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Armed with Good Intentions
Wallace “Wallo267” Peeples spent twenty years in and out of the prison system before restarting his life and catapulting himself to unforeseen levels of social impact, cultural influence, and success. Now he shares his story with the trademark honesty that’s made him an inspiration to those who need it most.
Named after his well-respected father who disappeared when he was two, Wallo grew up in North Philadelphia with his mom, brothers, and grandmother, feeling pressure to achieve the success and reputation his father had on the streets. Spending time in and out of juvenile detention centers, school psychologists and counselors labeled him “criminal-minded” and his luck on the streets involving petty crimes would soon run out. After his involvement in an armed robbery, Wallo was arrested and received a prison sentence of nineteen to fifty-two years. Upon serving twenty years of his sentence, Wallo was released and returned home to Philadelphia.
This memoir traces the journey from Wallo’s youth and incarceration to his incredible success. In his time spent in prison, Wallo came to understand that he was armed with the wrong intentions despite great potential via a lack of guidance and proper mindset. With this understanding, he reckoned with the choices that put him there, accepted responsibility for his own actions, and vowed to arm himself with only good intentions upon his release.
Wallo’s reflection and new-found philosophy—which he now shares with you—informed the new trajectory of his life. On the day of his release, Wallo moved back to Philly and started on a new frontier of entrepreneurialism. Armed with vigor and intention, his viral motivational content gained Wallo over sixty-thousand Instagram followers on his first day of freedom. This would prove to only be the start of his continuously growing career utilizing his social influence as a motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and cultural changemaker.
In Armed with Good Intentions, Wallo shares his hardships and triumphs and personal philosophy with his widest audience yet. Wallo spins his story of despair and tragedy into sage wisdom, inspiring anyone who is looking for the motivation to revise how they see the obstacles in their own lives.
Named after his well-respected father who disappeared when he was two, Wallo grew up in North Philadelphia with his mom, brothers, and grandmother, feeling pressure to achieve the success and reputation his father had on the streets. Spending time in and out of juvenile detention centers, school psychologists and counselors labeled him “criminal-minded” and his luck on the streets involving petty crimes would soon run out. After his involvement in an armed robbery, Wallo was arrested and received a prison sentence of nineteen to fifty-two years. Upon serving twenty years of his sentence, Wallo was released and returned home to Philadelphia.
This memoir traces the journey from Wallo’s youth and incarceration to his incredible success. In his time spent in prison, Wallo came to understand that he was armed with the wrong intentions despite great potential via a lack of guidance and proper mindset. With this understanding, he reckoned with the choices that put him there, accepted responsibility for his own actions, and vowed to arm himself with only good intentions upon his release.
Wallo’s reflection and new-found philosophy—which he now shares with you—informed the new trajectory of his life. On the day of his release, Wallo moved back to Philly and started on a new frontier of entrepreneurialism. Armed with vigor and intention, his viral motivational content gained Wallo over sixty-thousand Instagram followers on his first day of freedom. This would prove to only be the start of his continuously growing career utilizing his social influence as a motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and cultural changemaker.
In Armed with Good Intentions, Wallo shares his hardships and triumphs and personal philosophy with his widest audience yet. Wallo spins his story of despair and tragedy into sage wisdom, inspiring anyone who is looking for the motivation to revise how they see the obstacles in their own lives.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published September 10, 2024
47 people are currently reading
2238 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 26, 2024
Wallo is the definition of perseverance
December 27, 2024
Even if you haven't experienced the same adversaries as Wallo, never been to jail...etc I'm sure many can relate to being prisoners of circumstances, of negative thinking, of our environments...etc. I've always been inspired by Wallo's momentum, upbeat encouragement & motivation. His story of reform, healing, accountability, growth & rewriting your own story to get what you want is a story that will inspire everyone.
If you have ever came across any of his IG encouragement posts, most times him yelling at you through the screen to get out your own way, to go live life & step into your purpose; well, in this book he tells the stories of where all the encouragement & motivation comes from. I am so inspired by Wallo & I'm sure after reading this, many others will be as well.
If you have ever came across any of his IG encouragement posts, most times him yelling at you through the screen to get out your own way, to go live life & step into your purpose; well, in this book he tells the stories of where all the encouragement & motivation comes from. I am so inspired by Wallo & I'm sure after reading this, many others will be as well.
October 5, 2024
My eyes are still bulging at chapter 17 - "Time Is Money." Wallo 267 received a "15 year sentence" for stealing $286.00. Mind blowing. I pray this book has a major impact. Helping to cease the flooding of jails with young men and young women. God Bless this man's journey!!
September 14, 2024
Standing Ovation! 👏🏾
November 18, 2024
This was such an amazing book to read! I feel every young person in & out of detention centers should be gifted this book. They can learn a lot from reading this. I know it won’t change everyone, but I do believe it can save some!
January 13, 2025
I loved it. A very great book.
October 2, 2024
Go Wallo!!
I’ve been following Wallo for a couple of years on instagram but I didn’t know much about him. I’m glad I was able to read his story, gifting this book this to my brother and nephew.
I’ve been following Wallo for a couple of years on instagram but I didn’t know much about him. I’m glad I was able to read his story, gifting this book this to my brother and nephew.
July 2, 2025
Amazing story of digging in when all seems lost and making something of yourself against the odds. A great book of life!
September 16, 2024
This is a great read. I am motivated by Wallo's story. The book is a page turner
September 13, 2024
Phenomenal read! In the words of Iyanla Vanzant “Well Done”!
November 23, 2024
4/5
This is a vulnerable and self-aware account of Wallo's redemption. He speaks openly about how he came into his choices that led to his incarceration. A product of recidivism, I still believe he was sentenced unjustly at times. Nevertheless, he decided to make a change and worked hard to better his life and commit to becoming the inspiration he is today.
This is a vulnerable and self-aware account of Wallo's redemption. He speaks openly about how he came into his choices that led to his incarceration. A product of recidivism, I still believe he was sentenced unjustly at times. Nevertheless, he decided to make a change and worked hard to better his life and commit to becoming the inspiration he is today.
September 30, 2025
Insightful, heartfelt and compelling are just a few words that best describes 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 by Wallo267.
You don’t have to know Wallo’s story to appreciate this book. As a matter of fact, I didn’t 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 know who Wallo was before getting into this one. I thought I was about to embark on the typical drug dealer turned rapper story. But, boy was I wrong. This man is a whole motivational movement. Not knowing his story made reading the book even more compelling.
And to think…if his publisher didn’t send me an advance copy, I would have missed out on this amazing journey.
A key takeaway from this book is the practice of journaling. I’m a strong believer in the transformative power of journaling. Therefore I was especially pleased when Wallo discussed how journaling reframed his life. Journaling changed his perspective and the lens through which he viewed his life. It changed his trajectory and allowed him to pivot toward a life he didn’t even know was possible. Unfortunately, our community view journaling as an activity reserved for women. I was ecstatic to see Wallo debunk this myth. I believe Wallo’s testimony offers a powerful lesson to Black men. Every person can benefit from journaling. It is my belief that journaling is the most effective and profound practice one can embrace to change his or her life.
I enjoyed this book for many reasons. It provides great insight. It’s also very well written. Simply put 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 is a solid body of work that is a must read for everyone.
You don’t have to know Wallo’s story to appreciate this book. As a matter of fact, I didn’t 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 know who Wallo was before getting into this one. I thought I was about to embark on the typical drug dealer turned rapper story. But, boy was I wrong. This man is a whole motivational movement. Not knowing his story made reading the book even more compelling.
And to think…if his publisher didn’t send me an advance copy, I would have missed out on this amazing journey.
A key takeaway from this book is the practice of journaling. I’m a strong believer in the transformative power of journaling. Therefore I was especially pleased when Wallo discussed how journaling reframed his life. Journaling changed his perspective and the lens through which he viewed his life. It changed his trajectory and allowed him to pivot toward a life he didn’t even know was possible. Unfortunately, our community view journaling as an activity reserved for women. I was ecstatic to see Wallo debunk this myth. I believe Wallo’s testimony offers a powerful lesson to Black men. Every person can benefit from journaling. It is my belief that journaling is the most effective and profound practice one can embrace to change his or her life.
I enjoyed this book for many reasons. It provides great insight. It’s also very well written. Simply put 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 is a solid body of work that is a must read for everyone.
February 18, 2025
I will preface this by saying that this is the only book I’ve read from cover to cover in under a span of 24 continuous hours. I literally did not want to put this book down from how compelling it was from paragraph one.
Wallo has an amazing way with words and conveying his story in a way that is highly impactful. Where you can feel sad for what he had to go through so young, but also learn from his life step by step at whatever stage of life you are in.
As a black man in my 30s, I was able to relate to this as I was a little bad ass kid, but thankfully I avoided the stints of jail/prison and was able to learn from the likes of people like Wallo and from experiencing crazy scenarios in my own life.
To bring this review back to the book, Wallo gives you a deep dive into his life, his family, and his come up from his consistent trials and tribulations. He does this in a way that helps promote his motive of helping others stay away from the course that his life went, but also give insight to people who would never fall into this world. Showing them how our legal systems seemingly fail underserved communities and black men in this country. He conveyed this so effectively and in a language that I believe most people and age ranges can understand.
With all that being said, this may easily be the best book that I read all black history month and I’m not too sure that any book will compare for the year going forward as in impact to my life. I mean it was so good, I immediately passed this book to my sister to give to her boyfriend. Another black man in his 30s that I know went through some tough times in his youth, and seemingly overcame the typical obstacles placed in front of us.
Easily 5/5 stars and I would recommend this book to pretty much anyone.
Great job on Wallo267 for this masterpiece.
Wallo has an amazing way with words and conveying his story in a way that is highly impactful. Where you can feel sad for what he had to go through so young, but also learn from his life step by step at whatever stage of life you are in.
As a black man in my 30s, I was able to relate to this as I was a little bad ass kid, but thankfully I avoided the stints of jail/prison and was able to learn from the likes of people like Wallo and from experiencing crazy scenarios in my own life.
To bring this review back to the book, Wallo gives you a deep dive into his life, his family, and his come up from his consistent trials and tribulations. He does this in a way that helps promote his motive of helping others stay away from the course that his life went, but also give insight to people who would never fall into this world. Showing them how our legal systems seemingly fail underserved communities and black men in this country. He conveyed this so effectively and in a language that I believe most people and age ranges can understand.
With all that being said, this may easily be the best book that I read all black history month and I’m not too sure that any book will compare for the year going forward as in impact to my life. I mean it was so good, I immediately passed this book to my sister to give to her boyfriend. Another black man in his 30s that I know went through some tough times in his youth, and seemingly overcame the typical obstacles placed in front of us.
Easily 5/5 stars and I would recommend this book to pretty much anyone.
Great job on Wallo267 for this masterpiece.
April 15, 2025
I absolutely loved this book and maybe im crazy for rating it 5 stars but I don’t really have any complaints. In my opinion not many groups of people would understand this book fully or be able to feel certain feelings/emotions while reading if you are not able to relate in some way; or have never experienced poverty.
I have never been incarcerated however, being from North Philly as well you can better understand how environmental factors play a role in who you are while growing up and often times influence the choices you make.
Wallo focused on topics such as his exposure to crime early on, having an absent parent, being incarcerated most of his life; including spending his 18th birthday in a penitentiary, life lessons that he’s learned while in prison and his journey as far as returning to society.
My only complaint would be wishing he got more into detail about certain relationships such as with his older brother. But I would highly recommend this book other than that. Wallo is the perfect example of showing resilience through adversity and he’s so inspiring to me, I love him even more after reading.
I encourage all black woman and especially black men to tap in, great read!! I might read it again just to highlight some of the lessons I learned while reading❤️❤️
I have never been incarcerated however, being from North Philly as well you can better understand how environmental factors play a role in who you are while growing up and often times influence the choices you make.
Wallo focused on topics such as his exposure to crime early on, having an absent parent, being incarcerated most of his life; including spending his 18th birthday in a penitentiary, life lessons that he’s learned while in prison and his journey as far as returning to society.
My only complaint would be wishing he got more into detail about certain relationships such as with his older brother. But I would highly recommend this book other than that. Wallo is the perfect example of showing resilience through adversity and he’s so inspiring to me, I love him even more after reading.
I encourage all black woman and especially black men to tap in, great read!! I might read it again just to highlight some of the lessons I learned while reading❤️❤️
December 27, 2024
I read the book and it is very good, it's a great story of righting wrongs, overcoming adversity and beating the odds.
Peeples shares his life story and how he began a life of crime at the age of 9 or 11 and spent most of his formative years in Juvenile Detention and found himself in prison at the age of 17 for armed robbery.
Peeples writes about his struggles with his childhood, his relationship with his mother, his father, his brother, and most people in his life and the advice he received from other men in prison.
This book finishes with how Peeples turned his life around with his positive message and went on to become a TedX speaker, motivator, social media influencer and Chief Marketing Officer of REFORM.
I highly recommend this book.
Peeples shares his life story and how he began a life of crime at the age of 9 or 11 and spent most of his formative years in Juvenile Detention and found himself in prison at the age of 17 for armed robbery.
Peeples writes about his struggles with his childhood, his relationship with his mother, his father, his brother, and most people in his life and the advice he received from other men in prison.
This book finishes with how Peeples turned his life around with his positive message and went on to become a TedX speaker, motivator, social media influencer and Chief Marketing Officer of REFORM.
I highly recommend this book.
December 8, 2024
Congrats on the NYT Best Seller!!
Wallace Peeples' evolution is an inspiration for any kid from the inner city striving to succeed. This is a story of redemption, forgiveness, acceptance, and accountability. The book masterfully straddles the line between memoir and self-help. If you enjoy learning about people and their experiences, this is the perfect read for you.
Since Wallo isn't a professional writer, it might not feel fair to give this book a perfect 5, but it's a solid 4 and comes with my highest recommendation!
I’m eagerly looking forward to his next book.
Wallace Peeples' evolution is an inspiration for any kid from the inner city striving to succeed. This is a story of redemption, forgiveness, acceptance, and accountability. The book masterfully straddles the line between memoir and self-help. If you enjoy learning about people and their experiences, this is the perfect read for you.
Since Wallo isn't a professional writer, it might not feel fair to give this book a perfect 5, but it's a solid 4 and comes with my highest recommendation!
I’m eagerly looking forward to his next book.
March 4, 2025
If you know who wallo is and his story, where he came from to where he is now, you know this man is the definition of inspiration that the saying “if you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything”. Stories from being a troubled youth with no guidance to being a multi million dollar, podcast host, entrepreneur, author, reformed inmate, and now chief marketing officer for REFORM, his story is very inspirational and a good read for any body battling with there thoughts that they cant do something.
January 1, 2025
This memoir was good. I didn't know anything about Wallo 267 prior to picking up this book. It details his time in prison and what he went through to turn his life around and hope to inspire others to do the same. He had multiple cell mates and other prisoners who helped put him on the right path and give good reflections/thoughts for him to grow with. "Who are we to pray for redemption if we don't allow the shortcomings of our own family and friends to be redeemed.." -Rick
February 24, 2025
A very quick read. I initially wanted to give this a 3 because I did the audiobook version which I wouldn’t recommend. Due to Wallo’s reading, it’s tough to get through, but I stuck it through. Considering his journey, it warrants some grace and patience and he does eventually get his sea legs at some point in the story.
I bumped my rating back up to a 4 because I think this is a great story of perseverance, especially for people that have faced similar trials with recidivism. For me, there are parts of the story that I or anyone else can relate to. Most notably are the things he highlighted that helped him reach a breakthrough: prayer, reading, self-work and determination, affirmations, and journaling.
Aside from the reading, the only other critique is there were some parts included that i don’t feel were key to the story.
I bumped my rating back up to a 4 because I think this is a great story of perseverance, especially for people that have faced similar trials with recidivism. For me, there are parts of the story that I or anyone else can relate to. Most notably are the things he highlighted that helped him reach a breakthrough: prayer, reading, self-work and determination, affirmations, and journaling.
Aside from the reading, the only other critique is there were some parts included that i don’t feel were key to the story.
March 8, 2025
This book!!!! 5 stars for the story alone. I love his delivery and humor. I also love the come back story. However, I will admit I went through a roller coaster of emotions with Wallo. I was so upset when he went back to prison that second time. I was thinking, I thought you made a promise to freedom and not long after....nevermind. Either way, I love that he learned the lesson. I would love to meet him one day...lol. Seriously 😜
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2025
Powerful Brother, Powerful Message
I love how when I read this book I can hear Wallo’s voice in my head. It’s written in a tone of Wallo’s natural speaking. Love the story and how it shows the knucklehead side along with the steps taken to induce change. Looking forward to a second book. Hopefully more in depth of how Wallo navigated in more detail right after prison.
Inspirational!!
I love how when I read this book I can hear Wallo’s voice in my head. It’s written in a tone of Wallo’s natural speaking. Love the story and how it shows the knucklehead side along with the steps taken to induce change. Looking forward to a second book. Hopefully more in depth of how Wallo navigated in more detail right after prison.
Inspirational!!
October 16, 2025
So well written, and easy to follow. It is a book of hope and redemption, it challenges the mind and spirit. The mantra never give up in spite of your circumstances. But in order not to submit to what might appear to be an easier road, you’ve got to get gut level honest with yourself about what part you play in the insanity of your life. There’s hope and possibilities if you embrace that belief. I know this to be true!
December 27, 2024
It was a good book. A deterrent for people who are in the street from going to jail. A interesting story of Mr. Peebles life through his many struggles coming from the streets of Philadelphia. It shows the advantages and disadvantages of playing around in the street. Also that there are more disadvantages than advantages.
November 13, 2024
Wow this is one of those amazing books that you can’t put down. The writing is exquisite his story is filled with grief, trauma, and an amazing transformation. I’m so proud of him. This book is superb.
December 29, 2024
“My mother was a victim of my past too. You don’t go to prison alone, you don’t even do the time alone. Believe it or not the ones you love are suspended in a mental cell right beside you.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This is a memoir book.
Wallow was new to me. I didn’t know anything about who he was or what the book was about. The author shares the history of his life growing up, he started committing crimes at the age of 11 and eventually ended up going to prison. He shares how he overcame that life and became who he is today. He’s a successful podcaster and living a life he only ever dreamed of.
This is a short book. It was interesting. I always enjoy memoirs and this was no exception.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This is a memoir book.
Wallow was new to me. I didn’t know anything about who he was or what the book was about. The author shares the history of his life growing up, he started committing crimes at the age of 11 and eventually ended up going to prison. He shares how he overcame that life and became who he is today. He’s a successful podcaster and living a life he only ever dreamed of.
This is a short book. It was interesting. I always enjoy memoirs and this was no exception.
April 14, 2025
Great Book! This book have good intentions indeed to reach any culture audiences that struggles with history of being in put jail, male or female. I enjoyed this one on audiobook with Wallo himself telling his story.
May 20, 2025
Excellent Read
This book was great read.. have me reminds me to never give up and be very intentional with every aspect of my life. The vulnerability, and transparency the bravery…
Thank you Wallo267
This book was great read.. have me reminds me to never give up and be very intentional with every aspect of my life. The vulnerability, and transparency the bravery…
Thank you Wallo267
June 20, 2025
Good book, definitely took a lot of principles away from Wallo’s writings. He was raw, authentic and real, which the book summary promised. Great to see black men with a story of being accountable for their actions and turning their defeats into victories.
August 5, 2025
Good read to learn about Wallo and his journey to reformation. Could help others who didn't grow up in the hood understand why people from those neighborhoods act in respond to situations the way that they do.
September 20, 2024
Armed with Good Intentions is an interesting story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews