OnlineBookClub.org

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

Sometimes life can be unfair, but for Lewis Kempfer, it was excruciatingly unfair. He suffered many things ranging from the rejection by his biological father (Dennis) at a very young age, to dealing with a psychopath in the name of a psychiatrist, to drug and sex addiction and many other teary ordeals. Kempfer’s life always moved from one hurdle to another. Loneliness and depression were the two things that defined his normal life before a major turnaround in his rather old age.

Don’t Mind Me, I’m Just Having a Bad Life by Lewis Kempfer is a memoir in which he recounts many events in his life that made him a miserable man. His life started getting messy when he was four years old. His photographic memory enabled him to narrate how his father’s cruelty and brutality paved the path for depression in his life. His parents later divorced, and he had two stepfathers while growing up. The first stepfather was a crooked version of Dennis, who made things even worse for him. Kempfer, through what he believes was the hand of God in his life, managed to complete his bachelor’s degree. Things were not easy.

Kempfer’s brutal honesty was both shocking and riveting. Being gay and having bone-chilling fear of ending up alone in life drove him to unimaginable places doing unimaginable things. Anyone in his position, or anyone who would have lived his kind of life, would have been shy about narrating some of the darkest things that he/she did. His brevity in writing this memoir is truly commendable.

The memoir leaves the reader with many questions about the kind of wounds that careless parents inflict on their children. Although his parents were religious, their parenting techniques did not reflect the teachings they got from attending church every other Sunday. It is very sad to know that maybe, just maybe, there are parents who are concerned about creating the perfect outward picture of their family, yet their children go through hell behind the closed doors of their homes. After reading Kempfer’s story, I was moved to tears praying to God to give me the wisdom and ability to raise my children in a loving manner that I may never crash their souls in the name of fitting in the society. If Dennis, the author’s father, had been more careful with his parenting, his son would have never gone through a hell of a life trying to find validation from the world.

I loved the humor that Kempfer used to distract the reader from the gross nature of most of the scenes. His thoughts, in particular, were quite humorous that I always found myself bursting into laughter. Talking of scenes, this book is for adults and young adults who are battling the demons associated with any form of addiction, depression, and low self-esteem. I highly recommend it to them. It is a perfect example that there is no situation that God, through Jesus Christ, cannot overcome. It is a testimony that the author had to give through writing this memoir.

The most touching aspect of the book came in the form of Kempfer’s counseling sessions. Dr. Fruitcake, the psychiatrist who was hired by his mother to help him out, mistreated him in the worst manner possible. Instead of helping the poor boy (Kempfer), he added more wounds to his soul.

The book was professionally edited. Although it is long and has many painful scenes that could be boring, the author has a way with words that kept me entertained as I kept moving from one page to another. Therefore, I give Don’t Mind Me, I’m Just Having a Bad Life 4 out of 4 stars.

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Don't Mind Me, I'm Just Having a Bad Life
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This sounds like a hard and emotional read, but one that is worth it. I am a therapist and HATE when I hear people
In the field causing harm to others. It breaks my heart.

I love your review of this book and I truly feel for the author--life must have been excruciating at times. I think this would be a great read for anyone who has suffered from a painful past. I like that counseling sessions are also included in the book adding another layer of intrigue. Thanks for the wonderful review!

This is one that I would likely stay away from because it would be triggering. I've been through various types of abuse and it can cause such harm to the soul. On the other hand, I might consider reading for inspiration. People who overcome like situations can be so helpful to each other. Thanks for the review!

Thanks for your review. I hope writing this book was a healing process for Lewis. I’ll skip this book, but I appreciate his courage in sharing his story.

Thanks so much for this great review. There are so many people who are one way in public and a different way at home. Unfortunately, the outward appearance is more important than who they truly are. You also remind us that we have a huge impact on our children. We may believe we are doing the right things or following religious teachings, but often we are misinformed and behave atrociously. This looks like a book I will read.

This sounds like a very heavy and emotional read. Great review.

It must have taken Kempfer great courage to write about his past. It serves as an encouragement to anyone going through a tough time. Great review.

I feel sorry for the author. He has suffered quite a lot in his life. I love that he uses humor to make the book a not lighter. I don't think this is one for me, though. Glad you enjoyed it!

To face so many ordeals all through life must have been so very painful. Being gay must have added extra challenges. The review is very thoughtful. Seems like a book I would love to read.

I think I'll not read the book. It seems very emotionally triggering and you mentioned numerous depressing incidents that were recounted in the book.

Good job on the review!

Lewis seems to have undergone more than his fair share of grief in life. It will be interesting to go thorough his life story. Thanks for the wonderful review.

This seems like an interesting read. I'm always in the mood for a heartbreaking story. I feel sorry for the author, but I'm glad I get to read his story. Thank you for the review!

Quite a heavy book, great review.

Thank you for your review. I have really been enjoying memoirs lately, but, even with the humorous parts, I will skip this one. I feel for the author just from reading your review and can't imagine the emotional typhoon this memoir can unleash on readers. That being said , I understand the need for memoirs like these and the great benefit they can be for others going through similar situations in life. Tank you for your recommendation.