Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (5/07)

While on a roller-coaster ride of self-destruction, Marty Angelo experienced the thrills and pinnacles of success and the despair and depression of the pits of personal failure. For fifteen years he pursued a career as a music business entrepreneur.

"Once Life Matters: A New Beginning" is his life-changing memoir. Such well-known celebrities from the music industry as Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison, John Lennon, Janis Joplin, and Rob Grill all had a part in Marty's rise to success as a manager and promoter.

Although outwardly successful, Angelo was searching for more, for meaning. During this fifteen-year journey he experienced the powerful hold of drugs, alcohol, and rock/disco music on his life.

In March of 1981 Angelo had reached rock bottom. It was at this point that Marty experienced a dramatic and powerful life-changing conversion to Christianity. Since that time, he has become a strong witness of God's saving grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

In Marty's own words, "It took me thirty-five years, but I finally found peace through Jesus Christ. The decades of the wild life I led, along with the few times when I was close to finding the right path, weave an amazing story. I'm not proud of the many problems I created for myself--the incredibly stupid things I did--but I'm not running from them or trying to cover them up either. In fact, by telling my story here, I hope you, dear reader, can learn the lessons I learned without going through the trials and dangers I faced."

Since his conversion in 1981, Marty has served significant roles in full-time ministry with Chuck Colson's Prison Fellowship, as a counselor with Teen Challenge, and as director of evangelism and court liaison with the Faith Farm Ministries.

Angelo's writing is engaging, entertaining, informational, and inspiring. He made himself vulnerable, exposing his weaknesses as well as his strengths. I appreciated the no-holds-barred approach in telling his story, balancing the message of his newfound life as a follower of Christ with his experiences in the music industry and well as a glimpse into his life while serving time in the Federal prison in Lexington, Kentucky.

Marty views this book as a ministry. It is his prayer that readers will discover the truth of God's Word and be motivated and encouraged to take a stand for God. This is a book that will challenge hearts, offer hope, and I believe it will change lives, which is, I am sure, exactly what Marty intended it to do. I feel confident that "Once Life Matters" has that kind of potential.

Review by Deanna Young/Executive Editor of Graffiti Magazine

Marty Angelo sums up what music can be to all of us. A way of life, a choice of who we are and what we stand for in life. He tells us in his own words how music can get inside of you in more ways than just the enjoyment of listening to it. 'Once Life Matters: A New Beginning' describes the depth of music and how it guides your decision making and ultimately your life.

Growing up I heard adults talking all the time about how much music can affect people, I always thought it was just a way for adults to control what we were listening to. Talk of music being the source of some suicides or uncontrollable rage in some, I thought was a little over the edge of reasonable thinking.

Since growing up and being an adult myself and listening to some of the hardest rock being played, I still didn't see what the big deal was; until one day I noticed that when I listened to a certain band, I would get all fired up and felt a bit of anger, wanting someone to get into my business. It made me think about all I had heard about.

Now that I walk my life for God, I truly understand that what Marty speaks about in his book is the truth! The enemy of our souls does try to control us through music, we do give in to ugly addictions and lose our morals when listening to worldly music. We give in to seductions and live harsh lives.

Marty Angelo is an instrument of God, he lived a life on the other side and turned around and now God is using him to help others. Not just with the music aspect but also with the experience of prison. Marty's life is a success story for others to use as an example and to improve on themselves to become a success as well. Prisoners and civilians alike, around the world, should read his book and search themselves for the truth.

God is waiting to change your life too. He wants to give you His music, His songs of love which bring true happiness and a peace that passes all understanding.

Thank you Marty Angelo for sharing your life with us, for bringing the chance for others to find God and His truth through your life experience. May God Bless you always.

Review by Trish Hart

My first opportunity to steal communion wafers came when I was alone in the sanctuary after serving mass. The priest left to take care of some business and I was sitting there, eye to eye with the unconsecrated hosts. They hadn't turned into Jesus yet, I rationalized; so who would care? I helped myself to a handful of wafers and ran home to my toy-chest altar. I finally had the missing ingredient to my church service. It never occurred to me that I was stealing or sinning." (Page 19 of Once Life Matters: A New Beginning)

As a small child Marty Angelo had dreams of becoming a Catholic Priest but as his life unfolds; his childhood aspirations become nothing but a distant memory as he follows the glittery road of the entertainment business that leads to success but ends in disaster.

Once Life Matters: A New Beginning, is not only a powerful title, it's a powerful book! Marty Angelo with the help of, Michael Clark has written an awesome testimony of how Jesus Christ can turn a life around in a very powerful way. Marty had everything this world had to offer; fame, money, women and drugs, but like you hear so often, all of those things left him feeling empty and paved his way into a prison cell.

Who else do you know that has been involved with such legends as, Jimmy Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Grass Roots, John Lennon, George Harrison and the like? If that were me, I would probably still be talking and bragging about such experiences. Not Marty Angelo! His story offers some insight into the lives of those famous people (which I found very fascinating) but at the end of the day, at the end of Marty's storm, it is Jesus Christ that he exalts.

