A resonant journey that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Memoirs and biographies often captivate us with personal tales of extraordinary experiences that can inspire courage and hope. Though we don’t all sail the stars or overcome oppression, most of us have unique stories and interesting anecdotes worth sharing. Proof can be found in Mark Shaiken’s collection of essays, It’s What Makes Me… Me: A Retired Attorney’s Relationship With Life and Times. From reliving awkward family moments and fond childhood memories to experiencing joy and following our passions, Shaiken’s book is like tossing a dusty, reliable, old paper atlas into the air and road-tripping wherever the opened page lands. The destination isn’t always clearly defined, unexpected detours pop up, and there are plenty of worthwhile adventures along the way. But this story isn’t about finding the fastest way from point A to point B. Instead, it’s about transporting audiences on a resonant journey that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The finished product is a collection of elegantly simple stories told impeccably well.
It isn’t difficult to find echoes of our own struggles and triumphs in Shaiken’s endearing, empathetic narration. His honesty is as refreshing as it is reassuring for those toiling to make sense of a troubled past or a difficult present. From the first section, readers might reap the wisdom in realizing that not everything offers a valuable life lesson, that sometimes there is only surviving and moving forward. Lighter fare can be sampled as the author pays tribute to some less profound but deeply meaningful pop culture influences that have shaped generations. And who can’t relate to those terribly embarrassing or frustrating hours spent on our starter jobs? Chapter 31 crafts an intriguing narrative around a familiar situation, but the author’s disarming manner and clever commentary build suspense while landing a perfect punchline. Musings on aging are sad but grounded, offering a gentle yet thoughtful perspective for those of us lucky enough to reach our older years. What seems like a random string of memories ties together into the skillfully woven fabric of a life lived with an abundance of heart and soul. More than a memoir, with Shaiken’s keen observation skills, his sharp wit, and a rare ability to balance timing, pace, and enthusiasm, It’s What Makes Me… Me reads like a casual evening of good-natured storytelling.
