I love stories--especially life stories, so finding new memoirs to share is always so exciting for me! Today, I have a memoir from author Kevin Hipes. Learn about Book of Me: The Life and Times of Kevin Hipes, the New York Forrest Gump and the author, and buy the book on Amazon today! 

The Life and Times of Kevin Hipes, the New York Forrest Gump

Date Published: July 24, 2025

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 About the Book

Book of Me is not your average memoir. It’s a laugh-out-loud, tear-in-your-eye, one-of-a-kind true story collection from a man who has lived more lives than most of us can imagine. Factory worker. Hippie. Banker. Entrepreneur. Rockstar (sort of). Preacher. Politician. Oil tanker owner. Cancer survivor. Bipolar truth-teller. Kevin Hipes has worn all these hats—and more.

Told with warmth, humor, and heart, Kevin’s stories come alive in this unconventional autobiography. Originally recorded as a series of YouTube episodes on his channel Planet Hipes, these 66 episodes have been transformed into a compelling, easy-to-read book that invites you to laugh, cry, reflect, and recognize a bit of yourself along the way.

Whether you're looking for a good laugh, a touch of inspiration, or a wildly entertaining ride through 70 years of true-life adventures, Book of Me will leave you smiling, thinking, and maybe even saying, “Hey, I’ve got a story like that too.”

📺 BONUS: After reading the book, head to Kevin’s YouTube channel Planet Hipes and experience the stories told by Kevin himself—animated, real, and unforgettable.

Because life’s not about the destination—it’s about the journey. And Kevin Hipes has quite a story to tell.

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 Kevin Hipes is a born storyteller, lifelong entrepreneur, and proud New Yorker with a personality as big as the adventures he's lived. Often called “the New York Forrest Gump,” Kevin’s life has taken him from the streets of Queens to the pulpit, to business boardrooms, and even to the deck of his very own oil tanker in the Caribbean. As Kevin often says “Forrest owned a shrimp boat, but I owned an Oil Tanker and my story is true!”

With no formal writing background, Kevin still managed to turn a lifetime of unbelievable experiences into a heartfelt, hilarious, and deeply human book—Book of Me. Rather than writing in the traditional sense, Kevin recorded over 100 personal episodes for his YouTube channel, Planet Hipes, then compiled them into a unique memoir filled with wit, wisdom,determination, and raw truth.

As an uneducated street kid from Queens, Kevin has lived many lives from factory worker to Hippie, to rockstar (almost), banker, preacher, restaurateur, politician and more. He shares not just the ups and downs of a seven-decade journey but speaks intimately about being a cancer survivor who also struggled through and dealt with a bipolar disorder, keeping the high energy manic side while overcoming the devastating depressions that plagued him through most of his life. You will find Kevin’s faith in God, unrelenting positive mindset and sense of humor make for a powerful story boldly told in his own words.

Kevin currently lives in Orlando, Florida, where he owns and runs HCB Real Estate, a retail commercial brokerage and development firm. Book of Me is his debut memoir and a testament to the power of authenticity, faith, and self-deprecating humor.

Follow Kevin’s stories on YouTube: Planet Hipes and experience the animated storyteller in action.

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I love memoirs! This morning, I have a biographical memoir from author Veronica Brown to share! Learn about Indisputable: An African-American Flight Attendant Experience in today's book blitz spotlight! 

Memoir / Biography

Date Published: October 17, 2025

Publisher: ‎ MindStir Media

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INDISPUTABLE – An African-American Flight Attendant Experience is an inspiring and unflinching memoir that blends personal stories, cultural insight, and historical context, shedding light on both the challenges and triumphs of African-American flight attendants. 

From early struggles for representation to moments of spiritual awakening, INDISPUTABLE offers a powerful reminder that visibility, purpose, and faith can transform the course of a life — and an industry.

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A Detroit native, Veronica received the Key to the City of Detroit for her work performing for U.S. troops around the world on USO/DOD tours, where she uplifted service members through music and ministry. She was later recognized by the Detroit City Council for her contribution to the reelection campaign of Mayor Coleman A. Young and her participation in the City of Detroit television ad “Power for Tomorrow,” where she performed alongside music legends Aretha Franklin and Levi Stubbs of The Four Tops. 

Her artistic journey gained attention across parts of Europe with her debut album “That’s Just The Way It Is”, featuring the hit singles “Last 2 Know” and “Words That You Say”, and an appearance on a compilation album alongside Michael McDonald and other renowned artists. After years of performing across Europe, Asia, Israel, and Africa, Veronica transitioned into aviation — a career that would span nearly three decades across major U.S. airlines. 

