You Can Run But You Can't Hide

by Duane "Dog" Chapman

Duane Chapman, aka Dog the Bounty Hunter, has had an amazing life. He had a troubled and trying upbringing, which led to an early life of crime, including numerous arrests for armed robbery and a murder conviction. While Dog claims to be innocent of the murder rap, he maintains that the 5 years he served for the crime changed his life. With a newfound respect for the law, Dog vowed to become a force for change and good. This inspired him to pursue a career in bounty hunting. Dog is now the owner of Da Kine Bail Bonds in Honolulu and self-proclaimed "Greatest Bounty Hunter in the World." Six thousand-plus captures over the past two decades have earned this highly intense, charismatic ex-con and born-again Christian such a distinction. He is also a devoted father of 12 and some of his older children work with him as bounty hunters, along with his equally charismatic new wife Beth. In YOU CAN RUN BUT YOU CAN'T HIDE, Dog details all this and more, giving his legion of fans all the details they've been waiting for.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Autobiography, Memoir, Biography Memoir, Crime, True Crime

408 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 1975

About the author

Duane Lee "Dog" Chapman I. (born February 2, 1953) is an American bounty hunter and a former bail bondsman. He starred in a weekly reality television program called Dog the Bounty Hunter, which ran for 8 seasons until 2012.

He was born on February 2, 1953 to Wesley and Barbara Chapman. He is the oldest of four children, with two younger sisters and one brother; however, according to Chapman, everyone is his 'brother'. He is German on his mother's side and English on his father's side. His mother was a minister for the Assembly of God church and passed her Christian faith onto her son.

In 1976, Chapman was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to five years in a Texas prison. He had been waiting in a car when his friend accidentally shot and killed alleged pimp and drug dealer Jerry Oliver (aged 69) in a struggle during a deal to buy cannabis.

Chapman served 18 months at Texas State Penitentiary in Huntsville, Texas. While he was in prison, his first wife LaFonda divorced him and married his best friend. During his incarceration, he did field work and acted as the warden's barber. In a 2007 interview for Fox News Chapman claimed that while serving his sentence he tackled an inmate about to be shot for attempting to escape, and a congratulatory remark by a prison guard inspired him to become a bounty hunter later. Chapman was paroled in January 1979.

Due to his felony conviction, Chapman is not allowed to own a firearm. He has been barred from entering the UK.

Reviews

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book b/c I *love* Dog and his family (I know, I'm a dork). It wasn't prize-winning literature by any means, but it was very interesting.

[Rob Twinem · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a picture of Dog about midway through his book, a picture of Dog adorned in white, with his long flowing hair standing with his preacher Tim Storey on a canoe as he makes his way to meet Beth on their wedding day in 2006. This picture epitomizes Dog as I believe he sees himself as a kind of avenging righteous angel or the reincarnation of Jesus..yep the myth as he would have us believe is certainly bigger than the man.

There is another chapter or should I say capture described in great detail, the ultimate bounty for Dog where to prove himself to the world as "The greatest ever Bounty Hunter" he must capture and bring to justice a man with a high price on his head...Andrew Luster. This makes for some exciting reading as our hero (for hero he must surely be) after months of frustration and false leads and hope finally makes the capture only to find himself held prisoner in a stinking Mexican jail. Dog has always believed that God (dog backwards....get it) has a clear vision and purpose in life for him and is with him everyday...every step of the way.."Until that moment, it hadn't really sunk in that I was now searching for one of the most wanted fugitives in America. It was time to put my money where my mouth was. I had a lot of stake. By joining the hunt for Luster, I was gambling on my future, my name, and my reputation. But I knew this was my chance to show the Lord I am worthy of His plan, His will. If this was the big one we'd been waiting for, the time had come".

I cannot help but love Dog! a man who see himself as a latter day Billy the Kid wrapped up with a little Wyatt Earp and a smidgen of the avenging preacher from Pale Rider!! Dog's life story is a hard knuckle ride from a harsh upbringing with a brutal father "Flash" through his many years of addiction to drugs, a prison sentence for complicity to murder, the many women who had the privilege of knowing him and being loved (albeit for a short time) and the resulting offspring. All through this adventure it would appear that a greater power than Dog (is there such a thing?) was guiding him on his life's mission and always ready to lift him from the depths of depression when the need arose "I turned my head to the sky and said "Lord , I know my mum is with you" And then I heard, "No Duane, she walks with you. Look straight out, my son. You will find what you are looking for." I cocked my head and stared straight out into the vast sea, wondering, hoping, praying, that the Lord was sending me a message about my mother"......

