Be There When I Return

by Michael King

A Memoir of Epilepsy, Love, and Success

Pre-order now! Coming April 29, 2025!

Pre-Order Your Autographed Copy

If you are in Seattle or SF Bay Area, get a signed, personalized copy and a big hug from me when we meet for lunch, coffee, or dinner. If you are outside those areas, I will send you an autographed copy.

About the book

When I was thirty-one-years-old I started to act out of character, which got the attention of my roommate and a woman I just started dating. After denying anything was wrong with me, I finally decided to visit a neurologist. My life took an unexpected turn when I received a life-altering diagnosis of epilepsy. What followed was a five-year saga of navigating the unpredictable terrain of seizures and the relentless pursuit of control. During this time, I found a lifeline in the unwavering support of a new love. This powerful bond fueled my resilience and determination to reclaim my life.

At thirty-seven, I took a daring leap to undergo surgery, the first of its kind at the hospital. The procedure's success sparked a profound transformation in my life. Just nine months later, a chance encounter with an old bartending buddy opened the door to an unexpected career in Silicon Valley. Leaving behind my bartending job in LA, I dove headfirst into the tech recruiting world, where I built 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. I hope my journey will inspire you to believe in the impossible and seize the moments that can change everything.

“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/epilepsy advocate

“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, co-founder, 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

“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

“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/epilepsy advocate

About Michael

Michael 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.