Surviving Chaos: How I Found Peace at A Beach Bar

by Author Harold Phifer, Beth Kallman-Werner (Editor)

For more than fifty years, Harold Phifer's childhood living conditions remained a secret, even from those who thought they knew him best. No one knew about his past growing up with a mother who suffered from mental illness; a greedy, controlling aunt; a mindless and spoiled older brother; an absent father. It wasn't until an explosion in Afghanistan that his memory blasted back into focus. This book is the result of a long, cathartic chat with a stranger at a beach bar, where Harold finally found some peace.

Genres: Book Club, Contemporary, Novels, Drama, Inspirational, How To, Education

318 pages, ebook

First published February 18, 2021

About the author

Harold Phifer was born in the rebellious South of Columbus, Mississippi. As a kid, he worked the streets, hustled the neighbors, and bus tables at bars he didn’t belong in. After walking the stage at Caldwell High School, he went own to graduate from Mississippi State and Jackson State Universities respectively. Then he started his career as an Air Traffic Controller in Memphis, Tennessee. However, he was never at peace with himself. So, after 23 years, he left the United States and took a job as an International Contractor. Working with soldiers gave him a sense of duty and purpose. However, it all came with a price and experiences he wasn’t prepared for. As luck would have it, he got expelled out of Iraq due to the U S Military Drawdown in October 2011. Later, he resurfaced in Afghanistan for 8 additional years as a mercenary. But unfortunately, he was forced to leave that country after The Taliban takeover in August 2021. After escaping with his life, he took a position under the safety of Guantanamo Bay Naval base. Here, he wrote more books and continued to work as an Air Traffic Controller. So, in 2024, he left Cuba on his own accord then returned to the Middle East. Meantimes, he’s still creating stories about adventure, love, life, and the human spirit.

Reviews

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Dylan, my life has been in stages; like the spokes of a wagon wheel’ – A life unfolds

Mississippi born author Harold Phifer earned his degrees from Mississippi State University and Jackson State University and served as a specialized air traffic controller and as an international contractor in both Iraq and in Afghanistan. He has published tow books to date - SLEEPWALKING OUT OF AFGHANISTAN and now SURVIVING CHAOS.

Both of Harold Phifer’s books reflect his experience in Afghanistan – the bomb explosion that altered his life outlook considerably – but the two books are different in presentation. SURVIVING CHAOS is obviously a memoir, written in short chapters and delivered with both facts as they happened and as the author laces them with humor. In his Introduction, the content as well as the writing style become evident: ‘‘I grew up in a severely dysfunctional environment where I was constantly manipulated by my controlling aunt, abused by my mindless big brother, and shamed by my schizophrenic mom. Ducking, dodging, and going un-noticed were daily rituals. The most troubling of all was my mother’s relationship with The Walls. It took a near-death experience from a terrorist attack in Afghanistan to force me to deal with issues I tied to hide for fifty-plus years. Throughout this story and in my life, I use humor to sustain me, because logic didn’t apply. After living in Afghanistan for ten years I can say with certainty that only the fools, the desperate, and the greedy dare to return to that unstable place. Unfortunately, I fall into one or more of those categories. My story touches on the sad, the shocking ad he schizophrenic behaviors that surrounded me until well into adulthood. You will meet both male and female bullies. You will get a raw peek into what it’s like to be raised by a mentally ill mother and a greedy, calculating aunt…This journey opens in the tropical Southeast Asian country of Thailand, where I took refuge after the blast in Afghanistan…’

Life in Harold’s household during his childhood is entertaining as well as evocative of the culture changes and conditions of that period of time. With the BLM movement in the forefront at the moment, the content and presentation is even more enlightening. But it is the manner in which the memoir is related, admixed with the author’s conversation with Dylan in the ’beach bar’ in Thailand that keeps the story immediate and more irresistible. After the catharsis of the interplay between Harold and Dylan the resolution to Harold’s chaotic life seems reasonable: return to being an Air Traffic Controller in Afghanistan and put the chaos to rest!

Fascinating on many levels, this novel//memoir is very strong on many levels – not only as entertainment but also as an insightful examination of the effect of trauma we all encounter, on whatever level! Recommended.

[Author Phifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's an emotional rollercoaster that touches on all facets of the author's life. No doubt Destruction to every shot imaginable but Destiny won out in the end.

[Robin Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

Air traffic controller Harold Phifer recently announced the publication of his second book, "Surviving Chaos" which is a collection of autobiographical short stories exploring his sad and often appalling upbringing in Columbus, Mississippi.

In the author’s own words "My hope is that my story may help someone smile when they are having a bad day, and remind young readers that no matter how bad and hopeless things may seem in the present, the power is within each of us to change our future."

Well Harold it certainly did for me, I found your story to be intense at times but totally compelling, completely gripping and full of emotion and humour. After finishing the book I felt a little somber, but conversely also very uplifted. It strengthens my notion that we can overcome anything that life throws at us with faith and determination. Highly recommended and I have to give a 5 star rating to a very well-written book.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a story!

When I first started reading Surviving Chaos… How I found Peace at a Beach Bar I thought it was going to be some retired guy story about moving to Thailand and finally being able to breathe. This book was so much more… If you think you know a crazy person you know nothing until you meet the authors mom and aunt Catherine. Some of the stories very funny and some are just sad and make you want to hug him. Throughout the book what you don’t want to do is stop reading. This book is so good I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it! If you like autobiographies about someone surviving abuse… You should read this book it’s awesome! Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Mariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surviving Chaos: How I Found Peace at A Beach Bar by Harold Phifer

I received an arc and am voluntarily leaving a revie.

Surviving Chaos is Harold Phifer's memoir where, he reveals, initially unwillingly, his abusive childhood and his ultimate survival into adulthood, finally experiencing what is probably one of the worst bomb attacks in Afghanistan.

It is always an emotional ordeal reading through trauma that has been experienced by a child. We can't help but place ourselves in the position of the child, trying to comprehend the pain, or we try to fathom how a human being can instigate any kind of torment on one so young and innocent. Difficult enough when reading fiction that pulls on your heart strings and toys with your emotions. It is, therefore, more intense when it is non-fiction, as we relive the author's experience through their written word.

I found this to be particularly harrowing as the author received abuse from not only his overbearing aunt, other children in the neighbourhood, his older brother but also his mother. The one peron who is supposed to provide unrestrained, unconditional love. The author, on the other hand agonized through mistreatment, malnourishment, lack of education and most importantly the loss of a loving and caring mother figure.
This is written as a story being told on reaching adulthood to a man he just happens to cross in Thailand by the name of Dylan, who for reasons of his own, appears fascinated to unravel the complicated hitory of Harold Phifer and his life story up to the present day.

On beginning this book I prepared myself to be affected by the detail of the author's life and while I was, it wasn't as bad as I first imagined. Dont misunderstand, although it is heartbreaking to contemplate how a mother can neglect her chilren in such a manner, due to her mental illness , I also felt extremely sorry for her own suffering. The description is divulged in such a way that in certain areas the author appears to make light of the hard times and I do feel he holds back the full extent of the real depth of trauma. It was only on reaching the events of his adulthood where I began to feel more affected, as the evidence of a neglected chilhood of himself and the other members of his family, manifested in various unfortunate ways.
“ Life just happens, it's never fair and nothing is promised. “

To conclude, I am always in awe when a life lived is revealed to me in this way. It amazes me, how much some have suffered, more than many do in a lifetime, yet remain humble and despite the worst odds, succeed in life, achieving more than many overprivileged individuals. In my opinion, Harold Phifer's greatest achievement is the coming to terms and release of all the pain and hurt he tolerated, due to no fault of his own and the moving on with his life. If you like to be touched, moved, by a story, this is definitely one to read.

I rate Surviving Chaos 5 out of 5 stars.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harold Phifer’s story is not only touching but also inspiring. The author is one of the few men who are brave enough to be vulnerable to the whole world by sharing his story. When reading about the author’s journey, one gets to experience different feelings. Some pages will have you sympathize with Harold Phifer, applaud him for being brave, curse those who were around him but let him down, and get excited when he talks about his wins. Harold Phifer is an excellent author because he knows how to bring out different feelings and sensations from the reader. His wording is wonderful, his style of narration perfect and how he describes events incredible that one can picture the real scenarios as they happened.
‘Surviving Chaos: How I Found Peace at A Beach Bar’ is short and easy to follow. The author’s style of narrating his stories is catchy and gives one the urge to keep reading on. Harold Phifer knows how to capture the reader’s interest and get a variety of reactions from them. This book can serve as a self help book for those that feel like the world is against them. The author shares a range of lessons that can help the reader through their personal struggles.
One of the major lessons in the book was about mental health. You can never tell what the next person goes through unless they open up to you. That it is why it is important to be kind to all. Apart from the author’s mother who ha mental illness, many people in Harold’s life did not seem okay. Their actions and how they treated him could have been as a result of mental issues that they themselves were going through. It is such a delight to read a book where the author openly talks about their frustrations and how they conquered it all. ‘Surviving Chaos: How I Found Peace at A Beach Bar’ is the book you need for your daily motivation.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harold Phifer is at a beach bar in Thailand when an older gentleman, Dylan, approaches him. After chatting for a few minutes, Dylan asks Harold to tell him his life story, in exchange for Dylan paying for drinks.
Harold begins with a horror that happened in Afghanistan, but then goes back years to the beginning of his life. Harold tells his life story in a series of vignettes, from a young child, to grade school, high school, college, marriage, divorce, children, and a career.
Sadly, Harold endured his share of heartaches, growing up in a dysfunctional family, with a mother who was considered crazy, a vengeful aunt, an alcoholic brother, and an absent father. As years go by, more tragedies strike the family. Harold deals with poverty, racism, and all sorts of issues. Yet, after telling his story to Dylan, he is absolved of his demons.
Interesting story.

[Luis Humberto Molinar Márquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

[English review + Reseña en español]

Surviving Chaos: How I found peace at a beach bar by Harold Phifer
Rise & Read Free Press, 2021
228 pages
Non-Fiction / Novelated memories.

Dylan, a retired banker, willing to pay for several rounds of beers and wanting to stay up late while listening carefully to the lives of others, talks to Harold in the middle of a beach in Thailand. Harold, at first suspicious, begins the story of his life, from his very complicated childhood in a model family (model of dysfunction, I mean) in the southern United States, to the terrorist attack that almost ended his life in Afghanistan (where bankrupt, lonely and disappointed, he had taken a job as an independent contractor).

The author, born in Mississippi and raised by Liza, his detached mother, and Kathy, a possessive and abusive aunt, tells, in the first person and with a very pleasant way of narrating, a handful of episodes that marked his childhood and youth and that do a recount of the small and large issues that marked his life: sweets, bicycles, marbles, bullies (both young and old), schizophrenia, broken friendships, racism, first jobs, fights, justice, loyalty, luck, girlfriends, repressed feelings, abandonment, cars, love and loss, career, prejudice, overcoming and success.

This is an effective book written in the first person, with very well used narrative resources, evocative, fun and different. Personally, I think that the episodes are too short and that they end abruptly, just when one wants to know more about them.

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Surviving Chaos: How I found peace at a beach bar, de Harold Phifer
Rise & Read Free Press, 2021
228 páginas
No-Ficción / Memorias noveladas.

Dylan, un banquero retirado, dispuesto a pagar varias rondas de cervezas y con el ánimo de desvelarse escuchando con atención la vida de los otros, le hace la plática a Harold en medio de una playa en Tailandia. Harold, al principio receloso, comienza entonces el relato de su vida, desde su complicadísima infancia en una familia modelo (modelo de disfuncionalidad, quiero decir) del sur de Estados Unidos, hasta el ataque terrorista que estuvo a punto de terminar con su vida en Afganistán (donde arruinado, solo y decepcionado, había aceptado un trabajo como contratista independiente).

El autor, nacido en Mississippi y criado por Liza, su madre desapegada, y Kathy, una tía posesiva y abusiva, cuenta, en primera persona y con una forma de narrar muy agradable, un puñado de episodios que marcaron su niñez y juventud y que hacen un recuento de los pequeños y grandes temas que marcaron su vida: dulces, bicicletas, canicas, abusivos chicos y grandes, esquizofrenia, amistades rotas, racismo, primeros trabajos, peleas, justicia, lealtad, suerte, novias, sentimientos reprimidos, abandono, autos, amor y pérdida, carrera, prejuicio, superación y éxito.

