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To Hell and Back: A Former Hells Angel’s Story of Recovery and Redemption
A gripping portrait of a notorious Vancouver gangster and Hells Angels elite who descended into a life of homelessness and addiction, ultimately redeeming himself through award-winning youth advocacy.
As an outlaw biker living on the fringes of society Joe Calendino travelled the world, relishing the dangerous glamour of the Hells Angels’ lifestyle, even committing himself to an elite chapter in the organization: the Nomads Motorcycle Club or “one percenters”.
But his life soon spiralled into a world of drugs and debt. A tight noose of addiction began to rule. Eventually frustrated by Calendino’s recklessness, the Hells Angels stripped him of membership. In desperation, Calendino spent months in rat-infested crack houses, combing back alleys for anything that might help him get his next fix.
Finding himself on the cusp of death, he gained the support of an unlikely ally, Officer Kevin Torvik, a former high-school buddy on a very different path. Calendino not only recovered but thrived and redefined himself as a community youth leader, eventually winning the Courage to Come Back Award given to individuals who give back after overcoming tremendous adversity.
Told by his trusted former high school counsellor, author and educator Gary Little, To Hell and Back offers a page turning and rarely told perspective on gang life—a remarkable reminder of the power of individual transformation.
As an outlaw biker living on the fringes of society Joe Calendino travelled the world, relishing the dangerous glamour of the Hells Angels’ lifestyle, even committing himself to an elite chapter in the organization: the Nomads Motorcycle Club or “one percenters”.
But his life soon spiralled into a world of drugs and debt. A tight noose of addiction began to rule. Eventually frustrated by Calendino’s recklessness, the Hells Angels stripped him of membership. In desperation, Calendino spent months in rat-infested crack houses, combing back alleys for anything that might help him get his next fix.
Finding himself on the cusp of death, he gained the support of an unlikely ally, Officer Kevin Torvik, a former high-school buddy on a very different path. Calendino not only recovered but thrived and redefined himself as a community youth leader, eventually winning the Courage to Come Back Award given to individuals who give back after overcoming tremendous adversity.
Told by his trusted former high school counsellor, author and educator Gary Little, To Hell and Back offers a page turning and rarely told perspective on gang life—a remarkable reminder of the power of individual transformation.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 28, 2026
this made me miss my organized crime class
February 8, 2024
Joe tells us of his upbringing, than being in the Hells Angels. The Nomads, than spiralled into drugs and debt. He was stripped from the Hells Angels and was close to death, changed his life around to help youth at risk
“ how he was raised and his personality as a young teen, being a tough guy, didn’t surprise me he joined the Hells Angels.
Maybe I should of given it a higher rating as first 3/4 of book was interesting but the rest boring, he could of made the point in less words.
I wonder if he is still drug free today and continues to help youth”.
21/2 stars
“ how he was raised and his personality as a young teen, being a tough guy, didn’t surprise me he joined the Hells Angels.
Maybe I should of given it a higher rating as first 3/4 of book was interesting but the rest boring, he could of made the point in less words.
I wonder if he is still drug free today and continues to help youth”.
21/2 stars
July 13, 2019
An easy read and an uplifting story. Redemption is possible and attainable.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews