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Manifesting the Impossible
In The Dressing Drink, you share both the memories and challenges of growing up with a mother born of high society and an absent father. Why was this an important book for you to write?
My mother passed away when I was 11, and I met my father at 14. He died when I was 15. Because I never really knew my parents, I felt it was important to explore their scrapbook, memorabilia, and the stories of personalities from show business and friends. This process was essential for me to create a mythology around them and to gain a better understanding of who they were for my mental health, especially at the age of 22.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
The most challenging perspective I faced was that of a lost child. I lived a wild life, mostly in boarding schools. It never felt like I was lost; I simply moved from one situation to another, either happy or high. It wasn’t until I entered rehab that I had a conversation with my inner child, who looked up at me and said, “You tried to kill me.”
Did you learn anything about yourself while planning and writing this book?
Everything I have done in my life feels like “manifesting the impossible.” Even the journey of writing and compiling this book seemed like an unrealistic goal from the outside. Therefore, it’s a significant accomplishment to document my mother’s life, my father’s life, my family’s life, and parts of my own life. The five books that emerged from this effort are just a small glimpse into the larger story of my life.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your experiences?
Certainly, the concept of being a survivor is about transcending survival to reach recovery. If we are honest, we are all in the process of recovery, whether we acknowledge it or not. I have been sober for 26 years and consider that borrowed time. Writing the book at 22 and publishing it at 68 is a lifelong compilation of my experiences.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
From the grand estates of old money to the memoir, which spans decades and explores themes of money, power, alcohol, deceit, death, war, and murder, Thomas King Flagg navigates a complex labyrinth while pulling up the roots of his family tree with all its glory and devastation.
Thomas King Flagg is the great-grandson of David Hazlitt King Jr., renowned for his significant contributions to the assembly of the Statue of Liberty. Flagg’s mother was a debutante and a radio personality who graced the cover of Cosmopolitan Magazine. At the same time, his father was a dancer and comedian who starred in several theatrical productions and some movies. He also starred on Broadway with Ethel Merman in Hello Dolly. Unfortunately, Thomas did not reconnect with his father until shortly before his death, missing out on a connection that could have profoundly influenced his life.
Once you begin reading The Dressing Drink, you won’t be able to stop until you’ve savored every last drop!
The Dressing Drink
The Dressing Drink tells the story of family, privilege, and damage dressed up in elegance. Thomas King Flagg weaves a memoir that feels both intimate and theatrical. At its heart is Dorothy Mary Flagg, a woman of society who lived with glamour, wit, and excess, yet was haunted by control, loneliness, and the weight of expectations. The book drifts through memories and family stories, some imagined and some painfully real, all tied together by the strange ritual of the “dressing drink,” a symbol of escape, courage, and self-deception.
I found myself pulled in by the writing. It is vivid, almost cinematic, with scenes that sparkle and sting at the same time. At points, I felt like I was in the room, watching Dorothy Mary pin orchids to her dress or sip champagne in secret. The language is playful yet sharp, laced with irony, and it never shies away from showing the cruelty that lives under polished surfaces. The details are lush, but I admired the author’s willingness to let the prose wander because it made the book feel alive, unpredictable, and oddly intoxicating.
What hit me hardest was the emotional undercurrent. There’s a quiet sadness that runs beneath the sparkle, a sense of people trapped in roles they never chose. Dorothy Mary is magnetic, but also tragic. I felt frustrated by her choices and yet sympathetic to her hunger for freedom. The book stirred something raw in me. It made me think of how often family history gets polished into legend, while underneath lies pain and secrecy. I liked how Flagg leaned into that tension instead of smoothing it out.
The Dressing Drink is both a spectacle and a confession. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy memoirs that feel like novels, who want to be dazzled and unsettled at the same time. It’s layered, indulgent, and sometimes heavy with sorrow. But for those willing to step into its tent, it offers a haunting show that I’m sure you will think about for a while.
