The Change Agent: How a Former College QB Sentenced to Life in Prison Transformed His World

In more than 20 years of being forced to listen to speakers for continuing education credits this author and his story are by far and away the best. Every college athlete and in fact every teenager would be well served to listen to Damon's story. I bought copies for our children and our staff.

This was one of the best books I have ever read! No lie! Truth! I’d rank it in the top 3 for sure!From being a former college athlete who appeared to have it all, to experiencing a career-ending injury, to choosing to change the way I felt by drinking and drugging, to being 100% self-centered with no regards for anyone, to hitting rock bottom, and to becoming actively involved in recovery, this story resonated with me. Although never being physically locked up in a prison, I have served quite a bit of time there both mentally and spiritually. Not a court-imposed sentence rather a self-induced punishment.As I read this story over the past three days, I thought to myself, "It is the similarities that bring people together, not their differences. If we could only focus on the similarities and accept and tolerate people's differences, we might just be able to create a more loving and kind world – one that is filled with an increasing desire to understand and a slowing want to quickly judge." That seems logical, right? I then read – “If it’s to be, it’s up to me.”Damon West does not hide anything on these pages. He seemed to have it all going for him - a loving and supportive family, incredible athletic ability and success of being a Texas high school quarterback, and a scholarship to play college football. His dream was to play in the NFL. And though his height appeared to be the only factor seen to impede that dream, time would tell a different story.As I turned the pages of this book, my imagination took me to walking in his shoes and personally experiencing many of the events he writes about. My emotions ranged from sadness, despair, anger, and fear to excitement, freedom, comfort, and peace. But the overwhelming and profound feeling that came over me was one of HOPE!Hope in knowing people can change. Hope in knowing lives can be transformed. Hope in knowing relationships can be restored. Hope in knowing there are people who care. Hope that there are second chances. Hope that there is a solution - a permanent one.It’s proof that God's still in the business of changing lives, touching hearts, and performing miracles - one day at a time, one second at a time. And if we do our part and allow God to do His, that HOPE can be experienced to be shared with all. I cannot say enough...absolutely remarkable story!

I bought this book after my boss came back from a meeting she was at and heard Damon West speak. She was telling me all about him and being a "coffee bean". I was very curious and just had to get this book and see how he got to be a speaker today. This is a true story of his life and he tells how he got from where he was to where he is now. I would highly recommend.

This books reads like an unbelievable fiction novel. It’s hard to even imagine this being a non fiction book. I am a better person after reading this book.

I highly recommend Damon West's book for anyone looking for inspiration to change their circumstances. I downloaded The Change Agent after hearing him speak at the 2022 Family Effect Transformational Breakfast in Greenville, South Carolina. Coffee beans are one of the main points of his transformation from addiction to inspiration. Read his book to learn how we should all live our lives.

As I sit and think about writing this review for Damon's book, it is crazy to think about the fact that when I first met Damon, he was fresh out of prison. Damon and my husband had been on an ACTS retreat together. Soon after that, I had the pleasure of listening to Damon speak at a luncheon for Jefferson County shortly after he began public speaking. My first thought after hearing his testimony, was WOW, his life is a true miracle. I can't think of seeing God work in and through anyone's life like he has Damon's. I know his parents are so proud of him. He had a great upbringing, all the opportunities any kid could imagine or ever want, and poor choices and drugs helped him throw it all away. It's eye opening - NO ONE IS IMMUNE. Yet by the grace of God - he overcame. Damon's story is full of hope and inspiration. I love that he never fails to give credit where credit is due - to God (and his momma)! Damon knows he didn't do any of this on his own. Damon is one of the most sincere and nicest people I have ever met. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

This book moved me like none before. It is an amazing story of the fall and resurrection of a young athlete who chose to be a Coffee Bean.

What an amazing, heart wrenching story. It is a story of hope, faith and the mercy and love of God. This book brings you through a journey of a young man who had it all. He grew up in a loving home that most people only dreamt about. He had God given athletic ability and the work ethic that went along with it to make him a superstar. A very highly intelligent young man that has a horrible disease. Damon gives you the raw details of his life of crime, use of drugs and alcohol and life in prison. He also shows how he turned his life over to God, not just because he got caught, but through prayers, a supportive family, especially his mother, and overwhelming remorse. By the grace of God, he was able to overcome obstacles unimaginable.Addiction is hard to understand. Some believe it is a choice, it is not. It is a horrific disease. It is easy for people to pass judgment until it happens to them or someone they love.Everyone has a story. Thank you, Damon, for sharing yours.