Lessons from San Quentin: Everything I Needed to Know about Life I Learned in Prison

Real-estate entrepreneur Bill Dallas's charmed life changed dramatically when he was charged, convicted, and sentenced to five years in prison for grand-theft embezzlement. Lessons from San Quentin tells the amazing true story of how one man's life was changed for the better due to the hardships encountered at the legendary maximum-security prison. Using stories and reflections from life on the inside, Bill teaches 12 core principles that will inspire readers to use tough times to develop the character God wants them to have. Chapter headings include: (1) Life in the Median Strip; (2) I am H64741; (3) Embrace Your Trials; (4) Cling to Hope; (5) Express Yourself through Your Work; (6) Choose Sustaining Faith; (7) Get Your Self-Image Right; (8) Get Rid of Self-Absorption; (9) Shape Your Attitude; (10) Give Respect; (11) Persevere Until You “Get It”; (12) Let Life Come to You; (13) Make Life Simple; (14) Find Freedom in Forgiveness; (15) Life after Prison; (16) He Was Always in Control.

The CEO of Church Communications Network wraps his story of going to prison around the core principles of life he learned there. With coauthor Barna, a researcher and cultural critic, Dallas tells stories of people he meets in San Quentin prison; the group he learns the most from are the Lifers, those sentenced to life terms in prison. One of the long-term men Dallas meets who shapes his experiences is Vy Le, a Vietnamese immigrant who conquered revenge through a relationship with Jesus that began in an isolation cell. A central feature in the book is a section in each chapter with principles that center on humility, determination and trust in God. Otherwise good stories are told with a lack of suspense and drama in favor of highlighting principles. Readers will also find a challenging series of questions to help them discover how self-absorbed they are. Those looking for riches-to-rags-to-success stories will find a passionate case for avoiding the pitfalls of the financial crime Dallas committed and living a principled life. (Feb.)
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In February 1993, Dallas entered San Quentin prison, having been convicted of grand-theft embezzlement. He was a con artist whose life in the fast lane came screeching to a halt, leaving him floundering, looking for some way to redeem himself in his own eyes. While in prison, Dallas, who had become a Christian shortly before his conviction, learned that with extreme hardship also comes the opportunity to make fundamental changes in who we are. Now the CEO of the Church Communication Network, Dallas shares his experiences, with the help of coauthor Barna, in an open, straightforward, and reflective manner. In many ways this is a typical self-help book, addressing such familiar topics as living up to one’s potential, seizing every opportunity, and learning humility and restraint, but the added religious element gives the book wider appeal. Dallas writes with an appealing sincerity and tells his hard-knocks tale effectively. --David Pitt