Pages: 382 | ASIN : B0FDBNJW8G
Prodigal Song: A Gen X Memoir of Excess and Obsession in Pursuit of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Dream
Prodigal Song is a deeply personal and wildly entertaining memoir chronicling Sean Coons’ journey from a chubby, music-obsessed kid in 1980s Los Angeles to a struggling rock guitarist trying to make it in the heart of Hollywood. The book traces Coons’ obsession with rock stardom, his battles with body image and compulsive eating, and the wild misadventures with his band, Song Unsung. It’s a raw look at the pursuit of artistic dreams, the trappings of self-indulgence, and the eventual pull toward redemption and meaning. Coons mixes humor with brutal honesty, all set against a vivid backdrop of ’80s and ’90s pop culture.
Coons’ writing is funny, sharp, and full of heart. He doesn’t try to make himself look cool or mysterious or tragic. He just tells the truth, warts and all. I loved how he could pivot from describing an embarrassing childhood moment to riffing on Van Halen lyrics or unraveling the twisted ethics of rock culture with surprising insight. I found myself rooting for him, even as he made bad choices or spiraled into food binges and self-doubt. It’s rare to find a memoir that’s this self-aware without being self-important.
What hit me hardest, though, were the moments where the glamor faded, and the raw stuff came through. When Coons realizes he’s eaten himself into obesity while chasing his dream, it’s not played for pity or laughs, it’s just sad and real. The way he weaves in spirituality, guilt, and the need for grace without ever getting preachy or stiff made the book resonate on a deeper level. He never quite gives up on his dream, but he learns that the real victory might not be fame at all. That really stuck with me. It made me think about my own ambitions and the things I’ve let define me, for better or worse.
If you’re someone who grew up loving rock ’n’ roll, or if you’ve ever felt out of place chasing a dream in a world that doesn’t seem to care, Prodigal Song will speak to you. It’s perfect for fans of memoirs like Rob Sheffield’s Love Is a Mix Tape or anyone who likes their nostalgia with a side of truth. You don’t need to be a musician to appreciate this story, you just need to have wanted something badly enough to lose yourself in the process.
Pages: 215 | ASIN : B0FG2PFXNT
Changing Shoes: Staying in the Game with Style, Humor, and Grace
Changing Shoes: Staying in the Game with Style, Humor, and Grace by Tina Sloan is an engaging, heartfelt exploration of aging, life’s transitions, and the power of reinvention, all told through the lens of an actress’s glamorous yet relatable life. Using shoes as a metaphor, Sloan recounts her journey through youth, middle age, and beyond, detailing her career, family, and personal revelations with humor and vulnerability. She encourages women to embrace the inevitability of change with style, grace, and self-respect.
What struck me immediately was Sloan’s candid voice. Her storytelling feels like a warm conversation with an old friend. In the first chapter, she describes a jarring realization in a Manhattan coffee shop: younger women, not her, were the center of attention. Her vulnerability in admitting feelings of invisibility resonates deeply. She reflects on her glamorous past while candidly confronting aging’s physical and emotional realities. Her balance of humor and poignancy here is nothing short of inspiring.
The book’s structure, woven with personal anecdotes and life lessons, is another strength. One particularly touching moment is her memory of Aga Church, a Parisian mentor who taught her to live boldly and stylishly. This tale about shoes as symbols of life’s chapters, some for fun, some for seduction, and others for practicality, adds a whimsical yet profound layer to the narrative. It reminded me of how objects, like shoes, can carry emotional weight and personal history.
Sloan’s honesty about the challenges of aging in a youth-obsessed culture is refreshing. Whether discussing her rejection of plastic surgery or her heartbreak over letting go of youthful clothes, she never sugarcoats. I loved the scene where she reluctantly sends her favorite dresses to her niece after realizing they no longer suit her body. Her wit shines here as she laments, “Watching the UPS man haul my youth away felt like losing a part of myself.”
By the end, Sloan’s message is uplifting: aging doesn’t mean fading away. It means finding new ways to shine. Her advice to “wear your own shoes” to embrace your individuality and authenticity feels both empowering and timeless. Her ability to transform deeply personal struggles into universal lessons makes the book a gem.
