An ordinary life told impeccably well.
And… Just Like That is a warm collection of essays detailing Mark Shaiken’s path from birth to the afterlife, aka retirement. Having spent decades in law, Mark has a vast storehouse of experiences, specifically in bankruptcy law, upon which to draw for his humorous biography. From an unconventional childhood to an unceremonious decision to practice law, Mark’s comically critical manner and astute observations will charm and entrance readers. Those with a law profession will find the anecdotes painfully relatable. Those who have never even met a lawyer will feel more fulfilled just getting to know Mark Shaiken through his cumulative life experiences.
It seems safe to assume that many people have a job they don’t love. In that regard, And… Just Like That offers hope to all the dreamers out there. Despite a profession that includes an office that he likened to a prison cell, Mark really shines as a glass-half-full sort of guy. The pages are replete with lovely little tidbits of insight captured in pithy sayings. “I don’t necessarily dream big, but I dream often and maybe that is big for me.” Or my favorite, “You cannot find the world outside the law if, when you smell the coffee, all you smell is the brown liquid in your favorite cup.” These unexpected flashes of wisdom are a dependable feature of an ordinary life told impeccably well. Filled with casual advice and refreshing optimism, And… Just Like That: Essays on a Life Before, During and After the Law is a truly delightful read.
