Life and How to Live It, Vol. 1: Begin the Begin

by Chaz Holesworth, Alan Ritch (editor)

Life and How to Live Volume Begin the Begin by Chaz Holesworth is a powerful and raw memoir that chronicles a journey of resilience, hope, and triumph against all odds.

Raised amidst the harsh realities of Philadelphia’s slums, Chaz’s childhood was shaped by the stark contrast between a heroin-addicted father and a born-again Christian mother. Surrounded by gangs, poverty, and chaos, Chaz faced unthinkable challenges at a young age. This first volume delves into his upbringing, capturing moments of heartache, survival, and an unyielding desire to rise above his circumstances.

Amid the turmoil, Chaz found solace in music, drawing strength from the poignant lyrics of R.E.M. and the emotional resonance of Tori Amos. Music became more than a passion—it was a lifeline that carried him through his darkest days. Alongside the healing power of music, Chaz found light in the form of friendships that blossomed into an unbreakable family of choice.

With an unflinching honesty, Life and How to Live It explores the raw, often painful truths of Chaz’s past while celebrating the resilience of the human spirit. Heartbreaking yet hopeful, this memoir offers a profound no matter how dire the circumstances, there is a way to overcome, persevere, and find meaning in life.

Whether you’ve faced similar struggles or simply seek an inspiring tale of survival, this book will resonate deeply and remind readers of the power of hope, courage, and community. Chaz’s story is a testament to the strength of the human soul and a call to rise above life’s challenges, no matter how insurmountable they may seem.

Discover how Chaz began his transformative journey in this unforgettable first volume—and find inspiration to begin your own.

Genres: Nonfiction

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 8, 2024

About the author

Chaz Holesworth grew up in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood, where addiction, poverty, and faith defined his daily life. Those experiences shaped his perspective and fueled his drive to write honestly about survival, memory, and meaning. Now living in the suburbs with his wife and their dog, he still carries Philly with him in his humor and his belief in standing up for the underdog.
When he isn’t writing, Chaz can be found at a live show, exploring new corners of the world, or enjoying a craft beer. A passionate advocate for social justice, he is deeply committed to championing the rights of workers and animals, striving to make a difference in the causes closest to his heart.
Life and How to Live It is his memoir series told with unflinching honesty. With his gift for storytelling, he writes to connect, to remember, and to show others that even in the darkest corners of the past, there is a way forward.

Reviews

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very interested in the memoir at first. The author definitely had a challenging childhood. Since I am familiar with the locations in Philly I quickly related to the setting.
Though I think there is a good story here for me the book was a bit of a miss. Parts were very repetitive and the timeline was sometimes confusing. I think of this had been presented in a linear way this story would have been clearer. I also think instead of 2 volumes consolidating to one would have made the material less repetitive.
Though I understood the role music played in the authors life I found the over emphasis on music lyrics etc to be distracting and not interesting.
Despite the book not fully connecting with me I do think this book will resonate with readers who enjoy memoirs, especially those who like alternative and/or rock music.

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life and How to Live It by Chaz Holesworth is a raw and heartfelt memoir that chronicles a tumultuous upbringing in Philadelphia’s rough neighborhoods, shaped by addiction, poverty, and faith. The book delves into Holesworth’s family history and personal struggles, weaving a tapestry of generational trauma, resilience, and identity. Through vivid storytelling, the author paints a detailed picture of life in Kensington and beyond, offering insights into the human condition while candidly exploring themes of hope, despair, and survival.

Holesworth’s voice is brash, honest, and unfiltered. He doesn’t shy away from the messy details, like the chaotic dynamics of his family or the stark realities of addiction. His recounting of his father’s battle with heroin is both heartbreaking and maddening, as are the glimpses into the dysfunction that shaped much of his early life. The anecdotes about roach-infested homes and shared bunk beds might make you squirm, but they ground the story in gritty authenticity. Holesworth’s self-deprecating humor provides relief amid the heaviness, making the book feel personal and relatable.

The storytelling shines brightest when Holesworth dives into his parents’ lives, particularly their courtship and struggles. His mother’s transformation into a devout born-again Christian and the impact on the family dynamics added layers of complexity to the narrative. The depiction of his father’s pride and resilience, despite his flaws, was deeply moving. One moment that stayed with me was the bittersweet memory of bonding over Star Wars—a rare slice of normalcy in a chaotic childhood. It’s this ability to juxtapose light and dark moments that makes Holesworth’s writing compelling.

The book occasionally lingers in its detailed storytelling. While the depth helps to create a vivid and immersive portrait, certain sections—such as the descriptions of neighborhood gangs or the intricacies of church culture—are revisited often in the book. These stories clearly hold deep meaning for the author, but streamlining a few of the less central anecdotes would have enhanced the flow for me. Still, these tangents often carry a charm that only someone reflecting on their life can pull off.

Life and How to Live It: Volume 1 is a testament to resilience and self-discovery. Holesworth’s journey from a troubled boy in Kensington to someone capable of reflecting on those experiences with humor and insight is inspiring. I’d recommend this book to anyone drawn to memoirs that don’t sugarcoat reality. Just be prepared to laugh, cringe, and occasionally gasp as you follow Holesworth through his highs, lows, and sideways moments.

[Booksbyhanna11 · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK 📚- LIFE AND HOW TO LIVE IT

AUTHOR ✍️- CHAZ HOLESWORTH

RATING - 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

BOOK REVIEW ✍️-

✍️"Life and How to Live It: Vol 1" is the first installment of Chaz Holesworth’s memoir, offering a profound exploration of his life shaped by extraordinary and harsh circumstances. Raised in the heart of Philadelphia’s impoverished slums, Chaz's upbringing was marked by an intense struggle against the odds. His father, a heroin addict, and his mother, a fervent born-again Christian, created a volatile home environment where addiction and religious fervor clashed amid severe financial hardship.

✍️The narrative details Chaz's early experiences growing up in an environment fraught with crime and social instability. Surrounded by drug dealers and gang activity, his childhood was anything but conventional. Despite these challenges, Chaz’s story is one of perseverance and self-discovery, showcasing his ability to rise above his circumstances.

✍️Central to his journey was the solace he found in music. Artists like R.E.M. and Tori Amos became his emotional lifeline, offering him a means to escape and process his turbulent experiences. Music provided not just comfort but also inspiration and a sense of belonging that was otherwise lacking in his chaotic world.

✍️In addition to his musical refuge, Chaz's narrative highlights the pivotal role of his friendships. Friends who became like family offered him support and stability, serving as a crucial counterbalance to the instability of his home life. These relationships were instrumental in his emotional and personal growth, helping him to navigate the difficulties he faced.

✍️"Life and How to Live It: Vol 1" is more than just a recounting of hardships; it is a moving testament to Chaz’s resilience and his unwavering spirit. Through moments of profound heartache and joy, the memoir paints a vivid picture of his journey and serves as an inspiring message for others who may be facing their own struggles. Chaz Holesworth’s story is a beacon of hope and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is potential for growth and success.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 📚✍️

[Bookbuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life and How to Live It: Volume One – Begin the Begin by Chaz Holesworth is a deeply moving and honest memoir that explores the author’s early life growing up in the harsh realities of Philadelphia’s slums. With a drug-addicted father, a devout Christian mother, and a world filled with violence and chaos, Chaz’s journey is one of survival, music-fueled hope, and the strength of chosen family. This first volume captures the pain of the past and the power of resilience, offering readers a story that is both heartbreaking and incredibly inspiring.

1. Honest and Gritty Narrative:
Chaz shares his story with raw authenticity, holding nothing back. His writing captures both the brutality of his upbringing and the emotional depth of his experiences.

2. Complex Family Dynamics:
The stark contrast between his heroin-addicted father and born-again Christian mother creates a tense and unpredictable home life. This duality adds emotional complexity to the memoir.

3. Vivid Setting:
The slums of Philadelphia are depicted with striking realism—gang violence, poverty, and instability form a constant backdrop, shaping Chaz’s worldview and daily struggles.

4. Music as Emotional Anchor:
Music plays a pivotal role in Chaz’s survival. Artists like R.E.M. and Tori Amos aren’t just background noise—they’re lifelines. Music helps him express, cope, and dream beyond his environment.

5. Unflinching Vulnerability:
Chaz doesn’t shy away from his emotional scars. His openness about pain, confusion, and longing adds layers of relatability and makes his growth even more powerful.

6. The Power of Chosen Family:
In a world where blood ties often fail him, Chaz finds strength and stability in friendships that evolve into deep, lasting bonds—his chosen family.

7. Overarching Theme of Resilience:
At its heart, the memoir is about resilience. Despite the odds, Chaz keeps pushing forward, showing readers that even the darkest pasts can lead to hope and healing.

[Country Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life and how to live it by Chaz Holesworth is a set of memoir books by the author that I will be talking about today. First there is mention of drug use and sexual abuse so be warned y'all. The first volume is entitled Begin the Begin. In the first installment of Chaz's memoir we get to hear about his early life as a young child and how he grew up. Chaz grew up in a drug and gang infested area of Philly, aka Philadelphia. His parents were both from broken homes and had their own problems. Chaz's own grandfather was involved in criminal activities in Philly. His own mother was asssulted and had trauma from that and then she met Chaz's dad. Chaz's father was a drug addict that was on heroin for most of his life and that at the time in the rough neighborhood was not a big issue. Chaz talks about his self esteem issues coming from his mother and how it affected her entire life, she never talked at all about her past. However the author does tell us the readers, about how Chaz's mother was involved with someone who was also a Heroin addict and overdosed on it at a younger age. That is a important message for readers, trauma sometimes shapes who you are and who you become/ love in your later life. Sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse if you don't take the negative and change it into a positive. In the second volume of the memoir books, entitled: Near Wild Heaven, Chaz continues his memoir we get to hear about his teenage years and how he still loves music and how it is still very important in his life. This second installment to the memoir shows much more emotion in my opinion. I really liked that the author spoke directly to the readers in these books, it made the story about Chaz's life more connectable to the readers. It's an interesting memoir read and if you are a fan of coming of age memoirs in 1980's and 90's northeast US you will resonate with this book a little bit.

[G. W .Bookreviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life and How to Live It by Chaz Holesworth is a very real and emotional story that talks about growing up in a broken family and finding hope in the middle of pain. The author shares his childhood in Philadelphia, where life was not easy at all. His father was struggling with drugs, his mother was completely lost in religion, and his surroundings were full of poverty and violence. From a young age, Chaz had to understand pain, confusion, and loneliness but he also learned how to stay strong and keep moving forward.

The book takes you on a deep and honest journey through his early life. Chaz writes everything with truth and emotion, not trying to make it look better than it was. He opens up about his family, the challenges, and how he managed to survive all of it. You can feel the pain in his words, but you can also see his courage and his will to fight for a better life. The way he describes his childhood makes you feel like you’re right there with him, watching everything unfold.

One of the most touching parts of the book is how music becomes his comfort. Listening to R.E.M. and Tori Amos gave him a way to escape the chaos around him. It shows how even the smallest things can give hope when life feels heavy. The friendships he builds also bring warmth to his story they show that love and care can come from the people we choose, not just the ones we’re born to.

I would strongly recommend Life and How to Live It Begin the Begin to anyone who likes honest, emotional, and inspiring books. It’s a story that teaches you to never give up, no matter how difficult things get. This book will touch your heart, make you think deeply about life, and remind you that strength can come from the darkest times. 🌟

[Sourav sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chaz Holesworth’s memoir, Life and How to Live It, is less of a self-help manual and more of a deeply personal reckoning—a story told with honesty, vulnerability, and just the right amount of grit. From the first chapter, Holesworth pulls you into a life shaped by contradiction: a heroin-addicted father on one side, a fiercely religious mother on the other. The result is a raw and layered narrative that never asks for pity—it simply asks to be understood.

What’s striking is how Holesworth balances the darkness of his early years with moments of unexpected beauty. Music, especially R.E.M. and Tori Amos, doesn’t just serve as a soundtrack to his life—it’s a lifeline. There’s also humor in the chaos, and glimpses of tenderness in unlikely places. It’s these small, sincere moments that make the memoir feel so alive.

The writing is conversational and unfiltered, as if Holesworth is talking to you directly over a late-night coffee, telling you how it all went down. But beneath the storytelling is a quiet strength—a lesson in resilience that never feels forced or formulaic.

This is a book for anyone who’s ever tried to make sense of a messy past, who’s looked for meaning in the music, and who knows that sometimes surviving is its own kind of success. Holesworth doesn’t give you all the answers—he just shows you his truth. And that’s more than enough.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘You’re so poor you’re PO ‘cause you can’t afford the OR’ – A tough life begins

Pennsylvania author Chaz Holesworth offers his initial novel as the first volume of an ongoing series – LIFE AND HOW TO LIVE IT – a memoir of his own life that began in the slums of Philadelphia with a heroin addict father and a religious mother. The immediacy of his writing is evident as he opens with ‘I am a good example of why not everyone should have a kid. I cannot fully detail my progression through depression, anxiety, drugs, Jesus, love hate, humorous dancing, and my love for R.E.M.’

Holesworth quite adroitly retraces his heritage with insights into his grandparents, his parents, the difficulties of living under tough circumstances both financially and personally, the depths of heroin addiction with his father, the ‘born-again Christian’ journey of his mother (‘The born-again faith is filled with broken people with low esteem’) – all related with a sense of wit and perspective rarely found in autobiographies. ‘Our household was separated by religion, lack of communication, and different coping strategies.’ Reading this first volume initiates interest in following the subsequent books. Immensely interesting!

[desivivo89 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A reading with a powerful takeaway

This is an absolutely hopeful and moving story that recounts the author's childhood and youth. With his raw and honest narrative, he takes us deep into a cruel, harsh, and sometimes unjust world for a child so young.

I really love this autobiographical style which, being told in the first person, manages to penetrate to the core of our being. It’s hard to pick a favorite part, as I believe the entire journey is fascinating, from the start of his life story right through the decisions and situations that unfold.

I find it incredibly commendable that he opens up in this way, with such sincerity, because it serves as a powerful example of resilience for so many children and teenagers growing up in a dysfunctional family setting. It’s highly motivating to show them they can always find someone to lean on.

I love the emphasis he places on friends, a network that can become a necessary familial figure during specific moments in one's life. Finally, I commend the courage it takes to convey the message that to restart our present, we need to delve into what’s happening to us (no matter how difficult), because that also means getting to know ourselves deeply.

[Amanda Felton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you LBT for having me on this review tour and for my gifted copy of this book.

You know this is the type of book I’ll read probably again just because I really enjoyed it and I related to it so much.

This is such a moving and honest memoir it’s about Chaz Holesworth and his life growing up in Philadelphia slums with a drug addicted father and a Christian mother. His journey is heartbreaking but it’s also so inspiring like I couldn’t put it down.

I related to this book so much my cousin lived with us she was an addict and it was so hard but it was eye opening I went to meetings with her and it was something I’ll never forget.

I loved how music was a huge part of his life I loved the same people R.E.M. and Tori Amos both amazing. I clung to music as well it was a life line me and my cousin she introduced me to so much music.

I loved how Chaz had so much darkness but he still managed to find beauty in it. I loved how tbe writing style was like sitting at the dinner table having conversations I truly felt like he was talking to me. I loved every min of it.

Chaz doesn’t have all the answers I don’t know that any of us do but what he does give is honesty and how to survive. This book has really stuck with me and it’s something I’ll go back too.

[Harsh Tyagi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming-of-age stories hit different. This story feels real and exposed. It's like someone sitting across and finally saying the things they carried for years. Set against the rough edges of 1980s Philadelphia, the book captures a childhood shaped by addiction, fear, instability, and the exhausting loneliness of growing up too fast.

Chaz Holesworth's memoir talks about his life between two overpowering worlds. A father consumed by heroin addiction and a mother ruled by religious fear. In the middle of that chaos, he learns how to stay invisible just to survive. What changes everything is music. Artists like R.E.M., Tori Amos, and The Replacements become more than background noise. Their songs turning into comfort, identity, and a way to hold on when everything else feels like it’s falling apart.

I could understand the story because music is what saved me too. I absolutely love music and it keeps me going. This memoir feels brutally personal from the very first pages. Chaz Holesworth writes with a mix of dark humor, emotional honesty, and chaos that makes the story feel incredibly real. The narration is conversational and unfiltered. It's emotionally intense.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed reading about the lives of other people and seeing how they were brought up, able to cope with difficulties and trauma they may have faced, and just seeing how I can relate to them. When I heard about Chaz Holesworth's Life and How to Live It, Vol. 1: Begin the Begin, I was instantly intrigued and wanted to see what I would discover inside. Chaz obviously went through a lot growing up and it was inspiring to see how he persevered and the fight to find stability. I admired how his love of music was able to help him find hope and comfort. I thought this book was a perfect example that blood does not define what family is, but family can come from those who are supportive and there to help navigate through the darkest of challenges that is thrown at you in life. I was truly inspired by Chaz's story.



I am going to give Life and How to Live It, Vol. 1: Begin the Begin five stars. I believe those who enjoy reading memoirs and reading about the lives of others. I am looking forward to the next book from Chaz Holesworth called, Life and How to Live It, Vol. 2: Near Wild Heaven.



I received a paperback copy of Chaz Holesworth's Life and How to Live It, Vol. 1: Begin the Begin from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Amber Mars · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life and How to Live It, Volumes 1 and 2, are memoirs on Chaz Holeworth’s life and bleak upbringing. Between his father’s substance abuse and his mother’s religious influences, he found himself stuck between two worlds in an impoverished Philadelphia. The first volume is a coming-of-age memoir that recounts his journey of growing up with brutal honesty and dark humor along the way. There is a strong focus on music, with artists like R.E.M, Tori Amos, and The Replacements that helped him discover his identity. It was touching and relatable to read about how much music became a lifeline and a source of comfort for him. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on his friends and close relationships that had a strong impact on his life. Every part of his journey is told with authenticity, and the chapters are short enough to feel like you can always read one more before setting the book down. It was an intense read, but there was enough beauty and humor throughout the darkness to feel hopeful. I would definitely recommend it!

[Prisha Rohra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chaz Holesworth introduces readers to the insightful world of unusual and unique circumstances. This book is a heart-warming and stunning journey through the lens of the author. The goal of this story is to highlight the terrifying experiences he endured and how he managed to overcome them to move forward.

He was raised in the Philadelphia slums by a mother who was a devout Christian and a father who was addicted to heroin, facing extraordinary and challenging circumstances. Surrounded by extreme poverty, drug dealers, and gangs, he found his main refuge in music, particularly the songs of R.E.M. and Tori Amos, which became his source of solace during his struggle to survive.

He also found comfort in his friends, who became like family to him. His autobiography is both poignant and uplifting, aiming to inspire those facing tough circumstances to overcome their challenges and find success.

[AMR CAMI · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

Volume One of Life and How to Live It: Begin the Begin by Holesworth is a meditation and alternative exploration of how we build identities by memory, choice, and the opportunity to begin again. Rather than the traditional progression of narrative, there is an unsettled emotional, interpretive quality to this book as it mirrors how we move through life. Holesworth’s voice is genuine and searching, an authentic mix of retelling personal experience and philosophizing. One of the most powerful aspects of the text is its invitation for the reader to consider their own beginning and what story they tell themselves about their own lives. Initial awkwardness can arise from the lack of an overall linear style, but the text builds on itself from the inside, allowing the reader to feel more interaction with the text. Overall, I found the text to represent a mindful and personal meditation on beginning again and trying to find one's place in the world.

[Ivana S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life and How to Live It is the kind of memoir that punches you in the gut and somehow makes you grateful for it. It’s raw, loud, and painfully honest. And that’s exactly what makes it so compelling.

The blend of darkness and dry, self-aware wit feels refreshingly real. You can almost hear the R.E.M. and Nirvana tracks bleeding through the pages as Chaz clings to music like a life raft when family, faith, and stability all collapse around him. Readers who grew up in chaos—or loved someone who did—will recognize the tightrope he walks between loyalty and self-preservation.

This story is about finding identity in the noise, carving meaning out of dysfunction, and discovering unexpected beauty in the mess. It’s gritty, moving, and deeply human—a story that stays with you long after the final page.

[Santiago L.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many people spend years waiting to act because they believe they must first understand exactly where their life is going. This book questions that habit. The authors argue that clarity almost never appears before action. It usually comes after someone decides to move forward. I found that idea very relatable because I have been in situations where uncertainty made it easier to wait instead of deciding. The book also treats life as something that allows many beginnings. No decision permanently defines your path. That perspective resonated with me because I have started again more than once in my own life, sometimes in ways that probably looked strange to others. Those moments are uncomfortable, but they are also where real learning happens. This book is a good reminder that progress often begins with the simple decision to step forward.

[Rodrigo J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learning to breathe in the middle of chaos

Reading this book made me think about how often we look for a safe place when everything around us begins to fall apart. The story the author shares reminded me that strength does not come only from big actions. It can appear in small decisions, like listening to a song that gives you support, holding on to a friend who stays by your side, or finding a quiet corner where you can be yourself without fear. What stayed with me the most was the way music becomes a lifeline when life feels too heavy to carry. This book shows that even when we grow up surrounded by pain and disorder, it is still possible to find a way to move forward, step by step, even with a heart that has been repaired many times.

[Maria Paula Castellanos Monroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very deep!

The story follows a boy who tries to survive the combination of two chaotic parents: a father consumed by addiction and a mother clinging to rigid religiosity. This boy discovers in music a refuge and an emotional strength that helps him understand what he feels and imagine a different life.

The literary style is innovative because it has the intensity of a real testimony, but also the sensitivity of someone who observes their life with distance and maturity, despite the fact that the protagonist is a child. The communication is clear, honest, and full of images that linger even after you finish reading.

If you like books that combine music, personal growth, and stories of emotional survival, I highly recommend it.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed me by the collar and refused to let go.

I was not prepared for how real this memoir feels. No sugarcoating, no pretending things were fine. Poverty, addiction, hardcore church fear, broken family dynamics, and a kid just trying to survive it all. And somehow it is darkly funny in spots too. The scenes from Kensington feel alive, messy, loud, and completely unforgettable. But what really got me was the music. Watching Chaz cling to R.E.M. and Tori Amos like they were oxygen? That hit. This is not a polished inspirational memoir. It is raw and honest and sometimes uncomfortable, which is exactly why people should read it. If you love stories about surviving the wreckage and carving out your own identity, this one delivers. 🔥🎧📖

[Marcela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A survival history

Life and How to Live It is an autobiography that takes us through the protagonist's life, living in a marginalized neighborhood, struggling with a father battling addiction and a mother deeply rooted in faith. It depicts the gang violence, poverty, and internal conflicts he endured to survive, clinging to music and showing us, through his stories, his journey through seedy bars, moments of clarity, and his resilient transition to young adulthood.
Something that particularly caught my attention and that I enjoyed about the book was the attention to detail in each chapter, which captivated me and made the reading experience enjoyable despite its sometimes harsh realities and unexpected shifts to traumatic moments.

[Manu Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

Life and How to Live It struck me as a really thoughtful and inspiring read. The author delved into ways individuals might begin crafting a life filled with purpose and intention. The core concepts of personal advancement, acknowledging up to your actions, plus learning from what happens daily all made sense to me and my life. While some passages did feel a touch philosophical, they certainly prompted reflections on my own future decisions and ambitions. That central idea of commencing precisely where you stand and then taking small, steady steps forward offered real encouragement for me. All in all, this reading is totally fantastic for anyone pondering their purpose, striving for self-improvement and how to lead a more reflective existence.

