A Soldier’s Redemption: by Lorenzo Louden | Book Review ~ $10 Giveaway ~ Author Guest Post | #Memoir #StreetGangs #Redemption
A book blog tour from Goddess Fish Promotions.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Marianne & Judy at Goddess Fish for providing me with the information for this tour.
Book Details
A Soldier's Redemption: Life of a Gangster (Shorty G) by Lorenzo Louden Published by Tellwell Talent on 04/16/2013
Genres: Non-fiction, Memoir
Format: eBook, Hardcover, Paperback
Pages: 286
Source: Goddess Fish PromotionsA Soldier's Redemption is a true, candid, no-holds-barred story of infamous former gangster disciple Lorenzo Louden, a.k.a. "Shorty G."
His story immerses you in the notorious world of gangs, taking you on a bone-chilling ride through the streets of 1970s Chicago.
While serving 17 years behind bars, his militant rule of the underworld expanded from the streets to the prisons until a spiritual encounter directed his journey out of the darkness onto a miraculous path of purpose and possibility.
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Excerpt from A Soldier’s Redemption
For a long time, I figured any book I ever wrote about my life would have to be written from my cell. In those days, I was known to the State of Illinois by a number, and to Folks in the Family as Shorty G. Plenty of the Folks are still doing their time. Plenty of them are still out there in their madness. Some of them are dead. Thanks to God’s grace and forgiveness, I was given a second chance.
Life sure does take unexpected turns sometimes, and that’s how I come to be telling you my story as a free man. And, when I talk about being free, I’m not just talking about being free from state prison. There are all kinds of ways for a man to be locked up in chains. But, I don’t want to get ahead of myself here…
I was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, but my story really starts when I was a four-year-old kid, living in Chicago with my mother and my baby sister, Grenada Janelle (Jan). My mother was an elegant, petite lady, who stood about five-foot-two or three. Her style was real flashy and she liked nice things.
I never knew my father at all. I was told he was in the military, but older people kept secrets in those days, so I never knew anything more than that. Mom never married the man, and had no contact with him. Looking back on my like a kid, it’s easy to understand how I ended up where I did.
The building where we lived was real noisy, and there were always people running up and down the hallways. Day and night, you could hear them fighting, hollering, and carrying on. I don’t remember other kids being around—just a lot of grownups and a lot of chaos. There was no way to feel safe.
We had an itty-bitty efficiency apartment. It was one big room with a kitchenette, a couch, and a bed that folded into the wall. I slept on the couch, and my sister slept with Mom in the bed. We lived above a tavern on a busy street, so there was always traffic. At nighttime, I liked to stand at the window, listening to the car horns and looking at the lights and the people down below. People would be having fun—drinking, laughing and telling stories. That looked to me like a good time.
Excerpt provided by the author/publisher for use in this post.
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Purchase Links for A Soldier’s Redemption
Amazon – OneLink for every country
A Soldier's Redemption: Lif...Shop on Amazon
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My Thoughts on A Soldier’s Redemption
A Soldier’s Redemption: Life of a Gangster (Shorty G)” by Lorenzo Louden is a gripping memoir that provides an unfiltered look into the life of a notorious former gangster disciple. Louden’s narrative takes readers on a harrowing journey through the dangerous streets of 1970s Chicago, offering a chilling glimpse into the world of gangs.
What makes this memoir truly remarkable is its unflinching honesty. Louden doesn’t shy away from sharing the darkest aspects of his life, from his time as a gangster to his lengthy incarceration. His story is heartbreakingly raw and emotionally impactful, making it impossible to put down.
The transformation that Shorty G undergoes from a life of crime to a path of spiritual redemption is both astonishing and inspiring. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of circumstances, individuals can find their way to a better life.
As a reader, you can’t help but be drawn into Shorty G’s long and tumultuous journey filled with heartache, rage, imprisonment, and ultimately, redemption. His story is a testament to the human capacity to endure and rise above adversity.
In Conclusion
If you’re looking for a memoir that delves deep into the complexities of a life marked by crime and violence but ultimately finds hope and purpose, “A Soldier’s Redemption” is a compelling and thought-provoking read. I eagerly await the continuation of Lorenzo’s inspirational journey as he continues to navigate the depths of his past and the possibilities of his future.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
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I love my Amazon Kindle Unlimited Subscription. So many books, so little time!
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About Lorenzo Louden
Lorenzo Louden was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, but grew up on the notorious streets of the West Side of Chicago, Illinois, an area known as K-Town. He was raised in the foster care system until he was 14 years old. Lorenzo grew up on the streets and endured a lot of hardship as a young teenager.
As an adult, he believed that his past did not have to dictate his future, so he strived to be the best he could be. During a 17-year stay, from 1977 to 1994, courtesy of the Illinois prison system, he gained 4 degrees, including a bachelor's degree in business.
In 2005 Lorenzo started a non-profit organization called Tower of Refuge, dedicated to aiding and assisting returning citizens. For the 10 years following, he and his team worked diligently to ensure that these individuals had the services and support they needed to make a smooth transition back to society. The organization had a 96% success rating over that 10-year period.
Lorenzo, a noted motivational speaker, who has positively influenced the lives of hundreds of detainees, is also the published author of "A Soldier's Redemption: The Life of Gangster Shorty G," an autobiographical account of his life as a gangster.
CEO of Black Chamber of Commerce of Illinois in Bloomington, IL; granted a contractual employee position for the Illinois Department of Corrections for mentoring and educating individuals incarcerated prior to their release; current owner of Illini Construction & Waterproofing, LLC; a father to three wonderful young adults that are contributing hugely to the societies that they are currently residing; loving brother, uncle, and friend to all who he has encountered.
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Guest Post from the Author of A Soldier’s Redemption
Can you tell us how it felt writing about some of the more difficult times in your childhood that you shared in the book?
Some of the things in my book that was hard for me to rehash and talk about was how after my aunt died, I was left with my uncle Richard. He beat me, he mistreated me, and if not for cousins living downstairs, he might have killed me when he had me in a choke hold. Those are things that were hard for me to talk about.
It was also hard for me to talk about the women that wanted to watch over me and keep me safe, but really wanted to sexually abuse me and then threaten me that if I said anything about it that the people (DCFS) would come take me away.
It was hard talking about the life that I took that got me sent to prison. It was hard talking about that, because I took a person’s life that they cannot come back from. That is one of my biggest regrets.
It was hard thinking back when I was in the Cook County jail and always in survival mode. I mean, my head had to be on a swivel. You couldn’t trust anyone, and the things I had to do to survive is not something that I am proud of, and is not who I am.
I made it through all of that with the grace and mercy of God.
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Purchase A Soldier’s Redemption online from a local bookstore.
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Easy Amazon Info Link
Amazon – OneLink for every country
If the above link does not take you to your country, here are a few more:
Please send me a note if your country isn’t listed and you would like to purchase using my links. Using my link does not change the price you pay. Amazon pays me a minimal amount out of their share.
A Soldier's Redemption: Lif...Shop on Amazon
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Giveaway!
The author will award a randomly drawn winner a $10 Amazon/BN GC.
Visit more stops on this Goddess Fish tour for extra chances to win!
Official Tour Page for A Soldier’s Redemption
Full Tour Schedule:
September 4: Hope. Dreams. Life… Love
September 4: Westveil Publishing
September 5: Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews
September 5: Literary Gold
September 6: Novels Alive – review only
September 6: Fabulous and Brunette
September 7: travel the ages
September 7: Gina Rae Mitchell – review
September 8: Kenyan Poet
September 8: Sandra’s Book Club
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Sounds like a great book.
Thank you for reviewing this book and featuring Mr. Louden’s guest post.
This is one book I am so excited to read. Was Lorenzo’s 17 year stay in prison?