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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.
_____________________________
Music
In Our Minds and Hearts, March 9, 2010
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.
_____________________________
From
the valley of despair, to the mountain top of purpose! March
5, 2010
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.
_____________________________
Once Life Matters - A New Beginning
-- March 19, 2010
Book Review by Bill Hartmann
Introduction
The author Marty Angelo, a man of many hats, is a well seasoned man who
has lived through a very tumultuous life. He has gone from being a band
promoter, disco television producer, bartender and convicted drug dealer
to finally becoming an ex con and a born again Christian running a (prison
/ drug addiction recovery) ministry today. Through his time spent in
prison, Marty Angelo has been given a unique privilege and opportunity
from God to help countless people who have lost hope through drugs and
through living rebellious lives. Marty Angelo has a website - [...] which
he uses to share all kinds of resources to help drug users, ex convicts
and the incarcerated find peace and hope through God. Marty Angelo is
available for interviews, radio shows, T.V. promotion and speaking
engagements' to people who want to hear his story and receive from his
ministry.
Book description/ Summary
"Once Life Matters" is 209 pages long. It is a small sized
paperback auto biography of Marty Angelo. The cover art depicts a man
standing either in a sunset or as the sun is rising to depict a new
beginning. The concept is good because it does lend itself to Mr. Angelo's
life with his own new beginning. The back of the book as well as the
inside forward are loaded with many great testimonies from friends and
acquaintances' through Marty's life. I enjoyed reading them as they were
very genuine and helpful in getting a feel for the general demeanor of the
text. The small physical size of the book also makes it appealing because
it can easily be read in only a few hours. I rate the layout of this book
as good.
"Once Life Matters" is about the life journey of Marty Angelo.
He puts down on paper the struggles and bad decisions that rebellion can
cause in one's life. Through this drama we get a peak of what it's like to
be on the fast track and almost "making it" from the worlds
stand point. Mr. Angelo astutely points out to the reader that God had his
hand on his life while he continually spiraled down into the depths of
this party lifestyle. Throughout the text of the book the author places
scripture in appropriate intervals and places that relate God's point of
view on the subject that we are reading about. Marty's road to riches and
fame is painted for us in a real life gritty fashion and Mr. Angelo does a
good job of relaying much of the feel of what it was like to live that
life style. What he doesn't write is easily picked up between the lines
and many if not most will relate to portions of this story.
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.
_____________________________
A BOOK WORTH READING BECAUSE LIFE DOES
MATTER, March 15, 2010
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.
_____________________________
Review: Once Life Matters, March
14, 2010
Review by Kelly Huckaby
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.
_____________________________
Once Life Matters is a Great Testimony,
March 2, 2010
Review by Jeff S. Andrews
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
_____________________________
Damascus, September 18, 2009
Review by Jane Maritz
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/
_____________________________
A quick and inspiring read, August
16, 2009
Review by Kim Vazquez
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
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