With the book having had a star-studded launch party earlier this week, attended Nikki DeLoach, Brett Davern, Scout Compton, Renee Olstead, Melissa Archer, Jessica Morris, John DeLuca, Syd Wilder, Christina Moore from That 70’s Show, Missi Pyle from Gone Girl, General Hospital’s Lexi Ainsworth and Ryan Carnes, Scott Valentine from Family Ties and Patrick Gallagher from Glee along with a number of other famous names, I for one was more than a little excited to sit down and read it. Oh boy, am I glad I did. I can now say in all honesty that through Life Lessons From A Total Failure, M. J Dougherty has, certainly from my perspective, delivered one of the best books of the year.

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I have long since been a fan of books which tell an inspirational story and offer motivation to those who work their way through the pages, but this, having devoured it in one sitting, has easily rocketed into my top three.

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Why? There are several reasons. The first is that it’s been years since I’ve read a book which so candidly looks back on the past of its writer, and reflects on the many attempts he has undertaken to create the life he wants. Secondly, I have personally struggled with relationships throughout my life – I have even had people tell me I’m difficult to be around – and it’s refreshing to see Dougherty admit to building and burning bridges with people. Most importantly, it’s because it tells the story of how he finally accepted who he was, and found calmness and peace surround him the moment he did so.

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I’ve read hundreds of self-help/motivational books in my life, but never before have I read one I could relate to as much as this. We all live in an undeniably crazy – or as I like to call it, batshit bonkers- world, with many of those around us often wanting us to be people we’re not and, in my case, certainly when I was younger, to do things we’re not comfortable with.

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The truth is, life isn’t easy. It isn’t all candy and rainbows – it can be brutally painful and emotionally draining. These are truths Dougherty lays bare in his book, and we should all be grateful to him for that.  Far too many authors sugar coat the realities of life, to try and make it easier for others to accept, but the fact is, that doesn’t benefit anyone. Life Lessons From A Total Failure is a shockingly honest book and one I will be recommending to absolutely everyone.

Life Lessons From A Total Failure is available on Amazon where it is currently a #1 Bestseller.