My What If Year

A Memoir

By: Alisha Fernandez Miranda

Narrated by: Alisha Fernandez Miranda

An exuberant, hilarious memoir about a woman who pauses her successful career for a year and explores the “What If” jobs of her dreams. On the cusp of turning forty, Alisha Fernandez Miranda has climbed to the peak of personal and professional success, but at a price; she’s overworked and exhausted. Bravely, Alisha decides to give herself a break, temporarily pausing her stressful career as the CEO of high-powered consulting firm. With the tentative blessing of her husband and eight-year-old twins, she leaves her home in London to spend one year exploring the dream jobs of her youth, seeking answers to the question, “What If?” What follows is a spirited and hilarious journey for Alisha—and the listener.

Contending with her lack of experience (and the onset of a global pandemic), Alisha gofers for two high-profile Broadway productions (and nearly tramples Stephen Sondheim), attempts to master a fitness regimen called Voga (a cross between yoga and “voguing”), feigns confidence while handling multi-million-dollar artwork at Christie’s, and literally sets her shirt on fire while serving rack of lamb in a posh hotel on Scotland’s remote Isle of Skye. Her experiences are at once challenging and humbling, and push the boundaries of what Alisha thought she was physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of.

Alisha’s “What If” year reveals that she can achieve success on her own terms by embodying the spirit of the intern: never stop learning, be flexible, and understand that failure is a prerequisite for growth. For anyone who’s ever felt stuck in a rut, My What If Year proves that it’s never too late to say yes to second chances and explore the roads untraveled throughout your life.

©2023 Alisha Fernandez Miranda (P)2023 Zibby Books

You inspired me to pursue my what if…

What an amazing story, I admire her courage and determination, it was really nice to feel understood, and not alone. Pursuing things that give us joy is not easy but this book inspired me to take chances and that it is ok to try things in order to discover true passion.

Light and fun

Alisha’s self deprecation joined by her humor and pure joy for daring to step out of her comfort zone Made this easy and enjoyable read.

Inspiring & entertaining!!

The internships were fascinating. The writing was clever and fun. WOW what a brave and unique journey. Loved this memoir!

Not for GenX

Who cares? This is an interesting dinner story with friends. It is not book worthy. Lucky protagonist can take a year and play. Poor her … had to spend covid in her vacation home in Scotland. Dealt with the pandemic in a trite manner. Trite.