Prison Saved My Life: I Recommend It For Everyone

by Louis Dooley, Heidi Gruber O'Very

Have you ever been at the end of your rope? Have you ever felt the bottom fall out of your life? Have you ever felt completely and utterly hopeless? Have you ever felt rejected by this world–sometimes even by the very people who are supposed to love you? Have you ever done something so horrible that the biggest punishment there seems to be is simply having to live with the knowledge that you did it? Have you ever wondered what’s the point of this confusing and often painful life? If you answered yes to any of these, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. So did Louis Dooley. This is his story. It will resonate with you, make you uncomfortable, shock you, make you laugh and cry, but in the end it will give you hope. TABLE OF CONTENTS Forward Prologue PART 1 – FAITH 1. Death Comes in a Paper Box 2. The Red Balloon 3. When It All Comes Crashing Down 4. Game Over PART 2 – HOPE 5. Reboot 6. Slick-Legged 7. Dirty Urine 8. For Whom the Bell Tolls 9. Growing in Concrete 10. The Seed 11. The Invisible Power of Prey 12. Big D 13. Julie 14. News of a Lifetime 15. 888 Days to Freedom PART 3 – LOVE 18. Out of the Frying Pan and into the Fire 19. Going Back to Prison Set Me Free Epilogue Notes ABOUT THE AUTHOR & CO-WRITER Louis Dooley was a young man who found himself imprisoned with a life sentence for theft and attempted murder. Through a miraculous turn of events, Louis received Jesus Christ in prison and recognized he had new life in Christ. Today, Louis is a free man providing pastoral counsel to current inmates, in hopes of the gospel setting them free. Heidi Gruber O’Very is a writer and home educator who first met Louis while working as a VIC (Volunteer in Corrections) at Potosi Correctional Center where she helped with Bible studies as well as taught some creative writing courses. She continues to be a VIC, and has remained friends with Louis since his release. She lives with her husband, Dan, and their four children in St. Louis, Missouri.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction

130 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 6, 2018

Reviews

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on God's grace and a life changed for God's glory! I personally have met Louis two times and he is the real deal. God is doing so many great things through Set Free ministries and Louis is so gifted in sharing his testimony. A must read!!

[Patti Haney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Louis Dooley committed his life to Christ after entering prison at age 19 with a life sentence. He made a decision to live a full life behind bars, and God worked miracles. Dooley continues to do God’s work.

This was a good bedside table, nighttime read for me with short, easy to read chapters. Now that I’ve read Anthony Ray Hinton’s The Sun Does Shine, and Dooley’s story, I cant help but sit and and wonder... Know more, do more? Is there prison ministry in my future? Should I look into writing letters to a prisoner/s? Perhaps facilitate a book club in a prison when I retire? One thing I know is that our system of corrections is flawed. How can we do a better job of “rehabilitating” prisoners? More importantly, what can we do to help keep people out of prisons in the first place?

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

An inspiring autobiographical read, as Louis Dooley recounts his journey to prison, his transformation there, and his ultimate release... only to return back to serve. Encouraging and hope-filled, this book gives a glimpse into the life-changing power of faith in Christ in one man’s life.

[Tom Tancredi · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a meditation of losing freedom and finding faith. the constant paradox of what it means to truly be free, spiritually and mentally, is underscored with every chapter. I had the honor of meeting the author, shaking his hand, and being in a devotional with him. amen, amen.

[Nancy Bandusky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspirational read about a man's life that was saved by prison. It provides an interesting look into the prison system. While the book jumps around a bit, overall it is an enjoyable read.

[Lisa M Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

So inspiring!

Thank you for sharing your personal testimony of God's faithfulness with us, Mr. Dooley! He is doing great things through you!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring yet down to earth story of the transformational power God displayed in the life of a man who wasn’t looking for Him. Fast paced, and easy read.

[Gaye Maxson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring true story.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great to hear how a life can be changed despite being in prison.