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The Shot Caller: A Latino Gangbanger’s Miraculous Escape from a Life of Violence to a New Life in Christ
When you feel like you've made too many missteps to go forward, how do you find the strength to carry on? Join Casey Diaz as he tells the remarkable story of God's heart for second chances.
The son of El Salvadorian immigrants, Casey Diaz was brought to Los Angeles at the age of two. An abusive, impoverished family life propelled Casey into the Rockwood Street Locos gang at just eleven years old.
Casey was willing to do anything to be number one, but years of chasing rival gang members led to a dramatic ambush and arrest by the LAPD. By age sixteen, Casey was sentenced to more than twelve years in solitary confinement in California's toughest prison as one of the state's most violent offenders.
He thought his life was over--but as the days in solitary wore on, Casey realized someone else was calling the shots. What happened next can only be described as a miracle.
Join Casey as he shares how we can
Embrace the incredible gift of God's redeeming loveChange our lives for the betterFind our God-given purposeA visceral insider's look at the violent world of gangs and prison life, The Shot Caller is a remarkable demonstration of God's reckless, unending grace, and desire to reach even the worst of sinners--no matter where they are.
Praise for The Shot
"When I read about the life of Casey Diaz, I see so much of my own life. This is a story of a tough young man who lost his way, and of a loving God who never forgot him, no matter where he was. I know you will be inspired by Casey's story. I hope you, too, will surrender to the love of Jesus Christ."
--Nicky Cruz, bestselling author of Run Baby Run
The son of El Salvadorian immigrants, Casey Diaz was brought to Los Angeles at the age of two. An abusive, impoverished family life propelled Casey into the Rockwood Street Locos gang at just eleven years old.
Casey was willing to do anything to be number one, but years of chasing rival gang members led to a dramatic ambush and arrest by the LAPD. By age sixteen, Casey was sentenced to more than twelve years in solitary confinement in California's toughest prison as one of the state's most violent offenders.
He thought his life was over--but as the days in solitary wore on, Casey realized someone else was calling the shots. What happened next can only be described as a miracle.
Join Casey as he shares how we can
Embrace the incredible gift of God's redeeming loveChange our lives for the betterFind our God-given purposeA visceral insider's look at the violent world of gangs and prison life, The Shot Caller is a remarkable demonstration of God's reckless, unending grace, and desire to reach even the worst of sinners--no matter where they are.
Praise for The Shot
"When I read about the life of Casey Diaz, I see so much of my own life. This is a story of a tough young man who lost his way, and of a loving God who never forgot him, no matter where he was. I know you will be inspired by Casey's story. I hope you, too, will surrender to the love of Jesus Christ."
--Nicky Cruz, bestselling author of Run Baby Run
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2019
80 people are currently reading
863 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
August 18, 2020
For too many years, Christian memoirs have been written with the sympathies of the readers more in mind than the experiences of the writer. The gritty details of the mean-streeted lives are usually elided, deleted, glossed over, watered down, or whatever euphemism you want to use to describe the trouble, the abuse, or the crime some authors have dealt with. Admittedly, the dark places we reach before the light of Christ comes into our lives can be traumatic to talk about.
Casey Diaz's memoir, Shot Caller, pulls no such punches. This is a bare-knuckle read. It would be impossible to tell it any other way. Diaz does not mince words describing his violent acts. His description of his anger, rebellion, rejection, and the travails of a broken boy growing up in a broken home will wrench your heart. I for one can certainly empathize with what happened next, a young man looking for affirmation finds his acceptance in street thugs--who jump him into their gang. Acceptance comes through being the most violent, the one others fear, and it's not long before all semblance of the boundaries of human compassion and respect for life vanished from his conscience. His viciousness has a hair-trigger. It can snap at any moment. And it does. This is not a fluffy story.
It's a wonder he survived to reach his sixteenth birthday. The boy that jumped him in, the one Casey looked up to, died in a drive-by. Incarcerated at the age when most boys are just getting the freedom to drive, Casey ends up the big shot behind bars, the Shot Caller, the one others follow in jail, the one who decides who lives and dies. Heavy stuff for a young kid. Saddled with that reputation, he's transferred to a high-security prison in Northern California where he's immediately placed in solitary confinement.
Alone. In a dark cement cubical, he only sees the light one hour a day--oh how the mighty have fallen. He won't see it this way until later his life, but that dark cell is the biggest act of grace God or man could grant him. He's restrained. He's boxed in, cut off from every human voice. He is out of sight and all but forgotten by the prison system. He is beyond the reach of anyone who could help him.
But it just so happens that a black church women, who had ridden a bus all day from San Pedro to minister to convicts, came into Casey's unit. He could hear her voice down the hall. But his cell is at the far end. No one goes down that far except to drop off a food tray. Casey hears her ask, "Who's down there?" He hears the guard tell her to forget that boy, he's beyond help. But she comes to his door anyway and speaks a few chosen words to him.
Look, I'm not going to spoil the rest of the story. You need to pick up a copy and read it. But if you're familiar with St. Augustine's Confessions, there's a moment of despair when he's sitting in the garden contemplating his depressing life, when he hears the voice from over the wall, "Pick up the book." And there next to him is a New Testament on the bench. He opens it up and reads that famous passage in Romans. Or Anne Lamott's description of Jesus showing up in her room in Traveling Mercies.
If you enjoy stories of grace and redemption, and even if you don't, this is a worthy read. It's one you can pass along to your friends and family. It's a testimony of two people. One is the faithful churchwoman who came regularly to the jail and spoke the words of grace at the right moment to the right person. And the second is Casey who responded, and God lifted him out of that dark hole and gave him a new family.
Today he is a responsible adult, a pastor, a parent, and a husband. A word about his co-author, Mike Yorkey. I've had the opportunity to get to know Mike, a wonderful writer and a generous man. He helped Casey write the book over a two year period, and did a fantastic job.I hope you're able to read it and enjoy it. It's worth the effort.
Casey Diaz's memoir, Shot Caller, pulls no such punches. This is a bare-knuckle read. It would be impossible to tell it any other way. Diaz does not mince words describing his violent acts. His description of his anger, rebellion, rejection, and the travails of a broken boy growing up in a broken home will wrench your heart. I for one can certainly empathize with what happened next, a young man looking for affirmation finds his acceptance in street thugs--who jump him into their gang. Acceptance comes through being the most violent, the one others fear, and it's not long before all semblance of the boundaries of human compassion and respect for life vanished from his conscience. His viciousness has a hair-trigger. It can snap at any moment. And it does. This is not a fluffy story.
It's a wonder he survived to reach his sixteenth birthday. The boy that jumped him in, the one Casey looked up to, died in a drive-by. Incarcerated at the age when most boys are just getting the freedom to drive, Casey ends up the big shot behind bars, the Shot Caller, the one others follow in jail, the one who decides who lives and dies. Heavy stuff for a young kid. Saddled with that reputation, he's transferred to a high-security prison in Northern California where he's immediately placed in solitary confinement.
Alone. In a dark cement cubical, he only sees the light one hour a day--oh how the mighty have fallen. He won't see it this way until later his life, but that dark cell is the biggest act of grace God or man could grant him. He's restrained. He's boxed in, cut off from every human voice. He is out of sight and all but forgotten by the prison system. He is beyond the reach of anyone who could help him.
But it just so happens that a black church women, who had ridden a bus all day from San Pedro to minister to convicts, came into Casey's unit. He could hear her voice down the hall. But his cell is at the far end. No one goes down that far except to drop off a food tray. Casey hears her ask, "Who's down there?" He hears the guard tell her to forget that boy, he's beyond help. But she comes to his door anyway and speaks a few chosen words to him.
Look, I'm not going to spoil the rest of the story. You need to pick up a copy and read it. But if you're familiar with St. Augustine's Confessions, there's a moment of despair when he's sitting in the garden contemplating his depressing life, when he hears the voice from over the wall, "Pick up the book." And there next to him is a New Testament on the bench. He opens it up and reads that famous passage in Romans. Or Anne Lamott's description of Jesus showing up in her room in Traveling Mercies.
If you enjoy stories of grace and redemption, and even if you don't, this is a worthy read. It's one you can pass along to your friends and family. It's a testimony of two people. One is the faithful churchwoman who came regularly to the jail and spoke the words of grace at the right moment to the right person. And the second is Casey who responded, and God lifted him out of that dark hole and gave him a new family.
Today he is a responsible adult, a pastor, a parent, and a husband. A word about his co-author, Mike Yorkey. I've had the opportunity to get to know Mike, a wonderful writer and a generous man. He helped Casey write the book over a two year period, and did a fantastic job.I hope you're able to read it and enjoy it. It's worth the effort.
April 14, 2019
The Shot Caller by Casey Diaz and Mike Yorkey is an honest look into Casey's gang life. It is not a book for the squeamish at all. This book, in my opinion, needs to be in all prison libraries across the whole world. This a wonderful story of God at work in this man’s life. I really enjoyed reading how Jesus lives in Casey’s heart and life. Casey offers his services in the back of the book to speak in churches, schools, and prisons. I believe this is a wonderful way for this man to spread God’s word to others. I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
January 17, 2021
Es un excelente libro, aunque es una biografía de Casey, nos recuerda el valor que tiene la iglesia al acercarse a los presos y recordarles el mensaje del evangelio.
January 25, 2023
This book was an excellent story - I will caution there is quite a bit violence . Truly portrays the redeeming power of the gospel!!!
September 27, 2021
I couldn't put the book down!
Such a beautiful, amazing story of what God can do . Just goes to show you, miracles do happen. Period.
Such a beautiful, amazing story of what God can do . Just goes to show you, miracles do happen. Period.
March 15, 2022
very inspirational
This story needs to be shared everywhere. A true miracle of God. A definite must read. You won’t be able to put this book down.
This story needs to be shared everywhere. A true miracle of God. A definite must read. You won’t be able to put this book down.
August 8, 2020
Compelling
A very intense and compelling read! The story of Casey's violent childhood in L.A. and his transformation in prison affected my soul. It shows how faith can help us overcome anything.
A very intense and compelling read! The story of Casey's violent childhood in L.A. and his transformation in prison affected my soul. It shows how faith can help us overcome anything.
April 30, 2022
This was such a good, good testimony. Honest, brutal, straight-to-the-point and right to God. I couldn't ask for a better book.
My father gave me this copy to borrow..but I think he forgot he gave it to me. 😉 I've already recommended this book to several people and it's truly inspiring.
My father gave me this copy to borrow..but I think he forgot he gave it to me. 😉 I've already recommended this book to several people and it's truly inspiring.
August 4, 2020
No holding back. Casey really lays it on the line and I get to see how some people just kind of 'turn out the way that they do'. Coming from my sheltered life, it is at times hard to understand how someone can place no value on life or purpose. "The Shot Caller" brought me in so I can experience his mindset. Yet, God places a unique individual in his life that is a prayer warrior and his life changes for eternity. What an incredible read to learn and then to be challenged to be faithful to God's call in your life, whatever that may be. It may seem impossible and to do it on your own it is. Yet to God, nothing is impossible!
April 13, 2020
I read lots and lots of memoirs--hundreds over the years, actually--so when I say Casey Diaz's story is powerful, uncommon and comes across as deeply authentic I mean it. I tend to write reviews only for that small fraction of books I feel are (1) well written (2) exceptionally interesting and (3) have real importance in the world. The Shot Caller is all those things.
I should note also that as a rule I eschew religion and stories of conversion. While I consider myself a spiritual person and place great importance on that, religion itself has left a bad taste in my mouth for decades. So for me to read an account from someone who did a complete 180 due to religious conversion, it has to be written in a palatable way that's not preachy or arrogant in the slightest. I fully expected to read 2/3 of this book before getting mired down in "God-talk" then quitting before the last handful of chapters, but that didn't happen. In fact I had to skim through a few early violent passages, but otherwise couldn't put the book down.
Diaz's story is extreme and moving, yet highly relatable (everyone knows what it's like to want to fit in as a kid, even without a dysfunctional family or abusive childhood). Lastly, anyone who's still ignorant of the inhumane ways prisoners are treated should read this book. Much of that thread feels understated here, to be honest, but Diaz doesn't paint himself as a victim in any way. He just tells his story without false humility, excess attitude or self-righteous arrogance--rare in this genre and especially from someone with his background.
I should note also that as a rule I eschew religion and stories of conversion. While I consider myself a spiritual person and place great importance on that, religion itself has left a bad taste in my mouth for decades. So for me to read an account from someone who did a complete 180 due to religious conversion, it has to be written in a palatable way that's not preachy or arrogant in the slightest. I fully expected to read 2/3 of this book before getting mired down in "God-talk" then quitting before the last handful of chapters, but that didn't happen. In fact I had to skim through a few early violent passages, but otherwise couldn't put the book down.
Diaz's story is extreme and moving, yet highly relatable (everyone knows what it's like to want to fit in as a kid, even without a dysfunctional family or abusive childhood). Lastly, anyone who's still ignorant of the inhumane ways prisoners are treated should read this book. Much of that thread feels understated here, to be honest, but Diaz doesn't paint himself as a victim in any way. He just tells his story without false humility, excess attitude or self-righteous arrogance--rare in this genre and especially from someone with his background.
June 12, 2019
This was a rough story. The stories of him in prison were tough to read. But what a journey! Christ revealed Himself to Casey Diaz, and Casey was never the same since. Sure, he still struggled with the old ways, while trying to turn over a new leaf. Little did he know, God was working through it all. Anyone that thinks believing in Christ is a joke, just talk to this guy. He put his life on the line for his belief while in prison with other convicted murders. When he denounced his association with his gang, he would have been a dead man. Instead, he received repeated random beatings. And yet he continued to believe and read the Bible. How many of us could say we'd have as strong of faith?
"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21
I've done some volunteer work a local Juvenile Hall. It's heartbreaking to see kids in there, kids that are the same age as my own. Each has a story to tell and craves love and attention. My mother goes there weekly to offer prayer and Bible studies to any in need. I know that she, along with the other chaplains she works with, will really appreciate this book and Casey's honest look at his life before and after turning to Christ. I received a copy from BookLook blogger and I'm so glad I did. A good read, an amazing journey. Keep in mind this book does share some graphic stories. When I said they were tough to read, I wasn't kidding. The honest opinions in this review are my own.
"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21
I've done some volunteer work a local Juvenile Hall. It's heartbreaking to see kids in there, kids that are the same age as my own. Each has a story to tell and craves love and attention. My mother goes there weekly to offer prayer and Bible studies to any in need. I know that she, along with the other chaplains she works with, will really appreciate this book and Casey's honest look at his life before and after turning to Christ. I received a copy from BookLook blogger and I'm so glad I did. A good read, an amazing journey. Keep in mind this book does share some graphic stories. When I said they were tough to read, I wasn't kidding. The honest opinions in this review are my own.
July 14, 2019
This book is a biography of a man who got caught up in a gang when he was 11 years old. He told about his childhood and why gangs held an appeal for him. He described some of what gangs are like, how he was in and out of juvenile detention, and how he got so out of control that he finally ended up in adult prison. He described becoming a "shot caller" for his gang group and then what solitary is like. I knew solitary was hard to endure from my pen pals through prison ministry, but I had no idea that (beyond death row) any state allowed prisoners to be held in solitary for years on end. Anyway, it's there that a visiting Christian first told him that Jesus loved him and God miraculously broke through his disinterest. He then told what happened after he told other gang members about his conversion and left the gangs.
It's amazing what God can do to transform even the most resistant into those who will do His work. His life is also a reminder to never give up praying for those who don't seem interested in Jesus because Jesus can still reach them.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through Amazon Vine.
It's amazing what God can do to transform even the most resistant into those who will do His work. His life is also a reminder to never give up praying for those who don't seem interested in Jesus because Jesus can still reach them.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through Amazon Vine.
October 15, 2022
I don’t think I even have the proper words to describe how powerful this book is. A man who literally murdered others was given a vision by God and God changed Casey’s life and now he’s a pastor and teaches the amazing gift of forgiveness and mercy the Lord bestows on those who confess their sins and serve Christ. This book is a visceral insider’s look at the violent world of gangs and prison life
The son of El Salvadorian immigrants, Casey Diaz was brought to Los Angeles at the age of two. An abusive, impoverished family life propelled Casey at only eleven years of age into the Rockwood Street Locos gang. Casey was willing to do anything to be number one, but years of chasing rival gang members led to a dramatic ambush and arrest by the LAPD.
