How to Win a Million Dollars and BEEP Glitter!

by Luke Stoffel

"The combination of memoir with a perceptive judgment of America’s often-empty vision of success is powerful.” — Publisher’s Weekly / BookLife (Score: 9.5 out of 10!)

Amazon #1 Best Seller: What if the American Dream was just a glitter-fueled lie? Soaked in pop culture and bad decisions, this Queer Millennial Odyssey is part confessional, part caper. It’s a story woven into the fabric of a generation that voted reality TV into the White House and made grift a national pastime. The journey is outrageous, hilarious, and, at times, deeply self-aware.

Inked in glitter pen and promise, this Lisa Frank–inspired, late-stage capitalist fever dream is told through the eyes of an eight-year-old boy who believed every lie Ronald Reagan ever sold him—an unhinged adventure for anyone who’s ever chased something wild in a world that never made space for them. It’s not a pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps kind of story—we were all sold a sugar-coated lie: work hard, play by the rules, and success will fall into your lap. “Personally,” he retorts, “I’ve found I’m more prosperous when I lie, cheat, and steal.” This prankish take on the American Dream might just keep you turning the pages.

With the charm of a rogue and the morals of a raccoon, our antihero drags readers through scams, schemes, and self-sabotage—from backyard cons to a cutting-edge experiment with AI. You see, we’ve all been caught up in that chase: more money, more status, more validation. And I’m no different…

“But he is different, because he dared live an unlikely life in a society that punishes those who try it.” —Publishers Weekly

In the end, one question remains:
In a game that is rigged for the rich, can you beat the system—or will it beat you?

---
Critical Acclaim:

"This is a raucously funny book, with raffish prose full of self-deprecating humor regarding the distance between exalted pretensions and awkward reality... The result is a luminous tribute to the inestimable value of not quite getting what you want." — Kirkus Reviews (Verdict: Get it!)

“Readers who may have thought Catcher in the Rye and other coming-of-age stories held wry humor along with insights will find these classics must take a step back for contemporary authors such as Luke Stoffel.” — Midwest Book Review (Reviewers Choice)

Genres: Memoir, LGBT, Humor, Nonfiction, Queer, Audiobook

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2025

About the author

Luke Stoffel (b. 1978) Recognized as one of NYC’s top LGBTQ+ artists by GLAAD he has been showcased by prestigious organizations like the American Foundation for AIDS Research, and the Matthew Shepard foundation. His art and photography have appeared on Bravo’s Million Dollar Lisiting, in the New York Times, Huffington Post, AM New York, Hawaiian Airlines Magazines, and on the cover of Next Magazine. His artistic contributions have earned him the Starving Artist Award, along with a commission for Ralph Lauren’s daughter. His art has graced iconic New York venues like the Puck Building, The Art Directors Club, The Prince George Gallery, GalleryBar, and New World Stages.

Luke is an accomplished artist and author, with several books available on Amazon, including The Easy Bake Unicorn Cookbook, The Art of Tarot: A History and Guidebook, and his debut novel 
How to Win a Million Dollars and $#!T Glitter! His second, follow-up novel, In Over Your Head, is set to release in 2026. Additionally, his art and photography are featured in his ongoing book series The Noble Path.

Reviews

[Liam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was grateful enough to receive an ARC of this audiobook via NetGalley.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story, it was a mixture of humour and sadness with an underlying message to be grateful for what you have whilst also never giving up on achieving your dreams even in tough times. The narrator, Patrick Mealey, made it even more of a pleasure to listen to with his enthusiasm and energy which brought out the emotions Luke covered within the book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Cinderly Press and Luke Stoffel for giving me opportunity to access the book early. I look forward to reading more of Luke’s work in the future.

[Kimberly Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It’s a charming, super easy-to-read story that anyone can relate to that I absolutely devoured it in one setting-especially as a fellow Midwesterner. This book is for anyone who has tried to dream up that one big idea that will make life easier and help you hit it big, but serves as a friendly reminder that the true value lies not in our destination, but in the people you meet and the experiences you gather along the way. It's a great book to read especially now, when so many things happening in this world feel sad and disconnected-this book felt like a ray of sunshine and hope.

[Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

In his memoir, Luke Stoffel steers us through his life’s misadventures through anecdotes that alternate between laugh-out-loud funny and deeply personal. Starting with how his sister and he tried to scheme McDonalds Monopoly to win a million dollars, to time in Hawaii and then Paris, participating in the Tony-winning Urinetown, to developing a capsule that quite literally allows one to poop glitter.

There are some hilarious moments and random mishaps, in addition to some thoughtful and endearing life lessons. It’s charming, it’s heart-breaking, and it’s a real life account of being gay the turn of the millennium. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I admit to feeling sucked in and wanting to continue reading to learn what happens next.

A Note on AI: The book includes AI as a plot point, and also as an editor/copywriting tool. The book was clearly written by a human, as I don’t think AI is funny enough (yet). The author makes it no secret, and did everything we would want: disclosure on the book description, mentioning it in the memoir itself, even listing OpenAI as an editor; though I do wish the disclosure had come at the beginning of the book instead of the end. The author uses AI to aid with his disability/dyslexia, but I share the complex thoughts of others of AI’s role in creative and artistic endeavors. I think this book is one of the first (to openly admit) to use AI, and I think there will be much larger conversation coming in the future, but for now, my review stands.

Reviewed as part of a giveaway; many thanks to the author/Cinderly for the opportunity to read and review.

[MikeLikesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I want to thank the author for reaching out to me and providing me a copy of his audiobook. My review is voluntary.

This is a memoir full of life experiences that I found provocative, funny, sad and inspiring. I really was upset that he had to go through some of the things he did. For example school bullying and dealing with illness of his friend were horrific. The author has a lot of cool experience too with the Tony Awards, living in Paris, his art and creativity, to name a few. I was amazed how he created opportunities for himself even though he was dealing with dyslexia.

I definitely think a friendship with this guy would be an adventure. The story with him having to shave and then going skinny dipping was a hoot.

I am happy I got to listen to the audiobook. The narrator does a great job. The author reveals that he used AI in putting this book together because of his dyslexia. I can understand how this is controversial but in his case it helped get it his story out to the world.

I learned a few things. One of the big ones is that there is such a thing as glitter pills. WTF?

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a digital copy of the audiobook from NetGalley and Cinderly Press. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I don't know who wrote the synopsis of this book, but it is definitely NOT "David Sedaris meets Heartstopper, told as Ready Player One." That was what drew me to the story, but besides one story about his first sexual experience with a boy, there's not an overarching narrative about being a gay man living his life.

Instead, the narrative is about how the author tried repeatedly to win/make a million dollars, working as an artist for a while, then having enough money to go to Paris and live there for a while, then returning home and trying something else for a few years, then traveling again and spending all his money. Wash, rinse, repeat.

At one point, Stoffel is once again taking a break from working and invests $100,000 of his own money in a venture, and all I could think of is "FROM WHERE?!"

At the end of the book, the author admits to using Chat GPT to write the book. That should be mentioned in the synopsis and at the BEGINNING of the book.

The narrator was good, but seemed kind of young sounding, when the author is just a few years younger than me based upon his childhood stories.

[Hoang Son Ha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I read after not reading for awhile and it was a great read. As a non-native English speaker, the book is very easy to read and follow. I love how the stories keep unfolding and keep you engaging in the book because you want to find out what happens next. I find the stories funny, yet there is a part of the book that made me cry. It might not what you expect based on the book title but you’ll know that right away in the beginning of the book but get ready for adventures because that’s how I felt going through the pages.

[Maloree Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this book, but I really enjoyed it!
It did a great job keeping my interest, I finished it within 24 hours!
I loved the layout, it starting with Luke as a young boy and followed him through decades of his life.
Every chapter showcased a different adventure in his life with lots of twists and turns that left me wondering what happens next!
The overall message or messages really, focused on a lot of social issues that are very prevalent and I appreciate how it was tied into the story of the authors life.
I am looking forward to his next book!

[IngramSpark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This title was selected for IngramSpark's Indie Title Discovery Spotlight 2025!

An absolutely hilarious and heartwarming coming-of-age memoir!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

BookLife Editorial Review: How To Win a Million Dollars and BEEP Glitter!

“We were all sold a sugar-coated lie—work hard, play by the rules, and success will fall into your lap,” writes Stoffel in the promising opening to his picaresque memoir, which he’s jokingly titled as a how-to. The truth, though? “Personally,” he admits, “I’ve found I’m more prosperous when I lie, cheat, and steal.” With wit and a sense of play that will keep readers of prankish comic memoirs turning the pages, Stoffel cuts the figure of a cad, a roué, a bounder on the order of Redmond Barry, the antihero of Thackeray’s Barry Lyndon. “Let’s just say, I’m okay with you not liking me by the end of the book,” he purrs, swearing that after reading his book, “some of my closest friends could barely look me in the eye.” That, though, might prove his biggest lie of all: turns out, you will like him, at least mostly.

Stoffel is on the level in at least one clear way. He assures readers his tale “isn’t a ‘pull yourself up by the bootstraps’ kind of story.” It isn’t. It finds him forsaking a traditional, safe, button-down life for one of constant hustling and reinvention. It begins with him as a kid in the ’80s trying to scam multiple national contests run by the likes of Cap’n Crunch and McDonald’s. These ruses, though, are as hissable as he gets. The rest of his story finds him eking by in more or less respectable fashion: cleaning toilets for the original off-Broadway production of Urinetown; bumming around Paris; surfing in Hawai’i; dealing with the early death of a loved one; dalliances with apps and crypto and, finally, AI (which helped him, someone with dyslexia, write the book, albeit not in toto).

Stoffel’s adventures prove to be rollicking fun, told with the élan of great dinner-party anecdotes, if not quite the criminal escapades he promises. That’s likely for the best, as these are more useful examples of scraping by on one’s wits than more tawdry tales would have been. Throughout Stoffel survives by being resourceful and open-minded. “Since 1980,” he writes in the epilogue, “we’ve all been caught up in that chase—more money, more status, more validation. And I’m no different.” But he is different, because he dared live an unlikely life in a society that punishes those who try it.

Takeaway: Picaresque memoir that’s less tawdry than promised, for the best.

Comparable Titles: Natalie Beach’s Adult Drama, Johnathan Walton’s Anatomy of a Con Artist.

Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-

BookLife Prize - 2024
Visibility: public
Plot/Idea: 9 out of 10
Originality: 9 out of 10
Prose: 10 out of 10
Character/Execution: 10 out of 10
Overall: 9.50 out of 10
Assessment:

Plot/Idea: Stoffel’s book is a wistful ride through the past, offering readers intimate snapshots of his life carved out against the broader context of societal changes from the 1980s to the present. The narrative bursts with splashes of surprising insight, as Stoffel challenges readers to live authentically, without fear of failure.

Prose: Stoffel writes with sparkling, tongue-in-cheek prose that feels like a fireside chat with a close friend. His entertaining stories of childhood breathe nostalgia throughout the guide while building the foundation for life lessons he sprinkles across the pages.

Originality: The combination of memoir with a perceptive judgment of America’s often-empty vision of success is powerful, and Stoffel’s candid and honest reflection on the twists and turns of his life will resonate with readers.

Character/Execution: Stoffel successfully charters readers through his upbringing and adult years, using them as both learning opportunities and valuable lessons to never give up on over-the-top dreams. He does not avoid exploring emotions, whether rewarding or painful, and his warm, chummy style infuses this memoir with lively energy.

Date Submitted: December 03, 2024
Print Date: 03/10/2025

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kirkus Reviews Editorial Review: How To Win a Million Dollars and BEEP Glitter!
"An exuberant life story written with humor, panache, and heart." - Kirkus Reviews

A quest for money clashes with the yearning for creative fulfillment in Stoffel’s bittersweet novel based on true events.

This lightly fictionalized memoir (with names and identifying details changed) begins with the author’s boyhood mission of escaping the dreariness of Reagan-era Dubuque, Iowa, and the financial strains his working-class family endured. He decides to find a way to get rich, first by trying to win million-dollar McDonald’s promotional contests—until he read the fine print and discovered the 80-million-to-one odds. As a bullied, and occasionally beaten, gay teen, he acts in high school musicals and dreams of earning millions as a Broadway star; but when he later arrives in New York with a degree in graphic design, the closest he gets to his aspirations is a backstage job with the musical Urinetown. Stoffel then bounces between New York, Paris, and Honolulu working unsatisfying day jobs—office gigs, waiting tables—while developing accomplished but not very remunerative sidelines as a painter and freelance photographer. (The author includes captivating, vibrantly colorful photos from his Asian sojourns, depicting Buddhist monks and geishas.) Stoffel finally begins earning enough money as a marketing professional involved in major advertising campaigns to make $1 million a possibility, but he’s still discontented. He thus embarks on gonzo startup schemes, including a fashion app featuring changing-room selfies of women trying on clothes, and a novelty venture called Glitter Poo Pills—capsules filled with edible glitter that, as the book’s title asserts, add sparkle to bowel movements. (Yes, they sold.) Along the way, Stoffel weathers many an entertaining—and usually humiliating—pratfall.

Stoffel’s picaresque work is a classic tale of a small-town lad with starry-eyed ambitions making it in the big city, but with a more realistic take on the circuitous path that journey takes—and a clear-eyed conclusion that the destination matters less than the adventures along the way. A pervasive theme is the nature of work and its impact on people’s lives and characters, as in a rich, physically evocative sketch of Stoffel’s father coming home from the John Deere plant: “I can vividly recall him trudging up the gravel alleyway behind our house at the end of each shift, his slim but strong frame covered in silt from the factory floor.” There are passages of bleak, plangent emotion in the book, as well, especially regarding the death of an ex-boyfriend of pneumonia: “The hospital room felt too still, the machines were quiet, and the coldness of the room pressed down on me like a suffocating blanket. He was gone.” At many points, though, this is a raucously funny book, with raffish prose full of self-deprecating humor regarding the distance between exalted pretensions and awkward reality. About pretending to meditate at a Laotian temple, for instance, Stoffel writes, “I wondered if Buddha was silently judging me from behind that peaceful smile—did he know I was thinking more about my posture and my Apple Watch than any kind of inner peace?” The result is a luminous tribute to the inestimable value of not quite getting what you want.

"An exuberant life story written with humor, panache, and heart." - Kirkus Reviews

Publication Date: February 1st, 2025

[Jacquelyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

[1.5 Stars] My first impression of this book was that it reminds me of “How Do I Un-Remember This?: Unfortunately True Stories,” by David Pellegrino. Written in a similar style, the story is written in a way that feels conversational and friendly. It was a comfortable listen even though it kind of felt like talking to that one friend who you don’t see very often and is known for exaggerating.

While a little over the top, I found the opening stories to be appealing and humorous. Like most kids born in the 80s through the early 2000s, we all wanted the millions of dollars, and our dreams grew from there. Our author was no exception, and explores his life as a gay man as he travels and tries to make it big while trying to outlive the “starving artist” lifestyle.

I am the queen of either not reading the back of the book or not reading the whole description. With that, about halfway through this book I decided to look up the author, and then read the back of the book in full because things started to feel a little ridiculous. And it wasn’t that surprising; After all, the book does say that it’s a ‘mostly true misadventure,” but I was curious to see what parts were more aligned with the truth. Did everything during his stint in Paris happen as he said?

It was in this search that I read the disclaimer:
“Please note: This book incorporates AI both as a narrative element and as a creative experiment. While the printed version includes this explanation on the title page and in the credits, its absence in the audiobook has caused some frustration. AI was utilized as a developmental editor and copywriting tool, but the book was ultimately written by a person. It aims was intended to spark an inclusive conversation about the moral ambiguity and evolving role of AI in creative work.”

It was the disclaimer that the book lost me. I fully acknowledge my bias, but I am so tired of AI being shoved down my throat. The audiobook doesn’t include this crucial bit of information- this is listed on the Netgalley page , and I found this omission, whether intentional or not, to be a… choice?

I think there is a lot to be said for an author to use AI/ChatGPT as a “tool” for writing. Stoffel says that this “tool” helped him get his thoughts in order so that he could put his words into a story despite his disability. Stoffel even goes far as to call ChatGPT a “savior.” But for a story about a man trying to “win a million dollars” and trying to strike gold in America as an artist, I find it hypocritical that an artist/author would choose to use AI, which has been deemed unethical by many especially in terms of art, instead of employing someone such as an editor, ghost writer or someone who is also trying to survive financially in the creative world.

While I found this story to be enjoyable at first, I found myself increasingly suspicious of how outlandish these stories were becoming at some points. Even if these stories are true, though highly exaggerated as the title suggests, I still find the use of AI as a creative editing tool kills the narrative. Even if AI hadn’t been used, the increased suspicion around the truth eventually started to annoy me, so I would’ve given it 2.5-3 stars instead of the 1.5 stars.

This ALC was provided to me by Cinderly Press via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Zero · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given the absolute pleasure of listening to this ARC via Netgalley and boy this audiobook did not disappoint.

The book is written by Luke Stoffel about how ever since growing up as a gay Catholic schoolboy in a tiny Mississippi River town surrounded by cornfields, Luke’s imagination was constantly set ablaze by million-dollar daydreams and DIY hustles. Whether it was hunting down the missing Cap’n Crunch or gaming McDonald’s Monopoly, Luke was willing to give anything a try to get rich quick.
With his trusty Hustler bike and a mountain of determination, Luke didn’t just dream—he plotted.

Growing up, Luke tried everything including getting involved with a real-life Broadway Cinderella story, Being a Artist in Paris, and even facing a curse from a vengeful Hawaiian goddess.

However no matter what he did everything would constantly go wrong (in usually very hilarious ways).

How to Win a Million Dollars and BEEP Glitter! explores the glittering highs and crushing lows of chasing the American Dream in a world shaped by Reaganomics, dyslexia, and the crumbling façade of opportunity.

From paperboy scams to going for broke in the App Store before an experimental spin with AI, it asks the profound question: Where do we end, and where does AI begin?

This story proves that while everything can fall apart at any moment, the journey—chaotic, messy, and wildly imperfect, is the real prize.

The book is narrated by Patrick Mealey who narrated this book beautifully, both his tone and pace are just perfect for this book in every way possible, i was actually peeing myself laughing here when he was doing various impressions of people during the book. Amazing, just amazing.

Would i recommend this book? Absolutely!

This book is about as Queer as they get, i absolutely loved everything about this book.

If you want a Queer book which will make you laugh out loud, pick up this book today!

Massive thank you to Luke Stoffel, Patrick Mealey & Cinderly Press for giving me an ARC of this book, i look forward to reading/listening to more of Luke Stoffel's works.

[Hope Decker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first half of this book a lot, and then I got an email from the publisher regarding a disclosure of the use of AI as a narrative element and a creative experiment. Then I became more interested, and also more critical because I know that in the book world at least, AI can be controversial.

STORY--I enjoy this genre of books where the author shares their unconventional life path and the nuggets of wisdom they picked up along the way. This book fit solidly into that category and I connected enough to enjoy the experience. As the book went on, I began to feel like things got a little repetitive, as in new scheme, same result. It may just be that I didn't relate as well to some of the later schemes as I did to the earlier ones.

WRITING-- The author conveyed emotion in the narrative, and there were a couple of times it made me giggle out loud, or feel true empathy. There were, however, other times when I felt the writing veered into eye-roll territory. Maybe other readers may relate well to the author's recounting of his first experience with meditation, but for some reason I found it annoying. It felt a little bland at times and I didn't feel like there was a real message for me, the reader.

THE USE OF AI-- I have no problem with people using AI as a writing tool and it sounds like that's how it was used in this case. I know there are many facets to AI and look forward to reading about the many arguments that I'm sure will be made for and against it.

LASTING IMPRESSIONS--I am left with some lingering questions after reading this book. I didn't love it or hate it. I guess I'm wondering what I got out of it. It definitely wasn't a how-to book so I don't expect to win a million dollars any time soon. Was this book ultimately another product in the author's scheme to "win a million dollars"?

I'm glad I read this book so I can be part of the conversation.
Thanks to netgalley for the advanced listening copy of this book.

#netgalley
#howtowinamilliondollarsandbeepglitter

[Trio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reviewing the audiobook edition of Luke Stoffel's How to Win a Million Dollars and BEEP Glitter! A Mostly True Misadventure.

The author's plans to get rich quick (lol) begins as a youth in the start of the book. The first few chapters are sweet and heartfelt tales of growing up poor in a strict Catholic family. As Luke gets older and comes to recognize he's different, he is victimized by bullying. I applaud how the author includes a powerful message for LGBTQ+ teens to reach out for help if they need it.

Luke's quest for fame and fortune leads him to Manhattan, where they've included some entertaining scenes. Then he's off to Paris and Hawaii for some more money making shenanigans. After the death of his close friend, Luke continues his travels to Thailand and beyond. And the money making brainstorming continues.

The audio version is nicely performed by Patrick Mealey. I really enjoy the tone of Mealey's voice, and feel he truly animates the character of Luke as he brings us through his journey.

There's been some hullabaloo about the use of AI as an editing tool. I was messaged by Netgalley that Stoffel discloses in the Table of Contents that AI is "used as both a narrative element and a creative experiment". The author does explain this at the end of the audiobook. Luke Stoffel suffers from severe dyslexia and uses a variety of methods for learning, writing, memorizing, etc. AI is one of them.

I've read a few reviews where folks disagree with the author using AI to help him "write" How to Win A Million Dollars. One of my sons lost his job as a graphic artist due to AI, and I hate how this development has changed some aspects of our life... but I refuse to not listen to an audiobook just because an author uses it as part of their creative process. The times they are a changin', right?

an advanced copy of the audio edition of How to Win A Million Dollars and BEEP Glitter! A Mostly True Misadventure was provided by Cinderly Press, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own

[Chris Larmouth · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf'ed at 48%

I hate to do this for my first NetGalley review but I cannot support a book which makes use of generative AI for any means. My husband is an author and editor, generative AI threatens his career and worse than that, it steals directly from works like his. You would think the author of this memoir would understand this given that he himself is also an artist.

I was listening to the audiobook which at the time of writing, does not disclose the use of AI to aid in the writing of the book until the end. Instead I found out via an email from the publishers which was sent in response to feedback from other ARC reviewers. While it is important to disclose the use of AI in media, it is also important to ensure the writing industry as a whole does not begin to replace the jobs of hardworking editors with machines. The whole bookish community must come together to call out authors and publishers that so willingly make use of AI in their works.
Safe to say, if I had know about the use of AI in this novel, I would not have requested a copy for review which is a shame considering there were elements of this book I quite enjoyed.

I had considered continuing my review to talk about the things that I did enjoy but then I started to research the publisher to find that it is owned by Stoffel and that they also sell NFTs so I don't think I will.

[Amanda Klein · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m glad I stuck with it. When I started reading it, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to keep going, but I’m glad I did. Not the kind of book I typically read but my husband bought it for me because…. someone who works out at the same gym happened to mention it to him. Her cousin is the author and my husband doesn’t read books. This seems like a classic small city Dubuque scenario which is where I’m from and where the author is also from. As a mother of someone who is part of the LGBTQ+ community I was offered a glimpse into what life was probably like for my son in his school years as told by this LGBTQ+ author from the same town. I cried and cried through those couple chapters (I also laughed out loud at a couple points later on!) Not a book I would have ever picked out on my own but no regrets. It was a quick,easy read and those couple chapters about his youth made reading this book worth it for me.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5

I’m not entirely where to start with this - it’s not entirely fiction, but it’s not entirely true, either, by the author’s own admission, but it is quite interesting. EDIT: I've received clarification on how AI was used, it was purely for editing purposes, the narrative element part was simply that AI was a part of the overall story. I've restored the one star I took for AI assisted writing. END EDIT. There were also some details that just didn’t line up at times, and raised some annoyance while reading. That out of the way, overall, it’s an interesting life story. Starting when the author is young, we get to watch him try (and fail) at many schemes to try and earn money quickly while also exploring his sexuality and discovering who he is. Ultimately, if you enjoy a fun narrative where both fiction and non-fiction are woven together, then you’ll want to read this!

[Heidi S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think the people who reviewed this book below read the whole thing. This book was immensely suspenseful. Sometimes I had to stop listening I was so scared about this sweet kid being bullied. Then when he wrote about one of his best friends dying, I could truly feel his pain. I loved reading his 80s stories of getting rich quick, and all the dreams he had accomplished after leaving his small Iowa town. I loved how he described his family standing by him through thick and thin and he returning that loyalty to others in his life. This is a heartfelt book. I wished the narrator would have read it slower. I had the audio version. Highly recommend this. I think a dyslexic person using AI to edit his book was smart. Another kudos to achieving a dream.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stoffel, who grew up in a small Iowa town, dreams of making it big and believes a million dollars is his ticket out of Iowa. He sadly didn’t win it through finding Cap’n Crunch or on the McDonalds Monopoly game, but he still found his way out.

He seems to jump into an idea without a lot of planning but he has admirable hustle and drive. While not every venture is a success, he learns and grows. His learning is not only occupational, but he also realizes that being fulfilled and taking risks is more important than having a million dollars.

I see the book generally has a high rating and I understand its appeal but I found myself skimming through parts because it wasn’t holding my attention.

[Jen Wittman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book opens with a compelling first chapter that immediately draws the reader into Stoffel’s unconventional and entertaining perspective. Throughout the book, there is a balance of humor and sorrowful moments, as Stoffel navigates life’s challenges with a lighthearted and engaging approach. While some stories could have been further developed and certain chapters felt less connected than others, the overall narrative remains enjoyable. Do NOT read this book if you’re looking to win a million dollars, but do if you’re wanting invaluable life lessons and experiences that are worth even more.

[Derek Lim · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a hilarious, heartfelt rollercoaster that I couldn’t put down. A story about chasing success, which is never a straight line. Witty, self-deprecating tone makes every misstep feel both relatable and ridiculous. And just when you think you know where the story is going, he flips the script—with the same mischievous energy.

Beyond the humor, there’s a surprising depth to this book. It’s not just about trying to get rich—it’s about resilience, reinvention, and finding meaning in the pursuit itself. If you’ve ever felt like you were one crazy idea away from making it big, this book is for you. Highly recommend!

[Kristen Jauregui · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It’s a charming, super easy-to-read story that I devoured in one sitting—especially relatable as a fellow Midwesterner.

This is the perfect read for anyone who’s ever dreamed up that one big idea to change their life. But more than that, it’s a gentle, heartfelt reminder that the real value isn’t in the destination—it’s in the people you meet and the experiences you gather along the way.

In a time when the world can feel heavy and disconnected, this book was a ray of sunshine and hope. I finished it feeling lighter, inspired, and genuinely grateful. Highly recommend!

[Kathleen Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea what to expect when I picked up this book, but I couldn’t put it down. It’s sharp, hilarious, and full of heart—one moment had me laughing out loud, and the next had me unexpectedly emotional. Luke’s journey is chaotic at best, and it makes you feel like you’re right there with him through every adventure. Beneath all the humor, though, is a biting critique of capitalism and the illusion of the American Dream—how we’re all sold a fantasy of wealth and success. I found it as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook arc.

I’m a bit conflicted about this book. I don’t think the synopsis gives an accurate description of the plot or even the overall vibes. I felt a bit disappointed by that.

The first half of the book is pretty interesting and easy to get invested in. The story of a kid discovering who he is alongside deciding what he wants from life. There’s humour, love and hope in those early chapters.

Unfortunately it kind of derailed after that for me. There are some very emotional and tear jerking moments as well as some seemingly pivotal/exciting aspects that were swept over way too quickly in my opinion.

On the plus side, I enjoyed the narrator a lot.

[Lorinda Papazoglou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating, at times heart breaking and often unbelievable and funny. Luke takes us on the roller coaster ride that’s been his life. Living with undiagnosed dyslexia and navigating life as a bullied and misunderstood gay child and teenager, one can’t help but feel great empathy and huge respect for his ability to get up off the ground and move from failure to triumph and heartache and loss back to hope. Good read.

[Mory S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and engaging read with plenty of ups and downs. I’d definitely recommend it to LGBTQ+ readers—there’s so much here to relate to. Some of the antics had me laughing out loud, while two particularly emotional chapters, one at the beginning and one at the end, added real depth to the story. The mix of heartfelt moments and quirky schemes kept me hooked. Overall, it was a quick, super fun read—I flew through half the book in just one day!

[Judith Walmsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wholesome honest read about your struggle and achievements Lucas , I very much enjoyed this book and I found it very inspiring for any young entrepreneurs,The way you coped with your struggles with the dyslexia and dreadful bullying , being dyslexic myself i know how hard it can be to read a book.. never mind writing one! It was really lovely to see you overcome all the obstacles that you came across on your journey, i'm now so excited about the next one your writing . Well Done

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad to have this brave recounting out in the world! The early chapters took me right back to my school years. The middle ones were personal to me. The later ones cracked me up! LOL

I think many readers will see themselves in many of Luke’s experiences - whether joyful or difficult to bear or to share.

[Carrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the advance reader copy. This book grabbed me first with the cover design. Once you get past the first chapter or two, I’m not sure the “How to Make a Million Dollars” part of the book really goes much further. While the audiobook reader was good, I’m not sure he was the best fit for the book. The book wasn’t my cup of tea.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book by Luke. It was a great story and proves you can anything even though you have disability like Dyslexia. I'm someone with dyslexia and I can relate to this story. let's help support Luke as an indie author.