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27 Summers: My Journey to Freedom, Forgiveness, and Redemption
In one of America's most notorious prisons, a young man sentenced to life without parole miraculously found faith, forgiveness, redemption, and restoration. In 27 Summers Ronald Olivier shares his dramatic and powerful story and offers proof that God can bring healing and hope to even the darkest circumstances. As a teenager Ronald Olivier ran wild in the streets of New Orleans, selling drugs, stealing cars, and finally killing someone on what was supposed to be the happiest day of the year--Christmas Day. Facing the consequences of his crime, he remembered what his mother once said. "Baby, if you ever have real trouble, the kind that I can't get you out of, you can always call on Jesus." So he did. Ron was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Through the agony of solitary confinement and multiple transfers into increasingly dangerous prison environments, Ron kept seeking God for healing and hope. Finally, after being locked up for twenty-seven summers at the notorious Louisiana State Penitentiary--known as Angola--Ron was miraculously released. Remarkably, he became the director of chaplains at Mississippi State Penitentiary. Today, Ron loves to combat hopelessness, wherever he finds it, by saying, "Don't tell me what God can't do!” Readers will Ron's fascinating story brilliantly displays God's power to transform individuals, families, and communities, reminding us that there truly is nothing God can't do.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published November 7, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 20, 2023
A compelling and moving true story, 27 Summers: My Journey to Freedom, Forgiveness and Redemption is a must read for every Christian.
Ronald Olivier wasn’t like most young, black men growing up in his neighbourhood. He had a loving family, a great relationship with his father, and thoroughly enjoyed school and learning. Still the pull of the streets was too great and Ronald began dealing drugs at just 16 years old. He chose violence and carried a gun to compensate for his childish looks and small size. But then so did everyone around him. Ronald’s story wasn’t really any different than any other male, black teen in that area of New Orleans. Except that it was: God had a purpose for Ronald Olivier and everything changed in one moment on Christmas Day, 1991.
Having been charged with first degree murder and while waiting to be sentenced, Ronald remembered something his mother had told him: “If you ever have real trouble, the kind I can’t get you out of, you can always call on Jesus.” Ronald did just that, promising to serve God all his days if He would spare him the death sentence.
Ronald’s transformation from violent drug dealer to pastor, missionary, evangelist and prison chaplain is truly remarkable and a testament to what God can do with a life fully yielded to Him. It’s an inspiring story, but a challenging one as well. What God did in Ronald Olivier was made possible by men and women who willingly and committedly walked alongside Ronald, mentoring, teaching and encouraging him. May I be willing to do the same for those in my life who need Jesus.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this advance digital review copy. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
Ronald Olivier wasn’t like most young, black men growing up in his neighbourhood. He had a loving family, a great relationship with his father, and thoroughly enjoyed school and learning. Still the pull of the streets was too great and Ronald began dealing drugs at just 16 years old. He chose violence and carried a gun to compensate for his childish looks and small size. But then so did everyone around him. Ronald’s story wasn’t really any different than any other male, black teen in that area of New Orleans. Except that it was: God had a purpose for Ronald Olivier and everything changed in one moment on Christmas Day, 1991.
Having been charged with first degree murder and while waiting to be sentenced, Ronald remembered something his mother had told him: “If you ever have real trouble, the kind I can’t get you out of, you can always call on Jesus.” Ronald did just that, promising to serve God all his days if He would spare him the death sentence.
Ronald’s transformation from violent drug dealer to pastor, missionary, evangelist and prison chaplain is truly remarkable and a testament to what God can do with a life fully yielded to Him. It’s an inspiring story, but a challenging one as well. What God did in Ronald Olivier was made possible by men and women who willingly and committedly walked alongside Ronald, mentoring, teaching and encouraging him. May I be willing to do the same for those in my life who need Jesus.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this advance digital review copy. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
August 4, 2023
Ronald Olivier's story is very inspiring. He tells how his father spent so much time with he and his siblings. They enjoyed many fun hours together. Time that would never come again. He also writes about the love for his mother. She worked very hard and loved him.It was not long before he was stealing cars. He quickly gives all praise to Jesus Christ. God had brought him through robberies and all sorts of negative activity on the street. Later, comes prison.
November 20, 2023
What a truly inspiring biography. Ronald Olivier grew up in a tough neighborhood environment in the South. He didn’t care much about school. He cared more for his friends whom he hung out with all the time. They spent more time in petty crimes, auto theft and chasing girls than doing anything else.
Many of his friends and neighbors ended up either in jail or dead. What would his life hold. As a teenager he felt invincible. Nothing could or would touch him. He proved this by stealing car after car and also outrunning the police. He was untouchable.
He then started dealing drugs to earn money and found that he was pretty good at this as well. But his environment and lifestyle caught up with him. He was an angry young man who was quick to become violent. This lead to the tragic day when he was confronted by other teenagers whom he thought were trying to “rob” him. It escalated quickly to the point when one touch him on the shoulder that he turned and shot and killed the young boy. This lead to him being sent to jail for murder with a life sentence (at the age of 16).
To make the long story short, Ronald fell to his knees in anguish and sobbing and cried out to God, and God answered.
His 27 years in Angola prison reads like a rehash of the Bible in so many ways. I felt like I was reading about Moses who fled after murdering an Egyptian. Then there was Joseph sold into slavery and later jailed by an angry woman. The Peter and John thrown into jail because they preached Jesus and finally the apostle Paul who ends up in prison, also for proclaiming Jesus.
The story of Ronalds life is about how God answered when Ronald cried out and how God then changed his life and used him to bring Honor and Glory to the name of Jesus throughout the prison system.
Ronald joined God in spreading the Good News of the Gospel. It wasn’t always easy. It wasn’t always safe. It wasn’t always comfortable. But Ronald learned how to trust in the Lord and to “LISTEN” to God’s still small voice.
In reading you will learn how prison became to Ronald his monastery of growth. It will also encourage your heart to learn that Ronald is not alone, there are 100’s if not 1000’s of inmates in our prison system who are following Christ and see their incarceration as a means to spread the Gospel.
A truly inspiring story.
Many of his friends and neighbors ended up either in jail or dead. What would his life hold. As a teenager he felt invincible. Nothing could or would touch him. He proved this by stealing car after car and also outrunning the police. He was untouchable.
He then started dealing drugs to earn money and found that he was pretty good at this as well. But his environment and lifestyle caught up with him. He was an angry young man who was quick to become violent. This lead to the tragic day when he was confronted by other teenagers whom he thought were trying to “rob” him. It escalated quickly to the point when one touch him on the shoulder that he turned and shot and killed the young boy. This lead to him being sent to jail for murder with a life sentence (at the age of 16).
To make the long story short, Ronald fell to his knees in anguish and sobbing and cried out to God, and God answered.
His 27 years in Angola prison reads like a rehash of the Bible in so many ways. I felt like I was reading about Moses who fled after murdering an Egyptian. Then there was Joseph sold into slavery and later jailed by an angry woman. The Peter and John thrown into jail because they preached Jesus and finally the apostle Paul who ends up in prison, also for proclaiming Jesus.
The story of Ronalds life is about how God answered when Ronald cried out and how God then changed his life and used him to bring Honor and Glory to the name of Jesus throughout the prison system.
Ronald joined God in spreading the Good News of the Gospel. It wasn’t always easy. It wasn’t always safe. It wasn’t always comfortable. But Ronald learned how to trust in the Lord and to “LISTEN” to God’s still small voice.
In reading you will learn how prison became to Ronald his monastery of growth. It will also encourage your heart to learn that Ronald is not alone, there are 100’s if not 1000’s of inmates in our prison system who are following Christ and see their incarceration as a means to spread the Gospel.
A truly inspiring story.
August 2, 2023
"27 Summers: My Journey to Freedom, Forgiveness, and Redemption" by Ronald Olivier is a captivating and inspirational memoir that recounts the remarkable transformation of a young man who, despite a life marked by crime and violence, finds faith, forgiveness, and redemption while serving a life sentence in one of America's most notorious prisons.
Olivier's story takes readers on a compelling journey through his troubled teenage years in the streets of New Orleans, where he engaged in criminal activities, culminating in a tragic act of violence on Christmas Day. Facing the consequences of his actions, Olivier turns to his mother's advice to call on Jesus in times of true trouble, setting the stage for a powerful spiritual transformation.
Sentenced to life in prison without parole, Olivier's experiences within the harsh confines of the Louisiana State Penitentiary, commonly known as Angola, are recounted with raw honesty. The reader witnesses his struggle through solitary confinement and dangerous prison environments, as he relentlessly seeks God for healing, hope, and redemption.
The narrative captures Olivier's unwavering determination to find grace and forgiveness despite his past, as he navigates his way through nearly three decades of incarceration. The book highlights his eventual release from Angola and his unexpected role as the director of chaplains at Mississippi State Penitentiary, showcasing the profound impact of his journey on his own life and the lives of others.
"27 Summers" not only serves as a testament to the power of faith and the ability of individuals to transform their lives, but it also offers valuable insights into the themes of patience, resilience, and the potential for restoration. Olivier's story is a beacon of hope for anyone who has faced adversity and seeks redemption.
In this memoir, Ronald Olivier eloquently demonstrates how God's transformative power can touch even the darkest and seemingly irredeemable circumstances. His journey serves as a reminder that there is no limit to what God can accomplish, and his story will leave readers inspired, encouraged, and uplifted.
"27 Summers: My Journey to Freedom, Forgiveness, and Redemption" is a must-read for those seeking stories of personal growth, triumph over adversity, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Ronald Olivier's words resonate with authenticity and offer a powerful message of hope that will leave a lasting impact on readers of all backgrounds.
Olivier's story takes readers on a compelling journey through his troubled teenage years in the streets of New Orleans, where he engaged in criminal activities, culminating in a tragic act of violence on Christmas Day. Facing the consequences of his actions, Olivier turns to his mother's advice to call on Jesus in times of true trouble, setting the stage for a powerful spiritual transformation.
Sentenced to life in prison without parole, Olivier's experiences within the harsh confines of the Louisiana State Penitentiary, commonly known as Angola, are recounted with raw honesty. The reader witnesses his struggle through solitary confinement and dangerous prison environments, as he relentlessly seeks God for healing, hope, and redemption.
The narrative captures Olivier's unwavering determination to find grace and forgiveness despite his past, as he navigates his way through nearly three decades of incarceration. The book highlights his eventual release from Angola and his unexpected role as the director of chaplains at Mississippi State Penitentiary, showcasing the profound impact of his journey on his own life and the lives of others.
"27 Summers" not only serves as a testament to the power of faith and the ability of individuals to transform their lives, but it also offers valuable insights into the themes of patience, resilience, and the potential for restoration. Olivier's story is a beacon of hope for anyone who has faced adversity and seeks redemption.
In this memoir, Ronald Olivier eloquently demonstrates how God's transformative power can touch even the darkest and seemingly irredeemable circumstances. His journey serves as a reminder that there is no limit to what God can accomplish, and his story will leave readers inspired, encouraged, and uplifted.
"27 Summers: My Journey to Freedom, Forgiveness, and Redemption" is a must-read for those seeking stories of personal growth, triumph over adversity, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Ronald Olivier's words resonate with authenticity and offer a powerful message of hope that will leave a lasting impact on readers of all backgrounds.
September 12, 2023
27 Summers: My Journey to Freedom, Forgiveness and Redemption is a memoir you want won’t to put down. I read long into the night wondering how Ron’s life would turn out.
Ronald Olivier, a young, black men growing up in a very violent New Orleans neighbor hood in Louisiana, had a loving family, a great relationship with his father, and thoroughly enjoyed school and learning. A page of math problems brought him joy. He was and of course is smart and had a lot pulling for him. The curiosity of streets and the two he hung around with was too great and Ronald began dealing drugs at just 16 years old. He was a small fellow and even though he was 16, he appeared to be about 13. He chose violence and carried a gun to compensate for what he felt to be flaws in his appearance. And everyone around him carried guns. It got real for Ronald one Christmas Day, in 1991. He shot and seriously injured one boy and killed another. This time mama couldn’t sign him out of jail.
With a court appointed lawyer and probably not the right judge, Ronald was charged with murder. With a great amount of time on his hands, awaiting sentencing, Ronald remembered something his mother had told him: “If you ever have real trouble, the kind I can’t get you out of, you can always call on Jesus.” Ronald did just that, promising to serve God all his days if He would spare him the death sentence. He was spared the literal death sentence but the places he was sent were not much better than dying. The suicide rates were high in these prisons, but somehow he was able to persevere. Not somehow, it was his reliance of God.
Ronald’s transformation from violent drug dealer to pastor, missionary, evangelist and prison chaplain is truly remarkable and a testament to what God can do with a life fully yielded to Him. He got knocked back down so many times, I thought he’s not going to be able to get back up again, but he was drew strength from the lord and as always He was faithful.
He spent 27 years f his life locked up!
The story, up until his transformation is a bit raw as the streets and prisons tend to be.
He has gifted us with an inspiring story that encourages my own walk with God. Thank you Ron Olivier for how you are helping those in need and sharing your story.
Ronald Olivier, a young, black men growing up in a very violent New Orleans neighbor hood in Louisiana, had a loving family, a great relationship with his father, and thoroughly enjoyed school and learning. A page of math problems brought him joy. He was and of course is smart and had a lot pulling for him. The curiosity of streets and the two he hung around with was too great and Ronald began dealing drugs at just 16 years old. He was a small fellow and even though he was 16, he appeared to be about 13. He chose violence and carried a gun to compensate for what he felt to be flaws in his appearance. And everyone around him carried guns. It got real for Ronald one Christmas Day, in 1991. He shot and seriously injured one boy and killed another. This time mama couldn’t sign him out of jail.
With a court appointed lawyer and probably not the right judge, Ronald was charged with murder. With a great amount of time on his hands, awaiting sentencing, Ronald remembered something his mother had told him: “If you ever have real trouble, the kind I can’t get you out of, you can always call on Jesus.” Ronald did just that, promising to serve God all his days if He would spare him the death sentence. He was spared the literal death sentence but the places he was sent were not much better than dying. The suicide rates were high in these prisons, but somehow he was able to persevere. Not somehow, it was his reliance of God.
Ronald’s transformation from violent drug dealer to pastor, missionary, evangelist and prison chaplain is truly remarkable and a testament to what God can do with a life fully yielded to Him. He got knocked back down so many times, I thought he’s not going to be able to get back up again, but he was drew strength from the lord and as always He was faithful.
He spent 27 years f his life locked up!
The story, up until his transformation is a bit raw as the streets and prisons tend to be.
He has gifted us with an inspiring story that encourages my own walk with God. Thank you Ron Olivier for how you are helping those in need and sharing your story.
December 19, 2023
Wow! This is an incredible story of Ronald Oliver. He grew up in a rough and violent neighborhood. This is the story of a very bright young man who chose two best friends who led him down a life-altering path. He was small for his age and eventually began carrying a gun to compensate for what he saw as a size deficit and low self. He has parents who care and a great relationship with his father. He is involved in a crime that leads to another boy's death and is sentenced to jail. He spent 27 years in prison. The transformation while in prison is remarkable. He goes from violent drug dealer to minister. This story shows the transformational power of God and how he can work miracles in lives. This story is very raw at times as he describes his life on the streets and his time in prison. I enjoyed reading about his transformation and how he grew stronger in his walk with God. After he was released from prison he went on to become a minister in Mississippi State Penitentiary. Great story!!!
Thank you to NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2024
Ron grew up in New Orleans in the 80s and drug and gun life was normal for him and his friends. One bad decision costs him his freedom as he’s sentenced to life in prison. 27 summers. I really enjoyed this inside look at life in Angola prison - the largest prison in America. It helped me to see how someone is raised affects what they think of as right and wrong, and who influences those ideas. And his experiences in the prison system demonstrate the flaws of the justice system, and shows the perseverance of Ronald as well as the grace of God. Really enjoyable. Would be a good family road trip audiobook for teens+. Nothing too explicit, although hinted at. The most risqué was talking about how some of the men in Angola became “girlfriends”…
The grace of God was the star of the book. Ronald was saved and tells of his story.
The grace of God was the star of the book. Ronald was saved and tells of his story.
October 11, 2023
I. thought this was a well-done, honest memoir about prison life from Ronald Olivier, a young man who ran wild as a youth growing up in a rough neighborhood in New Orleans and eventually found himself sent to prison for murder. The hard lessons he learned eventually led to his embracing faith in Jesus Christ and becoming a chaplain there. He was miraculously released after “27 summers” (summers is how prisoners measure time behind bars). His time at Angola and his experiences there eventually led to his becoming director of chaplains at Mississippi State Penitentiary. I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review. Five stars!
August 22, 2023
This book is an amazing story of the redeeming power of God and how He works all things together for the good of those who are called according to His purpose.
In this memoir, we follow Ronnie from his early teen years spent in criminal activity through his life sentence in Angola prison. Ronald Olivier writes his story with honesty and humility. He gives the truth about prison life in all its ugliness without giving the reader any inappropriate detail. His story is one of redemption, hope, and forgiveness.
In this memoir, we follow Ronnie from his early teen years spent in criminal activity through his life sentence in Angola prison. Ronald Olivier writes his story with honesty and humility. He gives the truth about prison life in all its ugliness without giving the reader any inappropriate detail. His story is one of redemption, hope, and forgiveness.
April 13, 2024
A song keeps running in my head when I read the book, “There's nothing that our God can't do
There's not a prison wall He can't break through
Oh, praise the name that makes a way
There's nothing that our God can't do…”
Indeed a powerful story written by God, who brought Ronald from darkness into light. A touching story that shows the power and beauty of forgiveness. And an amazing story that tells how God can change a person’s life for His glory. Praise the Lord! His mercy is great!
There's not a prison wall He can't break through
Oh, praise the name that makes a way
There's nothing that our God can't do…”
Indeed a powerful story written by God, who brought Ronald from darkness into light. A touching story that shows the power and beauty of forgiveness. And an amazing story that tells how God can change a person’s life for His glory. Praise the Lord! His mercy is great!
November 21, 2024
I just don't know about this book. I really wanted to like it more but I didn't. Part of it felt like he was glossing over the murder he committed. It just felt like he was passing the blame on a lot of the situations he found himself in. I don't want to critique anyone's testimony but the way it was written felt like he was glorifying his pre-conversion life. I think I would have appreciated more focus on how his life went beyond prison and less on his life before prison.
February 14, 2024
I absolutely LOVED this book. This takes you through some tough times and shows you that when you seek God, all things are possible. What a wonderful coming of age story about a kid turned criminal turned Jesus follower and Christ believer. If you need to read about someone else’s journey to God, this is a wonderful one through 27 Summers in prison.
October 22, 2023
Absolutely wonderful read. Thank you to the author and publisher and publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I couldn’t put this one down! Such a powerful story of redemption and how our lives are ultimately in God’s hands. Highly recommend! Thank you!
January 7, 2024
I had the pleasure of hearing Ronald Olivier share his story at The Brooklyn Tabernacle and right there was when I bought this book…and I’m so glad I did! This book was so well written, encouraging, and most importantly God-honoring.
February 13, 2024
A Wonder, a mighty God
Thank you for sharing your story! Your faith exudes from these pages. The strength God gave you through your journey is so amazing to hear. And it’s all for His Glory, too!
Thank you for sharing your story! Your faith exudes from these pages. The strength God gave you through your journey is so amazing to hear. And it’s all for His Glory, too!
July 18, 2024
I really enjoyed reading Mr. Olivier’s story! It is relatable and inspiring. It truly speaks to the power of Jesus and forgiveness. It’s an easy read that is short but comprehensive in its storytelling. Highly recommended.
November 14, 2023
Excellent book.
November 15, 2023
A moving story of redemption. I received a complimentary audiobook from the publisher via libro.fm.
January 16, 2024
27 Summers
All things work together for good, to those who love God. This book is inspiring, uplifting and it challenges you to trust in the Almighty, no matter what. A must read!
All things work together for good, to those who love God. This book is inspiring, uplifting and it challenges you to trust in the Almighty, no matter what. A must read!
January 19, 2024
3.5 Very good read
January 20, 2024
Do yourself a favor and read this book.
April 5, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and the story of how God changed Olivier's life!
April 5, 2024
Read the book in two days! That’s saying something for me! Great read, once you pick it up, you don’t want to put it down. A true testament to who God is
July 16, 2024
Great memoir! Positive story.
September 8, 2024
Good book Wish he had gone into more detail.
January 15, 2025
Really enjoyed this book. Hard to read all the setbacks he had in prison, but encouraged by his perseverance.
February 11, 2025
4.5 stars
March 14, 2025
I read this in one setting...finishing it off at 4 a.m. Could NOT put it down! Amazing story.
March 28, 2025
Hands down one of the best memoirs I’ve ever read
July 27, 2025
This is an astounding and inspiring book. Praise God for his work in Ronald Olivier's life and for the role the author is playing in the lives of others who face similar challenges.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews