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Lessons of Redemption: My Journey Through Gangland America
Lessons of Redemption is the acclaimed autobiography of Kevin Shird, a former drug dealer from Baltimore City in the United States who now is a leading advocate against violence, drug dealing and social inequality.
Lessons of Redemption is no ordinary book. It is an extraordinarily account of how one young man turned his life around after years of involvement in serious crime and drug dealing. Shird’s book tells of shootings, murder, drug dealing and his life behind bars in a federal prison. Shocking, fascinating and frightening, Shird’s book is a raw, uncensored glimpse into a way of life that has destroyed many urban communities in America.
Lessons of Redemption is no ordinary book. It is an extraordinarily account of how one young man turned his life around after years of involvement in serious crime and drug dealing. Shird’s book tells of shootings, murder, drug dealing and his life behind bars in a federal prison. Shocking, fascinating and frightening, Shird’s book is a raw, uncensored glimpse into a way of life that has destroyed many urban communities in America.
- GenresNonfiction
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 21, 2018
Lesson of Redemption is an autobiography of Kevin Shird which moves around drugs, prison, money and many life lessons.
As a child, the author lived in poverty. As a teenager, situations made him turn into a drug seller in Baltimore. Till his early twenties, he was the biggest name in drug cartel from Baltimore. Money was flowing, so much, that he used to be amazed at himself and his luck.
As realization hit him after becoming father to a beautiful daughter, he decided to leave it all behind. But drug businesses never really leave you. They haunt you. Every now and then you are persuaded to come back. Kevin Shird overcomes them all and becomes a writer, motivational speaker and helping addicts out to live a better life.
I was impressed by the fact that the author always pointed out how his (wrong) Choices led him to become the person he was. Throughout his novel, the author has described how damaging drugs are for humans. Through his own experiences, he has taught that people should take lessons from his journey and never try it themselves.
Writing style is simply captivating. Gripping narration. The reader is thrilled to see the boy ruling the streets like a lion and at the same time, the same boy is constantly vigilant for his life on street like a mouse. To create this effect on readers is not an easy one.
More than anything, the author has tried with his book to show people a large problem capturing our society slowly and gradually. To own up to our mistakes/experiences and coming up in front of the world to share the stories is simply courageous.
The story has been narrated in an action-movie life fashion. A non-fiction book usually takes time to read and I was surprised at myself how quickly I was able to finish this.
If, like me, you are interested in knowing how drug cartels work, what goes behind the scenes and what repercussions they encounter at the end of the day, Lessons of Redemption would do for you.
With this book, the author has established a milestone. I am definitely reading other books by him.
You expect nothing less from Maverick House!
As a child, the author lived in poverty. As a teenager, situations made him turn into a drug seller in Baltimore. Till his early twenties, he was the biggest name in drug cartel from Baltimore. Money was flowing, so much, that he used to be amazed at himself and his luck.
As realization hit him after becoming father to a beautiful daughter, he decided to leave it all behind. But drug businesses never really leave you. They haunt you. Every now and then you are persuaded to come back. Kevin Shird overcomes them all and becomes a writer, motivational speaker and helping addicts out to live a better life.
I was impressed by the fact that the author always pointed out how his (wrong) Choices led him to become the person he was. Throughout his novel, the author has described how damaging drugs are for humans. Through his own experiences, he has taught that people should take lessons from his journey and never try it themselves.
Writing style is simply captivating. Gripping narration. The reader is thrilled to see the boy ruling the streets like a lion and at the same time, the same boy is constantly vigilant for his life on street like a mouse. To create this effect on readers is not an easy one.
More than anything, the author has tried with his book to show people a large problem capturing our society slowly and gradually. To own up to our mistakes/experiences and coming up in front of the world to share the stories is simply courageous.
The story has been narrated in an action-movie life fashion. A non-fiction book usually takes time to read and I was surprised at myself how quickly I was able to finish this.
If, like me, you are interested in knowing how drug cartels work, what goes behind the scenes and what repercussions they encounter at the end of the day, Lessons of Redemption would do for you.
With this book, the author has established a milestone. I am definitely reading other books by him.
You expect nothing less from Maverick House!
March 3, 2018
In Lessons of Redemption Kevin Shird tells his life story. His family was poor and Kevin didn't have much supervision when he was younger. He was always stressed about where his next meal would come from and didn't know if there would be money for shoes and other necessities. To have what others were having Kevin started to deal drugs when he was a teenager. In Lessons of Redemption he explains how he began as a small seller on the streets of Baltimore and became one of the biggest drug distributers in the city. When he was arrested Kevin spent several years in prison and after his second arrest he turned his life around. Now he's a writer, a public speaker and he's actively trying to help others in similar situations to make different choices.
Lessons of Redemption is an impressive book. Kevin Shird's honest and raw writing captivated me straight away. He describes life on the streets in a detailed and vivid way and that makes his book gripping and realistic. Kevin Shird openly talks about the choices he made and the consequences of his decisions. His time on the streets wasn't without danger, there were shootings, conflicts, raids and feuds. Some of the situations were quite shocking and I admire his courage to tell his story in such a matter of fact way. He carefully explains the subject matter, so his book is informative. He shows how easy it is to do something that doesn't feel right when it brings in a lot of money when you're young and vulnerable. Hustling might seem to be fun and adventurous at first, but the reality is a lot harsher than that. Kevin Shird takes responsibility for everything he's seen and done, which makes him a convincing narrator. His story feels genuine and real.
Kevin Shird has written a unique book. He shows his readers what it's like to spend a lot of time on the streets, to deal with people suffering from addiction on a daily basis and the constant pressure of staying ahead of the police. His story is a warning against making the same decisions. It's an inspiration for young people who are in similar situations. The enabling of a large problem, the early deaths, the scary fights and the long prison sentences are making it a path nobody should go down. Kevin Shird's turnaround and redemption are amazing and I find it incredibly courageous that he's written this book. It's a life story that shouldn't be missed.
Lessons of Redemption is an impressive book. Kevin Shird's honest and raw writing captivated me straight away. He describes life on the streets in a detailed and vivid way and that makes his book gripping and realistic. Kevin Shird openly talks about the choices he made and the consequences of his decisions. His time on the streets wasn't without danger, there were shootings, conflicts, raids and feuds. Some of the situations were quite shocking and I admire his courage to tell his story in such a matter of fact way. He carefully explains the subject matter, so his book is informative. He shows how easy it is to do something that doesn't feel right when it brings in a lot of money when you're young and vulnerable. Hustling might seem to be fun and adventurous at first, but the reality is a lot harsher than that. Kevin Shird takes responsibility for everything he's seen and done, which makes him a convincing narrator. His story feels genuine and real.
Kevin Shird has written a unique book. He shows his readers what it's like to spend a lot of time on the streets, to deal with people suffering from addiction on a daily basis and the constant pressure of staying ahead of the police. His story is a warning against making the same decisions. It's an inspiration for young people who are in similar situations. The enabling of a large problem, the early deaths, the scary fights and the long prison sentences are making it a path nobody should go down. Kevin Shird's turnaround and redemption are amazing and I find it incredibly courageous that he's written this book. It's a life story that shouldn't be missed.
May 3, 2025
Lessons of Redemption by Kevin Shird is a gripping and brutally honest memoir that charts the transformative journey of a man who emerged from the depths of street crime to become a national voice for change. With unflinching candor, Shird recounts his early life as a drug dealer in Baltimore—one marked by violence, incarceration, and despair—and his eventual path to redemption and purpose.
Far from a glorification of street life, this autobiography serves as a cautionary tale and a powerful testament to personal evolution. Shird vividly details the grim realities of his past, including encounters with violence, the harsh world of federal prison, and the devastating impact of the drug trade on individuals and communities. These reflections are not sensationalized but delivered with a raw, reflective clarity that forces readers to confront the societal conditions that perpetuate such cycles.
What elevates Lessons of Redemption beyond a personal narrative is its broader commentary on systemic issues—poverty, racial inequality, and the marginalization of urban youth. Shird uses his lived experience not just to recount what was, but to advocate for what can be. His transition from convict to community leader and activist adds a layer of hope and urgency, especially for those seeking to understand or intervene in America’s ongoing struggles with crime, drugs, and social injustice.
This memoir is not only compelling reading—it’s a vital resource for educators, policymakers, and youth mentors. Lessons of Redemption is a deeply personal yet universally relevant work that reminds us all of the power of second chances and the importance of using one’s past to shape a more just and compassionate future.
Far from a glorification of street life, this autobiography serves as a cautionary tale and a powerful testament to personal evolution. Shird vividly details the grim realities of his past, including encounters with violence, the harsh world of federal prison, and the devastating impact of the drug trade on individuals and communities. These reflections are not sensationalized but delivered with a raw, reflective clarity that forces readers to confront the societal conditions that perpetuate such cycles.
What elevates Lessons of Redemption beyond a personal narrative is its broader commentary on systemic issues—poverty, racial inequality, and the marginalization of urban youth. Shird uses his lived experience not just to recount what was, but to advocate for what can be. His transition from convict to community leader and activist adds a layer of hope and urgency, especially for those seeking to understand or intervene in America’s ongoing struggles with crime, drugs, and social injustice.
This memoir is not only compelling reading—it’s a vital resource for educators, policymakers, and youth mentors. Lessons of Redemption is a deeply personal yet universally relevant work that reminds us all of the power of second chances and the importance of using one’s past to shape a more just and compassionate future.
July 25, 2016
Kevin Shird's remarkable journey from the corner of Mount and Fayette streets in West Baltimore -- from a life nearly squandered in service of the other America's brutal underground economy -- isn't yet complete. He's still learning, still fighting, still paying back. But with "Lessons of Redemption" on the page, it's clear that for him, there is no going back.'
David Simon, creator of The Wire and The Corner
'The book is an account of life on the streets, the impact of drugs on the community and the impact of addiction on the children of addicts. Being a Baltimore native and knowing the author for over 25 years, his story is the story of far too many.' Mario Barrett, Grammy Nominated R&B singer and actor
'This man's story is a remarkable one every American ought to read to learn how redemption can work to change a person to become a major contributor to solving the social problems of a city, the poor and underprivileged. It shows how one who may have fallen from grace and been punished for crime and incarcerated can change his value system and become a leader in his community to solve one of its greatest problems of crime and violence.' Judge Arthur L. Burnett, Sr., Superior Court of D.C., Retired.
David Simon, creator of The Wire and The Corner
'The book is an account of life on the streets, the impact of drugs on the community and the impact of addiction on the children of addicts. Being a Baltimore native and knowing the author for over 25 years, his story is the story of far too many.' Mario Barrett, Grammy Nominated R&B singer and actor
'This man's story is a remarkable one every American ought to read to learn how redemption can work to change a person to become a major contributor to solving the social problems of a city, the poor and underprivileged. It shows how one who may have fallen from grace and been punished for crime and incarcerated can change his value system and become a leader in his community to solve one of its greatest problems of crime and violence.' Judge Arthur L. Burnett, Sr., Superior Court of D.C., Retired.
November 22, 2016
I have just about finished Lessons of Redemption: My Journey Through Gangland America
by Kevin Shird - a frank and honest account of the rise and fall and rise again of the author. It's an engaging read, if a little lightweight, but then he does stick to the point rather than meander through every aspect of his life.
by Kevin Shird - a frank and honest account of the rise and fall and rise again of the author. It's an engaging read, if a little lightweight, but then he does stick to the point rather than meander through every aspect of his life.
November 22, 2016
Compelling biography but a bit too quick of a read I thought. I feel like there's a lot left untold and I wanted more depth out of the story telling- more detail about how the business grew to be so successful, how deals were orchestrated, court proceedings, etc. All in all though I guess it's not the worst thing to be left wanting more out of a story. Fun read / good turn-around story.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews