Customer Reviews

Inner City Miracle

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Inner City Miracle is the story of Judge Gregory Mathis , his quest to become the man his mother knew he could be and rise above his upbringing in the mean streets of Detroit. Since he and his brothers were raised by a single mother who worked two jobs to support her family, the brothers had a lot of unsupervised free time. Free time and growing up in the projects don't mix and Greg as he liked to be called, often found himself in some kind of trouble.

He felt that his thuggish lifestyle provided him with excitement and friends and it appeared that he would grow up as a product of the streets. Things changed dramatically when his mother became terminally ill. It is at that point Greg decides that for the sake of his mother that he will turn his life around.

Greg Mathis and Blair S. Walker have written a raw, gritty and inspirational memoir that will encourage and empower those who read it. Though the odds were against, Greg persevered and he is now a well respected judge and a popular television personality. Judge Mathis does not sugarcoat his story at all and I feel that will allow readers to appreciate this book even more.

I was originally drawn to this book about Greg Mathis because while in an airport traveling from Chicago back to LA, I happened to catch his tv show. I was impressed by his style in the courtroom so when I heard that he had written a book about his story, I thought let me pick it up. I had no idea about his background so at first I was physically afraid of this young Greg Mathis in which his book went on to described. I continued to read because I kept thinking when is the miracle going to happen. I was not sure that he would ever become anything more than what he was at the time, a thug and a criminal. Finally, more than half way through the book, the miracle happened and I found myself rooting for the young man, Greg Mathis. In short, his story touched my heart in a different way. Although I'm an african american women and grew up in Chicago during the 1960s and 1970s. The life that Judge Mathis described in his book was foreign to me. But I was so impressed with his determination, preseverance, hard work and his ability to never give up. While I don't have a lot of street smarts I found myself thinking perhaps I had been more judgmental in my past about the young boys who grew up in the project because I totally saw the change in Judge Mathis in this book. I'm glad that I read it and have been sharing with others that it is definitely a must read for all ages. The bottom line is anybody can be anything they want to be if they work at it and become discipline. Kudos to Judge Mathis and other african american males who have decided to allow the miracle to happen in their lives.

Greg Mathis' life story is amazing! "Inner City Miracle" explains the reason I'm such a big fan of Judge Mathis' court TV show. This book is told by Mathis from the heart - no effort is made to sugar coat the bad decisions he made throughout his youth. In addition, Mathis frankly discusses his political views, his relationship with his wife, what he didn't like about the justice system that lead him to being a Detroit judge, and so much more.

The person who we see on television, and recognize as a no nonsense type of character, Judge Greg Mathis has lead an interesting life. If you watch his program, her very often alludes to his childhood but to get a deeper understanding, you have to read Inner City Miracle. Sure hes brash, but hes real. The youngest of 4 children, Greg was an oxymoron- a contradiction between what his mother wanted him to be and what he wanted to be. A student who excelled in class work, but arguably was the meanest bully in school. Teachers struggled with him great grades but a horrible attitude. His idols were gangsters, pimps, drug dealers- the malcontents of society who always had money and loved to flash it. Growing up poor, naturally the lure of money was enticing. His older brothers werent role models for they too aspired to greatness with little regard to the law. Greg and his siblings were lucky that they didnt meet their maker at a young age. His mother was the family backbone. She ruled with tough love, often kicking out her older sons until they could prove they were worthy of returning to the fold. Back to contradictions, he always strived to please her. His good grades, his weekly attendance in church services, his participation in church activities, his innate need to care for his mother made his other side so unbelievable. Mother wanted all of her children to succeed but there came a point when she even had to call the police on Greg. This was the turning point in a troubled young mans life.

As Judge Mathis has publicly said on many occasions, the system that sentences so many youth to prison is the same system that helped him become the person that he is today. Defining change came when he was incarcerated and had visiting time with his mother. She told him that she was dying and that he needed to do something else with his life. He began from that point forward, a lifestyle that would make his mother proud. The judge sentenced him to get a GED and get a job or he would be back in jail. He did just that. He didnt stop there, he went on to college, he worked in city government, he managed election campaigns for Jesse Jackson, he married, he went to law school, and sued for the right to practice law in spite of his criminal background. His mother saw none of this but he believes that shes with him and still motivating him today.

Inner City Miracle is an inspirational story, one that should be read by all of the seemingly hopeless youths of today. This should be required reading for those in juvenile detention. There is hope, in spite of present circumstances if you feel motivated. Judge Greg Mathis, and countless others, are proof. Out of ashes can rise a phoenix. Just because things look a certain way doesnt automatically define the future.

This autobiography by Judge Greg Mathis is an outstanding autobiography that reviews the gang to gavel life of this outstanding individual. Mr Mathis recalls his early childhood years and his troubled teenage years in a way many can relate to. I would recommend this book to any person who finds it hard to escape a life of crime, gangs, drugs and poverty, or a person who works in any field that deals with these issues.

Very good book. Nothing held back. the real truth about Judge Mathis's
life story. A very compelling book if your feeling sorry for yourself.
It shows you what a mothers influence on a child can acomplish.
This is an amazingly frank and in your face book.If you like Judge
Mathis's court show of honesty,humor,fairness,tough love,and the
justice system as it should be,you'll love reading this book.
Mike J.

Straightforward, uncensored, and no sugarcoating, Mathis tells it like it was growing up in Detroit. Raised primarily by his single parent mother, he was a hustler, thug, and all-around devious little fellow, but his mother's cancer diagnosis caused him to change his dishonorable ways. He turned his life around, got his GED, bachelor's degree, law degree, and was an elected district judge. How's that for irony.

A quick read that's written in a style that makes you feel like you were sitting in his chambers listening to him tell his tale. Some strong language throughout, but I think this would be a good book for teens. I hope there's a follow-up that talks more about his TV show. 3.5 stars!

I won't lie. At first, I put off by Judge Mathis' book. The cussing and put downs about the Seventh day Adventist church of which I belong,(though deep down, I know of which he talked) I could understand and move on from there. One thing I learned from this book is that one can pay for their past dearly, and in the Judge's case, he had to more than once especially when he tried to get his law license and what not. I feel the book is an inspiration to young folk anywhere. See, this man was headed to jail or death the rate he was going. But thanks to a mother who loved him and probably wore out the floor praying for him, was able to rise above his circumstances. A great book by a great American.

The courage Greg Mathis exhibited in turning his life around is phenomenal! This book not only serves as inspiration for inner-city young people but anyone who has taken a wrong turn in life. This wrong turn could be criminal in nature or it could be a mistake in choosing a mate or career. Whatever the mistake or wrong turn, Greg Mathis' life proves you can "turn it around." I know Greg on a personal basis and met him through my friendship with his aunt Eva and her son, Walter. I can truly say Greg is a compassionate and down to earth man who freely shares his blessings with family and friends.

This book should be required reading in schools. Judge Mathis started out on the wrong foot but he turned his life around and made something of himself. If you watch his show, you'll see that he is a good man and very fair.