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Middle Falls Time Travel #12
The Many Short Lives of Charles Waters
Charles Waters has thirty days to live. Those days pass in a blur and he dies a quiet, unnoticed death.
He opens his eyes back in the doctor's office as he is told, "I'm sorry to say, but you have thirty days to live."
Thus begins The Many Short Lives of Charles Waters, who has to live the same thirty days over and over while he finds out what it is to be alive.
The Many Short Lives of Charles Waters is the twelfth book in the Middle Falls Time Travel series. Like all Middle Falls books, it is a standalone novel and they can be read in any order.
He opens his eyes back in the doctor's office as he is told, "I'm sorry to say, but you have thirty days to live."
Thus begins The Many Short Lives of Charles Waters, who has to live the same thirty days over and over while he finds out what it is to be alive.
The Many Short Lives of Charles Waters is the twelfth book in the Middle Falls Time Travel series. Like all Middle Falls books, it is a standalone novel and they can be read in any order.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2019
121 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
July 3, 2020
I just love these books. Appreciated the reference to Ken Grimwood's, Replay, as I've always felt they shared a passing resemblance and they are both right up there among my favourite time travel/second life books. I'm not sure if this will be the last trip to Middle Falls, but if it is, then I've loved every minute of it.
December 22, 2022
Doing the same thing over and over again, not necessarily expecting a different result but hoping for things to remain unchanged. It's own form of insanity?
Despite it being hard to put myself in his shoes, Charles was just so gosh darn charming. You fall in love with his quarks and become invested in the relationships he cultivates.
I was a little worried this series was starting to fall flat so this iteration was a breath of fresh air!
Despite it being hard to put myself in his shoes, Charles was just so gosh darn charming. You fall in love with his quarks and become invested in the relationships he cultivates.
I was a little worried this series was starting to fall flat so this iteration was a breath of fresh air!
April 27, 2024
The grumpus23 (23-word commentary)
I LOVE this series. If you missed my thoughts on the previous books, this is the best series you've never read. Read them!
I LOVE this series. If you missed my thoughts on the previous books, this is the best series you've never read. Read them!
August 20, 2020
Nothing painful and yet also nothing pleasurable. I just read my way through it without feeling anything positive or anything negative. I didn’t have to dig deep to get the message, which was OK. I feel a bit strange being the only reviewer that hasn’t heaped immense praise on this book. It seems that the ‘Middle Fall Time Travels’ series has taken the reading world by storm. For me it was just OK.
September 26, 2019
Charles Waters
I gave the story five stars because I think it is the very best of all the Middle Falls stories. Not it that, but I got a glimpse of the story behind the story. Totally awesome!
I gave the story five stars because I think it is the very best of all the Middle Falls stories. Not it that, but I got a glimpse of the story behind the story. Totally awesome!
September 28, 2019
Shawn Inmon is at his very best with this installment of Middle Falls. While reading Charles Waters story, I was swept away by this tragedy turned tale of personal growth and flourishment. What a story. What a series. Thank you, dear author, for putting this into the world for us to read :)
July 29, 2021
I discovered this novel on Audible. It was a freebie and I needed an audiobook to read until my next credit appeared. The title caught my eye. I enjoy time travel and multiple lives stories.
Charles Waters is diagnosed with Stage Four pancreatic cancer and dies 30 days later. He then wakes up in the doctor's office, receiving his diagnosis again. This cycle repeats, like Groundhog Day. How will Charles handle this, as he retains the knowledge of his past lives in each subsequent life? On the outside Charles appears to be very plain and boring. He is a homebody in his undecorated condo, he works as an actuary for an insurance company. He makes no effort to get to know people and keeps to himself. Every week he plans his daily meals, usually consisting of TV dinners.
During his repeated short lives, he gradually becomes a different person. I thought the story telling was really good, the author managed to keep it fresh despite some unavoidable repetition. I really enjoyed how it ended.
This was the twelfth novel in the series, and there are two more after it. Apparently, the novels stand alone and feature entirely different casts. However, there were several short interludes in this novel which featured two otherworldly women who appeared to be observers of some sort and I couldn't fully understand their motivations. The referenced "the machine". Were they on a space ship or something? I'm guessing they appeared in previous novels. Despite this confusion I still really enjoyed this novel and have downloaded several more of Inmon's Middle Falls novels from audible as they were also free.
Interestingly enough, Charles ends up reading the Ken Grimwood novel Replay, which I rated five stars. It was interesting to hear Charles experience with that book.
Four stars, despite my confusion over the strange interludes.
Charles Waters is diagnosed with Stage Four pancreatic cancer and dies 30 days later. He then wakes up in the doctor's office, receiving his diagnosis again. This cycle repeats, like Groundhog Day. How will Charles handle this, as he retains the knowledge of his past lives in each subsequent life? On the outside Charles appears to be very plain and boring. He is a homebody in his undecorated condo, he works as an actuary for an insurance company. He makes no effort to get to know people and keeps to himself. Every week he plans his daily meals, usually consisting of TV dinners.
During his repeated short lives, he gradually becomes a different person. I thought the story telling was really good, the author managed to keep it fresh despite some unavoidable repetition. I really enjoyed how it ended.
This was the twelfth novel in the series, and there are two more after it. Apparently, the novels stand alone and feature entirely different casts. However, there were several short interludes in this novel which featured two otherworldly women who appeared to be observers of some sort and I couldn't fully understand their motivations. The referenced "the machine". Were they on a space ship or something? I'm guessing they appeared in previous novels. Despite this confusion I still really enjoyed this novel and have downloaded several more of Inmon's Middle Falls novels from audible as they were also free.
Interestingly enough, Charles ends up reading the Ken Grimwood novel Replay, which I rated five stars. It was interesting to hear Charles experience with that book.
Four stars, despite my confusion over the strange interludes.
March 1, 2023
These stories each have such a simple premise, simple language, simple plotting, but are so satisfying and thought provoking. This was one of my favorite of the series. I loved both Charles and Moondog and found their friendship so refreshing and heartwarming.
January 5, 2020
This book started of interesting...
Once you get into it, it keeps getting better. This is the 1st one in the series that I read looking forward to reading the others.
Once you get into it, it keeps getting better. This is the 1st one in the series that I read looking forward to reading the others.
May 11, 2024
This was a more enjoyable read than the last two.
July 6, 2021
I love the way this author explores topics and people. It was a pleasure to watch Charles Waters as he grew out of himself. And Jonathan Davis voiced him expertly.
February 3, 2021
Shawn Inmon – Middle Falls Time Travel, Bk 12 – The Many Short Lives of Charles Waters – Reviewed 2/2/21 – Read 12/18/20.
What would you do if you only had 30 days to live, over, over, and over?
Charles Waters was a quiet man, that certainly enjoyed his solitude. He went to work but hardly interacted with anyone there. Only on rare, exceedingly rare occasions would he speak to anyone that lived in his building, and most definitely not to anyone when he rode the bus to and fro to work. Then one day, Charles felt that something was wrong, so he went to the doctor. He finds himself sitting in front of the doctor listening to him tell him that he is so sorry, but there is nothing that can be done! You only have 30 days to live.
Charles goes home and plans everything out. Then he requests to speak with human resources so that he can arrange to finish his projects and then take his vacation time, planning to wait out his final day on earth. This cycle repeats and repeats itself over and over. Each time, Charles did one or two things differently until one day, he speaks to his neighbor!
And the story begins…
What did I like? I have read every one of the books in this series and most of what Shawn has written. His work is such a pleasure to read, it is different, interesting, a little out there, but then how do we know that it is not happening around us? Most of the characters in Shawn’s stories don’t talk to others because they feel that everyone would think they were nuts!!! Well, who knows for sure? I don’t think that there is a person alive that would not take the chance to go back and change something about their life. Maybe help others, themselves, or change destiny for the better if we can. I know that I would, it would be great. Of course, whenever you change one thing, it leads to other things snowballing. I guess when that day comes to me, I will certainly have to think about it. Would it be better, but would I not have my loved ones with me or not? Gee, I am glad that I don’t have to make that decision today. I am not sure I could. Could you???? Shawn gives us so much to think about, enjoy, and muse on. But, for sure, his stories are wonderful to read.
What will you like? Dynamic, interesting, adventurous, some romance, lots of accidents of fate, unusual characters, heartwarming, and some downright sad! So, some have many tears, lots have bellyfuls of laughter, some are full of hurrahs, and some just make you wonder! The characters are all so incredibly unique, interesting, sad, warm, some even mean, but all make your read worthwhile. Shawn has a very descriptive type of writing style, that reaches out and takes your hand and draws you into the story with him. The details make it even more real to your mind's eye, with sight, sound, and smell. A very enjoyable read, for all you, time-traveling fans… like me!
• File Size: 1404 KB
• Print Length: 250 pages
• Publication Date: 9/22/2019
• ASIN: B07V7Z5Z16
• Genre: Time Travel Science Fiction, Time Travel Fiction, Occult Horror
What would you do if you only had 30 days to live, over, over, and over?
