Lessons from San Quentin: Everything I needed to know about life I learned in prison

Written by George Barna and Bill Dallas

Narrated by Bill Dallas

Real-estate entrepreneur Bill Dallas's charmed life changed dramatically when he was charged, convicted, and sentenced to five years in prison for grand-theft embezzlement. Lessons from San Quentin tells the amazing true story of how one man's life was changed for the better due to the hardships encountered at the legendary maximum-security prison. Using stories and reflections from life on the inside, Bill teaches 12 core principles that will inspire readers to use tough times to develop the character God wants them to have. Chapter headings include: (1) Life in the Median Strip; (2) I am H64741; (3) Embrace Your Trials; (4) Cling to Hope; (5) Express Yourself through Your Work; (6) Choose Sustaining Faith; (7) Get Your Self-Image Right; (8) Get Rid of Self-Absorption; (9) Shape Your Attitude; (10) Give Respect; (11) Persevere Until You “Get It”; (12) Let Life Come to You; (13) Make Life Simple; (14) Find Freedom in Forgiveness; (15) Life after Prison; (16) He Was Always in Control

• Language: English
• Publisher: ChristianAudio.com
• Release date: Apr 1, 2009
• ISBN: 9781596447325

George Barna

George Barna earned two master’s degrees from Rutger’s University and a doctorate degree from Dallas Baptist University after graduating summa cum laude from Boston College. He is the founder and director of the Barna Research Group Ltd., the nation’s leading marketing research firm focused on the intersection of faith and culture. A native New Yorker, George Barna has filled executive roles in politics, marketing, advertising, media, research and ministry. He is an award-winning author of more than 41 books, including Boiling Point and Leaders on Leadership among others. He lives with his wife, Nancy, and their three daughters in southern California.

Reviews for Lessons from San Quentin

[jenniferbogart · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

After Bill Dallas was sent to prison for economic crimes related to his real estate and development business, his life entered a tailspin. Though Dallas had initiated a relationship with God prior to being sent to prison, his fledgling faith wasn’t enough to prevent him from plunging into despair and hopelessness.It was only after developing relationships with the “Lifers” at San Quentin prison that he was able to learn from their example, re-modeling his life after the example they provided. Lessons from San Quentin shares Dallas’ experiences in prison and how they worked to reshape his character. The first portion of each chapter shares his experiences, and the positive examples set for him by prisoners more mature in the faith; the second half relates how everyone can apply what Dallas learned in prison to their own lives.The lessons Dallas relates are eminently practical, and while we won’t all be faced with living in such cramped quarters and such bland food, we all encounter deserts of the spirit wherein we need to struggle through in order to move on to the plans God has for our future.At times it does seem that Dallas is becoming somewhat repetitive and stretching out his observations to fill the pages, but there is a great deal of inspiration here. The writing is accessible, and very readable; somewhat reminiscent of a gift book, you won’t need to struggle to grasp these lessons.Reviewed at quiverfullfamily.com