Karl Strong is lonely. Not quite alone, which is, perhaps, worse. His best friend moved away, his mother died, and his father has crawled into a hole and pulled it in after him.
He is a talented athlete, but after high school, he lets himself go and dies of a heart attack. Luckily, this is Middle Falls, where death is rarely the end of the story.
Karl will have every chance to find what he needs.
The Tumultuous Lives of Karl Strong is the eighteenth book in The Middle Falls Time Travel Series. Like all books in the series, it can be read as a standalone, or in order. It will be released as an audio book by Podium Publishing in 2023.
Oh Boy, you've done it again........hit one out of the park! This one was really a fun read on top of all the lives that Karl lived. I had to laugh out loud when I came across so many "people" that have been through just what Karl has been finding himself doing, living life over. Loved seeing his interaction with past Middle Falls residents that may or may not be doing it over again, and the addition of one said dog painting of a famous little pup that has had their very own story in Middle Falls, as well as be a part of One Drive-In resident's life also. I love it when we readers see these names pop up from books of the past. This one has many good twists and turns, and a few different outcomes for others in his multi-lives adventures as well. It was interesting to see just how Karl would adapt to each life and ultimately incorporate each facet into each additional life encounter. I loved the fact that the final live gave him everything he needed to become the whole person he was intended to always be. I read the latest newsletter and I am so ready for your big year of books, problem is I try to savor each one and find myself unable to stop reading. Wonderful voyage Karl Strong, Keep 'em coming please Mr. Inmon, your faithful avid readers are waiting.
It’s telling that Shawn Inmon is a speed writer, and I’m still sad that I have to wait for the nineteenth book in this series, right?
Here’s to my eighteenth journey to Middle Falls, and to eighteen more. Once again, in the span of a few hundred pages, I can stay with a character’s growth across multiple lifetimes, with Shawn Inmon speeding up and slowing down time as needed with ease. I was surprised by Karl’s reaction to particular plot point here because his handling of it was quite different to how previous characters would have reacted, to how I would react in his place, but his choices worked perfectly for his character.
These are not cookie cutter characters by any stretch.
When Karl looses his Mom, he slowly looses his Dad to alcohol and in his first life he follows his Dad’s path. In his next lives he tries to substitute golf for a family believing it will bring him what he wants. Along the way he finds a new family and realizes that is what he wants and needs. Another great book from Shawn, once again you won’t want to leave Middle Falls
As with the many characters in previous Middle Falls Time Travel Stories, Karl learns new things and grows with each life. It is just so satisfying to follow each one as they find joy and love along the way. We all learn that it is the people we live in our lives that matters the most!
Karl's mom died when he was in middle school, his dad turned to alcohol. Karl let his grades slip until coach told him he was close to getting kicked off the team. He turned into a star running back with hopes of getting a scholarship to Oregon State. In his senior year Lisa tells him he should ask Anna to the homecoming dance. He does, has a good time, but it's just the one date until a month or so later when her uncle appears at Karl's door saying he got her pregnant and forces a [shotgun] wedding. They marry, screwing up Karl's college plans, she loses the baby, they divorce after eight years but, this is Middle Falls and he gets a chance to put thing right.
Fun, quick read. After not making an appearance in #17 the Universal Life Center is back, and not making it easy for Karl. Karl, not great at relationships already, finds it hard when he has to rebuild after they lose the shared experience. 4.8 stars.
The latest in the Middle Falls series. Watching how Karl works on making his life better for himself and others around him. His growth as he grows is inspiring. Glad Shawn is so productive in Keeping me reading!
Another wonderful story. Everyone knows how much we love these books. My greatest joy when just starting to read this one was when my kindle told me it was going to last almost 6 hours. More time than other stories !!! Thanks Shawn.
Don't be fooled by my 3 star rating- when it comes to the Middle Falls series, I've pretty much started rating them by comparing each book to others in the series. I love the premise and I eat them all up, so compared to all other books out there, this is a 4+ for me. I just felt that compared to others in the series, it was pretty average. As always, still worth the read.
I've rated this as 3 stars for a few reasons, I'll come to them momentarily, but let me be clear that this book is as good as any of the last few in the series, and equally emotionally satisfactory. Having said that, that too is a problem. The story develops exactly as any other in last 10 stories. There's really no progression in character of protagonist. It's just that his life gets a little better in every subsequent life, fulfilling some of his wish, with last life being fulfiling his ALL wishes. There's really nothing tumultuous in Karl's first life. It's just that one event in that life screws up his life big time and he dies young. That's it. In subsequent lives he just goes on living lives in which few problems get resolved. In between there are about two dozens of short lives in which he lives worst part of last few months of his first lives, there's nothing he can do about it except to live out, repeat and get increasingly frustrating. Perhaps that's the Tumultuous part of the story Shawn Inmon is talking about in the Title. The thing is, the changes that has shown to have happened in his lives can happen in few decades in one single life. For example, the relationship with father can change in one life, it does in most people's lives in our universe. There are other instances too, but I will not go through them all in this review. Good thing about this story is, Shawn seem to have read my critique and has taken one of the advise seriously and followed in this story. We start with Karl's first life and go through it, instead of starting toward it's end. The connection with Karl is stronger and we understand him, choices better. I think Shawn is just riding a wave. He is just writing things as they come to his mind, the plot is not ready to begin with, not even the basic plot. He says so in his post words. Things like, in one of the lives things work out between Karl and Ana after they talk with each other honestly. That's a bit farfetched, but acceptable. But it's not a plot twist. It's just that Shawn's writing gives an emotional satisfaction, which makes these books successful. But honestly, recently every story is more or less like previous one. I mean look at earlier stories in the series, those of Michael Holister, Dom Davidner, Veronica, Joe Hart, Cassandra Collins, Ned Summers. They have real conflicts, their lives differs so much from previous ones, they have to work hard, fight to get what they desire. There's real character arc in those stories. That's lacking in last 10 or so books. Just because we feel good reading those stories, and at the end we're full of warm satisfaction, does not mean these are great stories. It's just writing style. It's not enough reason to spend money to buy these books. I dont find myself excited about the next Middle Falls books lately, unlike I used to in past. I didn't get this one for quite long after it became available in market.
Time-travelers, let's embark on a Nostalgic Journey with 'The Tumultuous Lives of Karl Strong.'
Are you ready to dive into a tale that intertwines the complexities of time travel with the sweet, often bitter, high school memories? Shawn Inmon's latest addition to the Middle Falls Series is a portal to the past, taking us on a whirlwind ride to our teenage years and the thrills of first love. In this eighteenth installment, Inmon masterfully crafts a narrative that is as much about self-discovery as it is about the intricacies of time loops. Readers are invited to explore the life of Karl Strong, a character who, like many of us, has experienced the highs and lows of adolescence. But unlike our own linear timelines, Karl's journey is anything but ordinary.
With each turn of the page, we are transported back to the lockers-lined hallways, the buzz of the school cafeteria, the football games, and the heart-fluttering moments of young romance. Inmon's vivid storytelling resurrects the emotions that come with first loves and the lessons learned from them—echoing the sentiment that while we cannot change the past, we can certainly learn from it. This story is not just a book; it's an adventure that promises to resonate with anyone who has ever looked back on their formative years with a mix of fondness and regret. It's a reminder that while time marches forward, the journeys we take in literature can always bring us back to the moments that define us. So, fellow time-travel enthusiasts, grab your copy and prepare to be swept away by the tides of nostalgia and the excitement of what-ifs. This is one high school reunion you won't want to miss!
Note: I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I have enjoyed every one of Inmon's Middle Falls Time Travel stories, and this one is no exception.
Karl Strong is an athlete, who is the best football player on his high school team. He wants to go to college on a football scholarship over several lives, but that does not always happen. His mother has been killed by a reckless driver, and his father has turned to alcohol. Karl is lonely and friendless.
He lives many lives discovering family and friends, as well as love with Anna. It is a frustrating, but also an uplifting journey, especially after his "angel" Magenta is taken off his case.
I loved the way Kurt learned to be an excellent golfer, perfecting his skills over several lives. His cleverness as a teenager to get an unpaid job at a golf course is terrific. Of course, he's not really a teen.
The perfect ending at the Universal Life Center—as is often the case in Inmon's novels in this series—is warm and loving.
As usual, this "Lives" novel was a quick read, taking about two days. Highly recommended!
I recommend reading the books in order. I've wondered sometimes about high film ratings on IMDb for the fifth or sixth or 10th! movie in a series. I might jump into movie six of a series and wonder why on earth there are people giving this a top rating? I've realized that most of the people who watch the 10th and rate it highly are those who love the series; they love that universe and they love those people and likely the premise. Those with different tastes dropped off after the first one or two. I'm noticing on goodreads that the same thing seems to happen with book series. Maybe I'm wrong but I'm guessing starting at the beginning has a better chance for reader enjoyment. I'm at book 19 (Shawn - when does the next one come out?) and #2 is still my favourite. That each one is not my favourite does not prevent me from wanting to continue. Middle Fall Time Travel series: Delightful visits in one of my favourite places with some of my favourite people working out life.
Karl Strong’s story lives up to his name. Not always, but ultimately after lots of soul time travel looping of trial and error, he finds his inner strength and core values.
He is the epitome of what happens when you put your mind to it. Or not.
As he makes his way through his different life loops, he is tricked, suffers losses, fights back, gives up, and then gets back up. Like all of us, he is shaped by his choices, his actions and inactions, as well as the people around him.
‘Learn as you grow’ is his theme more than others as he works his way through the labyrinth of loss and unrealized dreams. He ends up living his heart of hearts and learns what family really means. And it’s bigger and better than anything he’d ever dreamt of.
For the student of metaphysical philosophy and multi-dimensional quantum mechanics, you’ll find Karl Strong’s story is a concrete reflection of those ideas. Good stuff in a fun read!
A fantastic read - highly recommended. This series just gets better and better! Who hasn’t dreamt about the ‘what ifs’ of life, wondering if you would do things differently if you could live your life over again? Well, Karl Strong gets that chance - over and over - to live a changed life as he is ‘reborn’ many times, each time landing back in a different place in his life. Can he save people from harm? Give them a chance for a better life? Can he fall in love again with the same person? Will things turn out better if he makes changes? The author draws you in from the first page, making you emotionally attached to the characters in his stories and their lives, as you cheer them on, weep alongside them and sympathise with them, as they attempt to navigate the wonderful time travel world of Middle Falls. Highly recommended, this is a brilliant concept and story.
…I love how the lives and the town locations always intersect with past characters in previous books — not in big ways, but with a sentence or two. I imagine that Mr. Inmon must have a large hand drawn map of Middle Falls with all sorts of annotations on it as well as a spreadsheet detailing each of the characters lives and how the might interact with another character… But what I really am amazed by is the way he changes each of these characters subtlety through each of their lives, never changing the essence of their personalities but showing progression, and growth, I guess. I just realized that this review is actually about the entire Middle Falls series of books, not this particular story. Well, be advised that I think this one was my favorite. I really enjoyed it. Respectfully,
Another book hit in the Middle Falls Time Travel series. Like all the books in this series, the hero or heroine, in this case Karl Strong, has to keep living his life over and over until he gets it right. Characters are great and I never knew exactly where the plot was going. It was terrific to see mention of so many fellow fellow time travelers in the story. I love it when previous time travelers come across the current traveler and neither knows what the other person doesn’t know what the current character is going through. I know these are marketed as stand alone books, but I’m glad I read them in order. There are enough Easter eggs that you won’t get if you read them out of order. A great book, don’t miss it.
I skipped a few and jumped into Karl Strong’s story. Without a doubt the books do stand alone. My favorite author and series ! It gets your imagination going wishing it was true. Karl has a lot of ambition and heart. He lives lives that end prematurely and sone that end lonely. I loved the incorporating of golf and football. Also about Al-Anon. A five star read ! Read the whole series of Middle Falls books or jump in and try this one. It will make you a fan ! I received a free copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
I got hooked on the Middle Falls series from book one. Each one added another layer to Middle Falls and the reset of lives. Karl Strongs story really hit a nerve, a good one, and allowed me to enjoy every situation and every word. You don’t have to read the books in order but I would suggest it as you can see Shawn Inman grow as an author. If you have not read any of his Middle Falls stories or if you have this is his best yet. Thanks Shawn.
Reliving your life with prior know late what would you change? The early death of your mother? Gi
You die a lonely unfulfilled life . yet when you wake up you are alive with your memories at an undetermined point in your life. Do you have the ability to change? To avoid being trapped by a pregnant girl when she is dumped. Save your mom who died young? It depends on where you land and what you learn. I wish I could explain how good this book is! Love them all!
This is probably the longest (in page count) of the Middle Falls series so far, but it was such a page-turner that I finished it in just a few sessions over 2 days. I woke up in the middle of the night several times thinking about this book and picked up my kindle to read some more. These Middle Falls books are so engaging and really make you think about your own life and the directions it has taken and where it may be headed in the future.
I don’t know how he does it, but Shawn Inmon writes each installment of the Middle Falls series as if it was the only story - even while weaving past characters into each new book! Every time I read one of these books, I am introduced to friends- old and new- and left with a longing to be a part of Middle Falls. Can’t recommend these books enough!
This book is so good! You will not want it to end. I think the essence of the story is treat people right, and eventually it will all come back to you! If you start now, you won't have to die to benefit! Also don't let the mystical people who control where to re-insert you in the next rendition of your life, go unsupervised!
I’ve enjoyed the entire series but in every book there are sections/words/paragraphs that should have been edited much better (and yeah, I can do that!). Otherwise a fascinating series and I’m waiting for the next one! (It’s only mildly irritating to a perfectionist or maybe it’s OCD, lol. Thank you author.
I always look forward to a new Middle Falls tale. Fans of the series know the format and usually how it has an upbeat ending but, as always, it is the journey, or should I say journeys, undertaken by the main character thar makes the books a joy to read. Even better the next in the series is out later this year. Keep up the good work, Shawn.
Love reading these. Such a fun trip to take. Always. Keep them coming. Karl was a such a interesting character. Learning and changing when he had the opportunity.
I enjoyed it very much. It was nice to meet some old friends from previous books. I have read and enjoyed them all. I am looking forward to the next visit to Middle Falls.
Well Mr Inmon you've done it again, and the lives of Karl Strong were indeed Tumultuous. As always (And I've read all the middle falls series) you put everything you've got into this book and I enjoyed every minute of it. Talk about sleepless nights lol. Can't wait till the next one.
I have always wanted to know what makes people tick, I think Shawn Inmon created characters for us to 'read' their lives! If you too are interested in people I'm sure you would enjoy this series!
Middle Falls Time Travel is among my absolute favorites, and this book is one of its best. A beautiful story, narrated by the great Scott Brick. I only had to stop once for a few hours because I really needed some sleep 😅