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The Fifth Vital
Mike Majlak was a seventeen-year-old from a loving, middle-class family in Milford, Connecticut, when he got caught up in the opioid epidemic that swept the nation. For close to a decade thereafter, his life was a wasteland of darkness and despair. While his peers were graduating from college, buying homes, getting married, having kids, and leading normal lives, Mike was snorting OxyContin, climbing out of cars at gunpoint, and burying his childhood friends. Unable to escape the noose of addiction, he eventually lost the trust and support of everyone who had ever loved him. Alone, with nothing but drugs to keep him company, darkness closed in, and the light inside him—the last flicker of hope—began to dim. His dreams, potential, and future were all being devoured by a relentless addiction too powerful to fight. Despair filled him as he realized he wasn’t going to survive.Somehow, he did…HE NOT ONLY SURVIVED,HE THRIVED. Now he’s a social media personality with millions of followers, and an entrepreneur, marketer, podcaster, YouTuber, and author who hopes to use his voice to shine a light for those whose own lights have grown dim. This is his story.
308 pages, Paperback
Published April 24, 2020
302 people are currently reading
2063 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews
November 6, 2020
Very graphic and almost harrowing in part but an interesting, inspirational read nonetheless.
It reads a little jumbled and rushed if that makes sense, like someone is trying to write down everything they're thinking quickly so they don't forget anything.
It reads a little jumbled and rushed if that makes sense, like someone is trying to write down everything they're thinking quickly so they don't forget anything.
May 19, 2020
This book started out rough and extremely jumbled. The first chapter started in 2006 and then told a story that was the most gruesome in the entire book about him breaking his leg then the next page jumps to 2018 and talks about his friend Logan paul. Then the next page jumps back to the early 2000’s and talks about the town he grew up in but he wasn’t a child. I wish they would of just started at this childhood and build up the story like in true memoir fashion. The beginning was hard to get through and should of been reorganized but because I’ve supported Mike for years I stuck this book out, even through time it was unorganized and hard to read. This book gets better the farther you read but it’s not nearly perfect and almost basic.
The Fifth Vital seems and feels like it was rushed and there are definitely a lot of mixed message in which direction the book is going. Not to mention this book could’ve been drafted better and needs some editing. It was advertised by Mike as extremely graphic and that people were shocked by some stories told in this book. Truly I was hoping to learn about his downfalls/rock bottom and some of the gruesome things he experienced as an addict. But none of that was included in this book or it seems like a lot of memoir quality/ writing style of this book was cut out.
Nothing in this book made me cringe or felt like he was at rock bottom, I know a lot of stories of addicts and this didn’t really explain at all what he went through or was struggling with. Mike didn’t capture what he was truly living and going through on a daily basis. This book is more of an educational book then a memoir. Especially with the opioid death tolls with each year and chapter. He educated us about the town he lived in and how it got worse but only as an after thought.
My biggest pet peeve about this book besides the haphazard and incorrect facts about the opiate crisis that are constantly told throughout the book that none of his story lines are clear. The biggest example is the mystery on how he ended things with Uncle Nicky aka the biggest drug runner in the game and how he magically cut dies with someone who he was living with and dealing with for years. Not to mention you didn’t give a back story on him. I found more interesting about Uncle Nicky on google than you included in your book! I would of loved to know. So tell me how do you magically cut dies with him without exposing how or why?! Just months before everyone in your clique testified against him so he got sent to jail for life, so you what just walked away? Why not tell us about what really happened? One of the most critical parts of your story was over looked and not elaborated on. How do you just cut ties with the mob and one of the largest track traffickers and importers? Let alone not tell us that he was the Connecticut version of Al Capone and you lived with this guy. Just like many of the stories in the book there just wasn’t a clear storyline or you got off track with the purpose. Those are my notes but since he’s a first time writer, I congratulate him on getting this book out.
I will continue to support Mike but I almost wish he would make a part two or a rewrite of this book and finally tell us all the stuff that this book is lacking like the juicy stories and everything that is left untold. Please stop educating the people who don’t know about addiction or the opiate epidemic they’re not the ones who will by this book. You say this book is for people in treatment centers or that are at rock-bottom. These people are living that life and it would be better to give them relatable stories then try and educate them with numbers and death statistics then in very government, in your face type of way. Since you’re someone in marketing you should of picked your target audition better instead of trying to please everyone. The book is very chaotic and not well organized. This is anything but a memoir, it falls short of the education book on the opiate crisis and it’s far from a self help book for addicts in recovery. You mixed up all three and you’ve come out with a mediocre mess at best. This is coming from someone who’s your biggest fan. Congratulations again on the book but you can do better.
The Fifth Vital seems and feels like it was rushed and there are definitely a lot of mixed message in which direction the book is going. Not to mention this book could’ve been drafted better and needs some editing. It was advertised by Mike as extremely graphic and that people were shocked by some stories told in this book. Truly I was hoping to learn about his downfalls/rock bottom and some of the gruesome things he experienced as an addict. But none of that was included in this book or it seems like a lot of memoir quality/ writing style of this book was cut out.
Nothing in this book made me cringe or felt like he was at rock bottom, I know a lot of stories of addicts and this didn’t really explain at all what he went through or was struggling with. Mike didn’t capture what he was truly living and going through on a daily basis. This book is more of an educational book then a memoir. Especially with the opioid death tolls with each year and chapter. He educated us about the town he lived in and how it got worse but only as an after thought.
My biggest pet peeve about this book besides the haphazard and incorrect facts about the opiate crisis that are constantly told throughout the book that none of his story lines are clear. The biggest example is the mystery on how he ended things with Uncle Nicky aka the biggest drug runner in the game and how he magically cut dies with someone who he was living with and dealing with for years. Not to mention you didn’t give a back story on him. I found more interesting about Uncle Nicky on google than you included in your book! I would of loved to know. So tell me how do you magically cut dies with him without exposing how or why?! Just months before everyone in your clique testified against him so he got sent to jail for life, so you what just walked away? Why not tell us about what really happened? One of the most critical parts of your story was over looked and not elaborated on. How do you just cut ties with the mob and one of the largest track traffickers and importers? Let alone not tell us that he was the Connecticut version of Al Capone and you lived with this guy. Just like many of the stories in the book there just wasn’t a clear storyline or you got off track with the purpose. Those are my notes but since he’s a first time writer, I congratulate him on getting this book out.
I will continue to support Mike but I almost wish he would make a part two or a rewrite of this book and finally tell us all the stuff that this book is lacking like the juicy stories and everything that is left untold. Please stop educating the people who don’t know about addiction or the opiate epidemic they’re not the ones who will by this book. You say this book is for people in treatment centers or that are at rock-bottom. These people are living that life and it would be better to give them relatable stories then try and educate them with numbers and death statistics then in very government, in your face type of way. Since you’re someone in marketing you should of picked your target audition better instead of trying to please everyone. The book is very chaotic and not well organized. This is anything but a memoir, it falls short of the education book on the opiate crisis and it’s far from a self help book for addicts in recovery. You mixed up all three and you’ve come out with a mediocre mess at best. This is coming from someone who’s your biggest fan. Congratulations again on the book but you can do better.
November 15, 2020
Wow just wow! Every person on the planet should read this book! It not only opened my eyes to what is going on in the world but has gave me a deeper understanding of what addicts face on a day to day basis and for that I will never in my life judge a person on there choices as we don't know what that person has gone through or going through.
March 2, 2021
Absolutely incredible. Easy 5 star and the best book I’ve read in a good long time.
August 13, 2022
Just like every other human being, I am not so keen on YouTuber books, but Mike is so much more than just a YouTuber - and as someone who has admired his and Logan’s growth over the last two or three years, I really enjoyed the book.
This is a geniunely good book, and slamming the YouTuber tag on it doesn’t do it justice.
plus i also love when shit hits rock bottom which it very clearly does here
This is a geniunely good book, and slamming the YouTuber tag on it doesn’t do it justice.
plus i also love when shit hits rock bottom which it very clearly does here
April 29, 2021
DNF —- returned after 15 minutes of listening. I love me a good addiction memoir but I couldn’t get past the “bro” writing and narration. Outside of the few drug references it was a bragging “I’m a rich YouTube celeb” type Joe Rogan-ish cocky 10 minutes of bs with lots of eye rolling on my end. I didn’t know who this guy was before I downloaded it. If i did, I definitely would’ve skipped it.
