A must-listen journey through pain and triumph

Having read Courtesy Boy in print, I thought I knew what to expect from the audiobook. Mike’s incredible narration, however, exceeded all expectations, turning an already powerful story into an even more vivid and evocative experience.

As a lifelong Kansan with a background spanning radio, newspapers, and television, Mike’s voice is as captivating as his writing. He uses dynamic narration, well-placed emphasis, and thoughtfully chosen sound effects to bring his journey to life in a way that’s not just engaging but profoundly moving. His storytelling builds momentum, painting a detailed picture of his struggles and triumphs while drawing the listener in with every word.

Mike’s honesty and vulnerability shine even brighter in this format. The audiobook adds a deeper layer of connection, making his experiences and life lessons even more relatable and impactful. Whether you’ve been touched by addiction personally or are simply curious about the complexities of the human condition, this is a story that stays with you.

The effort Mike put into the production is clear—it’s not just an audiobook, it’s an experience. For anyone considering Courtesy Boy, the Audible version is a must-listen.

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A journey into and out of darkness with an oral storyteller’s stellar delivery

Coming from a family touched by alcoholism, and a recovering addict (food & eating disorders), this story stood out to me as one that could be both triggering and liberating. It delivered. Mike’s retelling of a slow spiral — easily rationalized and explained away until it wasn’t — followed by the scraped-knuckles, relentless crawl back up was an artistic rendering of a story way too commonly seen and ignored.

With a delivery reminiscent of broadcast great Jean Shepherd (but still all his own), Mike shared universal truths to addiction that left me feeling seen and understood, while still being approachable and understandable to those who haven’t been in these trenches. He addresses the building blocks of a self-destructive fortress, and weaves a story of the slow build and — at times, ineffectual — demolition of it. At times, I felt like I was in on an inside joke, because he so perfectly captured some of the universal truths of addiction, addictive tendencies, and the personalities that more easily manifest addiction.

In all of this, there’s a subtle humor and deep sense of nostalgia. You can smell leather and denim, you can feel the vibration of dance floors and the barely-there hum of electric equipment. I was born in 1990, but the progression from the 70’s through to the 90’s felt very real to me.

This creative memoir feels like a love letter to self-reflection and recovery, but it’s a narrative that even those not touched by addiction can fall into. Everyone loves a redemption story, and this one is a real life fairy tale where the dragon slayed is within one’s own self.

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A+ for accuracy

Because I grew up in the Wichita area and am also a recovering alcoholic, I found this audiobook to be a realistic and personal walk down memory lane. The author flawlessly captures the mood of a young alcoholic mind, the mindset that beer is as harmless as food, and an accurate description of the 1970’s, 80’s and early 90’s in middle America.

Chronicling his life, the author captures the merciless power of alcohol and how it sneaks into your life as harmless fun. He then describes how difficult it is for an alcoholic turn off the booze “spigot” once it has has you. This is a story about a guy with incredible talents, high intelligence, and fantastic people skills who screws it up time and time again because of the inexplicable power of the bottle. Booze destroys his marriage, jeopardizes relationships with other loved ones, and nearly destroys his career. His multiple attempts to quit are futile until he finally hits rock bottom. Alone, broke with the power shut off, and creditors knocking, the author finally understands that there is only one way out.

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Humor, Humility, Honesty: Confronting the Power of Addiction

Mike Matson’s self-awareness and memory are nothing short of amazing. His story-telling belongs in that category as well.

In this volume, hear the author in his own voice recall the insidious spiral and powerful grasp of addiction as well as the personality traits we rely on to help explain it away.

This fast-paced and gripping audiobook is, at many times, as entertaining as it is devastating. Music and historical audio, coupled with the author’s masterful delivery will transport you to the eras and places in this story. Ultimately, it will help you gain a better understanding of the dark nature of addiction. Perhaps it will help you to recognize some of these traits within yourself as you hear raw, real examples of the vulnerability, humility, courage, faith, and sense of humor that can help you or someone you love find a way off that destructive path.

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Hard-won, satisfying redemption arc

Matson’s storytelling skill and keen eye for detail bring the 70s and 80s back to life. The parties, the cars, the clothes, the friends… the beer. The reader rides shotgun as Mike navigates life, achieves professional success, battles addiction and denial, and learns hard truths about himself. His redemption arc is hard-won and satisfying, Well done.

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Raw and Genuine

Through his honest storytelling, Matson is able to connect to people of all ages who have been through the awkward young adult phase. You can hear the vulnerability in his voice and it carries through the whole book.

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