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Published by SparkPress
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
For fans of rags-to-riches stories, Be There When I Return is not just about overcoming epilepsy and finding success—it is also for those who are looking for a celebration of love in its purest form.
When thirty-one-year-old Michael starts to act out of character, it gets the attention of his roommate and a woman he has started dating. After denying anything is wrong with him, Michael finally decides to visit a neurologist. His life takes an unexpected turn when he receives a life-altering diagnosis of epilepsy. What follows is a five-year saga of navigating the unpredictable terrain of seizures and the relentless pursuit of control. During this time, he finds a lifeline in the unwavering support of a new love. This powerful bond fuels his resilience and determination to reclaim his life.
At thirty-seven, Michael takes a daring leap to undergo surgery, the first of its kind at the hospital. The procedure's success sparks a profound transformation in his life. Just nine months later, a chance encounter with an old friend opens the door to an unexpected career in Silicon Valley. Leaving behind his bartending job in LA, Michael dives headfirst into the tech recruiting world, where he builds a career against all odds.
Be There When I Return is a testament to courage, love, and the pursuit of dreams. It celebrates second chances and the triumph over life's greatest challenges. Michael's journey will inspire you to believe in the impossible and seize the moments that can change everything.
When thirty-one-year-old Michael starts to act out of character, it gets the attention of his roommate and a woman he has started dating. After denying anything is wrong with him, Michael finally decides to visit a neurologist. His life takes an unexpected turn when he receives a life-altering diagnosis of epilepsy. What follows is a five-year saga of navigating the unpredictable terrain of seizures and the relentless pursuit of control. During this time, he finds a lifeline in the unwavering support of a new love. This powerful bond fuels his resilience and determination to reclaim his life.
At thirty-seven, Michael takes a daring leap to undergo surgery, the first of its kind at the hospital. The procedure's success sparks a profound transformation in his life. Just nine months later, a chance encounter with an old friend opens the door to an unexpected career in Silicon Valley. Leaving behind his bartending job in LA, Michael dives headfirst into the tech recruiting world, where he builds a career against all odds.
Be There When I Return is a testament to courage, love, and the pursuit of dreams. It celebrates second chances and the triumph over life's greatest challenges. Michael's journey will inspire you to believe in the impossible and seize the moments that can change everything.
Product Details
- Publisher: SparkPress (June 4, 2025)
- Length: 352 pages
- ISBN13: 9781684632985
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Raves and Reviews
“We suffer from silence and shame that can only be remedied by those willing to speak up about their experiences. Michael has done precisely that, and his story will impact our collective journey to be understood and accepted by our world.”—Miles Levin, filmmaker and epilepsy advocate
“Michael, your courage in facing brain surgery is truly remarkable. Thank you for bravely sharing your journey with us—it’s a testament to your strength and resilience.”—Dr. Paul Mullin, former neurologist at UCLA
“Michael’s humorous and heart-wrenching account of living with severe epilepsy is one of courage and success. From us, your medical team, thank you for your trust and for allowing us the honor of playing a part in such an important chapter of your life.”—Dr. Sandra Dewar, epilepsy nurse specialist
“Michael’s inspiring tale underscores the transformative power of perseverance and the profound impact of embracing new beginnings with courage and conviction.”—Rob Bernshteyn, former CEO of Coupa Software
“King has a charismatic story that aches to understand the precarious act of being alive. It’s the threat of a foreshortened life that gives this book such heat. He wrote it for all of us so we never forget: Today is a great day because we’re all still here.”—Joshua Mohr, author of Model Citizen
“When you learn about Michael’s story, and the challenges he had to overcome, you realize what has made him so inspirational and such a good friend to many.”—Greg Ott, former CMO of Demandbase
“I’ve known Michael since we were in grade school together. His story is a testament to resilience, friendship, and the transformative power of grabbing life’s opportunities in the face of adversity.”—Dave Yarnold, former CEO of ServiceMax
“This powerful memoir hits home for me as a father whose daughter also faces the challenges of epilepsy. Michael’s journey from living with epilepsy to overcoming it through surgery is nothing short of inspiring. His story shows the resilience of the human spirit and reminds us all that there is hope, even in the toughest of battles.”—Tom Grubb, marketing executive
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