Surviving Chaos: How I Found Peace at a Beach Bar by Harold Phifer is a profoundly personal autobiography that details the life of the author’s challenges from childhood to defining experiences and goals achieved throughout his life. The author is clear from the start: his upbringing was hard, and there was no easy escape or remedy until adulthood. He struggled with bullies, the impact of a parent’s mental health, and the emotional and physical scars of childhood abuse. The author focuses on his journey from disadvantaged youth to exploring all opportunities available from travel and working overseas in Afghanistan to discover new adventures in Thailand.

The recurring theme throughout the book is overcoming obstacles. From a young age, the cruel effects of abusive parenting, poverty, and lack of structure framed a life of determination for the author. He writes in short, animated chapters that highlight pivotal moments and experiences in life. His style is direct and easy to follow, with sharp, vibrant chapters that form part of a powerful, exciting story that displays courage and ambition.

Readers will enjoy the author’s informal approach and ability to smoothly switch from tales of the past with relevant events later in life. Each poignant recollection offers another part of his childhood and how it irreversibly shaped his future strategy for a better, more exciting life. The book is a definite page-turner and keeps the reader wanting more from the author. It’s a lively, energetic tale that reads like a conversation as if you’re hearing the story first-hand from a friend or acquaintance.

The book is heavy at times, frequently marked with tragic, complex events that illustrate the struggles of growing up in a difficult life. It’s an engaging read, though at times the stories feels anecdotal. This narration trend tends to drift from the story’s overall direction.

Surviving Chaos is a riveting and emotionally-charged book. As a reader who enjoys an exciting autobiography detailing a vivid personality, I found this book easy to get into. Surviving Chaos by Harold Phifer is a touching read written with honest intentions and a sense of adventure.

Pages: 250 | ASIN: B08WHNZJGG