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Young Offender: My Life from Armed Robber to Local Hero
'A memoir to shine a light in the darkest of nights . . . a story of redemption' – journalist Tony Parsons.Michael Maisey was excited the day he was locked up in the notorious Feltham Young Offenders Institute. He was going to be a legend to all his mates. The sixteen year old was in for attempted murder. He was innocent of this particular crime but amongst the violent and dangerous young men on his wing he was about to learn exactly how far he’d go to survive.In Young Offender we see what turned a good kid into a wanted criminal. Abused by his uncle, bullied at school, at the age of twelve he found the safety he craved in the ranks of a local gang in West London. He graduated from shoplifting to armed robbery and for five years Michael was in and out of Feltham, on a downward spiral of crime and drug and alcohol addiction. At rock bottom, he began attending AA meetings. But the road to recovery would mean changing himself in the deepest possible ways. Could Michael finally learn what it meant to be a good man?Honest and inspiring, this is a powerful story of redemption. Today Michael is a successful businessman and a loving father who spends time helping others find their way.'Courageous and brutally honest' – Ollie Ollerton, ex-Special Forces soldier, author of Break Point.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2019
26 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 30, 2019
Absolute brilliant read
Such an amazing read what a guy so glad everything worked out after they effort and Agro he went through fair play
Such an amazing read what a guy so glad everything worked out after they effort and Agro he went through fair play
August 11, 2019
This is a great read and gives an honest insight into addiction and the plights of the addict. I just hope this book can be circulated to help more young men overcome their demons and become the person they should be. Well done Michael Maisey you’re an inspiration.
August 8, 2019
Great read and very inspiring on how you can turn your life around. Hope this helps others who are struggling with addictions, an unhappy childhood along with gangs to realise that you can change. Really enjoyed the read and he is a local guy.
August 5, 2019
Incredible
Such an amazing, inspiring story. I don’t know you Michael but I’m so happy for you, I really hope this can be what others need to turn their life around. Well done
Such an amazing, inspiring story. I don’t know you Michael but I’m so happy for you, I really hope this can be what others need to turn their life around. Well done
March 31, 2024
I listened to this on audiobook. It was narrated by the author who did a great job.
This book is full of hope. It shows how the author changed his life around from someone who had been in prison at a young age.
An inspiring book.
This book is full of hope. It shows how the author changed his life around from someone who had been in prison at a young age.
An inspiring book.
September 14, 2019
This was honestly such an awful book I felt compelled to write a review warning others not to waste their time with it. It is so terrible I’m struggling as to where to start. Falls under a strange niche of stories that are clearly important to the author, but to literally nobody else. How this ever got published astounds me. Not interesting in the least. Basically follows a format of ‘poor me, insert uninteresting anticlimatic wannabe gangsta story, repeat’. The fact he describes himself on the front page as a ‘local hero’ shows how deluded his arrogance is. If you’ve literally never spent a day in a poor area, this may interest you. If you’ve ever read so much as a page of a nonfiction crime biography, this will not. Avoid for your own sake.
June 3, 2021
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Young Offender
Author: Michael Maisey
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 17
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 10/10
Of the 17 readers:
17 would read another book by this author.
17 thought the cover was good or excellent.
17 felt it was easy to follow.
17 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 9 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘subject knowledge’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘clarity of message’.
16 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
17 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“Written with rare honesty, this is a gem of a book. It's gritty and utterly compelling. If you know anybody who's on a downward spiral, buy them this book.” Male reader, age 51
“Both motivating and shocking, you will be immersed in this book late into the night. Vividly written and always very personal, this will inspire anybody to be a better person.” Female reader, aged 40
“What the author went through in his early years is heartbreaking. But, sadly, it's not as rare as it should be. I'd recommend this book to anybody having a tough start in life and wanting to know it's possible to turn things around.” Male reader, aged 38
“I thought this was such a refreshing read. The author seems so honest in his reflections on his life and what he did and didn't do. I was inspired by how he turned his life around. Accessibly written with a strong, compelling cover.” Female reader, age 59
To Sum It Up:
‘Honest, brutal, and utterly gripping. A SILVER MEDAL WINNER and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Young Offender
Author: Michael Maisey
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 17
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 10/10
Of the 17 readers:
17 would read another book by this author.
17 thought the cover was good or excellent.
17 felt it was easy to follow.
17 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 9 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘subject knowledge’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘clarity of message’.
16 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
17 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“Written with rare honesty, this is a gem of a book. It's gritty and utterly compelling. If you know anybody who's on a downward spiral, buy them this book.” Male reader, age 51
“Both motivating and shocking, you will be immersed in this book late into the night. Vividly written and always very personal, this will inspire anybody to be a better person.” Female reader, aged 40
“What the author went through in his early years is heartbreaking. But, sadly, it's not as rare as it should be. I'd recommend this book to anybody having a tough start in life and wanting to know it's possible to turn things around.” Male reader, aged 38
“I thought this was such a refreshing read. The author seems so honest in his reflections on his life and what he did and didn't do. I was inspired by how he turned his life around. Accessibly written with a strong, compelling cover.” Female reader, age 59
To Sum It Up:
‘Honest, brutal, and utterly gripping. A SILVER MEDAL WINNER and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
April 21, 2020
Beautifully balanced autobiography and self help book
Michael tells his story with candour and insight. It reads as a suspense novel, you will the young Michael to push through to recovery and resolution. I think it will give so much to so many people, insight for people affected by addiction and I hope tolerance for young people who have a difficult start in life through no fault of of their own. It is the best testament for the rehabilitation of offenders I have ever read. Buy it, read it, buy it for other people, spread the word.
Michael tells his story with candour and insight. It reads as a suspense novel, you will the young Michael to push through to recovery and resolution. I think it will give so much to so many people, insight for people affected by addiction and I hope tolerance for young people who have a difficult start in life through no fault of of their own. It is the best testament for the rehabilitation of offenders I have ever read. Buy it, read it, buy it for other people, spread the word.
November 6, 2023
Brilliantly honest - I’ve been listening to this in the car this week and this is such an interesting book! Michael tells his story of his life, how he overcame addiction and made something of himself despite the hand he had been dealt. A really inspiring story that really shows people are not born bad that despite difficult circumstances and role models you can really turn things around! #bookworms #bookstagram #readingchallenge2023
February 17, 2020
Gripping
This is a very well wrote story about a young child that was neglected by his parents & the outcome led him becoming a problem teen & young adult.
It stands out as this is what is wrong with a lot of today’s troubled youth & hopefully if one picks up this book & reads it, then they may turn their life as round as well.
This is a very well wrote story about a young child that was neglected by his parents & the outcome led him becoming a problem teen & young adult.
It stands out as this is what is wrong with a lot of today’s troubled youth & hopefully if one picks up this book & reads it, then they may turn their life as round as well.
July 12, 2022
I saw Michale's TED talk in Kingston a few months ago and made a note to read his book. I'm so glad I did! Michael was dealt a very bad hand in life from the start, but he somehow managed to come out of it on top and now does beautiful work inspiring other young men. The world needs more Michael Maisey's!
September 3, 2019
Great read.
Fantastic read. Very well written and documented. Michael Maisey had a tragic start in life, but with sheer determination he turned his life around, and has become a true inspiration to many people. Highly recommend this book.
Fantastic read. Very well written and documented. Michael Maisey had a tragic start in life, but with sheer determination he turned his life around, and has become a true inspiration to many people. Highly recommend this book.
September 17, 2019
Brilliant, honest page-turner. A must read book about addiction and recovery. A tragic story with no self-pity. It gives hope to anyone suffering from substance misuse. Fantastically written. Enjoyed every page.
October 23, 2019
It was truly inspiring to join Michael on his journey from shockingly messed up childhood to ‘local hero’. Absolutely brilliant and would definitely recommend even if you’re not into autobiographies or non-fiction, this book will have you riveted from the word go.
December 8, 2019
Honesty humble near the knuckle
A truthful account that mirrors some of my own journey in life & my recovery this is a must for anyone struggling with life searching for hope & an inspirational ending
A truthful account that mirrors some of my own journey in life & my recovery this is a must for anyone struggling with life searching for hope & an inspirational ending
February 16, 2020
A must read book
What an incredible story, I was hooked from the first chapter, an inspirational book if ever there was one. Michael, thank you for writing this book. I’ve lived in Feltham for over 30 years and know of all the places mentioned in it. You are a true inspiration.
What an incredible story, I was hooked from the first chapter, an inspirational book if ever there was one. Michael, thank you for writing this book. I’ve lived in Feltham for over 30 years and know of all the places mentioned in it. You are a true inspiration.
March 3, 2020
Style and Content really good
I'm glad things turned out good in the end. Liked how it's written and the desxriprions used, at times I felt I knew the author personally and was going through the journey with him
I'm glad things turned out good in the end. Liked how it's written and the desxriprions used, at times I felt I knew the author personally and was going through the journey with him
June 10, 2021
Brilliant and honest
Don't normally write reviews,even tho i read 2 books a week,but this one I loved,was so honest,and I could relate,growing up in a place similar..definitely give it a read.
Don't normally write reviews,even tho i read 2 books a week,but this one I loved,was so honest,and I could relate,growing up in a place similar..definitely give it a read.
August 24, 2021
Thank you for a truly remarkable and honest story of change
I bought this book because I was born and grew up in Isleworth Amazing read - real page turner! Great to read such a positive turnaround especially breaking that chain of trauma.
I bought this book because I was born and grew up in Isleworth Amazing read - real page turner! Great to read such a positive turnaround especially breaking that chain of trauma.
September 21, 2019
Such an amazing read cannot recommend this book enough! Hats off to Michael Maisey for overcoming everything he did he truly is an inspiration
October 15, 2019
well written account of his life so far. good pace and not for the faint hearted - this book highlights the individual battle with addiction in very real terms. Must read.
October 22, 2019
Poignant insight into the mind of and experiences of an addict/alcoholic. Really good read.
November 27, 2019
Since reading this book I have so much love and admiration for Michael! This book is really inspiring and I'm sure his story can help many men out there who are struggling.
December 16, 2019
An exceptional read, could not put it down
January 25, 2020
Amazing
Absolutely amazing from start to finish . Whilst reading this book I found myself right there with him and was brought to tears throughout..
Absolutely amazing from start to finish . Whilst reading this book I found myself right there with him and was brought to tears throughout..
June 14, 2020
Great read
What an amazing story of a guy who turned himself around from being an alcoholic and drug user to a business man and helping other people with addiction
What an amazing story of a guy who turned himself around from being an alcoholic and drug user to a business man and helping other people with addiction
July 28, 2020
Fantastic read found hard to put down.
January 13, 2021
Such an amazing read cannot recommend this book enough! Hats off to Michael Maisey for overcoming everything he did he truly is an inspiration
February 16, 2021
One of the most inspiring books I have read. Could not recommend enough. The more people that read it, the more that know about Michael's inspiring story!
March 20, 2021
Inspirational story amazing !!
Amazing story , well done to Michael
So worth a,read
Have recommended it to others as so inspiring !!!!
Great role model
Amazing story , well done to Michael
So worth a,read
Have recommended it to others as so inspiring !!!!
Great role model
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews