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Life Lessons from a Total Failure
None of us have all the right answers. Certainly not on the first try. But what we do have are experiences, mentors, friends, family, and even enemies from which we learn. And in my case, I sure did a lot of learning.
I can't offer you the right answers. And even if I could, what's right for me might not be ideal for you. What I can promise you is unfettered candor. From leaving home as a teenager to living and working abroad, from starting my own small business to knowing when it was time to accept defeat, from chasing my dreams to relishing life’s challenges.
I have embraced what makes me unique. And I hope my story inspires you to do the same.
I can't offer you the right answers. And even if I could, what's right for me might not be ideal for you. What I can promise you is unfettered candor. From leaving home as a teenager to living and working abroad, from starting my own small business to knowing when it was time to accept defeat, from chasing my dreams to relishing life’s challenges.
I have embraced what makes me unique. And I hope my story inspires you to do the same.
- GenresNonfiction
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 16, 2016
12 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 28, 2016
I laughed! I cried!
This was a really fun, great book with some laugh out loud hilarious moments and all sorts of unexpected surprises tucked into the biography of a boy from PA and the many ups and downs in his life. I had a great time reading about his life as a professional extra on film sets.
While I was reading this book all I thought was: I want to meet this guy. His charming, winning personality shines through his engaging writing style. I want to have lunch and dinner with MJ Dougherty. I want him to come do a book reading/meet and greet at my library!
I would have given M.J's book an even higher rating but there were some very awkward sentences and redundancies that needed cleaning up.
I have my fingers crossed that he is working on his 2nd book and that he will also write extensively about making his dream of living abroad come true.
Everybody, I recommend that you read and/or buy this book and tell me what you think!
This was a really fun, great book with some laugh out loud hilarious moments and all sorts of unexpected surprises tucked into the biography of a boy from PA and the many ups and downs in his life. I had a great time reading about his life as a professional extra on film sets.
While I was reading this book all I thought was: I want to meet this guy. His charming, winning personality shines through his engaging writing style. I want to have lunch and dinner with MJ Dougherty. I want him to come do a book reading/meet and greet at my library!
I would have given M.J's book an even higher rating but there were some very awkward sentences and redundancies that needed cleaning up.
I have my fingers crossed that he is working on his 2nd book and that he will also write extensively about making his dream of living abroad come true.
Everybody, I recommend that you read and/or buy this book and tell me what you think!
February 6, 2017
I had a hard time getting started with this book. I was not feeling anything for the writer. Then about 60% of the way through, I started connecting and could see things from his perspective. I would not have finished this if it was not for book club, so I am glad that I read it through.
March 29, 2018
A Motivational and Inspiring Read of Turning Failures Into Success
*SPOILERS BELOW*
Life Lessons From A Total Failure invites us into the real life events of the author, MJ Dougherty. The life he explains through this book can be compared to a rollercoaster- periods of time that were exciting, such as opening his own business, with periods of time that were far from amazing, including falling into deep debt, declaring bankruptcy, and even contemplating suicide. Not to mention, he grew up being gay, which added to his stress. Through all of this triumph and struggle, he ultimately finds himself working background in Hollywood and soon serving in a greater role. One message I took away from this book and something MJ showed he learned was, “No one is perfect, so don’t worry about trying to be” (Dougherty 198).
Dougherty writes in such a way that is captivating, raw, and emotional. In this way, he makes his story relatable to readers. Though most or at least some, have not traveled down the path that he has, we can all relate in some way. We all have had struggles sometime in our lives, and we all have to find a way to overcome them. He conveys many themes throughout his writing, including loving and accepting yourself for who you are.
I absolutely LOVED this book, and I appreciated it even more since MJ is from my hometown and attended my high school. In fact, last fall, he came to my school and spoke about his experiences, which gave me the idea to read this book. It was awesome to be able to relate to and picture the places he referenced in the story. I recommend this book to anyone looking for inspiration or motivation. His message is so powerful and emotional, I didn’t want to stop reading. However, MJ uses language meant for older audiences. But, with that said, I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to read this book, to read it.
-AG
*SPOILERS BELOW*
Life Lessons From A Total Failure invites us into the real life events of the author, MJ Dougherty. The life he explains through this book can be compared to a rollercoaster- periods of time that were exciting, such as opening his own business, with periods of time that were far from amazing, including falling into deep debt, declaring bankruptcy, and even contemplating suicide. Not to mention, he grew up being gay, which added to his stress. Through all of this triumph and struggle, he ultimately finds himself working background in Hollywood and soon serving in a greater role. One message I took away from this book and something MJ showed he learned was, “No one is perfect, so don’t worry about trying to be” (Dougherty 198).
Dougherty writes in such a way that is captivating, raw, and emotional. In this way, he makes his story relatable to readers. Though most or at least some, have not traveled down the path that he has, we can all relate in some way. We all have had struggles sometime in our lives, and we all have to find a way to overcome them. He conveys many themes throughout his writing, including loving and accepting yourself for who you are.
I absolutely LOVED this book, and I appreciated it even more since MJ is from my hometown and attended my high school. In fact, last fall, he came to my school and spoke about his experiences, which gave me the idea to read this book. It was awesome to be able to relate to and picture the places he referenced in the story. I recommend this book to anyone looking for inspiration or motivation. His message is so powerful and emotional, I didn’t want to stop reading. However, MJ uses language meant for older audiences. But, with that said, I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to read this book, to read it.
-AG
March 26, 2018
Life Lessons from a total failure is a motivational book full of wit and crazy stories. The book is told through the eyes of M.J. Dougherty who is the author of this book. I found out about his book because he actually came to my high school and talked to us about his life. M.J is from Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania and went to Abington Heights High School. Reading his book it was easy to relate to so many places he mentioned, being from the same town and all. M.J. is a recovering failure from going into debt to attempting suicide he has experienced and learned so much that he had to make a book.
I loved this book so much! The format of it makes it feel like you are one of his best friends and he is just catching you up on his life. It was so amazing that no matter how many bumps he had in the road and never ever completely gave up. He realized something that I thought was an incredible realization “By now, I was being continually reminded that taking risks was something the new me should always be doing. It is only through taking risks that anyone can hope to reach their goals and fulfill their dreams.” This made me realize that taking risks, although they may seem scary, although you may fail, are crucial to living your life. M.J. always said his life is like a sitcom with new seasons as he reaches a new point in life. I really liked the style of the book. It was a self-help book, but each chapter was a different topic that he incorporated his life into. His story makes you reevaluate your life and make you grateful for what you have. The most important thing I can take out of this book is don’t overwork yourself, everything will work out you just have to keep your head up. As M.J. said “Don’t let the lows get to low”
I loved this book so much! The format of it makes it feel like you are one of his best friends and he is just catching you up on his life. It was so amazing that no matter how many bumps he had in the road and never ever completely gave up. He realized something that I thought was an incredible realization “By now, I was being continually reminded that taking risks was something the new me should always be doing. It is only through taking risks that anyone can hope to reach their goals and fulfill their dreams.” This made me realize that taking risks, although they may seem scary, although you may fail, are crucial to living your life. M.J. always said his life is like a sitcom with new seasons as he reaches a new point in life. I really liked the style of the book. It was a self-help book, but each chapter was a different topic that he incorporated his life into. His story makes you reevaluate your life and make you grateful for what you have. The most important thing I can take out of this book is don’t overwork yourself, everything will work out you just have to keep your head up. As M.J. said “Don’t let the lows get to low”
August 22, 2017
Dougherty provides compelling insight into the mistakes we make and how we can come out on the other side, and he does it in an extremely unassuming, totally not pretentious way. The writing is a bit clunky and matter of fact: there is not really an attempt to paint a narrative picture. At the beginning, I wasn't very impressed by the writing, but by the end of the book I appreciated the author's matter-of-fact take on his life and the lack of embellishment. A must-read for anyone currently hating themselves and wondering what the ** just happened.
December 27, 2018
I couldn't connect with the author until admit a third of the way in. I kept going "wtf why did you do that". But after the death of a beloved family member he got real. I instantly connected to the author and couldn't put the book down. His voice is strong and you get a good sense of who the author is as a person and what he values even before he explains it. His vulnerability in some chapters is raw while others he kind of distances himself from which is kinda annoying but over all its a great quick read.
May 12, 2017
Reviewed for Foreword Books IndieFab Awards.
Enjoyable read, and told well. As with so many biographies, not really sure there is much of a point behind it, but it was a nice read anyway.
Enjoyable read, and told well. As with so many biographies, not really sure there is much of a point behind it, but it was a nice read anyway.
February 18, 2018
First 50 pages were real pain, than it was getting more interesting... but definitely not a book I would recommend.
August 7, 2016
In this very personal account of his life’s “failures," MJ transforms his worst experiences into a powerful message about learning to love yourself. If you’ve ever felt alone or worthless - that your life just COULD NOT get any worse - MJ’s story may help you.
His writing is incredibly engaging and relatable, starting with the extended metaphor of life as a Hollywood sitcom. I felt like he was just sitting on the couch with me telling his story. I felt so connected with him. The written word is like magic in that it lets you see into someone else’s thoughts and hopes and dreams, their insecurities and fears and failures.
In a world where we spend our time cultivating the best version of ourselves on social media, it’s refreshing to be able to hear someone speak honestly about what they consider their worst failures.
MJ says it best himself:
“Although I felt for a long time that my struggles were singular and my mistakes were one of a kind, I’ve realized more and more that my failures connect me with people more than they divide… When we start being real and honest with ourselves, people notice, and we start making an impact on those around us.”
I’m grateful MJ chose to share his story as a way to uplift those around him. I loved this book and I’m sure you will too.
His writing is incredibly engaging and relatable, starting with the extended metaphor of life as a Hollywood sitcom. I felt like he was just sitting on the couch with me telling his story. I felt so connected with him. The written word is like magic in that it lets you see into someone else’s thoughts and hopes and dreams, their insecurities and fears and failures.
In a world where we spend our time cultivating the best version of ourselves on social media, it’s refreshing to be able to hear someone speak honestly about what they consider their worst failures.
MJ says it best himself:
“Although I felt for a long time that my struggles were singular and my mistakes were one of a kind, I’ve realized more and more that my failures connect me with people more than they divide… When we start being real and honest with ourselves, people notice, and we start making an impact on those around us.”
I’m grateful MJ chose to share his story as a way to uplift those around him. I loved this book and I’m sure you will too.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews