes in plain, conversational language that strips management culture of its polished image and forces readers to examine how much of modern office life depends upon performance. What gives the book credibility is that Christensen sounds like somebody who has spent time inside these systems. The economic discussion surrounding higher education, certification culture, and workplace expectations carries the weight of lived observation instead of detached criticism. Recent graduates entering corporate environments will probably recognize these behaviors immediately.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Holly Shaw’s Queen Lessons is an exploration of personal growth, humor, and the transformative power of embracing one’s authentic self. Through a blend of storytelling, humor, and introspection, Shaw takes readers on a journey through her experiences as a stand-up comedian and how those lessons have shaped her approach to life, particularly during the transitional "queen years." The book is structured around Shaw’s reflections on courage, self-loyalty, and the art of commanding attention. Her anecdotes from the comedy stage are entertaining and insightful, offering a unique lens through which she examines broader themes like societal expectations, personal boundaries, and the challenges of aging as a woman. Shaw’s voice is candid and engaging, making her stories feel like a conversation with a close friend who isn’t afraid to share the messy, awkward, and hilarious moments of her life.

Holly Shaw’s concept of the "queen years" is particularly compelling. She reframes this stage of life as a time of empowerment and creativity, challenging the narrative that aging diminishes a woman’s value. Her insights into the importance of self-awareness, emotional fluency, and the courage to ask for what you want are inspiring. The book also offers practical wisdom for navigating life’s challenges, whether it’s dealing with hecklers on stage or managing complex relationships offstage. Shaw’s ability to draw parallels between her experiences in comedy and everyday life makes her lessons meaningful. Queen Lessons is a refreshing, unique, and empowering read. Her blend of humor, vulnerability, and wisdom makes this book a valuable guide for anyone looking to embrace their power, find their voice, and navigate life’s transitions with grace and boldness.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

In his memoir Livin' It, Michael Perzel grew up in Philadelphia, first in the Abbotsford Projects and then in Mayfair. When his parents separate as he turns eleven, he begins living with unusual autonomy. He starts earning money, spending nights outside the house, and relying on older boys and brothers in things that adults no longer manage for him. His mother, Susan, keeps working and holding the family together while Michael’s world shifts toward street expectations enforced by his peers and the police. His actions draw increasing attention and immediate consequences. By the time adolescence gives way to early adulthood, Michael is embedded in the same streets, living in a pattern that has him hurtling toward an irreversible turning point already forming long before it is recognized.

Michael Perzel’s memoir, Livin' It, traces a life shaped in Philadelphia with unsparing honesty. The writing is conversational, straightforward, and with a mix of humor and sober recollection. Perzel walks us through many moments, from a Maryland lake outing where a capsized canoe leaves him isolated in darkness, to the night he summons help after a younger acquaintance collapses from inhalants. These should make it clear on their own that Perzel's experiences are unique, but the hits keep on coming. Perzel describes his repeated police encounters that escalate to drawn weapons, and the turning point when he's standing before a judge as an adult, absorbing a warning that redirects his life choices. This is a memoir of redemption, and the best part is the reader knowing what he came from and being able to witness what he becomes. This is a memoir for lovers of comeback stories in urban America. Recommended.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Joy Alicia’s So Drunk a Tooth’s Gotta Go delivers a vibrant blend of humor and wisdom, covering various experiences from the gig economy to modern dating. Alicia’s essays are refreshingly candid, packed with sharp wit and insightful observations. Her essay “Dating Hacks & Dating Advice for Online & Offline” navigates through the nuances of digital romance with humor and critical insights, particularly highlighting women’s safety concerns in online dating. Her storytelling shines as she balances hilarity with serious tips for navigating complex social landscapes. “Would You Like a Gun with Those Fries?” tackles the challenges of customer service jobs in the gig economy. Her narrative offers a glimpse into the often-overlooked hardships faced by those in these roles, providing both sympathy and humor.

Joy Alicia explores personal growth and resilience in pieces like “When Abusers Fail to Destroy,” reflecting on her journey to overcome past bullies. She often employs metaphors and similes to create vivid comparisons that illuminate her experiences in both insightful and entertaining ways. Alicia’s use of hyperbole is unmatched; she exaggerates scenarios to absurd levels, eliciting laughter, and sharply critiques societal norms and behaviors, such as the extremes people go to in online dating or the lengths one might endure to avoid a bad date. The collection stands out for making readers laugh while engaging with meaningful topics. The essays are a compelling mix of lightheartedness and serious discourse, showcasing her skill as a storyteller who can entertain while inspiring thoughtful reflection. Alicia navigates complex topics with levity and insight, making So Drunk a Tooth’s Gotta Go a memorable read for those who appreciate a blend of comedy and candor.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Patrick McLaughlin’s memoir, Be Good, Stay Strong, Love, Dad, is a heartfelt, humorous, and unfiltered journey through fatherhood, seen through the eyes of a GenX dad. McLaughlin blends personal anecdotes, sharp reflections, and advice for his two sons. It serves as a survival guide for navigating a world that has shifted dramatically since his childhood. McLaughlin’s use of letters, lyrics, and stories makes the book feel intimate and conversational as if you’re eavesdropping on a personal exchange between a father and his sons.

