It's What Makes Me . . . Me

A Retired Attorney's Relationship with Life and Times

By: Mark Shaiken

Narrated by: Riley Wolfington

It's What Makes Me... Me is an extraordinarily candid journey through what it means to be human. Amazon's bestselling and award-winning author Mark Shaiken unlocks his most personal thoughts, observations, and introspections through the highs and lows, youth and aging, and beauty and messiness of life. Laugh, reflect, and take in all the ins and outs that have uniquely combined to make Mark... Mark, and maybe, find a little of what makes you . . . you.

©2024 Mark Shaiken (P)2024 Mark Shaiken

relatable

fun and relatable. had smiles often listening to this. not boring at all. will recommend. have a good one!

Penchant for writing essays - entertaining

Mark Shaiken (rhymes with bacon) worked as a bankruptcy lawyer for forty years. In 2019 he stepped off the elevator for the last time and re-tired the treads, this time for writing. In his first book of essays titled “And…Just Like That” he details his life in law, but pivots in this second collection of essays to life after law.

“It’s What Makes Me…Me” is a collection of essays with the one constant being that it centers around Shaiken, his life, his experiences and what he’s been up to since he’s taken to writing. Having always had a penchant for writing his essays include, in his own words, some rambling, and some ambling, and yet I found all to be entertaining. Whether writing about movie series, his life outside of the office, how he’s keeping track of the days, his vinyl collection, or his various passions – all of it is entertaining and full of laughs.

Compiled with no sense of chronological order, but organized rather by various themes, this collection of essays houses a multitude of thoughts, ideas, stories, and experiences. Themes such as “Some Stuff About Me,” “On Writing,” “Ice and Snow,” “Pop Culture and Me,” and more, the stories within are unique to Mark in some respects, entertaining to the whole in others, and combine for an inquisitive, enlightening, and engaging read.

Whether taking his now wife to her first hockey game, discussing his 3J Legal Thriller series or recounting his dilemmas regarding vinyl versus books in his newly designed shelves, readers will be amused by the lighthearted nature and self-deprecating humor woven throughout. Shaiken been called many names and even several failed nicknames, yet author, writer, entertainer, and essayist are all names he’s deservingly earned in this unexpected collection of incredible compositions.

For those that enjoy audio, Riley Wolfington narrates this enjoyable read in a way that creates an intimate listening experience. Bringing readers closer to the stories, directly into the action, and laughing throughout all of Mark’s antics. Wolfington brings the emotions to life.