I’d recommend Changing Shoes: Staying in the Game with Style, Humor, and Grace to women navigating midlife and beyond or anyone who enjoys reflective yet humorous memoirs. It’s a delightful mix of wisdom, self-deprecation, and inspiration. Sloan reminds us that aging, while challenging, can be a stylish, fulfilling adventure if you wear the right shoes.
Pages: 225 | ASIN : B086BLBFF6
That Guy
That Guy by Larry Hankin offers a vibrant dive into the life of its author, a stand-up comedian turned actor whose journey through the pulsating heart of show business is nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. From precarious beginnings in Greenwich Village to navigating the highs and lows of Hollywood, Hankin intersperses his tale with encounters with iconic figures like John Huston, Lenny Bruce, and Bob Dylan. This autobiography is as much about the grit and glamour of the entertainment world as it is about personal resilience and transformation.
This book is a delightful read, brimming with juicy backstage stories and heartfelt moments that make you feel like you’re catching up with an old friend over coffee. Hankin’s knack for storytelling shines as he draws us into his world, packed with eclectic characters and pivotal moments that shaped his career and personality. The book excels in depicting a wide array of individuals—from mentors and icons to rivals and friends—who influenced Hankin’s career and life. The narrative can sometimes feel disjointed, especially when transitioning from one era to another, which might leave readers wanting a smoother storytelling experience. While the insider anecdotes are fascinating, they occasionally overshadow broader thematic developments, making some sections feel more like a collection of vignettes rather than a cohesive story. The book’s engaging style and rich detail effectively portray the entertainment industry’s challenging yet rewarding nature. Themes of perseverance, identity, and transformation resonate throughout the text, making it a worthwhile read for anyone fascinated by the complexities of celebrity life or seeking inspiration in overcoming their hurdles.
Larry Hankin’s witty and reflective style, along with his ability to draw vivid characters and settings, makes That Guy a notable addition to the autobiography genre. For fans of showbiz tales and personal journeys alike, That Guy offers a unique glimpse into a life well-lived and hard-won victories in the face of adversity.
Pages: | ASIN : B0CW18F4D3
Circle of Sawdust: A Circus Memoir of Mud, Myth, Mirth, Mayhem, and Magic
Rob Mermin’s Circle of Sawdust takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the life of a man who turned his boyhood dream into a reality by founding Circus Smirkus. This memoir chronicles Rob’s life before establishing the circus, highlighting his early aspiration to join a traveling circus—a dream that led him to run away in 1969. His path to success was significantly shaped by his studies under the renowned mime Marcel Marceau, who became a close friend and mentor. Rob’s journey took him across England as he honed his craft and built his reputation as Clown Robin, eventually leading to a prestigious invitation to perform at Circus Benneweis in Copenhagen, a notable highlight of his career.
The book captures the essence of Rob’s experiences, detailing both the triumphs and challenges of his profession. The narrative is enriched by vivid descriptions that bring the circus world to life, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the realities of circus life. From the peak moments of his career, such as his partnership with the remarkable performance dog Rufus, to the struggles of facing financial hardships and unemployment, Rob’s story is both inspiring and humbling.
One of the memoir’s strengths lies in its ability to convey the thrill and unpredictability of the circus while also imparting broader life lessons. Rob’s determination and passion for his dream shine through, making this not just a recounting of his career but a testament to the power of perseverance. The author’s ability to capture the magic of the circus, while maintaining an anonymous presence in his performances, adds a unique layer of intrigue and charm to the narrative. Readers will find themselves smiling at moments of quiet revelation, where Rob witnesses the audience’s awe at his performances without them realizing the performer is in their midst.
Circle of Sawdust is a celebration of pursuing one’s dreams with relentless determination. Rob Mermin’s engaging storytelling and rich, evocative descriptions make this book a compelling and enlightening read. It stands out as one of the most distinctive and inspirational memoirs, offering a deep appreciation for the dedication and artistry of those who bring the magic of the circus to life.
Pages: 340 | ISBN : 978-1578691562
Be a Bridge Builder
Powerhouse Radio: Rough Roads, Radiance, and Rebirth is not only a memoir about adversity, failure, and ultimate success, it explores the history of radio including the Black commercial radio stations. Why was it important for you to write this book?
In radio’s glory days, thousands of radio professionals toiled away in small and medium markets making contributions to their communities, while they polished their craft. Media folks use the same playbook today. These personalities come and go. Their stories are rarely featured or known. My story mimics this arc, with a glide path that touches down in several major US broadcasting markets. I wanted to present the story of a typical radio crusader who uses music, talk, social engagement, or other skills to make a difference in the lives of the people they touch. My memoir uses personal radio experiences to amplify the pursuit of a career goal and presents it in a broader life context.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Success can be achieved, even when the view from outside of your supportive family circle indicates that you will have a harder time than many others. I mention early in the book that I am an only child who never knew my father and was raised by an entrepreneurial single mother.
As I detail my radio journey, some creative ways are presented to readers describing how I got into the industry and landed subsequent jobs while I was a young college student. The theme of ingenuity to find success is stressed.
Anyone in broadcasting can tell you that getting fired is just a part of dealing with unpredictable difficulties handed to you until you can rise like the phoenix to conquer your next job challenge. I stress how I managed to keep things moving when times got tough. I explain what I did to diversify my skill set.
Other themes I focus on: be a bridge builder, treat your colleagues with respect, and be willing to take some chances on your way to grabbing the brass ring of achievement.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
My personal relationships with women. I could have dived much deeper into additional “kiss and tell” anecdotes but took the high road to concentrate on one particular connection that will leave readers with an understanding of my honesty, trust, and judgment.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
Radio is fun, broadcasting is hard work, almost no one is an overnight sensation, and despite AI, radio’s audio variants will survive!
Author Links: GoodReads | Threads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Despite roadblocks, the author details how he took advantage of growth opportunities offered at both general market and Black commercial radio stations in the Philadelphia radio market. Experiences at Southern New Jersey radio stations are carefully detailed.
When the story expands to Washington, DC and Smith’s NPR management responsibilities, this radio memoir documents what public broadcasting really creates. You’ll learn what listener sponsored media attempts to do domestically and internationally, all in the public interest.
You’ll come along for the ride at the launch of satellite radio when the author and his team prepare two channels for a new world of digital subscribers across the USA.
What you must know to create a memorable internet radio online audio music streaming service is discussed in depth in a chapter about Smith’s fifteen years as a Live365 producer.
Music radio personality hosts have opinions about the music they play for their broadcast audience. So does Kingsley. You’ll get five crafted opinions in reviews about five award winning popular culture music artists expressed by the author in the paperback, eBook, and audiobook.
Powerhouse Radio: Rough Roads, Radiance, and Rebirth
Powerhouse Radio offers a captivating exploration of radio culture, particularly since the 1970s, through the experiences of Kingsley Smith. Smith, a passionate African American radio enthusiast, provides readers with a unique window into the evolving world of radio broadcasting. This book effectively juxtaposes the mainstream radio landscape with ‘Black Radio,’ delving into their practical and historical distinctions in a manner that is as informative as it is intriguing.
Smith’s love for radio is palpable throughout the book. His narrative style is both professional and engaging, effortlessly guiding the reader through the complexities of radio’s technical and professional aspects. This approach is particularly enlightening for those like myself who were introduced to the world of broadcasting in the era of satellite and streaming. The book is not just an educational journey; it’s a personal one, filled with rich anecdotes and insights that make the reader feel as though they are part of a conversation with Smith himself. The penultimate chapter, “New Horizons and Radio Today,” is a highlight. Smith skillfully blends a sense of nostalgia with a forward-looking perspective, discussing the impact of smartphones, satellite radio, and the emerging role of AI and automation in the media landscape. His message is one of encouragement, asserting that despite the shifts in the industry, opportunities still abound for those with a passion for broadcasting.
Powerhouse Radio is more than just a well-written account; it’s a tribute to the bygone era of radio, offering both a reflective look at the past and an insightful perspective on the future. Ideal for creatives, historians, and radio enthusiasts, this book is not just a noteworthy contribution to the literature on broadcasting; it’s a reminder of the enduring power and evolution of radio in our ever-changing media landscape.
Pages: 180 | ASIN : B0CDMBDKVP
LITERARY TITAN 