For GenX readers, Be Good, Stay Strong, Love, Dad is a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Patrick McLaughlin embraces his generation's irreverence and rough edges—full of scars earned from trial and error, without the safety net of digital conveniences. He writes with the unmistakable voice of a protective and brutally honest father, offering his sons lessons learned through his own experiences. This memoir is far from sanitized. It’s full of potty humor, raw language, and unapologetic advice—traits that make McLaughlin’s reflections relatable and genuine. He doesn't sugarcoat fatherhood or the challenges of raising kids in an ever-evolving digital world. Instead, he packages life lessons in a humorous and deeply personal way, drawing from his own chaotic and unconventional upbringing. This relatability is what makes the book so engaging and impactful. You don’t need to be a GenXer to enjoy this book. It’s loaded with laugh-out-loud humor that will entertain anyone. If you’re looking for a great read, look no further. McLaughlin penned a memoir that is a literary masterpiece.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Wash Your Brain: Stories. Laughter. Yoga. Life. is a work of non-fiction in the slice of life, humor, and memoir subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Penned by author Donna Debs, this entertaining work presents a humorous collection of stories capturing the chaos and hilarity of everyday life from a quirky, upbeat perspective. From dodging sharks to dealing with runaway snowblowers and quirky dentists, Debs finds laughter in mishaps. She shares her journey of staying sane through writing and yoga, which she describes as ‘washing her brain.’ This book, filled with bite-sized anecdotes and sage life advice, encourages readers to cleanse their minds and find joy amidst life's absurdities. Debs, a seasoned writer and certified Iyengar yoga teacher, uses her experiences to bring humor and perspective to the everyday chaos that could drag us down in the dumps if we let it.

Author Donna Debs has a natural confidence and charm to her writing that has enabled her to craft a truly uplifting and delightful read that people from all walks of life can appreciate. Debs’ humorous take on life’s mishaps is penned with natural wit and a gift for one-liners that made me laugh out loud, while her insights on staying sane through writing and yoga offer balance and a poignant undertone of self-love and support. The anecdotes are well-structured to offer easy-to-digest moments of joy, and these little vignettes were entertaining and also relatable in the way they captured the unpredictable nature of life. The core concept of ‘washing your brain’ was inspiring, offering a refreshing approach to mental clarity and stress relief. Debs’ ability to turn everyday chaos into comedic relief is both impressive and encouraging, making me reflect on my own life with a lighter heart. Overall, Wash Your Brain was a joy to read and I would not hesitate to recommend it.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Karen S. Katz’s memoir, Getting Sauced, offers a tasteful journey into the world of food television. Katz, a trailblazer behind the scenes, shares her experiences working with some of the biggest names in culinary TV, providing an intimate glimpse into the chaotic yet exhilarating early days of the Food Network. Starting her career during food television’s raw and uncharted territories, Katz quickly became an instrumental figure, particularly noted for her work with celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse. Her stories are filled with humor and heart, exposing the challenging and often absurd reality of producing a television show. Katz shares captivating stories about organizing shoots, collaborating with celebrity chefs, and the creativity needed to produce a cooking show. The recipes featured at the end of each chapter enrich her narrative and welcome readers into her culinary journey.

Karen S. Katz writes in a conversational tone that makes Getting Sauced feel like an entertaining meal with a friend who has the best stories. It’s a must-read for foodies, fans of food television, and anyone curious about the behind-the-scenes antics of television production. For me, it was the unveiling of the Swanson chicken TV dinner; I could almost taste it. It brought back a wonderful memory of waiting for the oven timer to go off. The recipes are a bonus, and Katz even tells you how to get a Chicago deep-dish pizza delivered to your home. The look inside the production of a cooking show is fascinating and not at all what I expected. Getting Sauced is a rich, humorous, and satisfying book that offers a delightful mix of anecdotal spice and practical insight.

Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite

The SuperOptimist Guide to Unconventional Living by Nathaniel Whitten and Walter Morton contains 105 experiments and activities that urge you to reframe the way you were taught to think. These ideas persuade readers to tap into their creativity and experience life from other angles. Whitten and Morton cover topics like sleep, fully experiencing nature and your surroundings, and pickles, and address common misconceptions, such as a "sour" lemon, in a different way, giving you a well-rounded view of the subjects they touch on. Whitten and Morton use a sense of humor to communicate their suggestions and positively encourage others who may feel depressed or who might need a nudge in the right direction to have a much better day.

Nathaniel Whitten and Walter Morton offer their readers a fresh perspective. To some, these ideas may seem comical, but they have a reason for their suggestions, and they make sense. Since the authors understand the randomness in certain aspects of life, they encourage you to start anywhere in the book. I appreciated Whitten and Morton's wisdom and wit. Instead of relying on the usual advice of others, the authors focus on an even better way. For example, some people may tell you it takes more facial muscles to frown than to smile. Whitten and Morton encourage you to "exercise all facial muscles" so you may experience the emotions of a full life and reap certain biological benefits from the act of smiling. Readers who aren't afraid to march to the beat of a different drum will enjoy The SuperOptimist Guide to Unconventional Living.