[Steven Finkelstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a true story, a memoir of what it was like for the author to grow up on the rough-and-tumble streets of working-class Philadelphia in the 1980s. Drugs and gangs were rampant, and staying alive was a daily struggle. The author handled it all with surprising grace and humor, though. This is his account of what he went through and how it helped to make him the individual who he is today.

Music was a huge part of his life, and he credits it with helping to stay him out of trouble and to keep some degree of perspective. This book is sometimes funny, often harrowing, and always a stark reminder of what the irrepressible human spirit is capable of achieving.

[Almiria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life and How to Live it: Begin the Begin is a profound and often heart wrenching true story of a young man growing up in Philadelphia. He was caught between a father who was a slave to addiction and a mother who had an obsession with religion. The neighbourhood in which he grew up was harsh in itself, but home life was even harder. Chaz Holesworth shares his experiences with a touching openness. His memoir is exceptionally good to read if you have also suffered during childhood. What stood out the most for me was that music changed his life. Music gave Chaz Holesworth hope and ultimately his sense of self worth. I am interested in reading more from this author.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me it was so hard reading this book, the protagonist had lived such difficult moments in a place where it is better to not have personal relationships but just skip everyone because it would leave a future of addiction and crime. Even though it is a hard read with so many emotional moments, I felt hope when the protagonist found in music a way to express and feel better in a place so dark. Something that for me was remarkable was the writing style of the author, is amazing how he balanced emotion with reality, is just great and made me feel immersed and moved. A must read, give it a try is just amazing and raw.

[Daniel M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir hit me in a way I didn’t expect. The author tells his story with a kind of honesty that is painful and strangely comforting. The mix of chaos at home, the streets of 1980s Philly, and the constant pull between sin and salvation creates a backdrop that feels incredibly real.
What stayed with me most was how music became his escape. The way he writes about R.E.M. or Nirvana makes you understand how songs can literally save someone. It gave the book a heartbeat.
Even though some parts are heavy, there’s this quiet hope running underneath. It’s a tough story, but it’s also a beautiful one about finding your voice when the world tries to silence you.

[Casey Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

It takes courage to tell your story and I applaud Chaz for doing so. Heartbreaking, raw, real and vulnerable. The emotions poured into this were felt with every word and every chapter. The opening immediately draws you in and his storytelling keeps you there. Chaz has a way with words that some memoirs lack. There was depth and detail. It wasn’t mono-toned and surface level. Page after page I felt like I was watching VHS home movies of his life and he was right there beside me commentating. I’m so glad I get to add this one to my read and recommendation lists. Thank you Chaz for sharing your story

[Daisy Hollands · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is everything. Exposing. Vulnerable. Honest. Stripped so far back that all your left with is the bones of truth and injustice. This is a memoir of a childhood steeped in poverty and a voice that needs to be heard. I’ve been Chaz. Not in quite the same way. We weren’t poor but we were deprived in every way you can think of and I too found my solace and companionship in music. The songs that gave voice to my emotions and hope to my heart. This is a heartbreaking beautiful read. Hard going in some aspects but the openness of the story telling and the survival instinct detailed throughout made it worthwhile. It spoke to me, resonated hard and I loved it

[Abigail L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir is not easy to read, but it is impossible to ignore. Chaz Holesworth recounts growing up in poverty in 1980s Philadelphia, torn between a father battling heroin addiction and a mother consumed by fundamentalist religion. The writing is direct and deeply personal, bringing readers into the cramped row homes, tense family dynamics, and fear-based church culture that shaped his early years. What stays with you is how music becomes a lifeline amid the instability. Honest, gritty, and emotionally grounded, this is a compelling first volume for readers who appreciate memoirs that refuse to soften the truth.

[Meghan Buchman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate to win this from Goodreads and was really looking forward to reading it, as I live outside Philadelphia, in South Jersey. I'm familiar with the area the author is from and wanted to learn what it was like to grow up there, from his POV.
What a chaotic life this man had growing up. Drugs, religion, music was his life but not in a good way. The music he resonates with it and it helps him but by the time he reaches high school, you can't help but think how much worse can his life get.
You have to wait for Volume 2 to find out but what a ride his first half of life takes you on.