Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Snapshots From My Uneventful Life is a non-fiction humorous memoir written by David I. Aboulafia. In his introduction, the author theorizes that our memories of past events are really more like snapshots taken in succession, and so the memoirs that comprise this book are his snapshots. Each of us has their own snapshots, he argues, and they remain in our heads until we pass on to another existence; then they are gone forever. Aboulafia has taken it on himself to memorialize his snapshots for the reader. Each snapshot is a look into his past; some are poignant, as in the story of Boy the German Shepherd, but most are pretty funny, even hilariously so. Aboulafia grew up in Bronx, New York, and his stories have a definite east coast flavor to them.

David I. Aboulafia’s non-fiction humor book, Snapshots From My Uneventful Life, is an inspiration and a joy to read, even if you have somewhat less of a sense of humor than most people have, as I do. His stories are told in a wry and easy conversational style that makes you think he’s there chatting alongside you as the two of you indulge in a drink or three. I could visualize the bartender serving him that oh-so-pricey shot of 25-year-old Scotch and marvelled at the attack of the sewer covers on the Long Island Expressway. As a former New Yorker, I remember that stretch of the LIE all too well. But I’d have to say my favorite snapshot involves spitballs and straws and milk being snorted out of a student judge’s nose. Yes, this was one of the more juvenile and endearing snapshots I encountered in this very funny and disarming collection of memoirs, but my sense of humor is what it is, and I’m impressed and pleased that this author could actually rouse it from its long slumber. I’m hoping that David Aboulafia has a few more snapshots hidden up his sleeves for future glimpses at his uneventful life. Snapshots From My Uneventful Life is highly recommended.