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A Second Chance: For You, For Me, And For The Rest Of Us
What if you were only known for the worst thing you've ever done?
A Second Chance is about new starts, forgiveness, shame and the power of possibility.
Don't you deserve a second chance? Don't we all?
Catherine Hoke founded Defy Ventures, a revolutionary organization that transforms the lives of people with criminal histories. It heals families, strengthens communities, creates jobs, and incubates small businesses. But mostly, Defy helps us find our humanity, regardless of whether we've been to prison or not.
This is the book that everyone is talking about, and for good reason. You might have heard Cat talking with Tim Ferriss on his podcast, or read about her work on Seth Godin's blog.
"This is the bravest book I've read in years." -Bill Hybels, Willow Creek
By sharing her personal story of a second chance, and then introducing us to the people she serves, Cat takes us on a life-changing journey. She helps us understand the methods that are used by the Defy team and how they persevere in the face of daunting odds. A Second Chance is a book about the change that Defy creates, yes, but also about changing your own life.
"This inspiring book shows how it's possible for people who have been cast aside in society to turn their lives around and start giving back to that society." -Adam Grant, bestselling author
A Second Chance is about one woman's vision and her relentless effort to make it real--but it's also about building a community that makes a difference. Defy is based on a unique inside/outside partnership. It only works because of the generous work of everyone in Defy's volunteer community, and this book teaches us what it means to lead from within.
"I've never seen anything like Defy, and I've been in corrections for 31 years." -Warden Ducart, Pelican Bay State Prison
"If you care about our society, you have to read this book." -Joe Moglia, Chairman, TD Ameritrade
A Second Chance is about new starts, forgiveness, shame and the power of possibility.
Don't you deserve a second chance? Don't we all?
Catherine Hoke founded Defy Ventures, a revolutionary organization that transforms the lives of people with criminal histories. It heals families, strengthens communities, creates jobs, and incubates small businesses. But mostly, Defy helps us find our humanity, regardless of whether we've been to prison or not.
This is the book that everyone is talking about, and for good reason. You might have heard Cat talking with Tim Ferriss on his podcast, or read about her work on Seth Godin's blog.
"This is the bravest book I've read in years." -Bill Hybels, Willow Creek
By sharing her personal story of a second chance, and then introducing us to the people she serves, Cat takes us on a life-changing journey. She helps us understand the methods that are used by the Defy team and how they persevere in the face of daunting odds. A Second Chance is a book about the change that Defy creates, yes, but also about changing your own life.
"This inspiring book shows how it's possible for people who have been cast aside in society to turn their lives around and start giving back to that society." -Adam Grant, bestselling author
A Second Chance is about one woman's vision and her relentless effort to make it real--but it's also about building a community that makes a difference. Defy is based on a unique inside/outside partnership. It only works because of the generous work of everyone in Defy's volunteer community, and this book teaches us what it means to lead from within.
"I've never seen anything like Defy, and I've been in corrections for 31 years." -Warden Ducart, Pelican Bay State Prison
"If you care about our society, you have to read this book." -Joe Moglia, Chairman, TD Ameritrade
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2018
48 people are currently reading
488 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 2, 2018
(Disclaimer: I'm on the board of Defy's Bay Area chapter, and have known Cat for a couple years. I consider her a friend, and am grateful for her leadership.)
To visit a prison with Cat Hoke is to have your eyes opened to a national tragedy. Mass incarceration - the reality that while the US is home to just 5% of the world's population, we're home to nearly 25% of the world's prisoners - is a national crisis. Three of every four people who leave prison will return some day, often within a couple years.
Cat's goal is to end that in her lifetime. Her book is a chronicle of her journey, a testament to her commitment, and proof that for those who are willing, change and second chances are possible. I've witnessed first-hand the life-affirming nature of Defy Ventures' days in prison, and have listened to Cat's passion lift up a room full of men who were convinced that society had given up on them.
The book is also a challenge to the reader to ask whether you're living your best life, and if not, why not. Cat forces you to think hard about what your purpose is, what your goals are, and if you're not meeting them, demands that you think hard about why. Through her own struggle, she helps you see what you are capable of.
I'm grateful that our paths crossed, I'm grateful to have had my own world view changed forever by Cat's passion. And I'm thrilled that with this book she will inspire so many more to make the world a better, more just, place.
To visit a prison with Cat Hoke is to have your eyes opened to a national tragedy. Mass incarceration - the reality that while the US is home to just 5% of the world's population, we're home to nearly 25% of the world's prisoners - is a national crisis. Three of every four people who leave prison will return some day, often within a couple years.
Cat's goal is to end that in her lifetime. Her book is a chronicle of her journey, a testament to her commitment, and proof that for those who are willing, change and second chances are possible. I've witnessed first-hand the life-affirming nature of Defy Ventures' days in prison, and have listened to Cat's passion lift up a room full of men who were convinced that society had given up on them.
The book is also a challenge to the reader to ask whether you're living your best life, and if not, why not. Cat forces you to think hard about what your purpose is, what your goals are, and if you're not meeting them, demands that you think hard about why. Through her own struggle, she helps you see what you are capable of.
I'm grateful that our paths crossed, I'm grateful to have had my own world view changed forever by Cat's passion. And I'm thrilled that with this book she will inspire so many more to make the world a better, more just, place.
March 4, 2018
This is one of those cases where I have to separate the author and the book. “Cat Hoke is a prophet of forgiveness.” And indeed she is. As the founder and CEO of Defy Ventures, a nonprofit focused on helping the incarcerated get their lives back, both during and after their confinement, she deserves 6 stars – or maybe 12.
It is an urgent and immense need. No other country on the planet has a larger inmate population than the US. And, of course, Latinos and African-American men make up a disproportionate share by any measure.
And it’s not working. According to the author, 90% of the men and women currently serving time will eventually be released. And three out of four will be readmitted, often on the very first day of their freedom. There is no objective, independent causality that can explain that. The system is broken.
According to government statistics, more than 90% of criminal defendants ultimately accept a plea deal from prosecutors. Only 3% of all civil lawsuits ever go to trial. And while we might be tempted to interpret that as a sign of the infallibility of our institutions and processes for assigning blame, the reality is much more complex. The state has the clear upper hand. While there is no way to know how often it occurs, it would be absurd to suggest that the surety of a plea bargain doesn’t ever trump innocence, at least in degree. If the system is ‘soft on crime’, as some suggest, it is equally hard on innocence. (And, no, I have never been arrested.)
While the book itself does not address the justice side of incarceration at any level, the statistics and the reality they represent certainly reinforce the legitimacy of giving convicted criminals a second chance. And one point Hoke does make is that we have to stop assessing the problem through an individualistic lens. “Hurt people hurt people. We are hurt in community, and we are healed in community.”
The most meaningful quote for me is: “When we have an experience, it’s natural to form a belief from that experience.” While there will always be outliers of good and evil, the reality is that what differentiates most of us are the experiences, either by choice or circumstance, that we both endure and define. There are elements of both chance and choice, but, as behavioral scientists now know, it is next to impossible to differentiate nature and nurture beyond relative probabilities. And when it comes to crime, our justice should reflect that.
The book is a quick read and it’s obvious from the first page that it is from the heart. If you are in need of inspiration, and aren’t we all, you will find it here. It’s a good book by a very inspiring author and person.
It is an urgent and immense need. No other country on the planet has a larger inmate population than the US. And, of course, Latinos and African-American men make up a disproportionate share by any measure.
And it’s not working. According to the author, 90% of the men and women currently serving time will eventually be released. And three out of four will be readmitted, often on the very first day of their freedom. There is no objective, independent causality that can explain that. The system is broken.
According to government statistics, more than 90% of criminal defendants ultimately accept a plea deal from prosecutors. Only 3% of all civil lawsuits ever go to trial. And while we might be tempted to interpret that as a sign of the infallibility of our institutions and processes for assigning blame, the reality is much more complex. The state has the clear upper hand. While there is no way to know how often it occurs, it would be absurd to suggest that the surety of a plea bargain doesn’t ever trump innocence, at least in degree. If the system is ‘soft on crime’, as some suggest, it is equally hard on innocence. (And, no, I have never been arrested.)
While the book itself does not address the justice side of incarceration at any level, the statistics and the reality they represent certainly reinforce the legitimacy of giving convicted criminals a second chance. And one point Hoke does make is that we have to stop assessing the problem through an individualistic lens. “Hurt people hurt people. We are hurt in community, and we are healed in community.”
The most meaningful quote for me is: “When we have an experience, it’s natural to form a belief from that experience.” While there will always be outliers of good and evil, the reality is that what differentiates most of us are the experiences, either by choice or circumstance, that we both endure and define. There are elements of both chance and choice, but, as behavioral scientists now know, it is next to impossible to differentiate nature and nurture beyond relative probabilities. And when it comes to crime, our justice should reflect that.
The book is a quick read and it’s obvious from the first page that it is from the heart. If you are in need of inspiration, and aren’t we all, you will find it here. It’s a good book by a very inspiring author and person.
January 31, 2018
Wow! Incredible. A must read. Devy is changing the world. It is giving hope and healing to the forgotten. Thank you Cat for what you do. Thank you for reminding us what it means to be human.
March 7, 2018
One of the best books I've ever read. Thank you, Catherine, for writing it.
March 5, 2018
This is a story of great hope. Cat left her high flying job in finance to work with offenders in the American penal system and she set up an organisation to transform lives of people in prison giving them hope and something to accomplish. She had some problems that became very public and had to step down from her first venture but she gave herself a second chance and set up Defy Ventures. She shares her own very personal story and the stories of some of the inmates whose lives have been transformed by Defy.
Cat is passionate about what she does and this comes over in the book as it is definitely written from the heart. She wants every EIT (Entrepreneurs in Training) to be the CEO's of their New Life and she wants everybody to find their own Generous Hustle. If you read the book with and open heart and mind you will find lots of things that will resonate with you. I can't wait until it is published in the UK then I can buy some copies to give out. I read the Kindle Edition after reading about the book in Seth Godin's blog. Seth has been a mentor to Cat and you can read all about how much he has helped her in the Acknowledgements at the back. A definite must read
Cat is passionate about what she does and this comes over in the book as it is definitely written from the heart. She wants every EIT (Entrepreneurs in Training) to be the CEO's of their New Life and she wants everybody to find their own Generous Hustle. If you read the book with and open heart and mind you will find lots of things that will resonate with you. I can't wait until it is published in the UK then I can buy some copies to give out. I read the Kindle Edition after reading about the book in Seth Godin's blog. Seth has been a mentor to Cat and you can read all about how much he has helped her in the Acknowledgements at the back. A definite must read
April 1, 2018
A second chance is a book I read in one run. The way Cat Hoke describes her story as well as the work she has done with Defy kept me glued to the book.
I had not expected to find myself in front of a mirror, seeing myself in my world, seeing an unexpected world in prison and learning how both worlds resonate. With her transparent and open way to describe the work she does as well as how she approaches all those involved in her work create a welcoming atmosphere. The book is about forgiving just as much as about appreciating human beings in their willingness to be themselves as well as part of society. Her clear cut approach invites everyone to take his or her responsibilities for all of his or her actions, and goes beyond the invitation as it respects those who accepted the invitation in expecting them to live up to it.
It's a two way street, forgiveness comes along with engagement and accountability for both. Defy applies this attitude to the work with prisoners. The book applies to everyone.
I had not expected to find myself in front of a mirror, seeing myself in my world, seeing an unexpected world in prison and learning how both worlds resonate. With her transparent and open way to describe the work she does as well as how she approaches all those involved in her work create a welcoming atmosphere. The book is about forgiving just as much as about appreciating human beings in their willingness to be themselves as well as part of society. Her clear cut approach invites everyone to take his or her responsibilities for all of his or her actions, and goes beyond the invitation as it respects those who accepted the invitation in expecting them to live up to it.
It's a two way street, forgiveness comes along with engagement and accountability for both. Defy applies this attitude to the work with prisoners. The book applies to everyone.
March 17, 2018
I bought this book at the urging of Seth Godin's blog post. He knows his stuff. Little did he, or Catherine for that matter, know how much I craved the jump start reading this book gave me. Thank you both for leading me to it's wisdom- That we all come from a place of wanting and desperately needing second and fifth and hundredth chances. That our humanity is what binds us, and what can set us free. I want to cultivate my Generous Hustle, and KNOW I have the tools and abilities within me to do so, just as the EITs and Catherine have before me. A powerful read, and one I am grateful for at a crucial juncture in my personal and professional life.
November 5, 2018
Seth Godin recommends this book, and I was blown away at the message and the truth this book gives to the reader. The author's honesty of the mistakes she's made and how she moved on is inspiring and educational. The amazing part is that she is doing the same in the life of prisoners who have made even bigger mistakes than she did. There is a great story of a pizza being stolen and how it was an impactful learning lesson for all of those involved. The type of work the author does with prisoners is incredible, and she is indeed someone to admire and learn from.
February 26, 2019
What a fantastic book that we should all be able to relate to. Am not sure about you but I've certainly made my fair share of "mistakes".
Cat brings the stories of those considered unable to be re-integrated into society for committing violent crimes and others who have been wrongly convincted. It's heart-wrenching to read the pain and trauma that some of the EIT's (entrepreneur in training) have gone through and it makes us realise how lucky most of us are.
There's plenty of hope for those in these situations due to people like Cat getting their stories out there.
Cat brings the stories of those considered unable to be re-integrated into society for committing violent crimes and others who have been wrongly convincted. It's heart-wrenching to read the pain and trauma that some of the EIT's (entrepreneur in training) have gone through and it makes us realise how lucky most of us are.
There's plenty of hope for those in these situations due to people like Cat getting their stories out there.
July 27, 2018
Goodness gracious what a book :
" Find a problem that people have , provide a solution and make money at it " Catherine ( the pure one)'s advise to her convicts . Seriously its a wonderful book . Worth every one of those 5 stars and very very up,lifting and insightful and edifying emotionally healthy book . Do read it . ts a great book.
Im red hot these days this is my 5th 5 star book in a row : D
" Find a problem that people have , provide a solution and make money at it " Catherine ( the pure one)'s advise to her convicts . Seriously its a wonderful book . Worth every one of those 5 stars and very very up,lifting and insightful and edifying emotionally healthy book . Do read it . ts a great book.
Im red hot these days this is my 5th 5 star book in a row : D
March 27, 2018
America, we need this book desperately. If everyone in America read this book and exercised the principles within, in their lives, most of what plagues our beloved country would essentially disappear. Poor race relations, mass murder, suicide, addiction, greed, hatred.
Cat, your story is an inspiration. Thank you for sharing!
Cat, your story is an inspiration. Thank you for sharing!
March 2, 2019
With Defy and Hoke’s ability to be heard by so many influencers especially in the tech and VC world, I’m disappointed the book didn’t talk much more about the entire US incarceration system and how the structures and current policies of the local and federal government have led to what is modern day slavery.
March 15, 2018
You will be a better human being for reading this book. In a world that often feels divisive in one form or fashion, Cat reconnects to essential truths about life: it is hard, we all make mistakes, and we all have the capacity to transcend.
March 23, 2018
An inspiring read, Cat Hoke's book is an ode to second, and third, ... chances: everyone needs them, and pretty much anyone can make the most of them with the right kind of guidance and support. Her organization is showing it in practice.
March 1, 2018
An amazing story about an incredible woman who is transforming the lives of imprisoned men and women by helping them understand how they can get their second chance. This is a must read!
March 30, 2018
Honest, soul-baring, real, heart-wrenching, powerful, beautiful, and inspiring. If you don’t feel this one in your gut, you’re not human.
July 7, 2018
Get ready to learn about how real rehabilitation of criminals might work.
October 3, 2019
I only read about 1/2-3/4s of this book because I'm an emotional wreck about any kind of poignancy. It's a great book for people who need to realign their thinking about forgiveness for themselves as well as others. I picked it up because I'm interested in community projects that help formerly incarcerated people get employment after they've paid their dues to society. I don't know if the latter portion of the book covers anything on restorative justice, but it did point me towards DEFY Ventures which seems like a great program in Texas.
Read this if you need to forgive yourself or someone else for mistakes both large and small.
Read this if you need to forgive yourself or someone else for mistakes both large and small.
August 8, 2019
I am a longtime volunteer with Defy Ventures, so this was a familiar and quick read for me. Cat Hoke's spirit and drive to transform how we treat incarcerated individuals is inspiring, and the book has several great anecdotes of Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) successfully beating the odds (e.g. ConBody). That said, you won't fully understand what Defy is all about unless you attend one of their in-prison events. I've been to a dozen or so and, fair warning, they're addictive.
June 18, 2020
Not exactly what I thought it would be, which was good and bad.
I wanted more of the first chapter (redeeming stories from prison and how to empathize, be involved, or make change) and less of the self-help nature of the latter chapters.
That being said, the rawness and vulnerability of the book was refreshing. The reader can't help but reflect on their life, choices, and judgments of others. A book we could all use (parts of).
Cheers to a second chance, and a better tomorrow.
I wanted more of the first chapter (redeeming stories from prison and how to empathize, be involved, or make change) and less of the self-help nature of the latter chapters.
That being said, the rawness and vulnerability of the book was refreshing. The reader can't help but reflect on their life, choices, and judgments of others. A book we could all use (parts of).
Cheers to a second chance, and a better tomorrow.
December 17, 2021
A book of hope for the hopeless. This book explores the relationship between society and those who are jailed for their mistakes. Catherine takes the reader through a heart felf journey where she works with prisoners in US Jails to give them a sense of confidence and self; and a second chance.
This book is well worth a read and shows what giving a person a hand up, and a bit of care can do to help them and society.
This book is well worth a read and shows what giving a person a hand up, and a bit of care can do to help them and society.
June 24, 2019
The book made me smile when Catherine recommends reading auto/biographies of people you look up to - because that’s what I was doing when I read that line. Inspirational, tear-jerking and life altering, I’d recommend this book to anyone interesting in rehabilitation of convicted criminals, or (and equally so) people looking to focus on their own purpose in life.
January 28, 2026
The organizations the author has founded have made such a positive impact for the program participants and volunteers, I wanted to read about their founder in her own words. She had so much positive momentum when this book was published in 2017, and then resigned from the second organization in 2018. I hope she is successful going forward.
March 22, 2021
Good Message, lousy book
Lousy book, good message. But sad to hear about the current state of the author and the project. It looks like the numbers presented in the book were not true.
Lousy book, good message. But sad to hear about the current state of the author and the project. It looks like the numbers presented in the book were not true.
September 15, 2019
A powerful read
This book, the work that the organization does is amazing. I couldn't put it down. A must read for everyone.
This book, the work that the organization does is amazing. I couldn't put it down. A must read for everyone.
February 20, 2020
Easy to read. Inspiring.
March 11, 2018
Ugly cried through the first half of this (pro tip ~~ don't read this on a plane or in public).
heart-breaking, moving, encouraging, hope-infusing, examine your own heart, forgive yourself and others. what (shame-based, untrue) stories are we living by?
heart-breaking, moving, encouraging, hope-infusing, examine your own heart, forgive yourself and others. what (shame-based, untrue) stories are we living by?
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews