Surviving Chaos: How I Found Peace at A Beach Bar

by Harold Phifer

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About The Book

For many many 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 was 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.

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Books, Non-Fiction

About The Author

Harold Phifer

Harold Phifer was born in the rebellious South of Columbus, Mississippi. As a kid, he worked the streets, hustled the neighbors, and bust 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.

Books, Non-Fiction

Reader Reviews

“Great Read! – This book is a great read. The reader will experience an array of emotions as it covers numerous subject matters like absent father, mental health, bullying, and personal successes. The author’s unique writing style makes it easy for the reader to visualize the story that is being told.”

“This is one of those success stories that people can universally read and find something that inspires them. In SURVIVING CHAOS: How I Found Peace at a Beach Bar we are able to see some of the events that shaped the life and path of Harold Phifer. Whether it was the challenges of his youth and the relationship with his mother or the doubt that he had to deal with from others. When he saw an escape hatch to something different he took it, even though at times it also included its own struggles. Through it all we are able to see how Harold grew and learned, and as the events continue to unfold we see him rise and thrive. For those looking for the encouragement to push past the things that are meant to destroy them, Harold shows you can be refined by them instead, becoming a person you can be proud of.”

“Once again Harold did a great job in telling his story with some humor and seriousness of what he endured while been raised by a mother who had mental problems. While reading the book I was captivated with his story.”

"It was a book I could not put down until the end. I have already recommended it to my siblings. It was a great read!!!"

“Inspirational and Intense – 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.”

Books, Non-Fiction