Chaz’s journey from chaos to self-discovery is a testament to human resilience. The honesty about his family, the gangs, and poverty is both shocking and eye-opening. Yet, amid the struggles, the moments of hope and triumph shine through. It’s an inspiring read for anyone facing adversity or looking for a reminder that growth is possible even in the hardest circumstances.

This book is a captivating start to the series, offering deep insights on how to live with purpose and meaning. The author blends personal stories, practical wisdom, and motivational guidance to help readers reflect on their own lives and take action toward positive change. Engaging and uplifting, it’s a great read for anyone seeking clarity and inspiration to begin their own journey of growth.

Life and How to Live It is a gripping, deeply personal memoir that doesn’t flinch from the hard truths. In Volume One: Begin the Begin, Holesworth takes us to the heart of Philadelphia’s slums, where addiction, violence, and poverty formed the backdrop of his early life—but never defined him.Powerful, painful, and ultimately hopeful, Life and How to Live It is a testament to the strength of the human soul and a moving reminder that even the darkest beginnings can lead to transformative journeys.Found on Readers Village book blog and ready with Kindle Unlimited

The first volume of Chaz Holesworth's memoir 'Life and How to Live It,' Begin the Begin, depicts a childhood in Philadelphia where an addicted father and born-again Christian mother raised their family.

Holesworth was born on a winter's day in the late 1970s, "the worst of times." From here, he reviews family influences, early gang struggles, and the overall atmosphere of growing up in Philadelphia's slums. These experiences influenced his family and his life, setting boundaries and creating obstacles and angst that permeated his world.

Holesworth's inspections come steeped in personal reflection as well as social insight. From how his mother kept falling into patterns of attraction to addicts, to being a young "Jesus freak" himself and honing the spiritual, psychological, and physical skills that would ultimately contribute to his street savvy and personal survival, Holesworth creates a powerful inspection of influences and motivations for change. He creates a read both engrossing and candid:

"In 1988, I was 10, poor as shit, and going to summer camps where I had to fight other campers like Rich the bully, who pushed me into a pile of horse shit."

From high hopes, God's influence, and new possibilities to dashed dreams and survival tactics, Begin the Begin is a memoir replete with powerful memories and accompanying insights. These reflect upon good and bad choices, religion's influence on the family's life, and how Holesworth came to identify the "bullshit" in his life and opt for new ways of being.

Many of the insights on Christian propaganda and direction will give pause for thought to religious readers interested in the impact of their direction on poverty and inner-city experience. Book club discussions could revolve around this and other topics of growth, survival, and community influence.

Begin the Begin features many hard-hitting, powerful examples of coming of age under the worst of conditions in America. It also delivers the message that achievement can come to anyone - often, in spite of backgrounds, poverty, and influences that repress.

Astute and frank in its life journey, Begin the Begin is a memoir worthy of contemplation for its insights on weakness, poverty, and religious, social, and political party lines.

Life and How to Live It: Volume One – Begin the Begin by Chaz Holesworth is a gripping memoir of resilience and hope, tracing the author's harrowing upbringing in the slums of Philadelphia. Torn between a heroin-addicted father and a devout mother, Chaz navigates a world of poverty, violence, and chaos with an unyielding will to survive. Music—especially the works of R.E.M. and Tori Amos—becomes his refuge, while chosen friendships form a surrogate family. Told with raw honesty, this first volume captures the pain and power of Chaz’s early life, offering a stirring testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure, heal, and rise. This compelling story of survival offers a powerful reminder of the strength found in hope, courage, and community. It is a narrative that will resonate deeply with readers. Grab this book now to read an intricate plot and well-developed characters that captivates the readers from the first page. If you are looking for some refreshing and beautiful to read, trust me this is the one. Overall, a great read and highly recommended.