Both books reflect Veronica’s continuing mission to inspire readers through faith, empowerment, and divine purpose.

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Sometimes a single dress can tell the story of an entire generation. In The Pink Dress, award-winning author Jane Little Botkin lifts the satin veil on 1970s beauty culture to reveal the grit, heartache, and awakening beneath the glitter. What begins as a whim—a college pageant entry in small-town Texas—unfolds into an unflinching memoir about identity, womanhood, and the power to rewrite one’s own story.

Told with honesty and grace, Botkin’s journey as the first Guyrex Girl captures a pivotal moment in American womanhood: when tradition clashed with liberation, and when beauty itself became a battleground for meaning.

🎧 Press play, settle in, and prepare to see beyond the sequins—this is one memoir that proves the truth behind the tiara is far more compelling than the crown.

Date Published: September 30, 2025

Publisher: She Writes Press/Tantor

Narrator: Ann Marie Gideon

Run Time: 8 hours and 4 minutes

Growing up in West Texas, Jane Little Botkin didn't have designs on becoming a beauty queen. But not long after joining a pageant on a whim in college, she became the first protégé of El Paso's Richard Guy and Rex Holt, known as the "Kings of Beauty"—just as the 1970's counterculture movement began to take off. 

A pink, rose-covered gown—a Guyrex creation—symbolizes the fairy tale life that young women in Jane's time imagined beauty queens had. Its near destruction exposes reality: the author's failed relationship with her mother, and her parents' failed relationship with one another. Weaving these narrative threads together is the Wild West notion that anything is possible, especially do-overs. 

The Pink Dress awakens nostalgia for the 1960s and 1970s, the era's conflicts and growth pains. A common expectation that women went to college to get "MRS" degrees—to find a husband and become a stay-at-home wife and mother—often prevailed. How does one swim upstream against this notion among feminist voices that protest "If You Want Meat, Go to a Butcher!" at beauty pageants, two flamboyant showmen, and a developing awareness of self? Torn between women's traditional roles and what women could be, Guyrex Girls evolved, as did the author.

About the Author

A NATIONAL AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR, JANE...

melds personal narratives of American families often with compelling stories of western women. Jane is a late bloomer as an author. After teaching for thirty years, she was honored by the Texas State Legislature by formal resolution for her work with local history and education in 2008. She edited and directed publishing fifteen volumes of Texas local history with her former students before she decided to write on her own. Jane's first book propelled her membership on the Western Writers of America board and later as its vice president. Jane continues to judge entries for the WWA's prestigious Spur Award; reviews new book releases; authors articles for various magazines; and speaks to groups in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. 

JANE'S FIRST TWO WORKS HAVE WON NUMEROUS AWARDS IN HISTORICAL BIOGRAPHY AND WOMEN'S STUDIES... 

including two Spur Awards, two Caroline Bancroft History Prizes, the Texas Book Award, and the Barbara Sudler Award for the best book written on the West by a woman. Jane was also a finalist for the Oklahoma Book Award, High Plains Book Award, two Women Writing the West’s Willa Literary Awards, Independent Book Award, Foreword Indies Book Awards, and Sarton Book Award. 

Released in fall 2024, Jane’s third book—what she calls her Covid book—is The Pink Dress, A Memoir of a Reluctant Beauty Queen, a Foreword Indies Book Award winner in pop culture and Women Writing the West's Willa Literary Award finalist in creative nonfiction. The narrative brings far West Texas to life during the 1970s’ American Counterculture era. 

Jane's newest book, The Breath of a Buffalo, A Biography of Mary Ann Goodnight, will be released from the University of Oklahoma Press tentatively in fall 2026. 

Today Jane blissfully escapes into her literary world in the remote White Mountain Wilderness near Nogal, New Mexico, when she is not speaking at various events or preparing for her next nonfiction book.

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Today, I have a memoir to share in our book spotlight! Learn about The Trek Continues and author Chester L. Richards! 

More Memoirs of a Rocket Scientist

 

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About the Book

 A life of adventure, science, and survival— one man's journey from writing for Star Trek® to exploring the edges of the world

After co-writing "The Tholian Web," a classic episode of the original series of Star Trek, Chester L. Richards charted a path unlike any other—one that led him from the wonders of science and engineering to the wilds of uncharted rivers and exotic creatures with sharp teeth, some of them human. Now, in The Trek Continues: More Memoirs of a Rocket Scientist, the award-winning author of From the Potato to Star Trek and Beyond shares a Tholian Web night and the surprising legacy of the show, and series, in his new, unforgettable collection of true-life stories about extraordinary people, leading-edge projects, the love of his life Sarah and oh, those wilds.

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This morning, I have a memoir in our book spotlight. Learn about Continuity and author Bonnie Clevering! 

Life Beyond the Credits

Date Published: 09-09-2025

Publisher: Punctuate Press

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Continuity By Bonnie Clevering: Life Behind the Credits will be released on Punctuate Press (distributed by APG) on September 9. It will uniquely come in two formats: a paperback memoir, and a beautiful hardcover coffee table book with hundreds of photos. While stories about Nancy Sinatra’s old wives tale helping Bonnie get pregnant, making dinner for the Ocean’s Eleven cast, and how hair creates character are certainly delightful, Bonnie also shares deeply about being a woman in Hollywood, the consequences of saying “no” (and “yes”), single motherhood, and legacy.

About the Author

Bonnie Clevering, in a nearly 5-decade career as a Motion Picture Hair Stylist, has trussed the tresses of hundreds of actors including Hilary Swank, Bette Davis, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Al Pacino, Keanu Reeves, and Kristen Stewart. Her impressive resume includes iconic films and TV series like Hello, Dolly!, RoboCop, Any Given Sunday, Ocean's Eleven, Erin Brockovich, Office Space, The Twilight Saga, and Mr. & Mrs. Smith, totaling over 120 productions. She earned membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences in 2001.

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This morning, I have a humorous memoir with a health and nutrition theme. Learn about The Plight of the Pudgy by Tammy Waldoch! 

Health & Fitness Diet & Nutrition / Weight Loss Humorous Memoir

Date Published: 07-29-2025

Publisher: BookBaby

Waldoch authentically pours her heart and soul into sharing raw stories and songs filled with deep faith, side-splitting humor, and a resounding message that we are all perfectly made in God's eyes. 

Tammy writes this book not only as a testimony of her faith but also to share her private path of redemption and healing. 

Among the pages, readers will also enjoy fiction stories designed to encourage laughter and reflection, along with some preposterous (and creative!) parodies that provide a backdrop of humor to lighten the burdens of The Slim at Heart.

Heart Felt And Honest - This book will make you laugh and cry. The lament of women who struggle with body image applies to a good majority of women.

Read an Excerpt

I guess you could say it all began in childhood. By “it,” I mean my destructive habit of looking down on myself and hating my body no matter how good I looked. The years of damage I inherited as a child compounded into a mountain of never feeling “good enough” as a young adult and adult. I believe that the scars from the aftermath of my Dad’s infidelity only deepened my emotional pain, but the emotional ramifications were not addressed. I did not know what to do with the grievous shackles of insecurity that had bound me. Much of it was a severe reaction to my Dad’s actions and how he treated my mother like an object. My Dad was a salesman and a real-wheeler-dealer type. They used to say he could sell ice to Eskimos. 

Unfortunately for my mom, her sweet-talking man used that charisma unprincipled. He was quite the Casanova who seduced multiple women with his flattering tongue and lips dripping in honey. To be fair, my parents were only teenagers when they married and welcomed their first child. They were babies having babies and were still trying to figure out how to be adults when they were pulled together in holy matrimony. But my Dad’s cheating ways broke both my Mama’s heart and mine as he strayed from my mom time and time again. Gone was the sanctity of sexuality and the sacredness of marriage. Even as a child, I experienced my mother’s pain and hurt as if it were my own. Even though there were four of us kids, I had always been “Daddy’s little girl,” so his actions felt like a betrayal to me as well. I had, and still have, so many questions I’d like to know the answers to. 

She and her husband of 38 years share a dynamic love for better for worse, in sickness and in health, that has endured all things. 

She is also a proud parent of two sons and has two beautiful daughters-in-law who share life’s joys and challenges. Her faith is at the heart of everything she does, and this book is a testimony of her Lord and Savior’s incredible loving kindness toward her. Gilda Radner once said, “Life is full of delicious ambiguities.” 

Tammy invites everyone to share those ambiguities with her!

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This morning, I have a memoir in our book spotlight! Learn about Improbably and Extraordinary and authors Saul & Erika Horwitz! 

Memoir

Date Published: April 21, 2025

Publisher: MindStir Media

Winner of the 2025 Literary-Titan Book Award (Memoir)!

Winner of the 2025 Firebird book award (Addiction and Recovery)!

Winner of the 2025 Firebird book award (Mental Health)!

Finalist, 2024 Literary Global Book Awards and American Writing Book Awards!

I believe Improbable and Extraordinary will be an extremely influential book - it's rare to see such a personal and raw account of mental illness, and then the continuous (and in this case, unique) process of overcoming it. Overall, an outstanding and moving manuscript...The flow is excellent and engaging and the voice is very strong. A true accomplishment!

Megan Patiry, author of The Alice Effect.

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Escaping the torment of depression, anxiety, mania and addiction: Saúl's memoir is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit, showing how even when it seems unattainable, transformation is possible. Once tormented by the crushing grip of bipolar disorder, depression, severe anxiety, anger, and addiction, Saúl shares the raw, unflinching truth of his battle with mental illness and trauma.

Through a profound exploration of love, not as a romantic ideal but as a fundamental force, and by adopting practical, yet challenging principles, the author discovers a path to inner peace and freedom. Saúl's candid reflections on overcoming a deep, persistent darkness reveal the possibility of peace, freedom, and personal growth.

This memoir doesn't just chronicle survival; it celebrates the power of transformation. Saúl's path through addiction and mental illness reveals that true peace and freedom are within reach, even for those who have lost everything.

By sharing his experience, Saúl aims to inspire understanding and hope, and communicate that healing is not just possible but transformative. This book is a beacon of hope for anyone wanting to find hope for themselves or someone they love.

From co-author, Dr. Erika Horwitz, Licensed Psychologist:

As Saul's sister, I witnessed his torments and struggles and his amazing transformation! As a psychologist, I understood the enormity of what he achieved-moving from a place of deep mental illness to stability, inner peace and wisdom. His story is inspiring and a testament to the amazing ability of human beings to transform. It's a story that offers hope to anyone facing mental health challenges and their loved ones. I knew it was essential for Saul to share his story, and I believe it will resonate with anyone who believes in the power of transformation."

 About the Authors

Saúl Horwitz

Saúl Horwitz is an addictions expert and counsellor for people in rehabilitation and recovery. From an early age he had to struggle with his personality due to suffering from bipolar disorder. Suicide attempts, suicidal crises, depression, euphoria, and other drastic changes in his personality prevented him from leading a normal life like that of others. After receiving help from a non-traditional AA group, El Despertar, not only did he transform many of these symptoms, but he also became a skilled counsellor to those afflicted by addiction and mental illness.

Erika Horwitz, Ph.D.

Erika is a Licenced Psychologist working in private practice in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada.  In addition, she is an author, public speaker, university lecturer, and certified Mindfulness Teacher.  She was the former Director of Counselling Services at Simon Fraser University.  She is currently the President of the Board of Directors at the British Columbia Psychological Association, the Vice-Chair at the Council of Professional Associations of Psychology and a council member at the American Psychological Association.  She wrote Through the Maze of Motherhood: Empowered Mothers Speak.  In her leisure time she loves meditation, reading, movies, working out, and spending time with her amazing husband, her family, and friends.

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I love memoirs! Check out Love You Madly, Holly Woodlawn by Jeff Copeland in this book tour spotlight! Be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post! 

A Walk On The Wild Side With Andy Warhol's Most Fabulous Superstar

Memoir / Biography

Date Published: 02-11-2025

Publisher: Feral House

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A young, aspiring writer desperate for a break…and the legendary Andy Warhol superstar who gave him the story of a lifetime.

“Jeff's affection for Holly, even as she drunkenly claims, ‘You ruined my life!’ makes this romp worth the journey.” —Michael Musto

By the mid-1980s, Holly Woodlawn, once lauded by George Cukor for her performance in the 1970 Warhol production and Paul Morrissey directed Trash, was washed up. Over. Kaput. She was living in a squalid Hollywood apartment with her dog and bottles of Chardonnay. A chance meeting with starry-eyed corn-fed Missouri-born Jeff Copeland, who moved to Hollywood with dreams of ‘making it’ as a television writer, changed the course of BOTH of their lives forever.

Love You Madly, Holly Woodlawn is a story of how an unlikely friendship with a young gay writer and an, ahem, mature trans actress and performer created the bestselling autobiography of 1991, A Low Life in High Heels. This book about writing a book is a celebration of chutzpa and love as Holly, the embodiment of Auntie Mame, introduces Jeff to the glamorous (and sometimes larcenous) world of a Warhol Superstar. In turn, Jeff uses his writing (and typing) talent to give Holly the second chance at fame she craved.

In turns hilarious and heartwarming, Love You Madly, Holly Woodlawn is a portrait of the real Holly who loved deeply, laughed loudly, and left mayhem in her wake.

About the Author

For nearly 30 years, Jeff Copeland worked as a show biz hobo, hopping from one gravy train to the next. He was nominated for an Emmy (yay!) and lost (boo!), and has enjoyed working on fun, interesting, and exciting content for a variety of TV networks and film studios, including ABC, FOX, and HGTV.

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