I spent time in prison and I also wrote a book called, "You Are Never Alone" about how Jesus turned my life around but Marty's story is different. Jesus saved him before he went to prison and it was literally an electrifying experience! Wow!

Unlike other prison testimonials, Marty went into prison happy and with his God given purpose. Marty spent his time in prison pressing into and building his relationship with Jesus through the study of His word. He walked out of prison and hasn't stopped climbing higher and higher, but this time his ladder of success is propped up by the Kingdom of Heaven. Just visit his website [...] and you will see what I mean. Marty, his story and his life are not only an inspiration to those who are lost, but is also an inspiration for those of us who are saved. He is a shining example of how we should live our lives; selfless, steadfast and sure of our commitment to Jesus Christ in doing whatever we can for the least of these.

If you have a loved one in prison, addicted to drugs or just needs a "New Beginning" in life, this book is a must read.

Review
I chose this book because it said "new beginning" on the cover. I knew what that meant instantly. I knew that someone had an experience with God that forever changed their life. God is in the business of giving people new beginnings and they are always the most interesting to read about. God's ways are filled with lots of dramatic changes and truth. This story totally fits with Gods style and formula and I was not disappointed. This book was fast paced and it didn't bog down at all except I did just briefly feel a bit overwhelmed with the amount of "bad" that happened to Mr. Angelo. The book easily makes me ponder over all the misguided people wasting their time and talent at bars and nightclubs pursuing a party lifestyle and the author does a great job of describing the realities of somebody in this world. Throughout the book Mr. Angelo's decisions to remain in this alcohol/ drug culture takes him across the paths of some pretty sinister people and it's only through God's mercy that he gets out of one bad scrape after another. His story is a good testament of how wrong decisions can take us down one destructive road after another and that if God is not directing our course than Satan is by default, and you are ultimately doomed. The author describes for us in detail how he made many wrong decisions because he was trying to impress the wrong crowd and because he was trying to fill a hole in his heart. I was drawn to this story because bits of it registered with my own life and I am sure many others would feel the same way. I want to repeat - This book is written for every man or women who struggle like Marty did. "Once Life Matters" is a book describing Marty Angelo's problem with an age old issue called "rebellion". He is running away from something and it's a heart wrenching struggle as he finds himself. Marty did a good job of relaying the truth to us, but it is no small miracle that Marty Angelo is here today, it is only through God's mercy. Finally, I want to say that from everything I have ever read, God likes to use messengers who are usually firebrands of energy because he wants the word carried out under all kinds of circumstances and adverse conditions. God brought Mr. Angelo through the fire and he is now able to use this energetic and humble man to deliver a powerful message with this book as a door opener to many a troubled heart.

Recommendation
I find this book to be a gem. It is fast paced and well written for the average reader to comprehend. All ages can benefit with this and there isn't any part that someone could not find in their own lives today. I recommend this great auto biography to schools, ministries, churches and counselors all across this land. Let Marty Angelo's life touch yours and give God the glory.

Review by Kym McNabney

ONCE LIFE MATERS is a quick, easy read. Right from the first page you're drawn into Marty's world. The insight to being in the music industry in that era and all it entails is fascinating. Though it's a biography/non-fiction, ONCE LIFE MATTERS reads like great fiction.

As I read about Marty's journey I couldn't help but be amazed what he survived. It's clear that God had a bigger and better plan for Marty then he had for himself. And He wasn't giving up on him. Marty just needed to walk through that door that was being held open for him time and time, again.

ONCE LIFE MATTERS is straightforward in how one repeatedly ignores Gods whispers, and where that road can lead. Without God we are lost souls, constantly searching for purpose and meaning in our lives.

I loved the way Marty wove in scripture relevant to what was going on in his life, hindsight that will speak to its readers.

It may have taken Marty years, as it often does many of us but he finally found his way. Not only did he find his way but he continues to walk through open doors, following Gods whispers, and sometimes shouts to do amazing work in His name.

Marty is a walking testimony that lives can be changed, and not only changed but totally turned around. A great inspirational story for those of us in the Prison Ministry, as well as for those struggling with some of the same issues Marty had.

I highly recommend this book for those in the Prison Ministry, as well as for those struggling with addictions, in prison or are far from God and feel their life is meaningless and hopeless.

ONCE LIFE MATTERS is encouraging to those struggling in life, as well as inspiring to those with loved ones far from God and caught up in their own nightmares.

Earlier this month I received a message on Facebook from a gentleman that I didn't know. He wanted to know if I would be interested in reviewing his book. I didn't find this unusual since I'm a Fan of a page that connects reviewers with products. I figured he found me there. I clicked his name to view his profile and discovered we had a friend in common. I then started checking out his websites, to learn more about his book.

Marty Angelo has spent the majority of his life in the music industry. He's also spent the majority of his life strung-out on one drug or another, or drunk. His book, Once Life Matters: A New Beginning, is about his life before and after his salvation--mostly before.

I wasn't sure I wanted to review the book. I'm not active in the prison ministry, or any ministry that serves those dealing with drug and alcohol addiction. And I don't have ties to the music industry--anymore. You see, once upon a time, I was very active in a rock 'n roll lifestyle. I know what it's like to be high and drunk (sometimes both at the same time). I recognized the names of some of the bands and recording artists that Marty mentions in his book. That intrigued me enough to agree to the review.

Once Life Matters is a quick read. I took almost 4 days to read it, but that's only because of two things: family obligations do not allow me to sit and read for hours on end, and strong memories and emotions resurfaced during the reading. When Marty wrote of his despair, I felt it. I've been there. I know the darkness that surrounds drugs and alcohol and the rock 'n roll lifestyle.

This isn't the kind of book you give to someone out of the blue, in hopes that they'll read it and get saved. This is the kind of book you give to someone once you've established a relationship with them, and discovered that they're looking for something but don't know what. Marty walks you through his life, showing his attitude along the way, and sharing his thought process. Bible verses are sprinkled throughout the book, giving the reader a foreshadowing of where Marty is leading.

The book left me with a feeling of expectancy. Where would God use Marty next? More importantly, where would God use me next? I was encouraged to stay focused on Jesus Christ, and to listen for the Lord's leading.

If you know someone who seems to be searching, who seems to have a hole in his or her life and is constantly trying to fill it, you'll want to get this book for them. It will show them what they're searching for, and Who can fill that hole.

Marty Angelo lived the dream life that all young people want to live. However he quickly found that his life and everything he could do, living in the fast lane, was irrelevant and over-rated.
He also almost lost his soul...permanently...so he thought. But God was right there all the time picking him up whenever he fell. Marty is a bright guy...however he had to lose everything and hit bottom to find the peace that passes all understanding. Basically he had to give up his right to understand and and believe in the one thing he thought he could avoid...the one thing that he was extremely not interested in...his Creator.
Chapters 15, 16 & 17 were extremely well put together with everything laid out as to what this life is about, "Once Life Matters." I also like all of what was said and done about the subject of re-entry. Marty knows this subject better than anyone, he has covered every aspect of it and I doubt there is a person out there that is a greater authority. I also like the target communities he has decided to focus his efforts on...they are all the ones he knows the most about.
I think this is a must read for anyone that wants to change their life, or for anyone that wants to help others change their life and find "The Savior".
I wrote a very different kind of book, for the severe hard core non-believer, like I once was, about a somewhat similar experience. It's amazing to me, even though we came from different backgrounds, how God can enter ones life and take control at exactly the right moment...never too soon and never too late!
Marty has incredible energy and God's Favor to go after this for over 20 years...I praise God for his life.
God Speed, Marty, For Many More Changed Lives,
Jeff Andrews
Desperate Highway Ministries

Overview

Marty Angelo chronicles the story of his life, from a trouble-filled youth to a music industry icon to rock bottom to saved to prison to ministry to others. This book is his testimony of a life changed by Christ.

My Review

Occasionally I wonder why so many celebs who seem to have it all seem so unhappy and even display suicidal tendencies. Marty's story gives some insight into why such a thing happens. I appreciated his no-holds-barred disclosures in his desire to display Christ's awesome transformational power.

He intersperses his story with applicable Bible verses. It's evident that the purpose of his book is to point others to Christ, as he ends the book guiding readers through a simple prayer of accepting Christ as their Savior.

The first-person writing style is simply a basic and straightforward account of life. If you like Damascus-road style testimonies, you'll appreciate this one.

And a quote from the book that summarizes the "B side" of Marty's life: "God's not finished with us yet." You can learn how God has transformed Marty's experiences into something that can bless others who are dealing with drug issues or are in prison.
There is more about Marty's book and his ministries - Outreach Ministry to Prisons, Substance Abuse Recovery Programs and Troubled Celebrities - at his website: http://www.martyangelo.com/

As I began to read Marty's story, despite the confession of his flaws, I liked him. He's such a likeable guy, I found myself continuing to read and waiting for his life to get better. He's not so different from me, or many people I've met who don't want to hang out with their feelings very long. In Marty's case, that usually took him to a new location. Marty's story is interesting with tales of celebrity and a jet set type of life. In retrospect he's been able to look back on his life and reference scripture that would have been helpful at the time. While I confess that reading the Bible hasn't been a part of my life, I found the manner in which Marty did the quoting to be a way that many could bring the Bible into their every day lives and have it be very helpful and relevant.

When Marty finally reaches a bottom he experiences what I believe to be a miracle, and this miracle is available to everyone. If you are looking for help, Marty's book might just lead the way for you.

If you do a little research on Marty, these days, you will find a man very dedicated to the cause of helping others. I sincerely thank Marty for those efforts. The world needs more people who are willing to extend the hand of hope to another.

Whether you are religious or not, whether you have found God or not, this book has inspiration for you.

Peace & Love,
Kim