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The Change Agent: How a Former College QB Sentenced to Life in Prison Transformed His World
From the bestselling co-author of The Coffee Bean comes the true story of a well-raised kid, a three-year starting quarterback, a young person filled with potential…until a shocking addiction took hold.
Sentenced to sixty-five years in a Texas prison, Damon West once had it all. He came from a great family, in a home full of God, love, support, and opportunities to reach any goal. A natural born leader, an athlete with good looks and charm, he appeared to be the all-American kid pursuing his dreams.
Underneath this facade, however, was an addict in the early stages of disease. After suffering childhood sexual abuse by a babysitter at the age of nine, Damon began putting chemicals into his body to alter the way he felt.
Once he was introduced to methamphetamines, however, he became instantly hooked—and the lives of so many innocent people would forever be changed by the choices he made in order to feed his insatiable meth habit.
After a fateful discussion during his incarceration with a seasoned convict, Damon had a spiritual awakening. He learned that, like a coffee bean changing with the application of heat and pressure, he was capable of changing the environment around him. Armed with a program of recovery, a renewed faith, and a miraculous second chance at life, Damon emerged from over seven years of prison a changed man. His story of redemption continues to inspire audiences today.
Sentenced to sixty-five years in a Texas prison, Damon West once had it all. He came from a great family, in a home full of God, love, support, and opportunities to reach any goal. A natural born leader, an athlete with good looks and charm, he appeared to be the all-American kid pursuing his dreams.
Underneath this facade, however, was an addict in the early stages of disease. After suffering childhood sexual abuse by a babysitter at the age of nine, Damon began putting chemicals into his body to alter the way he felt.
Once he was introduced to methamphetamines, however, he became instantly hooked—and the lives of so many innocent people would forever be changed by the choices he made in order to feed his insatiable meth habit.
After a fateful discussion during his incarceration with a seasoned convict, Damon had a spiritual awakening. He learned that, like a coffee bean changing with the application of heat and pressure, he was capable of changing the environment around him. Armed with a program of recovery, a renewed faith, and a miraculous second chance at life, Damon emerged from over seven years of prison a changed man. His story of redemption continues to inspire audiences today.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published March 19, 2019
71 people are currently reading
499 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 6, 2025
very well written.
any concern I have is simply a personal preference. it brings light to the unimagineable challenges of living through prison and gives insight into the amazing role of a parent in the lives of their children
any concern I have is simply a personal preference. it brings light to the unimagineable challenges of living through prison and gives insight into the amazing role of a parent in the lives of their children
July 22, 2021
Damion West has written a wonderful and intriguing book about his life before, during and after prison. After his release from prison he is doing what he told the parole board that he wanted to do. He is being useful to his fellow man. A wonderful account about how we are all given second, third, fourth or more chances! Great book and I would highly recommend it if you would like to read about a very powerful and uplifting story about how God turned his life around. God can turn anyone's life around!
March 25, 2019
Reborn
I remember Damon from my days working at TJ. I too have a son that is a recovering addict. So reading this book confirms just how great GOD n a mother's love is.. I could feel the hurt for his mom... we NEVER give up. Damon's description of prison life was so surreal. I am overjoyed for his rebirth... I can't wait to hear him speak. I am sending my son a copy of this book...I am so happy for him n his family.
I remember Damon from my days working at TJ. I too have a son that is a recovering addict. So reading this book confirms just how great GOD n a mother's love is.. I could feel the hurt for his mom... we NEVER give up. Damon's description of prison life was so surreal. I am overjoyed for his rebirth... I can't wait to hear him speak. I am sending my son a copy of this book...I am so happy for him n his family.
August 9, 2024
The Change Agent is good and well written and touches on many important topics: jail and prison systems, legalese, writs, addiction, religion and spirituality, but if i’m honest, this man seems very tone deaf. West feels all the shame for things that he’s done when high and takes accountability for those actions, but doesn’t admit to the privileges associated with being released from prison, especially given his fathers ties to so many people that led to his release.
May 4, 2019
You must read this amazing redemption story!
Damon shares his tragic fall from a bright future to the darkness of addiction. Receiving a life sentence, he used his time in prison as an opportunity to change and grow. Earning an early release, Damon shares his story of hope with the world. Highly recommend buying this book!
Damon shares his tragic fall from a bright future to the darkness of addiction. Receiving a life sentence, he used his time in prison as an opportunity to change and grow. Earning an early release, Damon shares his story of hope with the world. Highly recommend buying this book!
May 9, 2019
Well written first person story of a devastating fall from a position of being incredibly blessed and then eventual redemption. The narrative sections on prison life are beyond frightening and depressing. Those sections alone should be enough to convince any reasonable person to avoid the pitfalls he describes. Very powerful book!
January 23, 2022
WOW! This book is so powerful. I love how Damon switches back and forth from what happened to more current. I think he did a wonderful job explaining in detail on what happened (without going into unnecessary information),taking responsibility of what he did and how he truly made such a bad situation into something to grow and transform from.
August 23, 2023
Damon gives an incredibly vulnerable look at the very serious crimes he committed as well as his humble approach to his healing journey, in and out of prison. While I was reading his book, I was thinking how important it would be for young people to be able to read this. I was thankful to read in the end that he travels and speaks to schools. This was an incredible book to read!
October 15, 2025
Moving story about perspective and servant leadership. Interesting to learn about life in prison. What kept this from a 5 for me was the back and forth in time moments & not having the author read it. I heard Damon as a keynote and his energy just adds another level. I am hoping that is shown in his next book where he reads it
October 20, 2025
I would recommend this book to anyone!!!
At a previous job, I heard Damon speak & it was such an amazing message of a coffee bean. I’ve held onto this book since and finally got around to reading it. His message about the coffee bean is applicable to any setting, and his personal story shows what real change can be made.
At a previous job, I heard Damon speak & it was such an amazing message of a coffee bean. I’ve held onto this book since and finally got around to reading it. His message about the coffee bean is applicable to any setting, and his personal story shows what real change can be made.
April 16, 2019
God loves to work in prisons
This is the most accurate book on life inside that I have read, I volunteer as a chaplain at a maximum security prison in Texas and this is the message that gives hope to those who have no hope
This is the most accurate book on life inside that I have read, I volunteer as a chaplain at a maximum security prison in Texas and this is the message that gives hope to those who have no hope
May 2, 2019
This is an excellent book. I found Damon to be honest and thoughtful in his writing style. His honesty and humility showed through out the book. I was captivated from cover to cover. I suggest this book to anyone who enjoys a solid biography. You won’t be disappointed.
September 13, 2019
Great book. Didn’t like the chronological jumping back and forth and duplicative material but great otherwise. Learned a ton about prison life. Easy guy to root for. Cool transformational story.
January 4, 2020
Awesome Story!!!
Through Jon Gordon and the Coffee Bean, I was familiar with the story but the detail is incredible. I need to find a way to get this book into my students and players hands.
Through Jon Gordon and the Coffee Bean, I was familiar with the story but the detail is incredible. I need to find a way to get this book into my students and players hands.
March 14, 2020
Very positive and motivating book. Very impressed with the transformation Damon made. If we could only get a quarter of people struggling to make these kinds of changes this world would be a world of difference!
June 7, 2020
Amazing and Very positive
This is a great story of how someone given every excuse to turn into an egg or carrot ( read the book to get the reference) actually can become a coffee bean in the worst situations possible. This is a must read.
This is a great story of how someone given every excuse to turn into an egg or carrot ( read the book to get the reference) actually can become a coffee bean in the worst situations possible. This is a must read.
January 28, 2021
Amazing story!!!!
Damon West came to our school to speak and his story and his message was what everyone needs to hear! Want to make an impact in society? Read his story and become a coffee bean!!!
Damon West came to our school to speak and his story and his message was what everyone needs to hear! Want to make an impact in society? Read his story and become a coffee bean!!!
May 21, 2021
Incredible Story
This page turner truly takes the reader through every emotion. I highly recommend this book to junior high and above. It has honesty and heart and really shows how addiction can take everything.
This page turner truly takes the reader through every emotion. I highly recommend this book to junior high and above. It has honesty and heart and really shows how addiction can take everything.
May 7, 2024
Sometimes a 2nd chance makes the difference
An incredible story of struggle, perseverance and the power of faith. An emotional journey captured beautifully in this autobiographical novel. Will likely read more than once.
An incredible story of struggle, perseverance and the power of faith. An emotional journey captured beautifully in this autobiographical novel. Will likely read more than once.
March 19, 2025
This was an excellent read - gave great insight to what jail life is like. There's no doubt that Damon has changed his life for the better and everyone that meets him understands his transfomation. Loved the "coffee bean" approach.
July 13, 2025
I heard Damon speak one year ago at an educator conference. We were each given a copy of this book, and mine sat in my TBR pile for a year because it wasn’t my typical read. I’m so upset with myself that I let it sit. This book was fantastic!!!
September 4, 2019
Anyone with a HS teen or college aged kid needs to read this and have them read it. Truly amazing and inspiring!!
November 11, 2019
Incredible story.... a must read for anyone interested in an unbelievable "comeback" story of redemption.
November 27, 2019
Griffin loves lots book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2020
Excellent and inspiring account.
March 22, 2021
very good story of how one man made many mistakes and yet how faith changed his perspective and his life
September 23, 2021
Awesome book!
Shows that change is possible no matter how bad things get if you have the right positive mindset and belief in God. Highly recommended!
Shows that change is possible no matter how bad things get if you have the right positive mindset and belief in God. Highly recommended!
January 20, 2022
This is a story of a a man who had everything, blew it all and ended up with a sixty-five year prison term. This is how I feel just with fifteen years probation.
March 25, 2022
One of the greatest transformations. Amazing from where he came from to what he is doing now. Inspiring book you want to read. Follow him on social media to see the amazing work he continues to do.
July 29, 2022
Amazing Story
This book moved me like none before. It is an amazing story of the fall and resurrection of a young athlete who chose to be a Coffee Bean.
This book moved me like none before. It is an amazing story of the fall and resurrection of a young athlete who chose to be a Coffee Bean.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews