In her cheerful debut memoir, My What If Year, Alisha Fernandez Miranda documents a year of exploring creative work while on a career break from her consultancy CEO role. Miranda, a Cuban American from Miami, had relocated to London. By early 2020, she was eager to avoid stagnation and take risks by moving into new arenas. She'd long been obsessed with musicals and was lucky to have a friend whose father was a theater writer for Broadway. Her time with Assassins and Flying over Sunset mostly amounted to refilling water jugs and filing invoices, yet it granted behind-the-scenes access to rehearsals, "the dreamiest two and a half weeks of my life."

When this first of four unpaid internships was cut short by Covid-19, her husband and two children had retreated to their Isle of Skye vacation home, where she homeschooled their twins and apprenticed at Retroglow, a friend's fitness company. Exercise classes adapted to lockdowns and went virtual; Miranda handled the social media promotion. Next up was helping a contemporary art dealer at Christie's in London, followed by an internship at Scotland's exclusive Kinloch Lodge. Miranda worked in the restaurant and behind the front desk, exhausting toil that made her, a perfectionist, feel like a klutz.

Miranda self-deprecatingly recounts the mishaps of her interning year, careful to recognize the privilege that allowed "a small hiatus from my real life." This self-help memoir, ideal for readers of Gretchen Rubin and Helen Russell, suggests reclaiming a beginner's mind--a humbling, invigorating experience.

I absolutely loved and related to this memoir by Alisha Fernandez Miranda. Although not 100% on point, about five years ago, I started pushing my team at work to ask questions like "What if" to get them to think creatively and also to quickly identify any barriers to making those what if scenarios a reality. Personally, it's a great mantra to get to the heart of a matter and what may be holding you back. In Miranda's conversational style, she ponders what if she had actually gone down the path of several different career choices that she had contemplated and decides to take a year off of her corporate job to explore those paths. For free. Oh, and in the middle of a pandemic. I will interject here that obviously, this is not an opportunity that everyone can do, and I think Miranda does a great job of recognizing that privilege as well as the amazingly supportive husband and family she has to allow her to embark on this journey. So I understand why this endeavor may not be relatable to a lot of people, but I also think this is where Miranda's easygoing style shines through and allows us the reader to vicariously wander through her what if scenarios without feeling badly that we may not have the means (whether monetary or a well-connected network) to try out our own what ifs.

In addition to being a great premise and kudos to Miranda for actually putting the plan into action, her scenario was very relatable too. Being a self-proclaimed over-achiever, daughter of hardworking (albeit non-immigrant) parents that instilled a work ethic like no other, and mother of three, it was easy to put myself in her shoes of getting to a certain point in your career and wondering the hard questions of why and what if. It's easy to fall back on the things that you are good at or to realize success (however that term is defined) by working hard (usually at the things you are good at) and wonder if there isn't something more, even if it is hard, even if you aren't good at it.

The four internships that Miranda tries on for size were also interesting and varied - working on Broadway, in the fitness industry, for an art dealer, and in the hospitality industry. I like that she had a reverence and admiration for each of these industries as well as the people with and for whom she worked. And, she was also realistic that none of these jobs were the holy grail of meeting some unknown "perfect" criteria for a job.

Highly recommend for anyone finding themselves in the middle of their career (along with parenthood) and wondering what if ...

A wonderful read. If only we could take a "what if" year! While at first, this rang a little priviledged sounding to me, the author redeemed herself many times over by her self awareness, knowing and showing that she lucky to be able to do something like this. It was like chatting with a friend, and having her fill you in on all her adventures.

A great read for all the wonderers out there (and the initial run-in with Sondheim cracks me up just thinking about it).

This was the first release by Zibby Books and I am so honored and proud to have been a part of this book publishing baby from the beginning. Thank you Zibby Owens and Zibby Books for this gifted copy.

All opinions are my own.

*Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book!*
This book allowed you to have a front-row seat to witness the author's fascinating experiences navigating her dream careers in later life - as an intern. I loved the premise of the book and the writing about all the internships (during COVID-times, no less!) was engaging. Trying out different careers is something I've thought about before so it was cool being able to read about someone who actually did it! It was also encouraging to read about a woman, who has a family and established career, take a leap, be supported by partner and kids, and pursue their dreams. The only "negative" feedback I had as I was reading it was that there seemed to be a lot of comments about body shapes and sizes, both directed at herself and in comparison to others. Some of it seemed like it was added for comedic effect, but it didn't come off in good taste to me. Other than that, I enjoyed reading it!

This book spoke to me. For any woman who has hit 40+, who has kids, a successful career, a supportive partner, but who some days wonders if they missed out on another career path in life, this book is for you.

This book explores what happens when you are willing to walk away from your current career, and courageously explore all the paths that could have been.

The author is hilarious as she speaks to all of the fears, doubts, trials and successes in all of the random internships she undertakes in trying to find her path forward.

I appreciated her honestly through it all. I have no doubt that she will inspire a great many who read this book, to be courageous in their own pursuits.

My What If Year is a book for anyone who has ever thought about what their life could have been like if they’d gone down a different career path. In the memoir, we’re introduced to successful, nearly 40, married mom of twins Alisha who is feeling burnt out. She decides to put her life on pause and spend a year exploring what it would be like if she followed a different path.

The ultimate “do-over,” Alisha’s book documents her adventures in following different career paths while navigating the pandemic, family life and everything in between. It was well-written, engaging, heartfelt and hilarious. It’s made me think more about my life and want to be brave like her!

Thank you to Zibby Books, Alisha Fernandez Miranda and NetGalley for an early copy of the book. Go grab yourself a copy and daydream along with me!

I was really looking forward to reading this book. A woman who decides to take a chance at interning to see what options she might have missed out on.

Unfortunately, I had a hard time connecting with the author and her choices. This story takes place mostly during the first year of the pandemic. It felt like while the rest of us were trying to figure out what was going on, the author was unhappy she was having to fly home sooner than expected.

I know that my having lost someone very close to me during the pandemic is what colored my view of this story. I learned some things about art and Broadway from her writing. Mostly though, I just wondered given the state of the world at the time, and all of the unknowns, she was okay with what she was doing.

As others have stated, I expected this story to pick up and it just never did. I admire anyone who is willing to put themselves and their story out there for public consumption. This is honestly a case of the book just not being for me.

Thank you to Zibby Books for the copy of this book. All views are my honest opinion.

My What If Year was a touching and funny memoir. The author's wit and humor carried throughout the book and was deeply appreciated. Alisha's quest to find herself - amidst a global pandemic & motherhood - was profoundly inspiring. A nod to the truth that it is truly never too late. An uplifting and authentic memoir!

This was an interesting concept but it comes from a very privileged perspective. The author had the ability to jump into these internships without worrying about maintaining an income just to see what it would have been like to have taken a different path in life. Not everyone is able to do that. It does raise an interesting question that we all ask ourselves at some point in our lives and she actually did the experimentation to find the answer. *Advance copy provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.*

Although memoirs aren’t the books I reach for on my shelves I really did enjoy this one.

Miranda opens up her life to readers and allows us to journey right alongside her. Her writing style was both friendly and inviting making it an enjoyable reading experience.

Thank you Zibby Books for the complimentary copy on Netgalley!

In short: A successful CEO takes a year sabbatical to explore the “what if” jobs of her dreams by working several entry level internships in industries she’s always been interested in. From Broadway to a London art gallery to a virtual fitness studio to a Scottish luxury hotel this book was an inspiring read of reclaiming yourself.

A favorite excerpt in regards to the internships: “I loved every single one of them…..because they were different and new. They forced me to be uncomfortable….I had to pay close attention. I couldn’t phone it in. I had to take on small tasks that in my real life I had come to find tedious & do them with care. And to truly, genuinely find joy in completing them.”

Final thoughts: I loved this book, reading about her adventures but also the growth and changes she made in finding joy in what she did. It definitely made me reflect on my own life and career as I read.

For anyone who suddenly one day thinks, what if I had done this. Alisha Fernandez Miranda wrote a book that felt like she opened my brain and took out all my thoughts. This book is like having a long talk over wine (or martini's) with your girlfriends when you can really be honest with yourself and everyone else. This book has me thinking that maybe I should take a "what if" year.

MY WHAT IF YEAR is out in all formats, hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and ebook!! RUN TO GET THIS! Don't Wait - you won’t regret it!!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and most of all Alisha Fernandez Miranda for the ARC!

This was a fun distraction type of book. In the age in which we live, when so many people report being overworked and burned out, I have a feeling many, many people can relate to the feeling of wanting to step out of their current job role and go do something super fun - something that most of us can't afford to do. My What If Year was a great way to live vicariously though someone who had the means and connections to do just that. It was really fun to see the expectation versus reality through her eyes.

The book is well-written and quick, fun read. Even if most of us can't follow in her footsteps, it's fun to think what it would be like to do so - or even get us thinking about ways we can (more realistically) align our working lives with the things that make us happiest. I appreciate her willingness to call out the mismatch between "success" and deeply-fulfilling success. That's definitely a conversation that needs to be more acceptable/prominent in our own lives and in society in general.


Many thanks to Zibby Books for an advanced review copy in exchange for my honest opinions.

I loved every page of this book. I think we all wonder at times what is on the other side of having it all. The lady was in her forties and decided to pause her career for a year and explore the What if jobs of her dreams. She leaves her family and heads to New York and then she has to deal with Covid and getting back home to London. Her husband is very supportive and encouraging. The book will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. Her friends and family are very supportive.

My What If Year is a memoir by Alisha, an almost 40 yr old married woman with twins who is burnt out. She is at the top of her career and after many years of hustling, she needs a break. She decides to spend a year exploring what it would be like if her life followed different paths. Alisha has an incredible background, working hard and getting into Harvard.

This was an interesting read that made me think of what I would have done differently if I got a do over. I’m not sure I would change much, but it’s definitely a dare to dream situation!

Thank you so much to Zibby Books and Alisha for my gifted copy and wonderful promo package! My What If Year is out now!

In the age of overwork and burnout, My What If Year holds a particularly important place in describing a drastic approach to a solution. Alisha Fernandez Miranda captures the modern day problem of balancing priorities while providing readers with an overall upbeat and optimistic account. While the message is important, the best parts of this book are the various adventures, missteps, and the people that Miranda meets in the course of her journey.
The author balances the inspirational "chase your dreams" theme with the realities and sacrifices of making life-altering changes and decisions. My What If Year is both relatable and extraordinary. As a male reader with a wife and children, I found this book to be insightful and thought provoking. While My What If Year makes no attempt to circumscribe the experience and sentiments of every woman, I discovered that the thoughts and feelings the author expresses during her journey frequently echo discussions I've had with my wife. Despite the fact that I likely fall outside of the target audience for this publication, I found the book to be very affecting and significant.
Feeling a similar feeling of being stuck, stressed, and often powerless, My What If Year, gave me a memorable chance to consider things I might be able to change, learn, and try for the first time to bring a new sense of fulfillment. Highly recommended for anyone who finds themselves always reading sad, depressing books, and could use a good pick me up.

This book is for everyone who has ever wanted to quit their job and just have a series of jobs in a year. This was a heartbreaking, heart tugging , and honest take on what happens when one decides to take " What If" and it manifests in the present. The book follows Alisha who at the age of 40 decides to get a 'do-over' to discover herself. The book is well -written, hilarious , easy and an enjoyable read. I recommend it to anyone that has ever asked when me. This was a complimentary copy and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

This is. a book for everyone who feels stuck. The author, Alisha, is almost 40 and is a burned-out CPA. She decided to take a year off and intern for jobs she wanted to do when she was younger.

This was a hilarious memoir and I really enjoyed it.

I found this memoir rather self-indulgent. I can appreciate where the author came from and how hard she worked to get there. But nobody can learn anything from this book because most people can’t quit their day job and ask the luxury Scottish hotel they vacation at if they can come be a waitress for free to learn about their hopes and dreams. Millennials everywhere will be quitting their jobs after reading this book only to not be able to pay their bills.

She does attest to the fact that she is privileged to be able to do this “what if year” so kudos to her for this very insightful observation, yet I think she could’ve kept her midlife crisis to herself.

My What If Year
Four Internships, Three Countries, Two Kids, and One Life-Changing Misadventure
by: Alisha Fernandez Miranda
Zibby Books
Biographies & Memoirs, Nonfiction (Adult)
Pub Date: Feb. 7, 2023

Many of us occasionally daydream about breaking away from life as we know it for a little while for new experiences. In her candid memoir, Alisha shares her account of doing exactly that. This wife and mother of twins, not yet forty, hit the pause button on her role as Chief Executive Officer of her own firm to seek unpaid internships in pursuit of career and personal fulfillment.

Although her account of her "what if year" is exciting, humbling, and often funny, there is a very serious component to spending time away from her husband, children, and home in London. This was intensified when the global pandemic hit. Alisha, however, managed to arrange four intern internships and spread her wings. These immersed herself in the worlds of Broadway productions, exercise and fitness, and art. She is not afraid of hard work and taking risks. My personal favorite was her work at the Kinloch Lodge on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. I became engrossed in this beautiful setting as she grew and learned, through the calamities, about the hospitality industry and herself.

As Alisha addressed "what ifs", I often thought about what mine would look like. Taking some breathing space to reflect on both personal growth and offering our own skills and service in the world to do good can certainly be beneficial.

Thank you to Net Galley and Zibby Books for the advance reader's copy. My review is my own.