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

Lessons From San Quentin is a tale of a man who was a self absorbed person and whose path in life was a road paved with material possessions and money. When Bill Dallas was convicted of grand theft embezzlement he planned on spending his time in prison by being placed at a fire camp where he could spend his time in prison with relative ease. The prison officials had other ideas and sent him to spend his time at San Quentin. It was in San Quentin that Bill became a selfless man. The book takes you through his story and his ultimate transformation in prison. Throughout the book there are what Bill calls "transforming principles". One of my favorites is: "Your current trials and tragedies just might be part of God's best plan for you". This is something that I firmly believe. Adversity makes us stronger. Without misfortune you will cease to grow and learn. The difficult times shape our character. Bill also mentions the people that he met in prison that helped to shape him into the selfless man that he became. The stories are very interesting and I was left with a hopeful feeling at the end. There's a lot to be learned when you read Bill's story and I highly recommend it to all.

This was an amazingly great read! Each chapter has Bill sharing the details of his prison life. As he closes each chapter, Bill discusses how what he's learned can be applied to everybody's every day life. I have to admit, at first I wasn't sure about this book. I thought it would be an interesting insight to Bill's life behind bars. I didn't realize how much I would personally be taking away from each chapter. From the beginning, it is obvious that God had his hand in Bill Dallas's life. He and George Barna take the life lessons learned behind bars and blends them together for those of us who life behind our own bars. You will be surprised at the stories Bill shares and blessed by the lessons learned.

I was touched, entertained and uplifted by this book. I had a hard time putting the book down. I finished reading it within 24 hours of having received it in the mail. The portrayal of the authors experiences in prison that led to growth were breathtaking without being sensational. I bought the book thinking of giving it to an acquaintance who had been in prison, who might be able to make some use of the book. Instead, as I read the book I found many applications for my own not-nearly-as-dramatic life. I was moved to serious reflection over application of his experiences. I recommend this book to anyone.

This book grabbed me. An amazing true story of how a really rough situation can make you stronger and open up new doors in your life. I highly recomend this book.

Lessons From San Quentin. Kudos to Bill Dallas and George Barna A must for everyone. I could not put this fast pace, interesting book down. I read it in one setting. The honesty of Bill Dallas of his errors, hopelessness, and brokenness is refreshing. This book is so relevant, thousands are currently loosing jobs, homes, and retirement that they worked for and feel hopeless and lost. .It is an encouraging reminder of the sovereignty of God and how in the midst of darkness and pain He will send peoples into our lives to lift us up and a reminder that whatever we are facing today. He has a plan and is not taken by surprise by the circumstances that surround us .It is a modern day story of the Loyalty and Faithfulness of God. Any one who reads this book will find encouragement and hope.