An Inconvenient Witness recounts your life with vivid details, moving between childhood scenes, brushes with death, family dysfunction, and encounters with cultural and historical moments. Why was this an important book for you to write?

People kept telling me, “You’ve got to write this down.” Then my daughter handed me a book called Dad, Tell Me Your Story—which is basically a polite way of saying, You’re not getting any younger. Writing it was cathartic and allowed me to reflect on the past and perhaps find some meaning. These stories shaped me, whether I wanted them to or not.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

That life is messy, sometimes ridiculous and doesn’t care about your plans. It’s best to be adaptable, remain open-minded and recognize subtle guideposts that can take you on a more rewarding journey than you planned. That ordinary moments can be extraordinary if you look hard enough. And that humor doesn’t erase anything, but it makes the truth easier to swallow.

What was the most challenging part of writing your memoir, and what was the most rewarding?

The most challenging aspect is revisiting events and times that I would rather forget. On the other hand, the most rewarding experience is realizing that these events have made me stronger, more confident and more adaptable to various situations.

What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?

We all have stories to tell, even in challenging times, there’s room for humor and hope. While we can’t control our past, we can shape the narrative it presents.

An Inconvenient Witness Book Review