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You Could Not Make This Up, Even if You Tried: Book Three of Social Work Memoirs
In this third book of the Social Work Memoirs series, I once again reflected on the faces of the people I had known, interacted with, and hopefully helped over the years. I did it to try to uplift those who are social workers themselves and to help others who don’t understand a little bit more about the mindset of social work. If I can bring a smile to your face, or make you stop and consider what I did that you could do better, I think it will have proven worthwhile to have written. If I convince someone that they want to join the ranks and see the world a different way, that’s fabulous. Once again, names have been changed to protect the innocent and the guilty, and I promise you won’t find anything more fascinating than true life in our world.
I thank people for their many responses to books one and two; some of those have been fun to read, and perhaps more flattering than I here are some I saw “If you liked the first book, you will enjoy this sequel with interesting, informative, encouraging stories of people being helped. The personal achievements of the author are awesome / amazing. A very worthwhile narrative!”
“I could read more of MS Pelton's memoirs. From her first book to this one, I was brought into her world. Highly recommended.”
“Tears …yes, heartwarming…yes, Traveler Pelton shares her memories of being a social worker. While the job has rewards, it also has a lot of heartbreak. These precious children deserve more. Thankfully many get what they need to become responsible adults, and are able to shine, unfortunately some do not get that chance. Wonderful social workers and foster parents who go above and beyond for the love of the children, I commend you 1000+ times. . I learned a lot from this book. The rules and regulations are there to help the children and the parents, but sometimes that is what gets in the way. Thank you to Traveler for sharing your memories, the good, bad and the ugly. You are opening eyes.”
“This memoir is an interesting, informative, impressive narrative with spectacular writing and prudent / profound perspectives! I was mesmerized by the entire content and have already ordered the sequel. Awesome and amazing bio of phenomenal achievements that are beautifully narrated.”
“You Can't Make This Stuff Up was my first book I have read by J.T. Pelton however, it won't be my last. If you want to get a peek into the life of a social worker and the clients they work with this is a book for you. I enjoyed the short chapter format and how Pelton keeps you engaged through out the book, upon finishing I just downloaded another of her titles, give her books a try you won't be disappointed.”
Thank you everyone who read the first two books, hope the third does not disappoint. Thank you for your reviews; they help me to imagine a world where there aren’t grammar errors! I love you all. I am certain you will enjoy this third book. Get your copy now, curl up with some good coffee in a quiet place, and I hope it makes you smile. Blessings.
I thank people for their many responses to books one and two; some of those have been fun to read, and perhaps more flattering than I here are some I saw “If you liked the first book, you will enjoy this sequel with interesting, informative, encouraging stories of people being helped. The personal achievements of the author are awesome / amazing. A very worthwhile narrative!”
“I could read more of MS Pelton's memoirs. From her first book to this one, I was brought into her world. Highly recommended.”
“Tears …yes, heartwarming…yes, Traveler Pelton shares her memories of being a social worker. While the job has rewards, it also has a lot of heartbreak. These precious children deserve more. Thankfully many get what they need to become responsible adults, and are able to shine, unfortunately some do not get that chance. Wonderful social workers and foster parents who go above and beyond for the love of the children, I commend you 1000+ times. . I learned a lot from this book. The rules and regulations are there to help the children and the parents, but sometimes that is what gets in the way. Thank you to Traveler for sharing your memories, the good, bad and the ugly. You are opening eyes.”
“This memoir is an interesting, informative, impressive narrative with spectacular writing and prudent / profound perspectives! I was mesmerized by the entire content and have already ordered the sequel. Awesome and amazing bio of phenomenal achievements that are beautifully narrated.”
“You Can't Make This Stuff Up was my first book I have read by J.T. Pelton however, it won't be my last. If you want to get a peek into the life of a social worker and the clients they work with this is a book for you. I enjoyed the short chapter format and how Pelton keeps you engaged through out the book, upon finishing I just downloaded another of her titles, give her books a try you won't be disappointed.”
Thank you everyone who read the first two books, hope the third does not disappoint. Thank you for your reviews; they help me to imagine a world where there aren’t grammar errors! I love you all. I am certain you will enjoy this third book. Get your copy now, curl up with some good coffee in a quiet place, and I hope it makes you smile. Blessings.
152 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2025
34 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 5, 2025
The Review
This was an insightful, compelling, and emotionally charged read. The author writes with an honesty and depth that homes in on the life of social workers. The writing style does a great job of balancing almost conversational writing with a more natural, nonfiction storytelling style that relates the author’s experiences in a straightforward yet engaging way.
The heart of this book was in the emotional depth of the stories being told and the humanity behind each story. The author touches upon both humorous, heartfelt, and heartbreaking tales as she experienced everything from false reports from unruly neighbors, chilling cases of abuse, and so much more. The variety of stories she delves into is also unique, as she shares moments of personal meetings with clients, house calls, and much more.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, insightful, and personally written, author J. Traveler Pelton’s “You Could Not Make This Up, Even If You Tried” is a must-read nonfiction memoir and a great addition to the series. An emotional and in-depth exploration of the world of social workers and their experiences, as well as the perspectives of those who work with social workers, the book offers a fresh and honest discussion surrounding social work. It provides a valuable insight into what it takes to keep families together and what people should avoid doing if they want to be part of those families.
This was an insightful, compelling, and emotionally charged read. The author writes with an honesty and depth that homes in on the life of social workers. The writing style does a great job of balancing almost conversational writing with a more natural, nonfiction storytelling style that relates the author’s experiences in a straightforward yet engaging way.
The heart of this book was in the emotional depth of the stories being told and the humanity behind each story. The author touches upon both humorous, heartfelt, and heartbreaking tales as she experienced everything from false reports from unruly neighbors, chilling cases of abuse, and so much more. The variety of stories she delves into is also unique, as she shares moments of personal meetings with clients, house calls, and much more.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, insightful, and personally written, author J. Traveler Pelton’s “You Could Not Make This Up, Even If You Tried” is a must-read nonfiction memoir and a great addition to the series. An emotional and in-depth exploration of the world of social workers and their experiences, as well as the perspectives of those who work with social workers, the book offers a fresh and honest discussion surrounding social work. It provides a valuable insight into what it takes to keep families together and what people should avoid doing if they want to be part of those families.
September 9, 2025
I love the stories from this book. Some are heartwarming and some are heartbreaking, and some are literally ridiculous and funny. Author J. Traveler Pelton has been a social worker for many years and she shares some of the stories that she has seen. Each family that goes through the system has a different story, and each story ends differently, some learn what to do to keep their families together and some, don’t. This book is very informative and entertaining.
October 30, 2025
This is a delightful book with touching stories from the author's experience in social work. The accounts are both heartbreaking and insightful into human behavior. I am grateful that there are loving people in this emotional and necessary work.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews