Life Without Parole: He Found New Life in Christ

by Rick Fleck

Nothing in Rick Flecks childhood had suggested that he would end up in prison for life on a murder charge. Rick was a third-generation Adventist. He grew up living close to nature on a farm near Canadian Union College, in Alberta, Canada. His parents sacrificed to send him to Christian schools. He was outgoing, popular, and a star athlete.

Genres: Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

Published February 7, 2008

Reviews

[Cheyanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like most Adventist books, this was half novel, half devotional. It was a little tedious to read through the shallow theological musings to get to the rest of the story. I also found the story disjointed and choppy, jumping forward and back through unnecessary side notes. Overall, I didn't hate it, but I didn't really like it either.

I did have a few issues with the religious aspects presented in this story. For example, Rick said the evilness of the world sucked him in, spoiling his innocence, etc. While that may be true, he was raised in a denomination and time period that discouraged questions and critical thinking, making him naive and completely unprepared for the fact that "the world" is full of complex people who live and think and believe differently from SDA's. He was set up to fail and I found his negativity toward non-SDA lifestyles to be slightly offensive.

I also don't agree with Rick's assertion that it was God's will for him to be in prison, based on the arguments Rick presents. It may be God's will, but I'm not convinced of it due to the circumstantial events viewed as 'evidence'. More likely, based on what I know of God and Her character, Rick ended up in prison because of his poor choices and God just made good come from evil.

[Alice Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a true story.Everyone needs to sit down with their kids and read this. Rick Fleck came from a good Christian family.However, in Elementary school he became addicted to money. Rick was handsome and Blonde and blue eyed, he was a great athlete and he got good grades in high school. He was outgoing and popular. He began drinking and smoking pot in high school. Then He became a carnie buying the most popular item that would sell and yelling it out in carnivals and state fairs. He was a born Salesman.He became an alcoholic, shooting up with cocaine and methamphetamine.He was addicted.Twice he went to rehab.HE lost his girlfriend, His house AND HE BECAME PART OF THE MEXICAN Mafia. Then 2 people were shot in a drug deal gone bad. Rick went to prison for life without parole how could it happen to a nice boy from a a good family? This could not happen to me or my family? It could not happen to Rick's good patriotic family. Please read this book with your children because this could happen to any of us.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

HIGHLY RECOMMEND

This book will forever be a blessing to me. This shows that God grace is true and real. This hit home on so many levels. I will try by the grace of God to get this book to my BB who is doing a life sentence and has been there since ‘86. Please read and share this with those who think that Gods’ reach is not that long.

[AJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in 2 days, about a man who turns his life to Christ after being sentenced to prison.

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

A testament to the power of prayer.