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My Good Life
My Good Life is a memoir that traces Dr. Gregory M. Lee’s path from a hard childhood in Chicago to military service, higher education, work in computing, family loss, and a late-life brush with death that pushes him to look back and make sense of it all. What stuck with me most was the sheer range of the life on the page. We move from bullies, buses, and museums to Air Force bases, missile duty, programming, marathons, grief, teaching, astrophotography, and a final set of life lessons. This is a book about endurance, self-invention, and the stubborn belief that hard work can still open a door, even when the world keeps trying to slam it shut.
Lee tells you what happened, how it felt, and why it mattered. That directness gave the book real force for me. The opening chapter, with the ruptured aorta and the awful sense that he might not make it, grabbed me right away. So did the childhood sections, where books, music, and museums feel like lifelines. I also admired how honest he is about failure. He doesn’t dress himself up as some flawless hero. He shows bad choices, setbacks, doubt, and embarrassment. That made the book feel human. Sometimes I wanted a bit more reflection and less straight chronology, because some chapters move fast and read almost like a life log. Even so, the candor won me over. It felt earned and authentic.
I was moved by Lee’s steady faith in discipline, learning, and personal grit. His life gives that message real weight. He keeps going through racism, poverty, professional roadblocks, family pain, and loss, and that kind of resolve is hard not to respect. I was especially drawn to the parts where he turns weakness into strength, like pushing himself in math, finishing a PhD after a brutal setback, and even facing fear through hobbies after surgery. The book leans into a no-excuses mindset, and I think some readers will love that. Lee’s ideas never felt cheap to me because he paid for them the hard way. They come from bruises, long nights, and real work. That gave the book a grounded and heartfelt punch.
I came away respecting My Good Life more than admiring its polish. It’s not a flashy memoir. Its strength is its sincerity. Lee sounds like a man taking stock, telling the truth as he sees it, and trying to leave something solid behind for his children and grandchildren. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy memoirs about resilience, military life, education, Black life in America across decades, and the long haul of building a meaningful life piece by piece. It would also be a good fit for anyone who likes stories that say, in plain language, keep going. Even when things go sideways.
Pages: 118 | ASIN : B0GJ8L9SZ4
Emotionally Open & Spiritually Attentive
Composed in Silk blends vivid portraits with short essays about stillness, grace, identity, and the long, slow work of becoming, taking readers on a reflective journey tracing the movement between silence and revelation. What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Composed in Silk is the second book in a five-book series titled The Life’s Theater: Art and Essays from Behind the Curtain, and it is dedicated to my wife. Each portrait in the book is highly stylized and created in my own distinctive painting style, with one exception. The final portrait is rendered in a realistic style using classical technique.
The portraits are small seconds of my wife’s presence. They are heartbeats of her silence, quiet, stillness, grace, identity, and the long, slow work of becoming. Although the figures do not physically resemble her, each image carries her mood, her rhythm, and a frozen moment that is unmistakably hers. What mattered most to me was capturing not likeness, but essence, allowing stillness to speak as loudly as form.
Can you share a bit about your writing process and how you selected the artwork that accompanies each writing?
Throughout my creative life as an artist and painter, I have followed Leonardo da Vinci’s view of art, which I believe remains timeless and deeply relevant today. For him, art arises from careful observation guided by intellect. He believed that true art is not the result of skilled hands alone, but of a thoughtful mind capable of understanding the complexity of nature and translating that understanding into expression. Studying nature was essential, not to imitate it mechanically, but to reveal the intentions and insights of the artist’s mind.
My process begins long before a painting is completed. I observe, study, create thumbnails and rough sketches, and work toward developing a unique style. During this time, I also take notes, sometimes just a few sentences, sometimes a paragraph, capturing my observations and emotional responses. Over time, these notes become part of the painting itself. They live within the work for years, shaping its meaning and presence, until they eventually find their way into a two- or three-hundred-word essay that accompanies the artwork. In this way, image and language grow from the same moment of attention and reflection.
Do you think there is a particular mindset or environment that a reader should be in to fully appreciate your work?
Composed in Silk, and the entire series The Life’s Theater: Art and Essays from Behind the Curtain, are not meant for everyone. They are for readers who are emotionally open and spiritually attentive, who appreciate an image on canvas not only as a painting, but as an emotional moment worth entering. The work invites readers to explore both the artist’s inner state and the subject’s emotional presence at a particular moment in time.
I do not expect the book or the images to resonate with a large audience, and I accept that some readers may connect with certain pieces while others may not connect at all. The work was created for me, from my heart and my emotions, and Composed in Silk was dedicated to my wife.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
The next book in the series is The Life’s Theater, Book Four: The Places That Carried Us. It is dedicated to my brother and explores memory, places, and the landscapes that shape who we become. The tentative publication date is the first half of March 2026.
