Imagine Eat, Pray, Love written by a comedian. Greg Schwem’s mid-life journey may not result in a movie starring the male version of Julia Roberts (Tom Cruise, are you reading this?) but it is a helluva lot funnier. In 2024 Schwem, a syndicated humor columnist and 30-year standup comedy veteran, became a member of two unwanted classes: Gray Divorcee and Cancer Patient. Suddenly single and (thankfully) cancer free, Schwem begins a healing journey, hilariously navigating a new environment full of “gig” work, dating apps, therapy and “rizz.” All in a quest to find his best self. Eventually Schwem realizes the answers lie not within a phone or via Artificial Intelligence, but through humor, face-to-face communication and an insistence on being the least interesting person in the room. An inspiring, self-help read from the author of Text Me If You’re Breathing: Observations, Frustrations and Life Lessons From a Low-Tech Dad.
Schwem’s observations on:
Around the world cruises - (They) are becoming quite popular, with multiple lines offering them and the itineraries becoming lengthier until, I feel, one line will add a day in space providing everybody can be back on board by early dinner seating.
Rideshare employment - If you are not currently incarcerated, you are qualified to drive for Uber.
Zoom communication - Despite Zoom’s immediate popularity and soaring stock price, the technology was rushed into the world before it was actually perfected. Sort of like letting paying customers board a new roller coaster before testing it with crash dummies.