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Against All Odds
If you've never heard of Travis Thi'sl Tyler before, prepare to take quite a journey through his life and marvel at what God has brought him through. If you're a fan of his music, different songs will come to mind as you read through his life. You'll see where such songs as "I Needed You" and "I Hate You" came from, and feel the powerful meaning behind songs like "I Forgive You," among others. Thi’sl grew up facing the crushing issues of poverty, fatherlessness, gang violence, and drugs, but these things didn’t defeat him, thanks to God’s saving grace. Be ready to experience a story that will make you laugh, cry, think, and rejoice at seeing the powerful freedom that comes from God! Thi'sl’s story has inspired and will continue to inspire people all across the world! - Bubba Watson Two-time PGA Masters Champion
202 pages, Paperback
Published January 11, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 22, 2017
Thi'sl, a St. Louis native and well-known Christian rapper, gives his story from growing up in the hood and living a life as a drug dealer and gangster to becoming redeemed by God's grace through Jesus Christ, and now uses his first love, music, to reach others.
Thi'sl's transparency in this book gives him authenticity, and he captivates the reader through his writing style. It was very hard for me to put this book down because I felt like Thi'sl and I were having a conversation, like I was listening to him tell his story right there in person. He puts things into easy-t0-understand language. The book is just under 200 pages, and it did not take long at all for me to finish it.
He spends most of his time giving an account of his background and his life growing up in the streets of St. Louis, and it's well worth the read. One thing especially worth noting is that while he spends a lot of the book discussing the hood life, he still points the reader to Jesus and explains the different He has made in his life.
Thi'sl has a compelling testimony to share with the world, and I believe that no matter one's background, his story can make a difference in yours.
Thi'sl's transparency in this book gives him authenticity, and he captivates the reader through his writing style. It was very hard for me to put this book down because I felt like Thi'sl and I were having a conversation, like I was listening to him tell his story right there in person. He puts things into easy-t0-understand language. The book is just under 200 pages, and it did not take long at all for me to finish it.
He spends most of his time giving an account of his background and his life growing up in the streets of St. Louis, and it's well worth the read. One thing especially worth noting is that while he spends a lot of the book discussing the hood life, he still points the reader to Jesus and explains the different He has made in his life.
Thi'sl has a compelling testimony to share with the world, and I believe that no matter one's background, his story can make a difference in yours.
September 9, 2017
The book really captures Tyler's voice and life from early years to his conversion. Quite powerful testimony to God.
I struggled, though, in that so much of the book was spent talking about his pre-conversion life and next to none once he truly accepted Christ as his Savior - maybe a chapter, if that? He also didn't wrap up the story. What happened after he left jail? Obviously, from the acknowledgements, he and Tameka got married - but how did that come about? Did she become a Christian too? Does he have a relationship with either of his children by Rachel or (I think her name is) KeKe? The end raises just as many questions as answers.
The book also could have used some additional editing. Not to "clean up" Tyler's voice - not at all! - but to correct things like incorrect names (it's George Michael, not Michaels) and "this person and I" when it should be "and me".
I struggled, though, in that so much of the book was spent talking about his pre-conversion life and next to none once he truly accepted Christ as his Savior - maybe a chapter, if that? He also didn't wrap up the story. What happened after he left jail? Obviously, from the acknowledgements, he and Tameka got married - but how did that come about? Did she become a Christian too? Does he have a relationship with either of his children by Rachel or (I think her name is) KeKe? The end raises just as many questions as answers.
The book also could have used some additional editing. Not to "clean up" Tyler's voice - not at all! - but to correct things like incorrect names (it's George Michael, not Michaels) and "this person and I" when it should be "and me".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2018
The book was a bit elementary in its writing. I found it difficult to get through when I initially purchased it in 2016 and didn’t pick it up again for 2 years. However, once you get past it you see the true heart and soul of the author. The details and transparency are vivid and I feel a new appreciation for how a certain group of people live every day.
Great book, if you know anything about his music or story, this only adds to it.
Great book, if you know anything about his music or story, this only adds to it.
October 21, 2016
Loved how Travis tells his story and how the Lord grabbed ahold of his heart in that jail cell when he was held for something he didn't do. Jesus makes people new and it's evident that Jesus made Thi'sl new! #salute
June 12, 2016
Great read. Captures the emotion of his journey, retains his authentic voice, and is an easy and enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews