Michael McDonald’s What a Fool Believes is a candid, soulful memoir that charts his rise through the music industry while confronting addiction, insecurity, and the search for identity.

Written with actor and comedian Paul Reiser, this memoir traces McDonald’s journey from a high school dropout in Ferguson, Missouri to a defining voice of 1970s and ’80s rock and R&B. He recounts his early days as a session musician, his time with Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers, and his solo success with hits like “I Keep Forgettin’” and “Yah Mo B There.” But beyond the music, McDonald opens up about the emotional toll of fame, his struggles with substance abuse, and the personal challenges that shaped his life—including his relationship with his wife, singer Amy Holland. With warmth and humility, he reflects on the lessons learned from a career filled with highs and lows, offering readers a deeply human story of resilience, creativity, and self-discovery