December 8, 2022
Incredible. Def cried sad and happy tears throughout the book. When I started watching YT and stumbled upon Logan and Mike I thought it was all jokes and didn’t take them much seriously, and when I found out about Mikes book I was shocked and didn’t know his full story. Extremely well written, not some preachy or only motivational type of book, it was the the truth, raw, and I couldn’t put it down. I really enjoyed following his journey. 5/5
June 2, 2024
First audiobook I’ve ever listened to, very raw and real, which is very respectable as it’s a biography. I’d say I enjoyed this more because it was an audiobook than I would’ve if I read it though for some reason. 4/5
July 15, 2023
Really touching. Reading this made me have a lot of sympathy and admiration for Mike. Definitely made me see him with a new lens
November 4, 2021
Mike Majlaks book The Fifth Vital is a thrilling true story that tells a story of a scary time in Mike's life where it was filled with drug addiction, pain and loneliness.
As a teenager Mike got caught up in the opioid epidemic that swept America. For nearly 10 years he struggled with drug addiction and many other issues. He eventually had no one left to believe in him except his mom. While all his friends were starting lives of their own, getting married, having kids, exceeding in life, Mike was basically at the lowest point he could go, living on the streets, with little to no money at the end of a very dark tunnel with a small light at the end of it. The story is very exciting and is told with many remarkable stories that leave you wondering after how he made it out of all these situations alive.
The book was written very well, using lots of very descriptive detail, almost making you feel like you were right there watching what was happening. The book compelled me to keep reading because I was interested all the time in what would happen next. One thing that I would have changed would be how fast the book felt it moved. The book changed very fast on to the next stages of Mike's life and would have been sometimes nice to hear a little bit more of what happened in each part of the story.
This book would be good for either people who are going through some of the same struggles as Mike went through or readers who know who Mike is and would love to know much more about how he became who he is today.
Overall this book really opened my mind up to a very important topic about addiction and mental health I didn’t nearly pay as much attention to before.
As a teenager Mike got caught up in the opioid epidemic that swept America. For nearly 10 years he struggled with drug addiction and many other issues. He eventually had no one left to believe in him except his mom. While all his friends were starting lives of their own, getting married, having kids, exceeding in life, Mike was basically at the lowest point he could go, living on the streets, with little to no money at the end of a very dark tunnel with a small light at the end of it. The story is very exciting and is told with many remarkable stories that leave you wondering after how he made it out of all these situations alive.
The book was written very well, using lots of very descriptive detail, almost making you feel like you were right there watching what was happening. The book compelled me to keep reading because I was interested all the time in what would happen next. One thing that I would have changed would be how fast the book felt it moved. The book changed very fast on to the next stages of Mike's life and would have been sometimes nice to hear a little bit more of what happened in each part of the story.
This book would be good for either people who are going through some of the same struggles as Mike went through or readers who know who Mike is and would love to know much more about how he became who he is today.
Overall this book really opened my mind up to a very important topic about addiction and mental health I didn’t nearly pay as much attention to before.
July 1, 2021
I read a lot of books on addiction and recovery and I mean I read A LOT of them and thoroughly zipped through this one.
While I can't call a book on such a difficult subject entertaining, Mike does a great job of detailing his slow and painful descent into the hell of drug addiction.
I never thought he would get clean, but so glad he did. Having said that, I was surprised at some of his choices for his recovery, but since it is HIS recovery, I will leave it at that.
I admire him for being so raw and honest and his time with his grandpa is truly touching.
I picked this book up because of the subject matter, so I had to Google Logan and Mac, both mentioned somewhat heavily in this book.
I have never understood why "influencers' are given such power. Its all a bit silly and I will never understand their "importance", these people that become celebrities because they put videos and tweets on social media. Yes, social media is important, I would not be able to write this review without it, but I certainly don't expect loads and loads of people to suddenly decide my every word is gold.
Nobody is ever "recovered", in my opinion, but I wish him continued success with his recovery and send him serene vibes.
While I can't call a book on such a difficult subject entertaining, Mike does a great job of detailing his slow and painful descent into the hell of drug addiction.
I never thought he would get clean, but so glad he did. Having said that, I was surprised at some of his choices for his recovery, but since it is HIS recovery, I will leave it at that.
I admire him for being so raw and honest and his time with his grandpa is truly touching.
I picked this book up because of the subject matter, so I had to Google Logan and Mac, both mentioned somewhat heavily in this book.
I have never understood why "influencers' are given such power. Its all a bit silly and I will never understand their "importance", these people that become celebrities because they put videos and tweets on social media. Yes, social media is important, I would not be able to write this review without it, but I certainly don't expect loads and loads of people to suddenly decide my every word is gold.
Nobody is ever "recovered", in my opinion, but I wish him continued success with his recovery and send him serene vibes.
March 1, 2023
Overall, the book is really good. There was some parts that were a bit repetitive but that was just life events that was re-occurring so that’s understandable. I can definitely see how this book could help people that are addicted to not just drugs, but anything. It’s like one of those self help books that TJ would read, but without the bullshit. Definitely a great book. I would recommend, especially for people that are trying to get into reading.
May 17, 2020
Kudos, Mike. I’m a big fan of Impaulsive and The Night Shift and it was really fun reading Mike’s back story. I’m so proud of him for how far he’s come. The book could use a lot more editing, but the story is there and it’s enjoyable if you’re a fan of Mike!
February 11, 2023
3.5/5
I have the same issues with this book as most people on here — poorly edited, run-on and all over the place, especially the last 2 thirds of the book. A vivid, random, descriptive smut scene near the end of the book was pretty unnecessary in my opinion. Also missed some chances to reflect on how his privilege as a White man played into his experiences of addiction and recovery. However, I resonated with so much of what Mike wrote and attached 10+ stickies throughout the book pointing to lines that hit me hard. Some good insight and reflection, I liked that he got raw and real.
I have the same issues with this book as most people on here — poorly edited, run-on and all over the place, especially the last 2 thirds of the book. A vivid, random, descriptive smut scene near the end of the book was pretty unnecessary in my opinion. Also missed some chances to reflect on how his privilege as a White man played into his experiences of addiction and recovery. However, I resonated with so much of what Mike wrote and attached 10+ stickies throughout the book pointing to lines that hit me hard. Some good insight and reflection, I liked that he got raw and real.
January 7, 2026
Have been listening to a podcast the author is in off and on for a few years now, and wanted to give his book a read to get his full story. This book had things in it that described a life a couldn’t even imagine living. Gave me a very unique perspective on how crazy of a time it was during the beginning of the opioid crisis and how it was seemingly lucky if you were not exposed to the drugs. Such a good read if you’re looking for something quick but very engaging. Not a dull moment in the authors life and it keeps you on your toes. I would highly recommend.
April 20, 2024
This was a random book that I found and I was honestly intrigued because it had vital in the title lol. Mike’s story was interesting (although repetitive at times) and he was very vulnerable in talking about how devastating addiction can be. Overall, I feel like it is hard to rate someone’s life story. There needs to be something different/special to set a memoir apart for me to give it five stars.
June 16, 2025
Mike Majlak has been someone who has inspired me for years. I’ve wanted to read this book since 2020 when it came out and I met him. Great book that talks about the struggles and desperation of addiction and its affect on family.
July 28, 2025
First ever audiobook! Inspired by Noah J456
An inspiring story told straight from the source, Mike’s vulnerable account of his struggles with addiction was captivating and I thoroughly enjoyed. I thought the last chapter and conclusion was perfect and he gave some great advice that coincides with what he learned throughout the events of this book.
An inspiring story told straight from the source, Mike’s vulnerable account of his struggles with addiction was captivating and I thoroughly enjoyed. I thought the last chapter and conclusion was perfect and he gave some great advice that coincides with what he learned throughout the events of this book.
January 2, 2021
Eora no xè mae parò mike un fiantin manco de ego non te faria schopar
May 9, 2024
Mike is just simply not a writer. But his journey as an addict and all he went through at a young age compared to where he is now is wild
July 19, 2025
Usually takes best part of a month to finish a book and this I couldn’t put down.
Harrowing details of drug abuse. Interesting from start to finish. Always being a fan of Mikes work from his Logan Paul stuff. Great read
Harrowing details of drug abuse. Interesting from start to finish. Always being a fan of Mikes work from his Logan Paul stuff. Great read
February 20, 2022
Drogen, Waffen und noch mehr Drogen
January 24, 2024
This book was moving. I enjoyed reading about his struggles with addiction but making it out the other side. Very emotional and inspirational.. made me cry (not surprising)
December 9, 2023
I’ve always been secretly in love with mike and after reading this I have so much respect for him, now with that being said the last chapter was way too much💀 Also it’s kinda badly written.
August 15, 2025
My rate is biased because Mike went through a lot and clearly put a ton of effort on the writing of this book.
However I consider it a precious example of open-hearted autobiography from an honest and sharp mind, even if Mike wasn't skilled enough to craft the narration of his experience how it would have deserved.
First ever book I read in English, I reckon it fits perfectly for people who want to practice it.
However I consider it a precious example of open-hearted autobiography from an honest and sharp mind, even if Mike wasn't skilled enough to craft the narration of his experience how it would have deserved.
First ever book I read in English, I reckon it fits perfectly for people who want to practice it.
December 31, 2023
Amazing book. It kept me interested throughout the entire thing.
May 22, 2020
3.5 Stars
While repetitive and jumbled at times, Mike Majlak tells a heartfelt and real story. As a slow reader, I got through this within the week! It was a solid and inspiring read.
While repetitive and jumbled at times, Mike Majlak tells a heartfelt and real story. As a slow reader, I got through this within the week! It was a solid and inspiring read.
May 27, 2020
The Fifth Vital is an amazing memoir by Mike Majlak. He recounts his troubled past with a detailed first person account.
This is a raw, realistic, and honest break down of easy way in which trying his first joint leads him to eventually selling drugs, and his absolutely painful dependence of oxy. He vividly recalls his increased dependence on drugs, as the withdrawal problems increasing over time.
His life is full of lying, sneaking around, selling drugs, family problems, police problems, and a whole hell of a lot of danger.
It is always easy to judge those who find their way living this path. In reading this first hand account, I find myself understanding the situation better.
The Fifth Vital is an exceptional memoir. All told in Mike's first person point of view, the reader is able to understand everything that Mike experienced. The writing is excellent, all clearly taking the reader along on Mike's reckless, hardened, and dangerous life.
Overall, The Fifth Vital is perfect for anyone who wants to experience addiction from an addict's point of view. And if it could find it's way into the hearts of those struggling through addiction, it would be a very inspirational story. It is sad, heart-breaking, tragic, inspiring, and poignant in it's humanizing of addiction.
(Please note that I have never heard of Mike Majlak before reading this book. I am familiar with Logan Paul and the horrific mistakes he made. I am intrigued by the fact that Mike had anything to do with helping Logan recover from his mistakes.)
September 15, 2022
The word affluenza comes to mind. It is like how you would sympathize with a fraud victim, until their victimization leads them to begin stealing wages from their own workers. The sympathy and understanding ENDS THERE.
It is impossible to separate the writer from the addict; however, this book is heavy on collateral damage and even finger pointing and blame for other people not treating or helping them or addicts the right way (should grandma have bought or not bought you your third car?) It is much lighter on taking personal responsibility. What kind of a world produces such a character? What if you grew up in a country with real problems and real adversity such as in Iraq, Afghanistan, or Yemen (regularly bombed by the USA)? What is a child who grew up in such a country meant to make of such a book?
The author regularly calls himself a POS. Agreed. Others will listen to their story and also think so. So, we're in agreement. The extreme deranged selfishness as they made choice after choice knowing their actions harm others won't be forgiven by all readers. I will also just say that this is a painful and complicated read for family members of those who struggle with or are victims of addiction.
I hope the author continues staying clean and has success -- sincerely. He has a lifetime of amends to make. The most effective part of this book is the foreword or intro and the calling out of Purdue Pharma.
It is impossible to separate the writer from the addict; however, this book is heavy on collateral damage and even finger pointing and blame for other people not treating or helping them or addicts the right way (should grandma have bought or not bought you your third car?) It is much lighter on taking personal responsibility. What kind of a world produces such a character? What if you grew up in a country with real problems and real adversity such as in Iraq, Afghanistan, or Yemen (regularly bombed by the USA)? What is a child who grew up in such a country meant to make of such a book?
The author regularly calls himself a POS. Agreed. Others will listen to their story and also think so. So, we're in agreement. The extreme deranged selfishness as they made choice after choice knowing their actions harm others won't be forgiven by all readers. I will also just say that this is a painful and complicated read for family members of those who struggle with or are victims of addiction.
I hope the author continues staying clean and has success -- sincerely. He has a lifetime of amends to make. The most effective part of this book is the foreword or intro and the calling out of Purdue Pharma.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews