The Change Agent: How a Former College QB Sentenced to Life in Prison Transformed His World

by Damon West

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.

Genres: Self Help, Biography, Professional Development, Sports

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2019

Reviews

[Darla Jones]

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

[Jean]

The recovery information and testimony is stellar. I’ve been in recovery 40 + years. Sharing his faith, recovery and the “Coffee Bean” analogy are the two strong elements of the book. What bothered me about the book is the first 70% of the book had too much about his life before recovery. In my recovery, I call this approach a drunk-a-log. How he recovered, his legs fe and relationship with God are the diamonds of his story. The only reason I finished the book is I read , “The Coffee Bean” first. This analogy stirred me and I wanted to know more about this man. I’m glad I finished the book because the last 30% was excellent.

[Elizabeth Braden]

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!

[Sheryl Young]

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.

[Rebeckuh]

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.

[David Mike]

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!

[Ken Breaux]

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!

[Katie Nagle]

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.

[Shara Goswick]

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!

[Amy Everhart]

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

[Gabby Donnelly]

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.

[Ron Owen]

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

[Shannon Meyer]

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.

[Jonathan]

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.

[Tom Sousa]

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.

[Jodi Hawkins]

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!

[Warren and Lori Cottle]

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.

[Audra Claypoole]

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!!!

[Amy Kelley]

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.

[Justine]

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.

[Nancy Skopak]

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.

[Kim B]

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!!!

[Joanna]

Great book. Damon's story is inspiring and I'm so glad he took the opportunity to write about it. Seeing people manage our awful systems and come out into the light is a great feat of strength. Keep it up Damon!

[Jerrelong]

A must read!

Proof that anyone can change if they put their mind to it.
If they are willing to surround themselves with the right people and have the right attitude you can do anything.

[Maryann]

Powerful

I first heard of him on a Brendan Broussard show on stage and I got intrigued. Deep lessons, excruciating pain, and public redemption. Only God. He takes the most unlikely characters and makes them part of His program. Must read for anyone.

[Jodi Uplinger]

Wow, this was such a good book! Hearing the life he lived, and how he changed his attitude and life afterwards is amazing. His faith was a major part of that and now he's inspiring others to not go down the road he went on.

[Jill Theriot]

Anyone with a HS teen or college aged kid needs to read this and have them read it. Truly amazing and inspiring!!

[Kathryn L. Ford]

Incredible story.... a must read for anyone interested in an unbelievable "comeback" story of redemption.

[Joy M Bouget]

Griffin loves lots book.

[Michael Johnson]

Excellent and inspiring account.