Please do not misunderstand me and do not take my flippancy as a lack of respect for Duane "Dog" Chapman I actually really enjoyed this book, Dog the man and Dog the TV series lives through every word in this fun and highly charged adventurous read. A story of a hard life but one filled with guts, determination and hope and even though the author may suffer from a narcissistic personality disorder that does not stopping me loving the man and the myth...and in his own words.."My name is Duane Lee Chapman. My friends call me Dog - Dog the Bounty Hunter. For more than twenty-seven years , I have made a living hunting down more than seven thousand fugitives. I wear that honour as proudly as my shiny silver fugitive-recovery badge that hangs around my neck".... Dog you are the man...you are truly on heat!!.....

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, I read a book about Dog the Bounty Hunter. What can I say? He's lived a strange, crazy life, but he owns it.

[Krissys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author: Duane "Dog" Chapman
Title: You Can Run But You Can't Hide
Series:
Cover Rating:
Silver star

Book Rating:
4 stars



About the Book:
"Freeze!" Duane "Dog" Chapman entertains and inspires millions on Dog the Bounty Hunter, his #1-rated show on A&E -- but there is more to his story. From troubled beginnings and tragedy to triumph and transformation, he reveals all for the first time in this no-holds-barred memoir. Dog spent the first twenty-three years of his life on the wrong side of the law.
In You Can Run, but You Cant Hide , he offers an inside look at his days as a gang member; his dark years of addiction and abuse; and how serving eighteen months in prison for a murder he didnt commit helped him recommit to his faith. He also shares stories of some of his most dangerous bounty hunts -- including his capture of Max Factor heir and convicted rapist Andrew Luster, which made international headlines.
In You Can Run, but You Cant Hide , Dog recounts his incredible story, chronicling his journey from his onetime criminal past to the guiding faith that has led him to become one of the most successful bounty hunters in American history. Against all odds, Dog turned his life around and went from ex-con to American icon in the process. This is his story.



My Thoughts:

I think that Dog has gained a lot of criticism and bashing for writing this book but the fact he isn't a professional writer can easily be over looked. It isn't a fiction crime novel or some thriller that grips you to the edge of your toes.
Its a Biography. Dogs Biography. His life wasn't one that stemmed from sweet smelling flowers, it came from gritty heart breaking real life experiences. Duane and Beth Chapman have both had very rough lives but they don't use that as an excuse or use it for sympathy.
They took their lives and decided to make something of themselves in hopes of helping others turn their lives around as well. They aren't ashamed to support God or go into detail how God turned their lives around and they aren't ashamed to tell someone that is struggling in no matter what aspect the brutal truth.
I can respect that kind of honesty because I'd rather have someone tell me the truth than to kiss my butt just to make a lie sound better. This is how Dog has written his book. Don't like it? That's fine. But he told his story the way he knew how and they have had quite the ride.



Disclaimer:
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews purchased a print copy for personal collection. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.

Note:
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like my post or leave a comment to let me know what you think. I love hearing from you!

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

wow what a book and what an interestingly unique man. I have watched his show and seeing what he does and how he does it and I must say I am still baffled by what bounty hunting really entails. I never really understood the high risk that is involved with this profession until reading his book and watching his show. Which at first I thought the show was kind of a quack but now after reading his book I'm inclined to think that he has a very genuine person and as long as you treat him with respect he would treat you with respect.

Reflecting on doing himself he has a rough exterior and may look all bad and mean but deep down and on the inside he really is just your average Joe who I will say was one of the lucky ones and was able to turn his life around and make something positive of it. I would think anyone who has had a major run-ins with the law would take an opportunity to read a book such as this and gain a lot of valuable insight into how to turn your life around if you have gone down the wrong path or done things in life that you're not proud of. One message I did get out of this book and will carry with me is no matter what life throws at you even though it may not seem like there is a way out everything happens for a reason. Furthermore you just have to be a strong-willed person and bounce back obviously Duane has proven this time and time again. One other thing he is trying to teach here is that your faith will also guide you through a lot. I would say from firsthand experience that that lesson is most certainly true and he makes that very clear throughout the book and that is one thing I always take with me.

So to sum it up I would recommend this book to anyone who needs to gain insight into life overall and if you have been on the wrong side of the law this should be a guide of inspiration to you. If you bet on the good side of the law know that this book may keep you on that side of the law by learning what not to do.

Okay I promise I'm just about done in but to anyone who reads this you know I always have to comment on pictures in books. You not only get a first-hand look at dog through what he writes in the book but the pictures really add a lot of value to where he was where he has been and where he stands presently. So all in all this book was a great inspiration.

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars just because I some mistakes and it threw me off of reading for a few.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story Description:

Chronicling a 25-year career of capturing more than 6,000 fugitives--as well as starring in his own reality show on A&E--Chapman reveals his violent and inspirational journey in this extraordinary "New York Times"-bestselling memoir, all told with his trademark bravado.

My Review:

Duane “Dog” Chapman has led an unbelievable life. Many times he was destitute, feeding his kids’ cat food, living on food stamps, and welfare. Somehow he always managed to pull himself up by the bootstraps and climb out of whatever dark hole he was in. At times he was so down and at times ready to give up but his faith in God kept him going.

He cared deeply for his mother and loved her deeply and never wanted to disappoint her but like all children, he did disappoint her at times. However, her unconditional love for her son shone through every bad thing he ever did.

It’s no secret that the Dog loved his woman and he was quite explicit in telling of his forays with the many, many women he had in his life and is proud of the fact that he has fathered 12 children with different women. Underneath the scary looks, the bad dude image, Duane “Dog” Chapman is a family man at heart who cares for and loves his family beyond measure. There is nothing more important to him than his wife, Beth, and all their children.

This was an honest look at a man who himself admits to making a lot of mistakes in his life but the difference is, he learned from those mistakes. The fugitives he captures today always get a second chance with the “Dog”. This was a very interesting read to say the least.

[chucklesthescot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duane starts off as a religious kid who is beaten frequently by his father and is unhappy that the school has done nothing to protect him. This is when the daily beatings and being bullied at school lead him into the worst side of being a gang member, starting with glue sniffing, stealing and housebreaking. It is when he joins a biker gang that the drugs and violence follow along with a career as a boxer in bars and other underground venues. His relationships with the women in his life spiral out of control as his bad behaviour increases. It culminates with him being given five years in prison for being in the car when a friend shoots another person in a nearby house.

I liked the description of the prison experience which should make other people keen to avoid doing time. He talks about how finding a routine and his faith again helped him through the jail time and led to him deciding to turn his life around and try to reconnect with his children. After various jobs he gets involved in being a bounty hunter and never looks back, becoming famous on a TV special which led to the launch of Dog the Bounty Hunter, which I love.

I was fascinated by the relationship he had with Beth through the years and how he relied on her through periods of drug use and bankrupcy, losing his job and his children. You do wonder why they never got together earlier than they did. I liked the way he was able to turn his life around after each setback in his life and keep going.

It is a brutally honest book about the good and bad times in his life which is exactly the kind of memoir that I want to read.

[Royce Ratterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated the honesty of this book and its down to earth look at the reality of some individuals' lives so often candy-coated and swept under the spiritual carpet by others professing a Christian faith. Dog's candor is commendable.
Having worked in adult and youth corrections in the USA and abroad, I have witnessed the personal struggles some folks face who have literally grown up in a different world than their charge-card-attained middle class counterparts. Some `fish' caught take more time to clean than others and it's a messy process.
I do recommend one read the entire book (and his next book also) before casting your stones of judgment, especially if you have little to no exposure and experience with the world Dog and others like him come from. It has been said that "The Church kills its own wounded."
Dog is a continuing living example of Proverbs 24:16-17 (For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again ...). He is also very open in confessing his sins and shortcomings, something you will rarely, if ever, see a popular TV minister do publicly.
Dog Chapman, Nicky Cruz, Larry Norman, Bill Wilson, etc. have reached lives in fields white for harvest that other mainline Christian folks would never dare to enter - being afraid of the poking stickers lurking within.
Yes, the book was a good read and provided motivation to pray for those still imprisoned in worlds like where Dog came from.

[Ann York · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well what can i say about this book this book was very good from beninning to end it's all about his life from a teenager and to now and how about he got done for murder even though he did'nt do anything he still went to prison and how he tired to get that bloke andrew luster for months on end and he got his man in the end but he was the one who ended up in the mexico prsion all beacuse he went after the most wanted man in america and it's all about his kids two how two of them died that was very sad and how he ws close to his mum and he was very upset with his mums death and he want back on the drugs and them he phoned beth to come and help him and thats how they got with each other and she always said she would make the dog his i love beth and the dog and thats all i can say about this book if you love the dog the bounty hunter you should read this book

[Brooke]

I loved this book! It was sooooo cool to see how much stuff Duane "The Dog" Chapman had to go through in his life. Honestly, I wish I could sit down with him sometime and pick his brain-he's seen some serious stuff! I love his show of course, and now I get to love him as a person.

The best part was how the Lord helped Dog through all his rough times. Dog really had to trust in His help, not just on himself. D-o-g, stands for G-o-d, which was a nickname he earned because of his faith. That is awesome! I can't wait to read his next book!

[Rhiana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dog has admittedly led a very interesting life. His rise from the low-life to the high-life is very admirable and when you view him on his TV Reality series he is interesting, charismatic and even addicting to watch. The problem is that Dog is no writer. His memoir comes off preachy and forced. While it's interesting to get the back ground on his life, Mr. Duane Chapman should have stuck to being the DOG on TV and hired a writer for his memoirs.

[Ashley Hobgood · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had read this book because I had seen the t.v. show. I liked learning about learning about Duane Chapman's life and how he got started in the bounty hunting business. I thought the book was pretty good. It was okay but not a favorite.

[Chelsea May xxx · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives you the real insight to who the real Duane Champan and gives you a real look into his life and his childhood and how he has got to we’re he is today. I adore how he speaks about his wife Beth is so beautiful to see how in love the was. Xx

[Jesse Flood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duane Chapman writes about his appreciation for native American culture, his outlaw life and his drug use before turning to the lord and bounty hunting. A good read.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty fun and entertaining. Read in 2007 when he was popular and I was into the show

[Phoebe · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was everything I anticipated. A crook with the delusion he is some kind of vigilante apostle. Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman - his own personal hero.

[Joseph Hirsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duane “Dog” Chapman, like Steven Segal, is an irony-proof individual with a ridiculous haircut. Unlike Segal, though, Chapman can be self-deprecating, and he is an interesting man, if nothing else. He is also in possession of a native wit and has graduated from the school of hard knocks. He might aggrandize himself here and there (actually he often does), but the basic facts are not in dispute: he did time for murder in Huntsville, Texas and he—not the feds or the cops—captured Andrew Luster, the disgraced millionaire playboy and partial heir to the Max Factor fortune. Luster raped many women, ruined many lives, and no doubt would have continued tearing a swath through the world of the innocent if the mullet-headed Chapman had not stepped up to the plate.
You Can Run But You Can’t Hide takes the reader on a journey with Duane from a rough childhood to a rowdy adolescence into the dangerous years of his early adulthood. He joins a biker gang, snorts and shoots his weight in meth, sleep with everything that walks on two legs, and eventually find himself staring down the abyss. He’s finally faced with a choice: continue on with a life of crime, serving the Devil, or get right with the Lord and get on the side of the law.
If you’ve ever caught his show on A & E you know which way he chose. Chapman, after leaving prison, falls into the world of bail bondsmen, and discovers his calling there, hunting down criminals. His methods are unorthodox, drawing the ire of other, more established hunters in the industry, but the results are plain to see. He almost always gets his bail jumper, and when he doesn’t, it’s usually because his quarry either takes their life or turns themselves in to avoid tangoing with Dog.
Along the way from convict to (non-deputized) lawman, there are some interesting detours. Dog works for a time as a door-to-door vacuum salesman, ingesting the sales techniques of Zig Ziegler and the self-empowerment patter of guru Tony Robbins. It might sound like a trivial digression, but anyone who’s worked in sales knows that it teaches you a lot about human nature and perseverance.
Ultimately, Dog comes off as a sometimes crude, occasionally self-righteous, but ultimately impressive self-made man, an autodidact who taught himself not only to survive, but to thrive. His autobiography (cowritten with a ghost who prefers English spellings and grammar, rather than American English) is also an exciting, even moving account of an unlikely redemption. The passages dealing with the “Max Factor case,” are especially compelling, and move with the propulsive force of a good thriller. Recommended. With photos.

[Elizabeth Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you watch someone on a television show, you only see a small part of who these people are and why they do what they do but when you read their autobiography, there is so much more to the person then you would ever imagine. This book really opened my eyes to who Duane Chapman really was from his struggles dealing with his own issues to the family man that he his. He is definitely a survivor and never backed down from anything. He always went forward with his eyes wide open and he always figured out how to take a failure and turn it into a victory for not only himself but for others. This book was written from the heart and soul and I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever watch his shows. His wife is a wonderful person who was willing to walk through hell with her husband. I believe that she was the backbone of the relationship but together they were unstoppable. I applaud the things that they do in order to help others that are in situations that have turned there lives upside down because he has been there and knows how to relate.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

While great literature it’s not, it was a very interesting read. I’ve watched the show and always wondered about the lecture he gives each fugitive about changing their life. When he talked about doing drugs and about family being everything, I wanted to know the background. He tells it all. Warts and stink and all. His tone sometimes makes him sound pretty arrogant. Twice he has conversations with people that weren’t there so you wonder how much drugs he was on. The entire capture of Andrew Luster was exciting and the aftermath was baffling. His relationship with Beth is beautiful. He is who he is and she loved him. In light of her recent death, it’s easy to understand how lost Dog is without her. All in all, interesting background on his tough life and how he became who he is and why he shows compassion to his fugitives.

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. I enjoyed this book much better than his new book. He talked about his life from childhood up to when he married Beth. I thought it was very well written and easy to read. I wanted to learn about his real life and learn about his life off camera.

In his new book he mentioned if you wanted to know more about how he met Beth then you would need to read this book. I watched “Dog the Bounty Hunter” growing up. When I finished his new book he also mentioned the series of Beths struggle with cancer and I knew from the News that she lost her battle with cancer. That is just so sad😞. You can find that show with her battling cancer on Prime video. After watching that show which ended saying she past away, I just had to learn more about Dog and Beth by reading this book. I am glad I found this book at the library. It is definitely worth the read. I highly recommend it.

[Carmen Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A candid, nothing held back account about the author's life, in his own words. If you have a case of hero worship of the author, I would not recommend this book, for you will learn that he is just another human being, with flaws and faults, and often times very bad decision-making skills. I guess he could be compared to David in the Holy Bible, with flaws and imperfections but a man after God's own heart. The author honestly shares his daily struggles to live life as an honest man, seeking to do God's will and maintain faith in God. Recommended read for mature readers only due to raw content.

[Amanda Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book definitely gives you a Deep glance into Dog's life as well as his situations and his life decisions and his changes he decided to make for himself.

This is a really deep intimate portrait told Dog style - in only a way he could tell it. it is not one of those great literary reads, but it gives some good values as well as where he fell as an individual but also how he rose above all the garbage!

This is more like a life experience book, anyone that Loves Dog, and the Chapman family will love book.

[Michele Pfrogner · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I appreciate the Dog's honesty, there was a little too much information shared at times. His message of second (and third, and fourth ...) chances is significant for all of us; however, I felt that Dog's disrespect for women was repulsive and damaging. He was driven by ego, selfishness, and arrogance. His marriage to Beth seemed to provide some sense of responsibility and security, and it is unfortunate that she passed away too soon. I do wish the Dog the best in this next chapter of his life, and with his ministry.

[Mark Mitten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to a 2019 podcast interview (Armchair Expert with Dad Shepherd) with Dog before reading this book. Since the book is written in conversational Dog-style, it was easy to hear his voice in the writing. The podcast came out in 2019, while the book was published in 2007. I noticed a couple small detail discrepancies, which could be accounted for by the fog of time. Really good book, and I enjoyed the contrast and tension between his human failings and his spiritual faith journey.

[Dakoda Rayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Dog's TV show when it first aired, and always thought him an interesting guy. This book proves that my thoughts were right; one after another the events of his story hit and keep coming, unbelievable but true.

I also really enjoy the style of how the book is written, in that it feels like you've actually gone and sat down for a beer with the man whole he details his life story to you.

A good read, with interesting insights into life and faith.

[Darla Ebert · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author seems to want God to meet him on his own terms. We all do this at some point but there were perpetual bad choices highlighted by Chapman. He seems a soft-hearted person and to have found his "niche" but there is some confusion over his choices in marriage, basically his shallow requirements. Also, for a person who is basically gentle, the author has chosen a career that has hostile scenarios as its norm.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting to learn more about Dog. However, he claimed he had a meaner (Dog) side and then a softer family side (Duane). This story was more Dog-focused. I also found the way he viewed women (mainly as sex objects) problematic for me. It did not mesh well with the Christian he always claimed to be.

[Renau Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m actually a fan of Dog. I like his approach to his work and his energy. He gets excited in the thrill of the chase and the catch, but he calms down and tries to be good to everyone. Many say that he’s hypocritical but I find him authentic. I like that he is honest about his past and tells the whole story and is not afraid of judgement.

[~Mrs.~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always been a fan of the show and found it to be fascinating to watch. I am on a biography kick right now, so when I found this gem at the thrift store I knew it was meant to be! Dog’s life story was so entertaining to read about and even at times heart breaking. Happy to have read it and have it on my bookshelf.