Charles Waters was a quiet man, that certainly enjoyed his solitude. He went to work but hardly interacted with anyone there. Only on rare, exceedingly rare occasions would he speak to anyone that lived in his building, and most definitely not to anyone when he rode the bus to and fro to work. Then one day, Charles felt that something was wrong, so he went to the doctor. He finds himself sitting in front of the doctor listening to him tell him that he is so sorry, but there is nothing that can be done! You only have 30 days to live.
Charles goes home and plans everything out. Then he requests to speak with human resources so that he can arrange to finish his projects and then take his vacation time, planning to wait out his final day on earth. This cycle repeats and repeats itself over and over. Each time, Charles did one or two things differently until one day, he speaks to his neighbor!
And the story begins…
What did I like? I have read every one of the books in this series and most of what Shawn has written. His work is such a pleasure to read, it is different, interesting, a little out there, but then how do we know that it is not happening around us? Most of the characters in Shawn’s stories don’t talk to others because they feel that everyone would think they were nuts!!! Well, who knows for sure? I don’t think that there is a person alive that would not take the chance to go back and change something about their life. Maybe help others, themselves, or change destiny for the better if we can. I know that I would, it would be great. Of course, whenever you change one thing, it leads to other things snowballing. I guess when that day comes to me, I will certainly have to think about it. Would it be better, but would I not have my loved ones with me or not? Gee, I am glad that I don’t have to make that decision today. I am not sure I could. Could you???? Shawn gives us so much to think about, enjoy, and muse on. But, for sure, his stories are wonderful to read.
What will you like? Dynamic, interesting, adventurous, some romance, lots of accidents of fate, unusual characters, heartwarming, and some downright sad! So, some have many tears, lots have bellyfuls of laughter, some are full of hurrahs, and some just make you wonder! The characters are all so incredibly unique, interesting, sad, warm, some even mean, but all make your read worthwhile. Shawn has a very descriptive type of writing style, that reaches out and takes your hand and draws you into the story with him. The details make it even more real to your mind's eye, with sight, sound, and smell. A very enjoyable read, for all you, time-traveling fans… like me!
• File Size: 1404 KB
• Print Length: 250 pages
• Publication Date: 9/22/2019
• ASIN: B07V7Z5Z16
• Genre: Time Travel Science Fiction, Time Travel Fiction, Occult Horror
September 30, 2019
The Many Short Lives of Charles Waters is another beautiful installment in the Middle Falls Time Travel series. Everyone knows someone like Charles Waters. He's that overly structured guy at the office that thrives on structure, protocol, order. He's the rules lawyer who isn't shy about excitedly pointing out that, while you accomplished the task you were supposed to accomplish, you failed to follow the official, documented procedure for doing so. He drives everyone nuts. What can you do with a guy like that? He's hardwired that way. Can he change? What if he has as many chances to change as he needed? What if his crazy, hippy, pot-smoking neighbor befriends him and takes him for a walk on the wild side?
Shawn Inmon hasn't disappointed me so far with anything of his that I've read. It's amazing how he can take the same theme, repeat it time after time, and spin a unique yarn with each new tale. It's interesting how each main character in his Middle Falls books handles the situation differently. Some learn faster than others. Charles Waters is the slowest learner of the entire series so far. But the journey with him doesn't feel long. It's easy to devour this book in a day.
The book began at a nice pace but started to get a little slow at some point. But it takes off like a rocket around the 40% mark (when Charles learns to make an omelet) and never slows down again.
If you have good self control, try to limit your reading of this book to just a few chapters a day because, once it's over, you'll miss these characters. Moondog was a perfect ancillary character for Charles's story. I learned a lot from him... like how to make a boss omelet... and why you should never hold a joint aloft in victory at JFK Airport.
This will likely be the last installment in the Middle Falls Time Travel series for now. Of course I'll miss it but I eagerly anticipate Inmon's next project. I'm sure it will be great!
Shawn Inmon hasn't disappointed me so far with anything of his that I've read. It's amazing how he can take the same theme, repeat it time after time, and spin a unique yarn with each new tale. It's interesting how each main character in his Middle Falls books handles the situation differently. Some learn faster than others. Charles Waters is the slowest learner of the entire series so far. But the journey with him doesn't feel long. It's easy to devour this book in a day.
The book began at a nice pace but started to get a little slow at some point. But it takes off like a rocket around the 40% mark (when Charles learns to make an omelet) and never slows down again.
