My Bully, My Aunt, and Her Final Gift

5 Star Review

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Editorial Book Review:

By Morgan Smith

There is something raw and deeply moving about a story that shows how complicated family, pain, and personal growth can be. This book did just that by weaving together sad memories with times of healing and clarity. It tells the story of a youth tainted by abuse and mental illness. What struck me most was how the author was able to find meaning and growth in the worst situations.

What I liked most about this book was that it wasn't afraid to talk about hard things, but it still gave me hope. Moving were the author's thoughts of the bad relationships he had. But he didn't get angry; instead, he used those problems to learn. This made the story into more than just a sad one; it showed how strong the human spirit can be in a powerful way.

The book's handling of weakness and strength was one of its highlights. It did not make pain appear better or pretend to be something other than what it was. Instead, it expressed the truth about his pain and bewilderment. At the same time, it showed how those problems helped me grow as a person over time. Not often do you read a memoir that reads so much like a chat with the author—as if they were telling you their story in a way that only someone who has really dealt with their past could.

What really resonated with me, though, was the unexpected gift that came from those difficult experiences. As the author worked through trauma, he gained a better understanding of himself and learned how to go on with greater calm. This made the story about more than just survival, but also thriving. It serves as a reminder that, while we cannot change our past, we can use what we have learned to influence our future.

For anyone who has faced their own challenges—be it within their family or their own inner battles—this memoir offers both comfort and inspiration. It’s a heartfelt exploration of how we can transform our struggles into something meaningful. It’s a powerful read for anyone looking to heal or simply gain a deeper understanding of the strength it takes to overcome the hardest parts of life.

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.