A Step Away from Bathing with a Toaster

About the Memoir

This memoir follows the continuation of David’s story from his prequel, Born with a Toaster in the Bathroom, moving past childhood trauma and addiction into early adulthood. Through every page, he examines the consequences of past experiences and the challenges of living with them, using writing as a tool to process emotion and survival.

The book explores themes of love, loss, mental health, and the journey to find meaning in life. David’s lyrical prose, punctuated with candid humor, invites readers into moments of vulnerability, reflection, and even absurdity, demonstrating the complexity of navigating a troubled yet hopeful life.

Themes and Style

• Confronting trauma: Addiction, depression, and the aftermath of childhood wounds.

• Growth through adversity: Travel, self-reflection, and the quest for personal acceptance.

• Moments of humanity: Humor, fleeting romance, and the absurdity of life provide balance to the struggles.

• Writing as survival: Memoir as a tool for understanding, coping, and connection with readers.

Kitzmiller’s style is emotionally unfiltered, blending narrative and introspective reflection with poetic sensibilities. His work captures the tension between pain and humor, demonstrating that even in darkness, moments of insight and light can be found.

Related Works

Explore the rest of the Dealing with the Toaster series, including the prequel Born with a Toaster in the Bathroom and companion poetry collections Poems from the Toaster, to gain a fuller understanding of David Kitzmiller’s emotional and creative journey.

Purchase This Memoir

You can purchase A Step Away from Bathing with a Toaster through major retailers:

Praise for A Step Away from Bathing with a Toaster

“Equal parts confessional and cathartic, this book is for anyone who has ever felt like a mess on the mend. One of the most unforgettable voices in indie lit today.” — Unbound Ink Magazine, Micah Tran

“Kitzmiller has crafted a masterclass in vulnerability. He doesn't just share his story—he spills his scars across the page and dares you to feel something.” — The Literary Current, Sasha Greenfield

“An emotional gut-punch softened with wit and warmth. This is more than a memoir—it's survival poetry dressed in cruise ship chaos and heartbreak.” — LitPulse Weekly, J. DeMarco

“Brutally honest and beautifully human. Kitzmiller invites readers into the center of his story—and somehow makes it feel like home.” — The Indie Memoir Review, Harper Lane

“I read the book in one day because it kept my attention so well. I had to know what happens next.” — Amazon reviewer