At just sixteen, Casey was sentenced to more than twelve years in solitary confinement in California’s toughest prison as one of the state’s most violent offenders. He thought his life was over.
Yet, when a determined elderly woman paid Casey a visit, a whole new world of possibilities began to unfold. Casey scoffed as she quietly insisted God was going to use him. As the days in solitary wore on, Casey realized Someone else was calling the shots. What happened next can only be described as a miracle.
The son of El Salvadorian immigrants, Casey Diaz was brought to Los Angeles at the age of two. An abusive, impoverished family life propelled Casey at only eleven years of age into the Rockwood Street Locos gang. Casey was willing to do anything to be number one, but years of chasing rival gang members led to a dramatic ambush and arrest by the LAPD.
At just sixteen, Casey was sentenced to more than twelve years in solitary confinement in California’s toughest prison as one of the state’s most violent offenders. He thought his life was over.
Yet, when a determined elderly woman paid Casey a visit, a whole new world of possibilities began to unfold. Casey scoffed as she quietly insisted God was going to use him. As the days in solitary wore on, Casey realized Someone else was calling the shots. What happened next can only be described as a miracle.
January 12, 2024
The book has a strong start. The middle could have been more concise, some parts felt a bit repetitive. The ending felt short and I wished the reader would have been given more insight into the re-integration process of Casey (Darwin) back into society from prison.
It would be so helpful to learn from Casey what in addition to his faith helped him rebuild his life or what new challenges he faced while doing so.
Still, the book offers a wonderful example of the power of God’s love for humanity. It’s a remake of the parable of the shepherd who lost one sheep but went out of his way to look for him. I enjoyed the book and having grown up in South Central LA in the 90s I could relate to a lot of the story’s background. I am among the lucky few from my generation that survived, healed (like Casey by the Grace of God), and am now indebted to God for calling me and giving me a shot at abundant life. Glory be to God!
It would be so helpful to learn from Casey what in addition to his faith helped him rebuild his life or what new challenges he faced while doing so.
Still, the book offers a wonderful example of the power of God’s love for humanity. It’s a remake of the parable of the shepherd who lost one sheep but went out of his way to look for him. I enjoyed the book and having grown up in South Central LA in the 90s I could relate to a lot of the story’s background. I am among the lucky few from my generation that survived, healed (like Casey by the Grace of God), and am now indebted to God for calling me and giving me a shot at abundant life. Glory be to God!
July 28, 2019
Wonderful story of redemption
Casey Diaz was a hardened gang leader who relished meting violence on others. Housed in a high security prision in California and that too in solitary confinement, he was approached by a prison ministry group who made intercessory prayers for him and insisted God had a plan for him, only to be met with scornful responses from him. The Lord spoke to him in his heart and through a miracle brought changes in my heart. He announced giving up gang life, experienced backlash from other inmates, didn't waver from his faith, repented when he yielded to his old ways once and brought other inmates to the Lord! The violence can be disturbing at moments but as he says this makes the transformation even more miraculous. If the Lord could change him, so can he change others including you!
Casey Diaz was a hardened gang leader who relished meting violence on others. Housed in a high security prision in California and that too in solitary confinement, he was approached by a prison ministry group who made intercessory prayers for him and insisted God had a plan for him, only to be met with scornful responses from him. The Lord spoke to him in his heart and through a miracle brought changes in my heart. He announced giving up gang life, experienced backlash from other inmates, didn't waver from his faith, repented when he yielded to his old ways once and brought other inmates to the Lord! The violence can be disturbing at moments but as he says this makes the transformation even more miraculous. If the Lord could change him, so can he change others including you!
July 11, 2019
Remarkable and Engaging Story of How One LA Gang Member Escaped Through Christ
Why the title? A shot caller is a prison term for a gang leader who calls the shots, essentially who lives and who may die, for the gang in prison.
Diaz, the writer, was serving hard time in solitary in New Folsom because he was a shot caller and a highly violent and dangerous prisoner. A reputation he earned on the streets because of his penchant for uncontrolled violence.
Diaz was not looking for God and certainly not for redemption through Jesus. Jesus found him in a totally unexpected manner.
A story of redemption and a life saved that will pull you into a world few successfully leave. Very much a page turner that will shock and surprise you and maybe even provoke a tear or two.
Why the title? A shot caller is a prison term for a gang leader who calls the shots, essentially who lives and who may die, for the gang in prison.
Diaz, the writer, was serving hard time in solitary in New Folsom because he was a shot caller and a highly violent and dangerous prisoner. A reputation he earned on the streets because of his penchant for uncontrolled violence.
Diaz was not looking for God and certainly not for redemption through Jesus. Jesus found him in a totally unexpected manner.
A story of redemption and a life saved that will pull you into a world few successfully leave. Very much a page turner that will shock and surprise you and maybe even provoke a tear or two.
May 10, 2021
Darwin “Casey” Diaz tells the riveting story of his life, from a traumatic childhood with an alcoholic father to his induction into a world of violent gang membership at the age of 11 to a miraculous encounter with God while serving time in prison. My heart breaks for all the children growing up in a world like Casey’s, and I am in awe of the kindness and mercy of a God who reaches in to touch hardened hearts and bring redemption and healing. What a powerful story to remind us that no one is a lost cause, that no one is beyond hope, and that no one can escape the loving arms of heavenly Father who wants to draw them in and redeem their life for His good purposes.
April 12, 2019
A jarring biography tearing at opposite ends of emotion: from revulsion to revelation it is a tough book to recommend, but,ultimately, worthwhile.
The author, Casey Diaz, delivers not one, but four lives in his autobiography: abused child, vicious gang banger, convicted murderer, and Jesus converted believer. All have difficult episodes,but
all are what made him the leader he became.
In short his religious awakening made him follow the ultimate ‘shot caller’ and convinced others as
well to create a new approach to life.
The author, Casey Diaz, delivers not one, but four lives in his autobiography: abused child, vicious gang banger, convicted murderer, and Jesus converted believer. All have difficult episodes,but
all are what made him the leader he became.
In short his religious awakening made him follow the ultimate ‘shot caller’ and convinced others as
well to create a new approach to life.
September 13, 2019
An excellent telling of how this young man, Casey Diaz, became involved in gang life. His telling of his life is brutally honest. Casey tells about crimes he committed as a youth, and how he became desensitized to the pain he inflicted on others. The story continues with Casey describing his life in the juvenile system then moving to solitary in prison. This portion of the book stands alone as an interesting essay on what life is like for a person "trapped" in the life of gangs. But it goes further. Casey describes his life-changing experience while in prison, demonstrating how a life can turn around, and how God can enter a person's life, even when they're not looking or wanting Him. Although his life was at-risk after letting God into his life, he made choices that were right for him and touched so many more people in a positive way. This story is as moving as "The Shack" only more-so because it's a true telling. I recommend this book to everyone.
April 10, 2020
Man... I devoured this book!! This book is an educational tool for people on gangs, prison life and salvation! @theshotcallerbook story is amazing, hard to read & at the same time, hard to put down!! The prayers of that faithful woman, Frances were answered in a miraculous way. God changed Casey’s life and multitudes of those who came/come across his path. The last chapter is written for parents How to keep your kids out of gangs! Powerful, honest and REAL! #jesussaves #easterread #shotcaller #ganglife #deadtolife #theleastofthese
August 18, 2020
As a prison ministry volunteer, I can attest to the accuracy of Casey's story. I have heard and seen it many times. Christ does not come to all of us as dramatically as He did to the author, but in one way or another, He reveals himself to every human. It's just human nature that it take something that rocks our world -- like prison -- to get us to listen.
No one, no one, is beyond God's power to redeem. And He will use anyone, even a murderer, even you, even me, to accomplish his will.
No one, no one, is beyond God's power to redeem. And He will use anyone, even a murderer, even you, even me, to accomplish his will.
January 31, 2023
Very interesting story ! Fascinating; yet, a bit graphic at times. Definitely will have trouble looking at a screwdriver is the same way again after reading this.
Love seeing the power of the gospel to save sinners in all circumstances. The author’s testimony is a wonderful example of no matter how egregious past sins may be, no one is too far gone to by saved by God. Did struggle a bit with all the mentions of God “said to me” / audible conversations — but no doubt his faith is genuine! Made me wonder about the effects of solitary confinement & hearing voices.
Love seeing the power of the gospel to save sinners in all circumstances. The author’s testimony is a wonderful example of no matter how egregious past sins may be, no one is too far gone to by saved by God. Did struggle a bit with all the mentions of God “said to me” / audible conversations — but no doubt his faith is genuine! Made me wonder about the effects of solitary confinement & hearing voices.
January 5, 2025
This is an incredible story. Casey speaks transparently about the brutal acts he committed as a gang leader. His behavior was so violent that, in prison, he spent much of his time in solitary. He did not grow up in church and had never heard the gospel… yet God met him in his prison cell and introduced himself to Him through a vision. He speaks of what led him to join a gang and offers tips for parents. Another key to his story is the role of an intercessor. Such an important read to generate hope.
April 16, 2019
I received a complimentary copy.
When you feel like you have no more options and you find God. It can be the best and most blessed time and it can save you from the darkest hours of life. Most people hit complete rock bottom before getting into religion and some are born into it. Following this telling and open story gives a new avenue for prisoners or people who are hurting a better option and bigger path.
When you feel like you have no more options and you find God. It can be the best and most blessed time and it can save you from the darkest hours of life. Most people hit complete rock bottom before getting into religion and some are born into it. Following this telling and open story gives a new avenue for prisoners or people who are hurting a better option and bigger path.
December 23, 2019
Highly recommend. But warning this book is the testimony and life story of a man who got involved with gangs at age 11 and lived a dangerous violent life, ended up in prison, where God radically changed his life. He has been out of prison many years and serving God and is now a Pastor.
The way Christ changed his life is powerful.
I couldn't put the book down until I finished.
What a transformation by Christ 🙌🙌
The way Christ changed his life is powerful.
I couldn't put the book down until I finished.
What a transformation by Christ 🙌🙌
January 12, 2023
Wow wow wow. I’ve been on a bit of an autobiography kick the last week or so, and this one did not disappoint. Darwin “Casey” Diaz grew up in Los Angeles, and joined a gang at the age of 11. This is his story of the things that happened to him, the crimes he committed, and how God reached into his life and pulled him out (the vision he had while in prison was amazing). If God can save a convicted murderer (as Casey is), who is beyond His reach?? NO ONE. I can’t recommend this book enough!
September 3, 2025
"A raw, powerful, and life-changing testimony."
The Shot Caller is one of those rare books that grips you from the very beginning and stays with you long after the last page. Casey Diaz’s story is both heartbreaking and inspiring a powerful reminder that no life is beyond redemption. His honesty about gang life, prison, and the dark choices he made gives readers an unflinching look at the consequences of violence, but even more importantly, it reveals the transformative power of God’s grace.
The Shot Caller is one of those rare books that grips you from the very beginning and stays with you long after the last page. Casey Diaz’s story is both heartbreaking and inspiring a powerful reminder that no life is beyond redemption. His honesty about gang life, prison, and the dark choices he made gives readers an unflinching look at the consequences of violence, but even more importantly, it reveals the transformative power of God’s grace.
July 16, 2019
I was moved to tears by this book.
"So while you still have breath, seek Him and ask Him to protect your children and give them no desire to get within hailing distance of a gang member.
You don't want them aspiring to be part of a gang. You want them aspiring to be like Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
He is the real shot caller."
"So while you still have breath, seek Him and ask Him to protect your children and give them no desire to get within hailing distance of a gang member.
You don't want them aspiring to be part of a gang. You want them aspiring to be like Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
He is the real shot caller."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2020
This is the true life story of Casey Diaz, a Latino youth that was part of an Los Angeles gang by the time he was 11 years old. By the time he was 16 he was sentenced to solitary confinement in California's toughest prison. This is an a story of forgiveness and redemption, but it wasn't an easy road.
July 20, 2020
Amazing. I wonder if psychiatric evaluations found him to be a sociopath or psychopath. His lack of guilt while committing his crimes and the brutality of those crimes certainly point to a personality disorder - the type of disorder that many experts have deemed incurable. But with God all things are possible! I read this in one day - couldn't put it down.
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