Lessons from San Quentin

Bill Dallas, George Barna

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.

Back Cover Copy
Once you’re in—you’re never the same. 

If Bill Dallas didn’t have it all, he had most of it. A diploma from a prestigious university, a lucrative career as a top California real estate entrepreneur, and more than enough money to fund a life filled with sports cars, penthouses, and beautiful women. 

And then it all fell apart. 

Convicted of grand theft embezzlement, the former golden boy found himself in one of the nation’s most infamous institutions—San Quentin, home of “the worst of the worst.” He thought it was the end of everything. But the real story was about to begin. 

Lessons from San Quentin chronicles Bill’s journey from narcissistic playboy to suicidal inmate to spiritual apprentice. Along the way, it introduces us to his unlikely mentors—San Quentin’s “Lifers,” who guided Bill to an unexpected relationship with God. Through a vivid and transparent recounting of stories from his prison experience, Bill shares life lessons he had to learn the hard way—but that can help you triumph over even the most difficult circumstances.

Bill Dallas - author

Front Flap Copy
From Convict to CEO 

Being a convicted felon isn’t easy. Losing the trust of everyone around you is even worse. Going from the very top of life to the absolute bottom, that’s . . . well, you get the picture. But that’s exactly what happened to Bill Dallas. When years of shady financial dealings finally caught up with him, Bill found himself facing a five-year sentence in San Quentin State Prison. 

During his years as Prisoner #H64741, Bill learned to be free from the confines of the world, even while wearing the chains of his crimes. The lessons he learned behind bars were all the more valuable because his teachers were Lifers—men who had committed such terrible crimes that they were serving life sentences. Many of Bill’s best friends were Lifers who had found the love of Christ and dedicated the remainder of their lives to His service. 

Bill served his time and embarked on a new life with God in control. Now CEO of a successful company, Bill uses stories and reflections from life on the inside to illustrate the twelve core principles he learned there—lessons that will inspire readers to use tough times to develop the character God wants them to have.

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