Mark Shaiken enthralls readers with this captivating collection of essays, personal anecdotes, and poems, drawing upon his own experiences in life. It's What Makes Me... Me takes readers on a journey through Mark's life, from his childhood to his bankruptcy law career, and now, his next phase as a writer, trying to navigate the trials and tribulations of old age. Mark recounts his younger years in the 1970s, growing up in a family that changed homes seven times in twelve years. From an early age, Mark found an affinity for music, photography, and baseball. The book delves into his experiences as an author after his law career, how he found his soulmate, his interest in The Rolling Stones and The Beatles, his stint as a Major League Soccer photographer during the pandemic, a visit to Japan, and much more.

With It's What Makes Me... Me, Mark Shaiken presents a vivid and colorful portrait of his life, with all the ups and downs, and everything in between. The book chronicles Mark's experiences at various phases of his life, featuring keen insights and observations on a broad spectrum of topics related to humanity and the changing times. The essays and personal anecdotes feel intimate and personal yet relatable to the reader. There is a chapter where Mark struggles to come to terms with new-age technology, such as cryptocurrency, and it beautifully showcases how the world has changed in the last few decades and how hard it is to keep up with the times. Shaiken's writing is engaging and immersive, and I found his observations deeply poignant and inspirational. Overall, this book will make you laugh, smile, contemplate, and introspect in equal measure. Highly recommended.

It's What Makes Me . . . Me is a work of non-fiction in the autobiographical writing, slice-of-life, and humor genres by author Mark Shaiken. This candid memoir is a deeply personal exploration of the author's life, reflecting on the experiences that have shaped him and his creative work over time. Written by a retired attorney and bestselling author, the memoir delves into the highs and lows, the humor and challenges, and the beauty and messiness of being human. Through thoughtful introspection, Shaiken shares his journey, inviting readers to laugh, reflect, and find resonance in the universal aspects of the lessons life has taught him.

Author Mark Shaiken has crafted a passionate work that foregrounds his openness and vulnerability in recounting his life's journey, which creates a strong emotional connection with his readership right from the start. His ability to blend humor with profound insights made the narrative both engaging and thought-provoking, and there’s a natural warmth to his storytelling style that makes it feel as if you’re having a heartfelt conversation with a close friend who has much wisdom to impart. The exploration of themes like aging, personal growth, and the intricacies of human relationships offers readers an honest piece of human connection that they can resonate with and reflect back on their own lives. Shaiken's candidness about his highs and lows offers a unique blend of introspection and storytelling that entertains but also prompts us to reflect on the factors that shape our own identities, and what life’s lessons may teach us too if we’re open to reflection. Overall, It's What Makes Me . . . Me is a moving and enriching read that I would highly recommend to memoir fans everywhere for its candor, warmth, and well-penned narration.