Este es un libro efectivo escrito en primera persona, con recursos narrativos muy bien utilizados, evocativo, divertido y distinto. Personalmente, creo que los episodios son demasiado cortos y que concluyen abruptamente, justo cuando uno quisiera saber más sobre ellos.

[Valery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surviving Chaos: How I Found Peace at A Beach Bar by Harold Phifer is a heartfelt memoir. The author tells of his childhood, his time in Afghanistan, and ultimately his survival. He recounts his life story to a stranger named Dylan on the beach in Thailand. There are plenty of crazy moments in his life story starting in his childhood which was highly dysfunctional. With a schizophrenic mother and a controlling Aunt, the cards were stacked against him. If that's not enough, the author survived a major explosion in Afghanistan while working there. He intimates that after being there for ten years, one would be insane to return to such a scary and insane country. His talk with Dylan affects Harold deeply and is quite cathartic, changing the trajectory of his life. A truly fascinating look at a life that is both heartbreaking and inspiring, this book is strongly recommended.

[Emerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surviving Chaos is not like anything else I have ever read. It is a heart-breaking, laugh-out-loud, thrilling, humbling tale of one man’s life. Author Harold Phifer tells his life story through a chat with a stranger on the beach. In one conversation the memories of a difficult childhood resurface finally offering Phifer peace. The memories are presented in small bursts of n the moment scenes flicking from past to present as the reader follows Phifer through his life. The little details within the scenes as well as the earnest and emotional moments make this book a captivating read. You will be left feeling angry, sad, hopeful, and inspired. I would recommend this book for non-fiction readers who enjoy life stories and inspiration.

[Grymm Gevierre · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a memoir that showcases Phifer’s Hellish journey through life.

The people in his life put Phifer through the wringer. He puts his experience out there candidly and without pulling punches, really showing the struggles he had in everyday life. This book is broken up into small chapters that highlight important aspects of Harold’s journey, ultimately landing him where he is. This is clearly a case of “through the fire, he is forged” as it is alarmingly evident Phifer had massive obstacles in life. His family was far from a haven.

What stands out most is how Phifer connects with us. We may not have had his experience, but his writing grabs you and takes you along with him down memory lane, for better or for worse. This isn’t just a book about a guy who tells us about his life, he also paves way for everyone to feel inspired and overcome their own struggles. This is a great book, and a lot of people can benefit from reading this. Definitely recommend.

[Pegboard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surviving Chaos: How I Found Peace at A Beach Bar by Harold Phifer is a one-of-a-kind memoir. Part of you wants to laugh at his memories as a child if forgetting it was a child experiencing this dysfunctional family. His mom's mental illness allowed his Aunt Kathy to dominate their family and manipulate it to her advantage. Taking Jerry under her wing, created someone just like her. Harold was the nerd, whose awkwardness caused plenty of trouble in an area that thrived on the weak, those different, or scrawny.

Harold Phifer goes through the ups and downs of his life when a fellow American asks him while they are in Thailand. Harold's stories are incredible. It is rewarding to see him on the other side of a troubling life when he puts his life in perspective. I will always think of this book when I reach out to help children from the projects, ghettos, or government housing. Like the author, they wear a protective mask around their heart and features to hide their vulnerability. Surviving Chaos is a book that will live with you.

[Stephen R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

How’s your emotional stamina? Would you characterize yourself as being a good counselor? Because while these memoirs are interesting, they can also be mentally and emotionally fatiguing. It’s hard to listen to or read about a person’s life story, and that’s what this book is. The author even says toward the end that this conversation he has telling his stories to a new friend has been like one long therapy session.

If you’re the type of person who likes hearing about other people’s experiences, you’ll be glad you read this one. If not, this book isn’t for you.

[Lenor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh boy, where to start with this one? Well, Surviving Chaos: How I Found Peace at A Beach Bar by Harold Phifer was a really intense read for me, Harold Phifer, the author, begins this book telling his childhood, and how even at a time when his family was completely dysfunctional, he managed to survive that part of his life, experience new chapters and travel, and well to be honest he survived only to land in a more intense adulthood. His time in Afghanistan forever changed him, he was in a massive explosion while working.

Overall, the book is truly a rollercoaster of emotions, memoirs of a survivor, a brave one who bares his soul and his past to share with the rest of us. I totally recommend this book, is fascinating and inspiring.

[Al · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I’m sure I’ve said before, one of the things I like about memoirs is to take the opportunity to compare my experiences to the author’s. I’ve read memoirs of authors who grew up in the same environment as I did (even the same town in one case) with a comparable family situation, roughly the same time frame and at least some of the same experiences. These provide value to the reader in various ways, possibly giving them a different perspective on some of their own life experiences.

However, other memoirs are much different. For example, in this one the timeframe Harold Phifer, the author, was growing up was just a few years behind me and in the same country. Beyond that we have virtually nothing in common. Many people gauge their opinions and reactions to the actions and decisions of others based on the assumption that everyone had the same basic experience and background as they do, because the majority of those around them did exactly that. Reading about someone with a vastly different experience, like this author’s growing up years, should drive home the fact that everyone’s experience wasn’t the same. Not everyone had the same expectations placed on them, support in reaching their goals, or good role models around them as examples of what to aim for.
Reading about Harold’s childhood drove home how lucky I was, but in a way that was interspersed enough with humor that it wasn’t a constant downer, which it could have easily been. It was an entertaining, mind opening, and educational read. Not a typical combination.

**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surviving Chaos
How I Found Peace At A Beach Bar
Author: Harold Phifer

Don’t pass by this book. The author’s life story is one of the most intriguing stories I have read. I was immediately vested during the introduction where you learn that the main character, Harold, grew up being physically abused, manipulated, and bullied. It seems that most of Harold’s difficult circumstances would not have occurred except for a family member’s mental illness. If that wasn’t enough, Harold also found himself in difficult and dangerous situations during his adulthood despite working hard to be successful.
The story starts in Thailand, where Harold is using the beautiful scenery and alcohol to get through his days. The accumulation of his life’s hardships has pushed this tenacious individual to his limit. Harold is approached by a stranger on the beach, a man named Dylan. Dylan challenges Harold to share his story in exchange for free drinks from the beach bar. Reluctantly, Harold begins and what follows is an incredibly fascinating story despite the horrible events that occurred.
The story seamlessly shifts to different times in Harold’s life without missing a beat and each story is nicely wrapped up. Sometimes you can’t help but laugh. What shines through each story is Harolds determination to survive where others would not. At some point Harold becomes someone you know as well as you would a lifelong friend. By the end, it is Harolds intelligence and strength that get him through despite all the missed opportunities where adults should have stepped in to help Harold as a child. Never doubt that you can make a difference! Very inspirational!

[Ria · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Frank Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Air Traffic Controller finds peace on a beach in Thailand as he recounts how he survived a blast in Afghanistan and the blast of his childhood.

“Dylan, my life has been in stages, like the spokes of a wagon wheel.” Harold Phifer tells a touching yet inspiring story of his life to a retired banker on a beach in Thailand. Born in Columbus, Mississippi, Harold's childhood featured a schizophrenic mother, an absent father, and a greedy aunt. He faced bullying for being weirdly different and the public ridicule which comes with being the son of the “bicycle lady.” His adult life was not any better; with the contention of a drunk elder brother, racial discrimination at work and the financial doom of a bitter divorce, he still makes something out of himself with a successful career as an air traffic controller. Then he survives a bomb blast in Afghanistan. Harold’s stories evoke a plethora of emotions; we cannot help but sympathize with him, admire his bravery and grit, and still find ourselves falling to the floor with laughter over his comical narration. Harold employs perfect wording and vivid narration with a dash of remarkable vulnerability. And his stories are thrilling and inspiring.

This memoir presents compelling stories of struggle and survival. You might laugh, you might cry, but you would not stop reading.

[Kelliotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

One very common issue that goes around in our world seemingly more common than ever is child abuse. It happens everywhere and it is something that is terrible and unfortunately won’t stop. We learn through his reflections that author Harold Phifer does his best to survive his controlling aunt, abusive big brother, and his schizophrenic mother for more than fifty years. His childhood living conditions remained a secret until one day an explosion in Afghanistan triggered his memories and brought them all bubbling to the surface.

The story of Harold’s road to recovery began at a bar in Thailand where he divulged his past secrets to a total stranger, and then began to find some peace.

The story itself is one of hope, motivation, sadness, struggle and survival. It is well-written and the book highlights the issue of mental health and importance of finding help and dealing with your emotions. Harold suffered right through his childhood at the hands of people in his family who may have been suffering from an unknown mental illnesses of their own (apart from his mother who we know was schizophrenic). As a very different type of book I think this is well worth a read.

[Heena Rathore Rathore-Pardeshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surviving Chaos: How I Found Peace at A Beach Bar by Harold Phifer is a raw and poignant memoir that delves deep into the author's tumultuous past and his journey towards healing and self-discovery. In this candid account, author Phifer bravely reveals the hidden scars of his childhood, marked by the challenges of growing up with a mother battling mental illness, a dysfunctional family dynamic, and the aftermath of a life-altering event in Afghanistan.

The narrative is both harrowing and inspiring, as the author navigates through the complexities of his past with honesty and vulnerability. The author's willingness to confront painful memories and share them with readers is commendable.

Overall, Surviving Chaos: How I Found Peace at A Beach Bar is a compelling and deeply moving memoir that resonates long after the final page. The author's journey towards healing and self-acceptance serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit, offering hope and inspiration to readers facing their own struggles.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an excellent book, and I'm glad I found it! Harold (the author and protagonist) has had a long and eventful life that was, at times, difficult and traumatic. The book allows him to tell his story via a lengthy discussion he has with a man he met at a beach bar.

Harold discusses various parts of his life, and I was interested in all of it. I enjoyed following his story from childhood to his time in the military to the present day. The author is very candid, sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly. By the end, I felt like I was right there at that beach bar with him, listening as he talked about his life. His power to endure and overcome is impressive!

By the end, I'd enjoyed reading a fascinating life story. Another take-away is the value of talking to someone about past trauma, be it a stranger at a beach bar, a trusted friend, or a therapist.

I highly recommend this one!

[Derik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This title intrigued me and didn't disappoint. In 'Surviving Chaos' by Harold Phifer, an impactful storyline takes us on a roller-coaster ride, following the author as he grows up in a dysfunctional environment. He is constantly manipulated by a controlling relative, abused by a mindless sibling, and shamed by his schizophrenic mom and absent father. Catharsis for Harold came in the form of an explosion in Afghanistan which helped him regain focus in his life and enabled him to bravely recount his past experiences at a beach bar where his peace was finally realised.

This highly emotional but insightful, and at times, humorous read ensured my engagement from beginning to end. The sadness endured by Harold growing up defies understanding. As his life unravelled, he remained in control and I commend the author for his bravery and tenacity throughout his life ordeal. It took the author over fifty years to open up and reveal his past, a past that was unknown even to his closest friends.

[Soochi Sandhiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has many unfolding emotions. It was an emotional roller coaster for me. I expected it to be a normal narration by a person, just a normal, chaotic life, and it's ranting. But it was more than that. During a war at a place, Harold got a chance to open up and express the darkest fears of his life, which involved his mother, miserable aunt, absent father, and brother. He revealed the upbringing he received. His idea of life at that moment and what kept him moving even with so many adversities.

The author has the power to drive emotions. I was feeling like crying at many moments and felt like hugging Harold; he must have had a hard time and must have cried alone. I was highly impressed by the writing style, which keeps the readers soaked in sentiments and engrossed with the plots.

I recommend people read it and understand the significance of accepting true emotions.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Harold Phifer unfolds a masterpiece, his readers will see a young kid's trauma envelop into a default that coping with pain can sometimes become protection. Having a mom being mentally ill and yet shielding her to protect her from the world.

Being the outcast of the family caused author Harold Phifer to challenge his demise and to push forward, excelling in academics, poverty, the determination to carry the load of family and to move forward.

In this story, you will see perseverance, forgiveness, and selflessness.

The book will keep you on edge, a good read. I also recommend 'My Bully, My Aunt and Her Final Gift'.

[Kim Hovanecz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opening up to a stranger on the beach brings about a renewed look on life. This was an easy read that surprised me along the way. I was glad to hear how well he did despite his awful upbringing. #booktribbc #booktribbookclub #daytonabeachshorescommunitycenter

[Mosoeve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is definitely terrific.

[Frances Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is storytelling at its finest – a book that will stay with me always.

[Kiersten Oechsner · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Didn’t love it
But overall enjoyed reading this man’s story