It Never Ends: The Terrible Life of Carl

by Carl E. Pfeiffer

How does a fat kid with no friends, bad grades, whose parents hate him and the community snickers at his every move, grow up to be a Colonel and the Chief of Staff of an Army Division? It Never Ends chronicles the terrible life of Carl and his evolution from imaginary crime fighter to retired Army Colonel. Our tale starts when Carl's parents refuse to see their first grandchild. Confused and angry, Carl takes us back to his childhood that starts at the city dump and later moves to a small house in the country where he watches horror movies with his suicidal neighbor. His father moves the family to the quaint town of Fairport, NY. Carl's new house is set on a Norman Rockwell-like cul-de-sac that becomes the setting for Carl's personal hell. This is a hysterical look at the life of a adolescent loser who despite his circumstances concludes that success is a decision. Carl joins the Army, marries the girl of his dreams, raises his own kids all the while he is tormented by his past.

258 pages, Paperback

First published April 6, 2012

Reviews

[Wendie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: Carl Pfeiffer is a personal friend, so I read his book as a favor, but also because I wanted to read more of the crazy stories I've been hearing for several years.

The stories were unbelievable at times, though I know they're all true. I found myself shaking my head incredulously at the crazy behavior of Carl's family, choking up at touching moments, and thinking it's amazing that he's not more screwed up.

"The Terrible Life of Carl" has a nice balance of Carl's astounding childhood experiences, how those experiences affect him now, and how he's raising his children to be stable, normal, well-loved people. It's also a nice love story between Carl & Janet; I can personally attest that she's a wonderful woman.

This book is a good yardstick for everyone who's ever thought their family was disfunctional. Perhaps yours is more or less: read it & see.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I read it in one sitting, and while I am an avid reader, that doesn't usually happen. Who doesn't identify with a self-proclaimed social misfit? The humor and the heart in these stories made me laugh right out loud and the next minute have tears streaming down my face. Great read!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's an amazing book! It is a very quick read, I had a hard time putting it down! Anyone who reads it will be able to relate to a situation or two in the book! Carl really amkes the book come alive as you read it!