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Book Description
Brought up in the East End of London, son of a policeman, John was already dabbling in crime by his early teens, ending up in a young offenders institute and then a borstal. He’d left home at 15 and the only occupation he knew was theft. He landed a job doing security at concerts for stars such as Simply Red, Queen and Bruce Springsteen and was lured deeper into the world of drugs and crime. By his 20s he was well-acquainted with the capital’s criminal underworld. Thanks to drug dealing and racketeering he lived the classic gangster life of loads of cash, women, sports cars, designer clothes and a penthouse flat. Violence became a way of life, with his jackets tailored to hold his machete, knuckledusters and CS gas. One night he beat up a guy outside a nightclub, fleeing the scene thinking he’d killed the man. Thankfully the victim survived but John finally had to confront the reality of the life he was leading and something extraordinary happened….
From the Publisher
"Gangland to Promised Land" was officially launched at the end of November (Blind Beggar Pub in the East End - Michelle Collins among the guests), during John Pridmore's 5 week UK tour, "Meet the Man Behind the Machete". The book and tour have received extensive media coverage (eg. Times Educational Supplement , Radio 5 Live, ITV News 24 and London Tonight). John’s story is so real, compelling and honestly told, it has those who hear it gripped - over 7,000 Gangland books sold on tour alone. The new edition includes 2 extra chapters, photos from John’s youth and a sassy new cover. The book was originally published by DLT in 2002. Despite an unattractive front cover and no publicity, the book sold around 30,000 copies, mainly at talks given by John Pridmore.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book is the autobiography of John Pridmore, a gangster turned Christian. John's life starts crumbling when his parents get divorced. Aged only 11, he soon sets out on a life of crime, starting with shoplifting and ending with drug dealing and intimidation. Aged 27 he has everything: a lot of money, women, cars, and the respect of his peers. One night, working as a doorman in a night-club, he knocks a young man unconscious. Thinking that he has killed him, he escapes to his flat where his world collapses around him: if he has everything, why is he so desperately unhappy?
That marks the turning point in his life. Soon he is involved with committed Christians but it takes him several years to make all the changes required in his life if he is going to be a Christian himself. He tells of his struggles in detail, giving hope to all those who are trying to improve their lives but finding it difficult to do so.
A book that is hard to put down (I also read it in 2 days) - I'd recommend it to anyone.
That marks the turning point in his life. Soon he is involved with committed Christians but it takes him several years to make all the changes required in his life if he is going to be a Christian himself. He tells of his struggles in detail, giving hope to all those who are trying to improve their lives but finding it difficult to do so.
A book that is hard to put down (I also read it in 2 days) - I'd recommend it to anyone.
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
When my best mate said he read the book in 2 days I thought he was joking because he hardly ever reads. I can now see why and it only took me a day. I couldn't put it down. It takes you through he childhood up to the age of 27 and all the things he got up to - not a nice person at all. The title describes the rest. I had to fight back the tears about 10 times and it certainly has a divine guidance about it. What a tremendous read - I'd recommended this to anyone of any persuasion and point in their life.
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
One of the most compelling books I have ever read. Anyone and everyone would love this true story. Not only does it give you a real insight into the gang world but it is also an incredibly touching story of struggle, pain, determination and accomplishment. Trust me, once you start it, you wont be able to put it down...
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Shocking and Then Encouraging!
John Pridmore's early life reads like the script from a Hollywood movie. This book had me gripped for the first half. It is a definite page turner. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Dave Kinsella
from gangland to promised land
Book was delivered very quickly.which pleased me as it was a present for a friend.Will certainly use this site again.
Published 19 months ago by Mr. G. A. Hodgson
Its in the bin.
After reading only half of this book I ripped it up and put it in the bin,first time I have ever done that to a book !! Read more
Published 20 months ago by Amilo
very inspiring
i found this book to be very inspiring,.....will definetly read it again,...it opened my eyes some about the catholic church and their youthwork too (in a good way) .... Read more
Published 21 months ago by rob
A most uplifting read
One of the most uplifting books I have ever read and, once started, you are desperate to finish. I had the privilege of seeing John Pridmore give testimony in Medjugorge and this... Read more
Published on 4 April 2010 by E. Bundy
good honest lifelike book
really enjoyed this book not at all contrived and 'holy joe' good, honest,no holds barred
Published on 23 Dec 2009 by LAKE'S LOVE
From Gangland to Promised Land
I heard John Pridmore on Radio 2 and had to buy his book. I was not disappointed. I found it a very moving book - in fact I cried at one point.
Published on 10 Sep 2009 by Mrs. J. B. Barnett
An inspirational conversion
John Pridmore's book is an example of how absolutely anyone can change for the better, and how there is still hope for all of us. Read more
Published on 19 Jan 2006 by Boz
Excellent story very moving
I went to Medjugorje in Bosnia on pilgrimage this August and saw John Pridmore there telling his story it was very inspiring.
I bought his book before leaving Medjugorje. Read more
I bought his book before leaving Medjugorje. Read more
Published on 28 Sep 2005 by "puddyhuston2"
brilliant book
This was an incredibly powerful book, showing the extraordinary way John Pridmore went from being an East End villian to a Catholic evangelist. I'd thoroughly recommend it.
Published on 19 April 2005
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