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Reformed: How a Life Sentence Became My Saving Grace
Jojo Godinez grew up in L.A. County surrounded by gangs. The night he joined one, he swore to represent his gang until death. Fights, shootings, and arrests followed, but his love of violence waned through the years as more and more of his friends died around him.
Amid the bloodshed, he met a homegirl, Dalia. At just 18 years old, they married in Vegas, but their honeymoon was interrupted when a crime Jojo committed brought him into court and eventually into a 45-years-to-life sentence. On the day he was found guilty, Dalia gave birth to their son.
Suicidal, Jojo lost himself in the evils of the jail, trying to forget his former life and even his family. It was during a stint in solitary confinement that he came to terms with his need for change. He asked God for forgiveness and resolved to never fight again.
Jojo's nonviolent rebellion against the prison culture of hatred and racism was consistently met with death threats but he was willing to risk everything for his newfound faith. In prison after prison, Jojo spread peace, while his wife, Dalia, and their son faithfully waited for the day he finally came home.
The powerful true story of Jojo Godinez shows the incredible transformation of a man once written off as nothing more than a criminal.
Amid the bloodshed, he met a homegirl, Dalia. At just 18 years old, they married in Vegas, but their honeymoon was interrupted when a crime Jojo committed brought him into court and eventually into a 45-years-to-life sentence. On the day he was found guilty, Dalia gave birth to their son.
Suicidal, Jojo lost himself in the evils of the jail, trying to forget his former life and even his family. It was during a stint in solitary confinement that he came to terms with his need for change. He asked God for forgiveness and resolved to never fight again.
Jojo's nonviolent rebellion against the prison culture of hatred and racism was consistently met with death threats but he was willing to risk everything for his newfound faith. In prison after prison, Jojo spread peace, while his wife, Dalia, and their son faithfully waited for the day he finally came home.
The powerful true story of Jojo Godinez shows the incredible transformation of a man once written off as nothing more than a criminal.
- GenresNonfictionMental Health
288 pages, Paperback
Published June 26, 2018
51 people are currently reading
1132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 24, 2019
I absolutely loved this book!!!
August 25, 2018
In this book, JoJo Godinez tells of his life as a gang member on the streets of L.A., swearing allegiance and vowing to always represent his gang until his death, which was bound to happen at any moment. Death followed him around; it was his shadow. He is an adept fighter and he does whatever the gang asks of him. The last thing he thought he would feel was love, but he was wrong.
At 18, JoJo meets and falls in love with Dalia. The two go to Vegas to get married and JoJo dreams of his life with Dalia. However, his past catches up with him, and JoJo finds himself handcuffed, standing in court, and facing a sentence of 45 years to life. The day JoJo is pronounced guilty, Dalia gives birth to their son.
JoJo's stint in jail is exactly what you would think it would be - up to a point. He becomes suicidal. He gets involved with the gangs and becomes the "go to" person to find a way to get to another prisoner who has done something "wrong" (usually snitching) and giving him a stern warning - usually by stabbing him. JoJo is basically numb and waiting to die himself.
A long stint in solitary confinement turns JoJo around. He surprisingly finds himself turning to God, and he vows never to fight again. Another prisoner helps JoJo follow this new path, one that isn't always popular. JoJo is repeatedly denied parole, despite his pleas and his exemplary behavior following his turning to God. Dalia brings his son to visit him, and it breaks his heart every time. JoJo was also very close to his mother, and when she visits him and is obviously very ill, he knows it's the last time he will see her. His life is empty, except for God.
JoJo is in various prisons during this time, and he spreads the word of peace in each one. Eventually JoJo is granted his parole, becomes the father he dreamed of to his son, and writes this book in the hopes of preventing street kids and gang members from following his tough road.
This book is hard to read at times - there's no sugar coating the violence and there shouldn't be. It's also inspirational and heartwarming, and proof that the human spirit is one that's tough to break. Kudos to JoJo for turning his life around and for using his experience to help others.
At 18, JoJo meets and falls in love with Dalia. The two go to Vegas to get married and JoJo dreams of his life with Dalia. However, his past catches up with him, and JoJo finds himself handcuffed, standing in court, and facing a sentence of 45 years to life. The day JoJo is pronounced guilty, Dalia gives birth to their son.
JoJo's stint in jail is exactly what you would think it would be - up to a point. He becomes suicidal. He gets involved with the gangs and becomes the "go to" person to find a way to get to another prisoner who has done something "wrong" (usually snitching) and giving him a stern warning - usually by stabbing him. JoJo is basically numb and waiting to die himself.
A long stint in solitary confinement turns JoJo around. He surprisingly finds himself turning to God, and he vows never to fight again. Another prisoner helps JoJo follow this new path, one that isn't always popular. JoJo is repeatedly denied parole, despite his pleas and his exemplary behavior following his turning to God. Dalia brings his son to visit him, and it breaks his heart every time. JoJo was also very close to his mother, and when she visits him and is obviously very ill, he knows it's the last time he will see her. His life is empty, except for God.
JoJo is in various prisons during this time, and he spreads the word of peace in each one. Eventually JoJo is granted his parole, becomes the father he dreamed of to his son, and writes this book in the hopes of preventing street kids and gang members from following his tough road.
This book is hard to read at times - there's no sugar coating the violence and there shouldn't be. It's also inspirational and heartwarming, and proof that the human spirit is one that's tough to break. Kudos to JoJo for turning his life around and for using his experience to help others.
January 15, 2019
Thank you Gatekeeper Press and Netgalley for an ARC in return of my review.
I enjoyed the honesty of this memoir and being given the opportunity to step inside this life and understand more about the struggles along the way.
I enjoyed the honesty of this memoir and being given the opportunity to step inside this life and understand more about the struggles along the way.
October 5, 2018
This book is about a man named Jojo, known as Boxer to his L.A. gang members. It tells how his life was steamrolling downhill and the eventual arrest and conviction for attempted murder. Jojo is sick at heart over the gang lifestyle in prison and his wife has just about given up all hope. The book tells of their conversion and constant struggle to stay faithful to God in the midst of unbelievable odds. This book will renew your faith in the Lord and his mighty works.
August 29, 2018
Well written book and how if you give your life to God, your life can change for the good. Being in a gang member, being in and out of jail, until a life sentence, Jojo was able to get Reformed.
I won this book from Goodreads, but if I didn't win it, I would definitely buy this book. Good Story.
Read this book!!!
I won this book from Goodreads, but if I didn't win it, I would definitely buy this book. Good Story.
Read this book!!!
December 28, 2020
I understand names including gang names have to be changed in order keep legal and street codes from rousing up a challenge. However if you lived in the San Gabriel Valley, even if you were not in the gang scene it’s pretty easy to read between the lines and identity clearly who they are talking about. The book was very well written so kudos to the author. My only problem with the book was the depiction of a rosary in the front cover. I honestly thought JoJo was going to find redemption in the Holy Catholic Church. Only to find out JoJo was a former Catholic who did not understand anything about the faith. He commented on the “church and it ritualistic practices” and holy communion (Which IS the living body and blood of Christ) as “crackers”. His story is uplifting and he took a hero’s stance while in prison. I especially like the chapter when he is released from prison only to find out between working and family life he doesn’t have the time to read his bible and pray and learns rather by spending time in work and family is a prayer in itself
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2019
Out of the dark into the light
Definitely a story I have never had to think or deal with. The need for a place in this world makes a gang appealing to some. I have never seen a gang or known a gang banger but I was caught up in Jojo 's story. It seems gangs flourish in prisons and drugs seem to be more readily available. Jojo finding God in such a godless place makes him stand taller than some of the self proclaimed Christians in our midst. Definitely recommend this book and hopefully God will guide more people to help prisoners in want or need of a good soul scrub.
I also recognize Dalia as a woman of grit. She also pulled a prison sentence albeit on this side of the razor wire.
Definitely a story I have never had to think or deal with. The need for a place in this world makes a gang appealing to some. I have never seen a gang or known a gang banger but I was caught up in Jojo 's story. It seems gangs flourish in prisons and drugs seem to be more readily available. Jojo finding God in such a godless place makes him stand taller than some of the self proclaimed Christians in our midst. Definitely recommend this book and hopefully God will guide more people to help prisoners in want or need of a good soul scrub.
I also recognize Dalia as a woman of grit. She also pulled a prison sentence albeit on this side of the razor wire.
July 30, 2018
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced readers copy of this book in turn for an honest review. I am a Christian so I was interested at first by the cover of this book. As I got into this book, I because so involved in Jojo’s life that I could not wait to turn the page. I started this book one day and finished it the very next while traveling from vacation. This is a heartwarming story that you will not regret reading about how God is able to do ANYTHING with ANYONE, no matter your history or what sins you have committed. I really hope this book takes off and helps provide more prisoners with the boldness that Jojo had to take off in the Christian faith.
November 7, 2018
Giveaway - Thank you for the opportunity to read this book!
Wow, what an amazing story of triumph and victory! Jojo and Dalia share their story of abusive beginnings, the brutality and consequences of gang life, further brutality and trials over many years while Jojo is in prison, and finally a new hope in Christ giving them strength to persevere and leading them to victory over their past.
Reading of God working the many miracles in their lives gave me chills and strengthened my faith. I was moved to tears so many times in this book.
Thank you so much for sharing your story! It is very impactful and I pray it brings hope to all who read it.
Wow, what an amazing story of triumph and victory! Jojo and Dalia share their story of abusive beginnings, the brutality and consequences of gang life, further brutality and trials over many years while Jojo is in prison, and finally a new hope in Christ giving them strength to persevere and leading them to victory over their past.
Reading of God working the many miracles in their lives gave me chills and strengthened my faith. I was moved to tears so many times in this book.
Thank you so much for sharing your story! It is very impactful and I pray it brings hope to all who read it.
September 20, 2019
There is no 'let up' in this candid, uplifting story courage , faith & hope.
This story grips you in the very first paragraph and never let's up. The mindset of the gang life permeates both inside and outside of prison. But days in solitary confinement gives Jojo another life when he gives way to Christ. Planting seeds, acting in faith, life's raw defeats, and the unexplainable all jostle for position in this book. But ultimately it is the changed life that propels God to the center. Read this and draw closer to God.
This story grips you in the very first paragraph and never let's up. The mindset of the gang life permeates both inside and outside of prison. But days in solitary confinement gives Jojo another life when he gives way to Christ. Planting seeds, acting in faith, life's raw defeats, and the unexplainable all jostle for position in this book. But ultimately it is the changed life that propels God to the center. Read this and draw closer to God.
April 29, 2018
After highly anticipating this book, I was so excited to finally read.
It did not disappoint.
Based on the account of Jojo and Dalia's real life story of growing up in southern California's gangs on the streets of La Puente, highlighting the challenges and fears facing their violent community. When things go horribly wrong, leading to Jojo facing a life sentence in LA county's prisons, life appears pretty grim. But an encounter with Jesus Christ and a host of God-sent brothers behind bars, Jojo's life undergoes a radical transformation that is encouraging and inspiring.
This book left me in tears, rooting for the characters, and in awe of the work God did (and is) doing in the lives of prisoners.
Highly recommended.
It did not disappoint.
Based on the account of Jojo and Dalia's real life story of growing up in southern California's gangs on the streets of La Puente, highlighting the challenges and fears facing their violent community. When things go horribly wrong, leading to Jojo facing a life sentence in LA county's prisons, life appears pretty grim. But an encounter with Jesus Christ and a host of God-sent brothers behind bars, Jojo's life undergoes a radical transformation that is encouraging and inspiring.
This book left me in tears, rooting for the characters, and in awe of the work God did (and is) doing in the lives of prisoners.
Highly recommended.
July 19, 2018
This was one of the most heartwrenching stories I've read in years. I used to work with at-risk youth, and Jojo's story gave me hope that some of them might have found the same grace that he did. One day I'd like to hear Dalia's story too. Staying with Jojo all those years and being there for their son when there seemed to be no hope for her husband to come home again must have been a prison of its own.
August 14, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It was so inspiring that Jojo was able to change his life. It gave me hope for myself and others. I also really love how naturally it is written; Jojo uses his slang and lingo instead of trying to sound like an educated essay. This made it an easy read and helped me to really understand Jojo and who he is.
Real and aimed to inspire, Reformed is a miraculous story of change through Christ.
Real and aimed to inspire, Reformed is a miraculous story of change through Christ.
September 11, 2018
*I received a copy of this book from a goodreads giveaway*
This book was absolutely incredible and I found myself having a difficult time putting it down. Jojo’s story is beyond inspiring; his wife Dalia’s story is equally as inspiring and I so appreciated that the reader gets to hear from her.
The writing was interesting, clear and concise. The authors did a great job of shaping the story and conveying emotions and characters to the reader.
This book was absolutely incredible and I found myself having a difficult time putting it down. Jojo’s story is beyond inspiring; his wife Dalia’s story is equally as inspiring and I so appreciated that the reader gets to hear from her.
The writing was interesting, clear and concise. The authors did a great job of shaping the story and conveying emotions and characters to the reader.
January 1, 2024
For at times I wanted testimonies I can relate to growing up in L.A. This book eased my segregation I had in the world to this new faith I just found after 25 1/2 years of life (I’m 26 now). It’s 2024 (Happy New Years) and things in Los Angeles County is still in this never ending cycle of torment. Through all the risks I have taken and close to death encounters gods hands grips stronger, this book is a powerful message from gods work and faithfulness. Praise The Lord! Jesus Christ!
November 12, 2018
Redemption
This is a living testament that no one is beyond God's redemption or grace and that we all can be saved if we only believe. If you reach out to God he will reach out to you in love beyond imagine. A truly spiritual journey to find God and faith may we all find it too. A truly inspiring story. Excellent!
This is a living testament that no one is beyond God's redemption or grace and that we all can be saved if we only believe. If you reach out to God he will reach out to you in love beyond imagine. A truly spiritual journey to find God and faith may we all find it too. A truly inspiring story. Excellent!
August 27, 2018
Reformed is a powerful, true story of a life transformed by an encounter with God. There will be moments your hearts will race, others your heart will break. Either way, you won't put this book down until you're done.
November 5, 2018
Inspiring story
I am inspired by the transformation God worked in Jojo’s life and by the incredible courage Jojo exhibited by standing strong for his Christian faith in violent and brutal
prisons.
I am inspired by the transformation God worked in Jojo’s life and by the incredible courage Jojo exhibited by standing strong for his Christian faith in violent and brutal
prisons.
October 28, 2018
Great book!
This book tells the true story of a man reformed by accepting Jesus as his Savior! It was very inspiring.
This book tells the true story of a man reformed by accepting Jesus as his Savior! It was very inspiring.
November 23, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book. Since I have had no experience with this life I think it will help me have more understanding and compassion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2019
Jojo
Wonderful book, Dalia you are a saint for waiting and waiting.
This book proves if you believe God does answer prayers. God Bless JoJo and family.
Wonderful book, Dalia you are a saint for waiting and waiting.
This book proves if you believe God does answer prayers. God Bless JoJo and family.
March 17, 2019
An amazing story of God's grace. Jojo went from being a gang member sentenced to 45-years-to-life for attempted murder and conspiracy to murder to being a born-again Christian willing to risk his life for refusing to stand with his old gang members in prison. So often we look at people and think they are beyond salvation, but God sees them as His precious children and gives them the same grace, salvation, and eternal life that He gives His children that were cradle Christians. Jojo's story shows that no one is beyond the reach of a loving God.
I almost felt guilty for reading this when I did. I give up fiction for Lent and read only Christian nonfiction. This book reads like a page-turner novel and kept me totally engrossed.
I almost felt guilty for reading this when I did. I give up fiction for Lent and read only Christian nonfiction. This book reads like a page-turner novel and kept me totally engrossed.
December 15, 2018
Uplifting
I enjoyed reading this book and the hope of seeing how God can change a life in such a profound way.
I enjoyed reading this book and the hope of seeing how God can change a life in such a profound way.
kindle
July 1, 2018I feel that it is important to disclose that I am not a religious person. With that being said, I have a friend who goes to our local prison and speaks to incarcerated women about God and her experiences. I have always wondered why these women go from having no belief in God to being religious even after being released from prison. This well written book offered me insight into how women develop a relationship with God when everything else is falling apart and how that can be the thing that literally saves their life. I enjoyed this book immensely, as it gave me information on a subject that I did not know much about.
July 10, 2018
I appreciate NetGalley and the publisher providing the opportunity to review "Reformed". This book tells the true story of the transformation of Jojo, from a young man mired deep in the gang life of LA county, into a servant of God, being used to spread the message of salvation even as he was serving a life sentence in prison. An uplifting reminder that being a Christian doesn't mean you are perfect or have an easy life, but that you are willing to follow God's lead, wherever it may take you.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews