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The Ultimate Pardon
Bill Corum rode over 2500 miles in handcuffs, leg-irons and waist-chains in his first twenty one years of life. After his release from prison, he finally returned to his home in Kansas City, MO determined to never go back. Yet, he had no intentions of ever becoming a law-abiding citizen...only covering his tracks. Bill's insatiable hunger for money, power, and influence drove him. He spent the next eighteen years evading the law. Like a frog in a slowly boiling pot, he found himself in the ever tightening vise-grip of drugs, pornography, prostitution and organized crime, until he found himself in so deep... there was no way out. After being arrested, he faced the probability of spending the rest of his life behind prison walls. Will Bill Corum receive the Ultimate Pardon?
- GenresChristian
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 9, 2013
41 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 10, 2015
This was not the easiest book to read just because of some of the content in the first half or so of the book. The story was quite intriguing, though at times almost unbelievable. It is amazing to see what God did in this man's life and how He has done it. I really appreciate the way Corum admits that his life was not someone else's responsibility. He did not turn to crime as a result of his parents or other influences. He made choices that led him to a life of crime and destruction. He freely admits those choices and accepts God's grace and forgiveness in his life.
It was amazing to see how someone so deep in a life of crime could also live such a double life at certain times. While heavily involved in criminal activity, he had a family that knew very little of who he really was. He periodically held down jobs while also stealing and being heavily involved in a variety of crimes. The human ability to try and conceal truth is amazing. Even so, truth always comes out. He was confronted with who he was. It was always before him and eventually, God used that to draw Corum into a relationship with Himself.
I really enjoyed the second half of the book that dealt largely with his transformation. While I could have done without some of the details in the first half, the depth of his story does help me to see the immensity of the change he experienced through God's redemptive work in him. It was fascinating to read about how God changed him and the impact that change had on his relationships with others, including family and friends. He did not shy away from the hardship of that change - it was not all easy and suddenly different. Healing takes time, within him and in his relationships with others.
I hope that one day Mr. Corum will receive a pardon from the state of Missouri, but appreciate his response to his past rejection. Our choices have consequences, and he seems to realize that he has already received some very powerful pardons, allowing him to minister in the way he does currently. But he still submits to those consequences he has received, and he trusts God for the most meaningful reconciliation of all.
It was amazing to see how someone so deep in a life of crime could also live such a double life at certain times. While heavily involved in criminal activity, he had a family that knew very little of who he really was. He periodically held down jobs while also stealing and being heavily involved in a variety of crimes. The human ability to try and conceal truth is amazing. Even so, truth always comes out. He was confronted with who he was. It was always before him and eventually, God used that to draw Corum into a relationship with Himself.
I really enjoyed the second half of the book that dealt largely with his transformation. While I could have done without some of the details in the first half, the depth of his story does help me to see the immensity of the change he experienced through God's redemptive work in him. It was fascinating to read about how God changed him and the impact that change had on his relationships with others, including family and friends. He did not shy away from the hardship of that change - it was not all easy and suddenly different. Healing takes time, within him and in his relationships with others.
I hope that one day Mr. Corum will receive a pardon from the state of Missouri, but appreciate his response to his past rejection. Our choices have consequences, and he seems to realize that he has already received some very powerful pardons, allowing him to minister in the way he does currently. But he still submits to those consequences he has received, and he trusts God for the most meaningful reconciliation of all.
June 4, 2022
I am a criminal and an ex drug addict I just finished this book in a rehab center it is one of the most amazing stories I've ever seen of ruthlessness and redemption it speaks to me and it shows you in God's word is real God's love is real it is one of the most beautiful books I've ever read if you have any doubts about the God that is working for us read this book he is doing things in my life the same as he is doing in his and he will do it in yours
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November 19, 2015Part outlaw odyssey & part testimonial, Bill Corum's autobiography takes the reader through the criminal underworld of Missouri: from Kansas City to St. Louis, from Cape Girardeau to Raytown, & many parts in between. Corum's journey is filled with jaw dropping moments, and he reveals criminal escapades that seem more hollywood than show-me state, but the veracity of his life's story is never in question, and he makes it through a myriad of brushes with death while figuring out by the time he's 40 that are other options in life (after having been KC's biggest cocaine kingpin). His identification with his community's redemptive myth has helped him share light instead of darkness. Corum's work in prisons laudable.
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July 19, 2020It seemed like most of the book was a celebration of what a horrible person this man was for most of his life, and then, near the end, he asks Jesus into his life and due to a major screw up by the law enforcement community he gets away with years of crimes, keeps all the money, and tells us that Jesus saved him. I feel like he owes a lot more reparations than he paid. Sorry, while he believes God has forgiven him, I'm afraid I have not.
November 21, 2022
Very moving
What I enjoyed most was how he told his story. His life was quite an adventure. And he told it in a way as if you were right there with him. I loved all the characters he came to meet along his journey in his life. The way he described them and there importance. He gives hope too many who reads this book. That no matter all the bad one has done, its still possible to turn your life around.
What I enjoyed most was how he told his story. His life was quite an adventure. And he told it in a way as if you were right there with him. I loved all the characters he came to meet along his journey in his life. The way he described them and there importance. He gives hope too many who reads this book. That no matter all the bad one has done, its still possible to turn your life around.
December 5, 2020
The Ultimate Pardon
Was written by an inmate for inmates. He shares his backstory in detail and how God got ahold of him and changed him to a new man with totally different dreams and aspirations.
Was written by an inmate for inmates. He shares his backstory in detail and how God got ahold of him and changed him to a new man with totally different dreams and aspirations.
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July 8, 2023Read this when I was locked up! Hell of a read and actually got me back in touch with my faith definitely going to buy!
May 19, 2023
Bill Corum has an incredible and unbelievable story to share. His story is extremely inspiring as he writes how God transformed his life from one of crime and addiction to one of grace, redemption and victory through Christ. He sets the example that no matter how far gone you feel you may be, you are never too far gone for God.
April 11, 2017
This book was amazing and may god bless all those who are reading it to give them the strength and the will power to walk away from there addictions and open there hearts to gods will and may they all be blessed with his glory if u are struggling with things in life that u dont want to talk about read this book cause i couldnt put it down once i started reading it this book was absolutely amazing it will make u laugh and cry and it will touch u deep with in ur soul especially if u can relate to any of it god bless u all
This book was absolutely amazing u will laugh cry and hold on for what comes next u will feel the spirit of Christ come into ur life without even realizing it happened may he bless u all in his glory
This book was absolutely amazing u will laugh cry and hold on for what comes next u will feel the spirit of Christ come into ur life without even realizing it happened may he bless u all in his glory
April 28, 2017
In the book “The Ultimate Pardon” it is a true story of the journey of a man's life. His name is Bill Corum, he wrote the book itself and told the truth of everything that happened in his life and what made him choose and have the lifestyle he did. To sum it all up, he was a good kid, a great one actually at a young age. He lived with his sister and parents when he was a kid until he started getting into trouble and landed himself in prison for 20 years. In the book, he tells his readers what lead to him being in prison for 20 years and what exactly he used to always do… such as selling drugs, hijacking cars, running from the law, doing drugs, assaulting people, buying prostitutes, and even burglary. He thought he was unstoppable and indestructible. Once he got out of prison after those 20 years he went on to tell us how he still didn’t change, how he still was doing the crimes he did before. Bill Corum said he just had to be smoother with the crimes and not get caught again, he vowed to himself that he was never going back to another prison for the rest of his life, but that vow was broken when he got caught up in some trouble and one guy he had beaten the crap out of snitched on everything he did and now Bill Corum was looking at life. There was no getting out of that one, or was there? Bill had no idea what to do, he couldn't go back to prison. Then his whole life changed…
This book hasn’t received any awards that I know of, but it is sincerely a great read. I liked the whole book, the way that the author made you feel as if you were there with him, I liked the fact that he was completely honest and shows true character. The one and only thing I didn’t like was the fact that the author kind of jumped all over the place. He would tell one story and then go right into the next without any kind of transition. Also, none of his stories he told were in order of how they went. The author’s writing style was very good, he had a way of telling the story so detailed we could practically see what was going on in our heads. He created a lot of suspension, tension, eagerness. Also, he created a lot of peace, happy, and joy. The author had a good writing style because just when we thought everything was all bad he switched up and lead us to happiness. He knew exactly how to get the reader intrigued and steady wanting to read the book. This book was full of real life issues considering that it is non-fiction and everything that happened in the book really happened in life. There could be all types of people who relate to this book, honest, caring, and loving people. Also, dark, scary, and angry people. People who make mistakes can relate to this book, people with hope and beliefs could too. Anyone can relate to this book in their own way because that’s exactly what this book does, tell multiple different stories of good and bad things, thoughts and feelings. If I had to give this book a rating out of 5 stars, it would definitely be a 5 because the book was so inspiring and heartfelt. It made me think of my whole life and how I was living. This book deserves 5 stars because the man who wrote it, what he had to go through, what he had to battle, and what he did at the end. This man is someone who should be looked up to by everyone, and for him to write down everything that happened in his life is hard I would assume. The book would get 5 stars from me because it shows that everyone has a breaking point and even the toughest people will eventually cry and show feelings. The book is strong, brave, and very very powerful.
This book hasn’t received any awards that I know of, but it is sincerely a great read. I liked the whole book, the way that the author made you feel as if you were there with him, I liked the fact that he was completely honest and shows true character. The one and only thing I didn’t like was the fact that the author kind of jumped all over the place. He would tell one story and then go right into the next without any kind of transition. Also, none of his stories he told were in order of how they went. The author’s writing style was very good, he had a way of telling the story so detailed we could practically see what was going on in our heads. He created a lot of suspension, tension, eagerness. Also, he created a lot of peace, happy, and joy. The author had a good writing style because just when we thought everything was all bad he switched up and lead us to happiness. He knew exactly how to get the reader intrigued and steady wanting to read the book. This book was full of real life issues considering that it is non-fiction and everything that happened in the book really happened in life. There could be all types of people who relate to this book, honest, caring, and loving people. Also, dark, scary, and angry people. People who make mistakes can relate to this book, people with hope and beliefs could too. Anyone can relate to this book in their own way because that’s exactly what this book does, tell multiple different stories of good and bad things, thoughts and feelings. If I had to give this book a rating out of 5 stars, it would definitely be a 5 because the book was so inspiring and heartfelt. It made me think of my whole life and how I was living. This book deserves 5 stars because the man who wrote it, what he had to go through, what he had to battle, and what he did at the end. This man is someone who should be looked up to by everyone, and for him to write down everything that happened in his life is hard I would assume. The book would get 5 stars from me because it shows that everyone has a breaking point and even the toughest people will eventually cry and show feelings. The book is strong, brave, and very very powerful.
May 5, 2017
I loved it
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews