"It first glance, this memoir looks like it might be a typical success story, but it turns out to be much more personal and meaningful. Tom LeNoble opens up about his life in a way that feels genuine and heartfelt.

His journey begins with humble beginnings and slowly moves into the world of big business and leadership. Along the way, he worked with some of the most recognized companies in the tech industry, which makes his professional story very interesting to read.

What truly makes the book stand out, however, is the honesty with which he shares his struggles. From living through the painful years of the AIDS epidemic to battling life threatening illnesses, Tom’s story shows just how unpredictable life can be.

There were several moments in the book where I had to pause and reflect on how much strength it must take to keep moving forward after hearing that you only have months to live. His ability to continue building a meaningful life despite those moments is incredibly inspiring.

By the end, I felt like I had learned more than just one person’s life story. The book carries an important reminder that resilience, courage, and the willingness to reinvent ourselves can help us face whatever life throws our way."

@abiding_reader

"This book is a heartfelt memoir about resilience, survival, and personal transformation. Tom LeNoble shares his life story in a way that feels honest and approachable, taking readers from his modest upbringing all the way to leadership roles in some of the biggest companies in the tech industry.

What makes the story powerful is how openly Tom talks about the challenges he faced along the way. He describes the emotional weight of the AIDS crisis, personal losses, and the frightening moments when doctors told him he might only have months to live. These parts of the book make you realize how strong the human spirit can be.

I personally found the book both inspiring and comforting. It reminds readers that life will always bring unexpected challenges, but resilience and the willingness to reinvent ourselves can help us keep moving forward.

Thanks for reading."

@motivationaldailythoughts

"I picked up this memoir expecting a story about business success, but what I found was something much deeper. Tom LeNoble shares his life journey with a level of honesty that makes the book feel personal and sincere. His path from a difficult childhood to the world of major technology companies is truly fascinating.

What stayed with me the most were the moments when he talked about facing serious illness and personal heartbreak. Instead of focusing only on achievements, he shows how life can suddenly shift in ways we never expect. Those parts made the story feel relatable and emotionally powerful.

Reading this book felt like listening to someone reflect on their entire life with honesty and wisdom. It left me thinking about resilience, courage, and the importance of continuing to grow no matter what challenges appear."

@traceysmith15_

"My Life in Business Suits, Hospital Gowns, and High Heels is a powerful memoir that shows how unpredictable life can be. The book follows Tom LeNoble’s journey from very modest beginnings to working with some of the most influential companies in the tech world. What stood out to me was how openly he talks about both his achievements and his struggles without trying to make his life look perfect.

As I read through the pages, I felt like I was hearing stories from someone who has truly lived many different lives in one lifetime. From corporate boardrooms to hospital rooms, Tom shares moments that are inspiring, heartbreaking, and sometimes even humorous. His experiences during difficult times, including serious health battles and personal losses, make the story feel very real.

By the end, the book left me thinking a lot about resilience and the importance of never giving up. It is not just about business success but about learning how to face life’s storms with courage and honesty. I found it to be both motivating and deeply human."

5/5⭐

Mysterious Soul

"Tom LeNoble writes with refreshing honesty in this memoir that blends personal struggles with professional achievements. His story takes readers through a journey that begins with humble roots and eventually leads him into the fast moving world of Silicon Valley and major global companies. The way he tells his story feels genuine and easy to connect with.

What I appreciated most is that Tom does not only talk about success. He also shares moments of vulnerability, especially when discussing the AIDS epidemic, the loss of loved ones, and his own life threatening health challenges. Reading about how he was told multiple times that he had only months to live was deeply moving.

At the same time, the book carries a surprising amount of humor and warmth. Tom’s personality shines through his storytelling, making the pages feel lively rather than heavy. His reflections on leadership, courage, and personal growth add depth to the narrative.

This memoir left me feeling inspired. It shows that life rarely follows a straight path, but with resilience and determination, it is possible to keep moving forward and reinvent yourself again and again."

@hrtmarketing

"LeNoble looks back at the many paths he’s taken in life in this memoir. 

At the heart of LeNoble’s memoir is an examination of identity. We all experience different chapters in life in which new elements of our personalities may blossom and take the spotlight; the author affirms that, despite the very human tendency to compartmentalize, all of these pieces can coexist and form a whole person. LeNoble’s journey began in 1954, when he was born in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. As a teen, he was closeted and overweight, and as a result he often felt like he didn’t quite belong. Though the author had slightly more freedom as a teen when he joined the drama club and began to explore his sexuality, it was his move to Gainesville for college in 1972 that truly brought him into a new era. He became a drag queen—the lovely Rita Dayworth. As Rita, LeNoble received accolades and felt confidence that was missing in his life outside of drag (“as Tom, I didn’t have a healthy amount of self-respect, self-worth, or self-knowledge”). During this time, the author worked odd jobs (including a stint as a bartender at a Fort Lauderdale beach hotel), but he eventually entered the corporate world; at one point, he worked for Facebook. After his brother died of AIDS, LeNoble tested positive for HIV in 1989. Although given a dire prognosis, the author refused to give up, stating, “I had let AIDS crash the party, but no way was I going to let it steal the spotlight.” The memoir suffers from a couple of minor issues: First, in terms of formatting, the frequent use of pull quotes throughout the chapters is distracting. Second, LeNoble’s prose often reads like he’s simply recounting random memories rather than constructing a satisfying narrative, such as when he details his father trying to keep his driver’s license or describes how he braided his girlfriend’s hair in school once. Despite these quibbles, LeNoble’s memoir remains riveting and evocative. 

A detailed examination of a life fully and gratefully lived."

-Kirkus Reviews