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[Following is a volunteer review of "Don't Mind Me, I'm Just Having a Bad Life" by Lewis Kempfer.]

Never before have I felt so torn. This true-life memoir aroused strong feelings in me. From the beginning, the naked pain in the first few pages causes sheer rude awakening shock. It depicts a tone of doom, an eerie feeling of desperation, and clutching at elusive straws. Do people live this way? I was confused. I believe that only Divine Intervention enabled me to continue reading this book. I am grateful for that. Perhaps our life is partly what our thoughts and perceptions make of it. More of an examination that can easily be failed by copying others. Like seeing the surface and not the depth of issues. This epic story demonstrates this.

Don’t Mind Me, I’m Just Having a Bad Life by Lewis Kempfer, is a dark riveting tale. A depiction of one man’s life journey from a lost and bewildered youngster to a twisted suicidal self-loathing adult, or so it would seem. The tale is like a confessional. It is a deplorable combination of horrible, shocking, bizarre, and darkly humorous. Lewis grew up in a dysfunctional home, neglected, with self-harming tendencies. A child gets psychologically and physically abused by adults who should have known better. His biological father was a cowardly bully. His mother was a lost cause. She tried to defend him but was more interested in pleasing his father and later his stepfather. Granted, his second stepfather was relatively fair. All Lewis ever desired was to be loved, establish his identity, and attain a sense of worth and belonging. Was it too much to hope? Why couldn’t they understand this? We get a glimpse into the world of show biz and the nightlife. Given his background, will he attain success, recognition, and redemption? Will he find God after his loss of faith? Read and find out. The story rotates between decades.

I liked the storyline and the multi-faceted themes. I admire the brevity with which the story develops. The prose and vivid imagination are great. I could relate to the author as he described different occurrences and decisions throughout his life. How did they impact him? Is that the reason for his preferences? Was it the environment? Meaning, for instance, relating with a mean and obnoxious little girl, Denise and perfect young Mike. Could it perhaps be encounters over the years hobnobbing with queer, callously selfish men? One of his worst experiences was with a Psychiatrist Dr. Fruitcake, his presumed Counsellor.

Lewis describes characters and relationships with precision. For instance, Religious leaders with holier than thou attitudes and humor in their thoughts about why many no longer attend church. Lewis gets drawn into drug and sexual addictions. How does he rise above his addictions and grave illness? So much wickedness, confusion, and jealousy. We meet devilish Ewan, Daniel, Stewart, and many others. Lest I forget, what was his relationship with the crafty psychics? How deep has he fallen? Is he hallucinating? We see desperation and hopelessness. How long will this go on?

I did not like the puzzling skirting around how he developed his sexual orientation. Was he born thus? Is this scientifically proven? Or did he get these feelings along the way? Can Behavioral Scientists explain this? However, I feel that this was not the purpose of this brave disclosure. I, therefore, rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I found it exceptionally well edited with no errors. However, there are a lot of profanities.

This book is not for the faint of heart. It is heavily laden with scenes of horror and despair. Occasionally, it is so bleak that one can get disoriented and filled with deep sorrow and anger. I recommend it to the LGBTQ community and young adults (with a lot of caution and discernment) because there are life lessons. I recommend it to Parents, Psychiatrists, and those who love Memoirs. In my opinion, the title is a cry for help. Many people damaged severally can find this helpful. Generally speaking, the book is entertaining and darkly humorous.

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Don't Mind Me, I'm Just Having a Bad Life
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I believe the book requires a really courageous and sympathetic reader. I love dark humor, but not sure if it is quite my cup of tea. Thank you very much for this insightful and honest review!

Sometimes I ask myself this question, why would a child be born in a family that is not ready to have kids? I guess that's why the adage goes "life is not fair". I always admire people that survived an abusive home. They are survivors. Thanks for the excellent review.

A dark rivetting tale which focuses true-life memories that can arouse strong feelings is definitely worth reading for me. Thanks for your insightful and honest review.

This book's title is intriguing and leaves me wanting more. It seems like one insightful and emotional read. Thanks for the excellent review.

It's a sad story, and I like it because it shows the
bad side of life and most people don't want to hear the ugly

This book is dark. I could feel everything from the summary. When you feel disappointment from the people you are supposed to trust, it can tear oneself apart. When these sets of people are the reason one loose hope in life, it can be tormenting. I hope Lewis find hope at last in his life.

Nobody deserves feeling unloved, and unwanted. It's even worse when the source of those feelings is your parent, someone who's supposed to protect you and love you like the world is coming to an end. Lewis tackled something raw and emotive, it's a pity that this isn't fictional, but something he went through. Thank you for a wonderful review.

There are such potent and relatable themes in this book. Great review.

A book with several sad sins is scary to read. i dont think i have the guts to read it. i liked your review though. it was really enthusiastic

Muna Chizzy wrote: ↑06 May 2022, 20:26 Sometimes I ask myself this question, why would a child be born in a family that is not ready to have kids? I guess that's why the adage goes "life is not fair". I always admire people that survived an abusive home. They are survivors. Thanks for the excellent review.

I have asked myself the same and found no answers. Where I come from, it seems like a cultural thing. I once lost an important assignment because I advocated for family planning. I am happy that more and more people are beginning to address the importance of quality of life and children's rights. Slow and steady wins the race. It is a pity that some do not survive abuse. It is a key challenge for humanity.

lumenchristi wrote: ↑10 May 2022, 15:56 This book is dark. I could feel everything from the summary. When you feel disappointment from the people you are supposed to trust, it can tear oneself apart. When these sets of people are the reason one loose hope in life, it can be tormenting. I hope Lewis find hope at last in his life.

I agree with you about the book. The people we love and live up to sometimes disappoint us. This is devastating because misplaced trust is agony when abused. Rising and finding redemption becomes like an impossible dream. All we can embrace is hope. The people who we trust play an important role in our lives.