Be There When I Return: A Memoir of Epilepsy, Love, and Success

by Michael King

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781684632985
Publisher:	SparkPress
Publication date:	04/29/2025
Pages:	352
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Michael King was born in San Francisco and raised in Daly City, California. . He is an epilepsy survivor and the founder and CEO of King Recruiting. When he’s not placing marketers at top tech companies in Silicon Valley, you can find him chasing a little white ball on the golf course. He lives in Sammamish, Washington with his wife and daughter.

Editorial Reviews

Michael succeeds in bringing to life the day to day living with epilepsy and the personal drama of brain surgery, recovery and eventual triumph. His story told with such vibrant and honest insight, is an engaging document of struggle against adversity. It will be a source of inspiration and comfort to patients out there , and especially to those afflicted with epilepsy.”—Dr. Itzhak Fried, Professor of Neurosurgery, UCLA

“Michael proves that even when life throws you a curveball, you can still hit it out of the park. Michael’s story is about overcoming obstacles and finding success in the most unexpected places. I admire your perseverance, determination, and strength Big Mike.”—Harold Reynolds, former MLB Player and Lead Analyst for MLB Network

“Michael’s journey, marked by tests that would have caused many to give up, shows that the greatest successes often arise from the toughest challenges. His story will surely inspire you to chase your dreams with unwavering determination!”—Jon Miller, cofounder of Marketo

“A great story told by a great friend I met almost forty years ago. When you stop laughing, you stop living. MK, thank you for sharing your journey. I love you, and there’s absolutely nothing you can do about it.”—George Wallace, comedian and actor

“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, UCLA

“This book will no doubt be incredibly important for those who are personally going through epilepsy or any medical condition and can’t help but feel alone and isolated when, in fact, the exact opposite is true.”—Greg Grunberg, actor, caregiver and epilepsy advocate

“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

“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

“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

“Written in King’s warm, brisk, conversational style, Be There When I Return is a moving, rousing and inspirational story of an epilepsy warrior who insists on living on his own triumphant terms, in the face of devastation.”—Marc Palmieri, author of She Danced with Lightning

“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

From the Publisher