“Running in Flip-Flops” by Lee Silva is an unapologetic, fervent memoir wherein lies the bare, unvarnished truths of a woman’s journey through anguish, adventure, and self-discovery. The humorous and vulnerable narrative from Silva elucidates some of the intimate concerns of complicated relationships, the fleeting dreams of some of those close to her, and what she learned from personal failures.

From the moment she loses her father when she’s young to the roller coaster ride of marriages and relationships that Silva lives through, she opens herself up to being weighed with all the heavy stuff that has happened in her life in search of stability and meaning. Her trip to Ibiza, an epitome of her errant youth, is representative of many more voluntary roller-coaster rides through life. The memoir, however, is not about wild escapades. She is honest about dark moments, including issues with betrayal, loss, and emotional disillusionment.

The book does not only describe her external adventures but the deep inner journey of healing and growth in reflection on her career as a flight attendant, time in a brothel, and tumultuous relationships. Through it all, Silva learns to be strong in resilience, self-acceptance, and the power of moving ahead, no matter how many times life strikes you down.