If you have good self control, try to limit your reading of this book to just a few chapters a day because, once it's over, you'll miss these characters. Moondog was a perfect ancillary character for Charles's story. I learned a lot from him... like how to make a boss omelet... and why you should never hold a joint aloft in victory at JFK Airport.
This will likely be the last installment in the Middle Falls Time Travel series for now. Of course I'll miss it but I eagerly anticipate Inmon's next project. I'm sure it will be great!
April 28, 2022
I listened to this on Audible Plus.
Another interesting entry into the Middle Falls series. I enjoyed the insight into a very different kind of mind, and the friendship that developed over multiple lifetimes. I did feel like it jumped the shark a little about 4/5s of the way in, but it was still enjoyable.
Another interesting entry into the Middle Falls series. I enjoyed the insight into a very different kind of mind, and the friendship that developed over multiple lifetimes. I did feel like it jumped the shark a little about 4/5s of the way in, but it was still enjoyable.
September 27, 2019
In my opinion this is one of the best Middle Falls books. I loved it and read it in a day!
September 30, 2019
What to say about the last book of a wonderful series?
What can I say? That I am sad or that I wish I lived in Middle falls?
If you like fables, this is one for you.
What can I say? That I am sad or that I wish I lived in Middle falls?
If you like fables, this is one for you.
February 3, 2021
Shawn Inmon – Middle Falls Time Travel, Bk 12 – The Many Short Lives of Charles Waters – Reviewed 2/2/21 – Read 12/18/20.
What would you do if you only had 30 days to live, over, over, and over?
Charles Waters was a quiet man, that certainly enjoyed his solitude. He went to work but hardly interacted with anyone there. Only on rare, exceedingly rare occasions would he speak to anyone that lived in his building, and most definitely not to anyone when he rode the bus to and fro to work. Then one day, Charles felt that something was wrong, so he went to the doctor. He finds himself sitting in front of the doctor listening to him tell him that he is so sorry, but there is nothing that can be done! You only have 30 days to live.
Charles goes home and plans everything out. Then he requests to speak with human resources so that he can arrange to finish his projects and then take his vacation time, planning to wait out his final day on earth. This cycle repeats and repeats itself over and over. Each time, Charles did one or two things differently until one day, he speaks to his neighbor!
And the story begins…
What did I like? I have read every one of the books in this series and most of what Shawn has written. His work is such a pleasure to read, it is different, interesting, a little out there, but then how do we know that it is not happening around us? Most of the characters in Shawn’s stories don’t talk to others because they feel that everyone would think they were nuts!!! Well, who knows for sure? I don’t think that there is a person alive that would not take the chance to go back and change something about their life. Maybe help others, themselves, or change destiny for the better if we can. I know that I would, it would be great. Of course, whenever you change one thing, it leads to other things snowballing. I guess when that day comes to me, I will certainly have to think about it. Would it be better, but would I not have my loved ones with me or not? Gee, I am glad that I don’t have to make that decision today. I am not sure I could. Could you???? Shawn gives us so much to think about, enjoy, and muse on. But, for sure, his stories are wonderful to read.
What will you like? Dynamic, interesting, adventurous, some romance, lots of accidents of fate, unusual characters, heartwarming, and some downright sad! So, some have many tears, lots have bellyfuls of laughter, some are full of hurrahs, and some just make you wonder! The characters are all so incredibly unique, interesting, sad, warm, some even mean, but all make your read worthwhile. Shawn has a very descriptive type of writing style, that reaches out and takes your hand and draws you into the story with him. The details make it even more real to your mind's eye, with sight, sound, and smell. A very enjoyable read, for all you, time-traveling fans… like me!
• File Size: 1404 KB
• Print Length: 250 pages
• Publication Date: 9/22/2019
• ASIN: B07V7Z5Z16
• Genre: Time Travel Science Fiction, Time Travel Fiction, Occult Horror
What would you do if you only had 30 days to live, over, over, and over?
Charles Waters was a quiet man, that certainly enjoyed his solitude. He went to work but hardly interacted with anyone there. Only on rare, exceedingly rare occasions would he speak to anyone that lived in his building, and most definitely not to anyone when he rode the bus to and fro to work. Then one day, Charles felt that something was wrong, so he went to the doctor. He finds himself sitting in front of the doctor listening to him tell him that he is so sorry, but there is nothing that can be done! You only have 30 days to live.
Charles goes home and plans everything out. Then he requests to speak with human resources so that he can arrange to finish his projects and then take his vacation time, planning to wait out his final day on earth. This cycle repeats and repeats itself over and over. Each time, Charles did one or two things differently until one day, he speaks to his neighbor!
And the story begins…
What did I like? I have read every one of the books in this series and most of what Shawn has written. His work is such a pleasure to read, it is different, interesting, a little out there, but then how do we know that it is not happening around us? Most of the characters in Shawn’s stories don’t talk to others because they feel that everyone would think they were nuts!!! Well, who knows for sure? I don’t think that there is a person alive that would not take the chance to go back and change something about their life. Maybe help others, themselves, or change destiny for the better if we can. I know that I would, it would be great. Of course, whenever you change one thing, it leads to other things snowballing. I guess when that day comes to me, I will certainly have to think about it. Would it be better, but would I not have my loved ones with me or not? Gee, I am glad that I don’t have to make that decision today. I am not sure I could. Could you???? Shawn gives us so much to think about, enjoy, and muse on. But, for sure, his stories are wonderful to read.
What will you like? Dynamic, interesting, adventurous, some romance, lots of accidents of fate, unusual characters, heartwarming, and some downright sad! So, some have many tears, lots have bellyfuls of laughter, some are full of hurrahs, and some just make you wonder! The characters are all so incredibly unique, interesting, sad, warm, some even mean, but all make your read worthwhile. Shawn has a very descriptive type of writing style, that reaches out and takes your hand and draws you into the story with him. The details make it even more real to your mind's eye, with sight, sound, and smell. A very enjoyable read, for all you, time-traveling fans… like me!
• File Size: 1404 KB
• Print Length: 250 pages
• Publication Date: 9/22/2019
• ASIN: B07V7Z5Z16
• Genre: Time Travel Science Fiction, Time Travel Fiction, Occult Horror
August 24, 2022
DNF.
This is so boring. I got to 50% through the book but so little happens. I was waiting for the “it all kicks off” post omelette scene others mention but actually found it got worse. The audible narrator’s voice is also off putting imo, regardless of who they’re doing.
A very lazy use of convenient and stereotypical traits of autism & OCD without actual understanding of the reasons behind any actions, and the complete absence of any traits inconvenient to the storyline. Eg. Charles likes routine, but instead of understanding that routines help him relax and enjoy his life, instead routines are mindless, depressing etc. Or Charles likes to have the same dinner but it’s to reduce choice instead of because of sensory issues - either because he loves something or strongly dislikes other foods. This absence of sensory issues is necessary because Charles must magically like every new drink & food he’s introduced to even though he didn’t like them preciously. Similarly, Charles must bring his own sheets to NYC because of germs but he brings them in the package unwashed. Charles also watches sports he doesn’t like just for something to do - has the author met an autistic person? Autistics engage in special interests not mindless unenthusiastic engagement as a bored neurotypical would. Of course the author doesn’t acknowledge Charles’ neurodivergencies because then they might have to acknowledge the cherry picking.
I also dislike that Charles’ life is being set up as if we’re supposed to think it’s shit, especially vs Moondog who seems to himself have multiple issues but is fine to counsel Charles to make changes and talk about him to random psychiatrist strangers. I personally wouldn’t live either of their lives but why is one necessary to repeat until correct while the other is set up as a mentor/coach?
I just felt like the idea could actually be explored in an intermeshing way but instead it’s shallow and kinda ableist tbh. And I was bored.
This is so boring. I got to 50% through the book but so little happens. I was waiting for the “it all kicks off” post omelette scene others mention but actually found it got worse. The audible narrator’s voice is also off putting imo, regardless of who they’re doing.
A very lazy use of convenient and stereotypical traits of autism & OCD without actual understanding of the reasons behind any actions, and the complete absence of any traits inconvenient to the storyline. Eg. Charles likes routine, but instead of understanding that routines help him relax and enjoy his life, instead routines are mindless, depressing etc. Or Charles likes to have the same dinner but it’s to reduce choice instead of because of sensory issues - either because he loves something or strongly dislikes other foods. This absence of sensory issues is necessary because Charles must magically like every new drink & food he’s introduced to even though he didn’t like them preciously. Similarly, Charles must bring his own sheets to NYC because of germs but he brings them in the package unwashed. Charles also watches sports he doesn’t like just for something to do - has the author met an autistic person? Autistics engage in special interests not mindless unenthusiastic engagement as a bored neurotypical would. Of course the author doesn’t acknowledge Charles’ neurodivergencies because then they might have to acknowledge the cherry picking.
I also dislike that Charles’ life is being set up as if we’re supposed to think it’s shit, especially vs Moondog who seems to himself have multiple issues but is fine to counsel Charles to make changes and talk about him to random psychiatrist strangers. I personally wouldn’t live either of their lives but why is one necessary to repeat until correct while the other is set up as a mentor/coach?