The full chronology of the series is as follows:
- The Life’s Theater, Book One: Echoes That Suffocate, dedicated to my parents. Published and available on Amazon.
- The Life’s Theater, Book Two: Composed in Silk, dedicated to my wife. Published and available on Amazon.
- The Life’s Theater, Book Three: The Quiet Architecture of Love, dedicated to my sons. Just published and available on Amazon.
- The Life’s Theater, Book Four: The Places That Carried Us, dedicated to my brother. Tentative publication date: first half of March 2026.
- The Life’s Theater, Book Five: Geometry of Memory and Light. Dedication to be decided. Tentative publication date: summer 2026.
- The Life’s Theater: Art and Essays from Behind the Curtain, the complete edition. Tentative publication date: late 2026 or sometime in 2027.
Together, the series forms a single, continuous meditation on memory, love, and the emotional spaces we inhabit over a lifetime.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
The figures within do not seek to be seen. They dwell in the strength of being known, in gestures that reveal the beauty of endurance and the courage of tenderness. Through them, love is not spectacle but continuity, an unfolding that survives without need for proof.
Blending visual art and lyrical prose, Composed in Silk invites the reader into a space where perception softens and truth breathes. It asks nothing but attention, offering instead a stillness that restores, and a grace that lingers long after the final page.
The Life’s Theater, Book Two: Composed in Silk. Art and Essays.
Composed in Silk feels like a quiet walk through a gallery where each painting holds a story that unfolds in whispers. The book blends vivid portraits with short essays about stillness, grace, identity, and the long, slow work of becoming. It moves from the discipline of silence to the spark of inner fire and finally to a blooming calm that feels earned. The characters, imagined yet relatable, reveal themselves through color and mood as much as through words. The whole book reads like a meditation stitched together with art.
As I moved through the pages, I felt pulled into the softness and tension living inside these women. The writing struck me with its gentle insistence. I found myself slowing down, feeling the rhythm shift as each section invited me to pay closer attention. The author’s language is simple yet loaded, like he trusts the reader to sit with the quiet parts and actually feel them. It reminded me of moments in life when I’ve had to make sense of my own silence, and the book made that inner work feel less lonely. Sometimes I wanted a more direct explanation, but part of the charm is that nothing is overexplained.
The ideas in the essays caught me by surprise with how personal they felt. The portraits of women such as Deborah, Gabriela, and Goldie lingered with me long after I turned the page. Each figure holds a kind of truth about strength that doesn’t look like the usual loud version. The book treats softness as something powerful, and that hit me in a very real way. The writing about becoming, especially in Act II, made me pause and look at my own life, the ways I’ve tried to grow without losing myself. Some chapters stirred up sadness. Others felt warm and almost healing. I appreciated how the author never tried to tie everything up neatly. The ideas wander a bit, and honestly, that wandering felt human.
I think this book would be perfect for readers who love art that makes them feel instead of analyze. It’s also a good fit for anyone who has moved through quiet seasons in their own life and wants a book that understands that kind of journey. If you enjoy reflective writing, emotional honesty, and portraits that tell stories without shouting, this book will feel like a companion.
Pages: 85 | ASIN : B0G16921FG
The Victory in Fighting
In Prodigal Song, readers follow you on your journey from your childhood in LA to your time spent as a struggling rock guitarist in Hollywood. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I started writing Prodigal Song shortly after completing a novel called Body: or, How Hope Confronts Her Shadow and Calls the Flutter Girl to Flight. Body is an inspirational romantic comedy exploring self-image and struggles with body image. I had many inspirations for the female protagonist’s issues, but my own story was the main source. I wrote Body with a female audience in mind, which greatly shaped how the characters related to their bodies and how that impacted their relationships and lives. I shared my own journey of identity, music, exercise, and obsessiveness with a friend who thought it would make a great book. I realized that by telling my own story, I could create a book that would explore themes of identity in a way that resonates more with men.
Also, I came of age in a time when everyone was in a band or wanted to be in one. I wanted to give Gen Xers an insider’s view of what it was like being in the Southern California music scene in the 1990s and 2000s, while letting them relish in the nostalgia of that time.
Ultimately, I want my books to be sources of insight and encouragement to readers. I know many people struggle with the themes in Prodigal Song—body image, identity, failure, anxiety, the need for adventure ,and meaning. I hope my story offers perspectives that help readers better understand and navigate their own journeys.
You are open and honest about your most difficult years, and I appreciate the candor with which you tell your story. What was the most difficult thing to write about?
I see Prodigal Song as my version of the first Rocky movie. Spoiler alert for a nearly 50-year-old film: Rocky doesn’t win the fight. He wins most of the fights in the sequels, but there is something sweet—and paradoxically victorious—in the failure explored in the iconic character’s debut. Sharing embarrassing stories wasn’t necessarily difficult, but I faced the challenge of writing a memoir about someone who didn’t succeed in the music business and making that compelling for readers. As Sylvester Stallone did, I had to show the victory in fighting regardless of the outcome.
What do you do when you try extremely hard to achieve a dream—for years—and the split decision doesn’t go your way? More people relate to this experience than to winning the championship belt. The hardest part was writing a book that offers fresh, meaningful insights into this well-worn path.
Is there anything you learned about yourself as you were putting Prodigal Song together?
The subtitle of Prodigal Song is A Gen X Memoir of Excess and Obsession in Pursuit of the Rock ’n’ Roll Dream. I brought the excess and obsession to my story—it was my friends who helped me channel those tendencies into a way forward, one with balance, accomplishments, and joy, even in the face of setbacks and failures.
In the book, I quote a lyric one of my friends wrote:
I don’t know where I’m going
But I know that where I am is not what I’d planned
I don’t know the way out
But I know that when a door is there
I will have a hand.
— Aaron Baker from his song “Someday”
Putting a book like this together, you really see all the unlikely events of your life that had to come together to bring you to the present—and I’m very thankful for my present. I’ve always been aware of how important my friends were along the way, but writing this book emphasized even more that my adventures in music and exercise were really adventures in friendship. At every step of my journey, I found a “door” to enter, and at every door was the helping and guiding “hand” of one of my friends, as Aaron’s lyric captures.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from the experiences you share in this book?
I hope this book can reinforce for readers the power of relationships—that our journeys gain meaning primarily through the connections we create with friends, family, and God. And in that communion, we can live in gratitude, regardless of whether our pursuit of goals and dreams leads to triumph, failure, or some wild, messy combination of the two.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Part comedy, part cautionary tale, Prodigal Song offers a nostalgic and humorous take on chasing fame in the most image-obsessed place on Earth—Hollywood, California.
For many, the rock ’n’ roll dream ends in rehab, bad tattoos, or worse. For me, it led to a loss of faith and a ballooning waistline. By age twenty-five, I was overweight and spiritually flailing while trying to succeed in an industry where image is everything. So began a decade-long journey of excess and obsession—over my body, my diet, and the pursuit of success in music. I dropped 65 pounds, transformed into a touring musician, and was “living the dream,” though my soul was increasingly out of tune.
Enter an unexpected mentor—a straight-talking, virtuoso guitarist with a gift for speaking hard truths. Through his wisdom, I began to see beyond the mirror and uncover a path to redemption.
Prodigal Song is a story of excess and obsession, but it’s also one of grace, humor, and finding faith in the unlikeliest of places. Whether you’re a music fan, a dreamer, or someone who’s ever struggled with self-worth, this Gen X memoir will leave you laughing, reflecting, and inspired.
Baby Darlin’: An Illustrated Memoir
Baby Darlin’ is a deeply moving and haunting illustrated memoir that explores the life of Alycia Vreeland, shaped by addiction, abuse, and generational trauma. From an early age, Vreeland is immersed in a world of dysfunction, where her mother’s mental illness and her family’s abusive patterns weigh heavily on her developing identity. Known by various names—Baby Darlin’, Brillo, Snaggle—she endures a childhood steeped in pain, shame, and lost innocence. Though she finds some solace in her father, her lone hero, even he cannot shield her from the darkness that surrounds her.
The memoir chronicles Vreeland’s turbulent journey as she struggles with addiction and abusive relationships while constantly searching for love and stability. Despite the chaos, she clings to a thread of hope, ultimately finding peace and redemption through a higher power. The narrative is brought to life with striking, often unsettling illustrations, revealing the brutal realities of child abuse and the deep, enduring scars it leaves behind. Yet, the story also delivers a powerful message of survival and healing. Vreeland’s writing is unflinchingly honest, capturing the visceral intensity of childhood abuse and the way it shapes her life. She doesn’t portray herself as a victim seeking sympathy; instead, she uses her story to illustrate how, despite enduring unimaginable horrors, healing and redemption are still within reach. What makes Baby Darlin’ particularly compelling is its raw honesty paired with a sense of hope. The accompanying illustrations amplify the emotional depth of her words, creating a powerful, immersive experience for readers. It’s not an easy story to digest—there are moments of profound sorrow and discomfort—but this emotional weight is exactly what makes the memoir so captivating. Vreeland confronts her trauma head-on but refuses to let it define her.
By the book’s conclusion, readers experience a sense of release alongside Vreeland as she moves through her trauma and towards peace. Her resilience and ability to transcend such darkness make Baby Darlin’ an inspiring and unforgettable read.
Pages: 188 | ASIN : B0D792N7D7
The Fine Art of Grieving
In The Fine Art of Grieving, Jane Edberg guides readers through the deeply emotional landscape of mourning her son Nanda’s untimely death. Through evocative vignettes, Edberg captures the profound depths of maternal grief, using photography and various art forms to navigate her emotions and memories. The narrative seamlessly intertwines past and present, illustrating moments with her family and her solitary struggles with loss. This culminates in a powerful exploration of personal transformation and acceptance.
Edberg’s The Fine Art of Grieving is a moving exploration of a grieving mother’s journey. One of the book’s most compelling aspects is Edberg’s use of art as a means to process her grief. Her vivid descriptions of photography sessions, art installations, and spontaneous artistic creations offer a unique and engaging framework for understanding her experience. This artistic lens not only enriches the narrative but also highlights the transformative power of creativity in the face of profound loss. While the book’s emotional intensity and detailed grief rituals powerfully enhance its authenticity, I feel some readers might find these aspects deeply resonant and immersive. For those experiencing similar losses, these elements may evoke a sense of connection, underscoring Edberg’s genuine and heartfelt portrayal of her mourning process.
The varied settings—from the intimacy of the family home to the expansiveness of natural landscapes—serve as poignant backdrops that echo the themes of life, death, and rebirth. Supporting characters like Rachel, Roger, and the friends who participate in Edberg’s art projects add depth to the narrative, underscoring the importance of community and shared experiences in the grieving process.
The Fine Art of Grieving is a beautifully raw and inspiring work. Edberg’s heartfelt prose and innovative use of art make this a significant read for those interested in the impact of grief and the cathartic power of creativity. Her courageous exploration of pain stands as a testament to the enduring strength of love.
Pages: 418 | ASIN : B0CW2RS699
An Interesting Reminder
Fifteen Minutes tells the story of a sculpture in Buffalo, New York, that was quickly removed from the public due to those in power not understanding the meaning behind the work and an overall lack of understanding of art history. Why was this an essential book for you to write?
Once I started researching the story and the artist, I found it impossible to stop. Many people opened up about the history and wanted to tell me their side. I also think in today’s political climate it is an interesting reminder that these type of incidents are not new.
How much research did you undertake for this book and how much time did it take to put it all together?
I started in September 2022 and spent at least six months pulling the story together. After writing the first couple drafts I found more to add. I would say at least nine months of work went into it, plus the writing.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
I wanted this to be more of a narrative nonfiction, but I didn’t quite get what I wanted. I did some rewrites and got it close to what I wanted but not exactly.
What is the next book that you are writing and when will that be published?
I’m working on a couple children’s books with my daughter as well as a book of memoir short stories. No dates as of yet.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
It may have had something to do with dancing neon figures that resembled Mr. Peanut. But, to this day it’s unclear if the artist tricked the city or the city acted hastily.
For the first time, through interviews, court documents, and press clippings, the story of “Green Lightning” is told.
The story of “Green Lightning” is a cautionary tale about the importance of public art education. If the public is not aware of the different meanings and interpretations of art, they are more likely to react to it in a negative way. It is important for people to understand that art is subjective, and that what one person finds offensive, another person may find beautiful.
Fifteen Minutes
In Fifteen Minutes, author Michael F. Rizzo takes readers on a journey through the dynamic intersection of artistic creativity and political bureaucracy. This engaging narrative explores the fascinating conflicts at the heart of several notable artistic endeavors, particularly those of Billie Lawless III. Rizzo’s meticulous research and detailed compilation illuminate the delicate balance between art, political institutions, and community interactions.
The book delves into various compelling stories, including how Billie Lawless III successfully installed his monumental sculpture, Green Lightning, in Buffalo, New York. These narratives offer insightful perspectives on the turbulent realm of public art and its impact on city landscapes.
Rich with knowledge, Fifteen Minutes invites readers to explore the nuanced relationship between art and culture in urban settings. The background information on Billie’s life, especially his stance as a conscientious objector and his legal actions against military conscription, is particularly revealing. It helps readers appreciate the depth of his character and convictions.
Michael Rizzo’s writing style is clear and accessible, making the book a smooth read for those who may not be familiar with specialized art terminology. The inclusion of striking photographs and artwork further enhances the reading experience.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the depiction of the tension between artistic expression and political considerations, I felt the narrative could benefit from a more lyrical touch. At times, I felt the focus on varied topics and stages seemed somewhat hurried, leaving me with a desire for a more interconnected storytelling approach. Nevertheless, fans of historical narratives and urban studies will find these sections appealing.
Fifteen Minutes is not just a vivid account of artistic endeavors; it prompts significant reflections on artistic liberty and the misuse of power. Those interested in public art, as well as general art enthusiasts, will find this book a treasure trove of information about history, creativity, and the challenges artists face in public projects. It’s a worthwhile read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the art world.
Pages: 377 | ASIN : B0CLYV9LC1