I just felt like the idea could actually be explored in an intermeshing way but instead it’s shallow and kinda ableist tbh. And I was bored.
December 7, 2021
Another solid Middle-Falls adventure. This was a little sad, as Charles just doesn't have much of a life, and then even that is going to be taken away. End stage pancreatic cancer. 30 days to live. What do you do? What do you do if you have those 30 days over and over (and over) again? Is that really time to make any changes and to try another life? Mr. Moondog ... interesting character. Here we had Carrie intervening some (and how is that, if in book 11, she isn't killed by Micheal but lives a long life with Thomas?) ... I'm always a little confused by the "angels" or whatever they are looking in, and what they have the power to change and when/why they intervene (here, taking away his pain, then in the end ... sometimes that's too simple a fix).
The audio was included in AudiblePlus (text included in KU but my subscription expired). There were a few times I felt like the narrator mixed up the voices of Moondog and Charles. Charles's voice was interesting, a bit monotone. At the end, in the author's notes he mentions "was Charles autistic?" saying he didn't specifically say, but leaves that up to the reader to decide. Definitely some tendencies there. Moondog had a really laid back drawl ... but as mentioned, I felt like at times those voices mixed up (Charles speaking with Moondog's laidback drawl-ish).
The audio was included in AudiblePlus (text included in KU but my subscription expired). There were a few times I felt like the narrator mixed up the voices of Moondog and Charles. Charles's voice was interesting, a bit monotone. At the end, in the author's notes he mentions "was Charles autistic?" saying he didn't specifically say, but leaves that up to the reader to decide. Definitely some tendencies there. Moondog had a really laid back drawl ... but as mentioned, I felt like at times those voices mixed up (Charles speaking with Moondog's laidback drawl-ish).
September 30, 2025
Discovering how to be uncomfortable
The engaging thing about all of the characters in the Middle Falls soul travel series is they are relatable in some way to either how we see ourselves, how we’d like to see ourselves, or how we would NEVER want to see ourselves. Whichever the case, the chance to remake choices and see their cause and effects in the protagonists’ lives holds up a mirror to the choices we’re currently making in our own.
The choices that Charles Walters makes are those of comfort zones that keep him stuck in life after life a thousand times over. What thinking person can’t relate to how staying in a comfort zone will hold back growth? We’ve all done it in some way shape or form. In Charles’ case, since he’s stuck in a one month loop and is an extreme introvert, the limitation of comfort zones becomes all the more painfully obvious.
Same goes for Moondog, his neighbor, in a softer form.
This is a beautiful story of what can happen when you stay true to your nature and still step out of your comfort zone. You discover what it means to live an authentic life that’s also exciting in the service you offer to others.
Plus, there are some lovely cross over loops of other soul travelers in Middle Falls. Well done!
The engaging thing about all of the characters in the Middle Falls soul travel series is they are relatable in some way to either how we see ourselves, how we’d like to see ourselves, or how we would NEVER want to see ourselves. Whichever the case, the chance to remake choices and see their cause and effects in the protagonists’ lives holds up a mirror to the choices we’re currently making in our own.
The choices that Charles Walters makes are those of comfort zones that keep him stuck in life after life a thousand times over. What thinking person can’t relate to how staying in a comfort zone will hold back growth? We’ve all done it in some way shape or form. In Charles’ case, since he’s stuck in a one month loop and is an extreme introvert, the limitation of comfort zones becomes all the more painfully obvious.
Same goes for Moondog, his neighbor, in a softer form.
This is a beautiful story of what can happen when you stay true to your nature and still step out of your comfort zone. You discover what it means to live an authentic life that’s also exciting in the service you offer to others.
Plus, there are some lovely cross over loops of other soul travelers in Middle Falls. Well done!
October 17, 2025
I really enjoy this series and the impressively different approaches that Inmon takes with his many characters in each installment. And I continue to look forward to new experiences, journeys and lessons.
However, I found the pace of this particular book to be plodding and the main character, Charles Waters, to be difficult to bond with. While I enjoyed his blossoming friendships with Moondog and Sarah, I couldn’t quite figure out how these friendships formed based on the characters themselves. It didn’t feel organic. Charles’ story does end on a very strong note, which I think is why so many loved it (based on the reviews). But overall, I still feel this is one of the weakest in the series.
My strongest issue with this story is the basic plot that an individual who is on the spectrum can “grow” out of it if given enough “do-over” lives - in this case, thousands. I also took offense in the author’s note where he stated that Charles learned to be “human” as if autistic people aren’t already.
However, I found the pace of this particular book to be plodding and the main character, Charles Waters, to be difficult to bond with. While I enjoyed his blossoming friendships with Moondog and Sarah, I couldn’t quite figure out how these friendships formed based on the characters themselves. It didn’t feel organic. Charles’ story does end on a very strong note, which I think is why so many loved it (based on the reviews). But overall, I still feel this is one of the weakest in the series.
My strongest issue with this story is the basic plot that an individual who is on the spectrum can “grow” out of it if given enough “do-over” lives - in this case, thousands. I also took offense in the author’s note where he stated that Charles learned to be “human” as if autistic people aren’t already.
July 12, 2021
This one was quite different from the rest in this series in that Charles is terminally ill with less than 30 days to live. Every time he resets, it's back to the moment he is informed by his doctor that he has cancer. I couldn't imagine where this story would go, or how many times he would reset...or what Charles could possibly do in that short amount of time to make any kind of a difference.
So far in the Middle Falls series, Charles gets the award for the most re-sets. There are a few cameos of our previous Middle Falls characters along with the introduction of a couple of very interesting new characters. There is only one more book left in this series for me to read, so I will take a break and maybe read it in a few months. I've already started another book by a different author, and so far, it's feeling really empty. I have enjoyed this series more than any other series I have ever read. It has been so thought provoking. I very highly recommend this series and this author.
So far in the Middle Falls series, Charles gets the award for the most re-sets. There are a few cameos of our previous Middle Falls characters along with the introduction of a couple of very interesting new characters. There is only one more book left in this series for me to read, so I will take a break and maybe read it in a few months. I've already started another book by a different author, and so far, it's feeling really empty. I have enjoyed this series more than any other series I have ever read. It has been so thought provoking. I very highly recommend this series and this author.
October 27, 2023
I was hesitant and somewhat worried about reading/listening to this book. When I opened it up, we find out that the main character has pancreatic cancer and has 30 days (or less) to live. I thought - how depressing, especially based on the title. Do I really want to watch this character live a brief life and die, again and again? I did something I rarely do. I skipped to the end to see if it was going to be worth my while. I saw just enough to reassure me. I'm so glad I stuck with it. Charles is a character who leads a Very regimented life. He eats a specific frozen meal on a specific day of the week. He double and triple checks his lock when he leaves his condo. Reminds me of Jack Nicholson in As Good as it Gets. As he lives his life over (I think he says he had reached over 1200 times!) he slowly starts making changes in his routines. There is the usual happy ending, but with a wonderful meaning attached to it.
December 9, 2020
Another knock out of the park by Shawn Inmon.
Charles Waters and his many short lives made excellent use of the reset plot device, especially its references to Replay, by Ken Grimwood. Charles thinking Ken Grimwood was somehow “in on it” harkens back to me at many points thinking the same about Mr. Inmon himself.
All in all, past the character of Charles, I really need to single out Moondog. As a character, I wish there was some way he could be reused in a future book, despite doubting it to be possible. Perhaps Carrie could send him as an ambassador to help those in reset? I don’t know. I wish I could read more of him. He was such an accepting, hysterical, layered character.
I do question Sarah’s sanity for immediately agreeing to meet with Charles and his friend outside of a food court. 😂
Two things that I questioned, but which didn’t nag at me. Sarah makes her eventual career change to do something gratifying with her life. Wasn’t she already a nurse? Moondog also seems to frequent some Middle Falls holes in the wall despite not leaving his apartment. In the first case, I can buy it, and in the second case, I take it he’s not an utter shut-in and must get out in the days before Peapod.
All in all, I can’t recommend this series enough!
Charles Waters and his many short lives made excellent use of the reset plot device, especially its references to Replay, by Ken Grimwood. Charles thinking Ken Grimwood was somehow “in on it” harkens back to me at many points thinking the same about Mr. Inmon himself.
All in all, past the character of Charles, I really need to single out Moondog. As a character, I wish there was some way he could be reused in a future book, despite doubting it to be possible. Perhaps Carrie could send him as an ambassador to help those in reset? I don’t know. I wish I could read more of him. He was such an accepting, hysterical, layered character.
I do question Sarah’s sanity for immediately agreeing to meet with Charles and his friend outside of a food court. 😂
Two things that I questioned, but which didn’t nag at me. Sarah makes her eventual career change to do something gratifying with her life. Wasn’t she already a nurse? Moondog also seems to frequent some Middle Falls holes in the wall despite not leaving his apartment. In the first case, I can buy it, and in the second case, I take it he’s not an utter shut-in and must get out in the days before Peapod.
All in all, I can’t recommend this series enough!
February 4, 2021
I gotta admit that the rating for this book kept rising the more I read the book. I wasn't sure at one point if I would finish it. At another point, with 5 hours to go, I wondered " What the heck is he going to write about to fill 5 hours?". Charles was seemingly on the autism spectrum. How much farther could his character develop?
Well, I found out. With two hours to go, I was up to 4 stars and by the end, I gave it FIVE stars.
Moondog has to be regarded as one of the best supporting characters in a book, ever. I would LOVE to see this made into a movie. Heck, I'd love to go back to 1988 and meet up with him. I love tea, love to cook, love rock music AND I know how to use a bong. :) We'd be best buds (pun intended).
Well, I found out. With two hours to go, I was up to 4 stars and by the end, I gave it FIVE stars.
Moondog has to be regarded as one of the best supporting characters in a book, ever. I would LOVE to see this made into a movie. Heck, I'd love to go back to 1988 and meet up with him. I love tea, love to cook, love rock music AND I know how to use a bong. :) We'd be best buds (pun intended).
December 30, 2021
I'm going to admit; I was bored by and just saddened for Charles at first but he finally makes his way and gets a happy ending with a little help from his watchers at the universal life centre. I don't know if it was Shawn Inmon's intention or not as it's never brought up, but from my perspective as a neurodivergent who spends a lot of time in neurodivergent spaces and with a 7 year old autistic child, Charles is a very well written autistic character with all his routines, obsession with numbers and lack of understanding social cues. I came to love him over his lives and his ending definitely makes up for the little bit of a slow start
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. And I want to mention something I especially appreciated: The lack of romance. In most fiction I find that romance either plays a major role or (it seems) is added in to spice it up, as if the story wouldn't stand on its own without it. Sigh.
I have nothing against romance. I just have no interest in reading about other people's love lives. 🤷🏻♀️ So this book was a refreshing break from that -- in addition to being otherwise very interesting (after a rather slow but still interesting start) and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, especially in the last 30% of the novel.
Kudos to the author!
I have nothing against romance. I just have no interest in reading about other people's love lives. 🤷🏻♀️ So this book was a refreshing break from that -- in addition to being otherwise very interesting (after a rather slow but still interesting start) and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, especially in the last 30% of the novel.
Kudos to the author!
February 27, 2024
Shawn Inmon does it again!
Another story I expected to not be enthusiastic about suddenly becomes a tale I don't want to end. I liked Charles, but out of all the characters he's probably not in the running for my favourite, I think because I connected with him the least. However, Moondog was by far the best secondary character in the whole series. Their bromance was honestly so touching and I loved the way a good friendship changed Charles for the better.
I think taking a breather from this series did me good, I have found my love for it again. Bring on the next character I know nothing about, think I won't care about and will not be able to forget shortly after reading.
Another story I expected to not be enthusiastic about suddenly becomes a tale I don't want to end. I liked Charles, but out of all the characters he's probably not in the running for my favourite, I think because I connected with him the least. However, Moondog was by far the best secondary character in the whole series. Their bromance was honestly so touching and I loved the way a good friendship changed Charles for the better.
I think taking a breather from this series did me good, I have found my love for it again. Bring on the next character I know nothing about, think I won't care about and will not be able to forget shortly after reading.
December 30, 2019
Terrific and inspiring series. This book is different
First, just fun and engrossing to read.... The whole series
But the series (less so this book than the others) makes it easy to go into a place where you imagine what would I do differently if I was on a second it third life. This book, is wonderful in it's own right and such a pleasure to read! But it's harder to fully empathise with the character, so I didn't find myself in that mind set as much, it was more a fun read, but it did make me think about other things...
The whole series is great. Highly recommend.
First, just fun and engrossing to read.... The whole series
But the series (less so this book than the others) makes it easy to go into a place where you imagine what would I do differently if I was on a second it third life. This book, is wonderful in it's own right and such a pleasure to read! But it's harder to fully empathise with the character, so I didn't find myself in that mind set as much, it was more a fun read, but it did make me think about other things...
The whole series is great. Highly recommend.
August 22, 2021
I cant imagine anyone who is a fan already of the Middle Falls series feeling the need to read a review of the next book, but if you are then you are in for a treat. This is by far my favorite of the Middle Falls series so far. The story has a much deeper emotional level than any of the other books. I really enjoyed the character and his neighbor. They are two of the best he has written. If you are new to the series, start with the first one, its also good and this one is great. #middlefalls #timetravel
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