Customer Reviews

The Prodigal Son

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Memoirs allow me to see life, or situations, through another's experiences, they are one of my favorite genres. Elvin Colón's "Prodigal Son" reads as completely unpretensious. Pull quotes from the Bible and rock lyrics illustrate opposing forces operative in Elvin's life as he experienced a life devoted to drug addiction to a nadir from which few are able to recover. The author's personal discovery of God and his decision to devote his life to this force is also uniquely, personally told. Many books of this genera use hyperbole, and exaggerate details in hopes of making the account more dramatic.
This is not the case with this book. The writing style of Elvin's open, honest and insightful first person account of this portion of his life is both engaging and compelling. I had difficulty putting down the book until I had finished it, and find myself thinking about it often. I am glad to have purchased this book.

"The Prodigal Son" is a moving testimony to the overwhelming pull of two powerful forces -- drugs and God -- at work throughout the life of one man. It's not always easy to read; there are descriptions of life on the streets as a lost, drug-addicted soul that will make you squirm as you turn the pages. But if the life of an addict was a pretty one, there wouldn't be a need for books like this.

The payoff for enduring the very real and sometimes graphic presentation of a harsh life on the "mean streets" of inner-city Philadelphia are the "hallelujah" moments that come with the author's recovery and his rebirth into the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. If the downside had you squirming, then the upside will have you cheering.

Colon's writing is straightforward and raw, allowing the simple facts of his life to provide the drama. He doesn't back down, and he's fearless in the presentation of his experiences and, more importantly, of his motivations, rationalizations, fears, conceits, flaws and, finally, revelations, inspirations and insights. He strips away the filters of ego and pride, and lays himself bare so readers can put themselves in his place and relate to his journey -- "there but for the grace of God go I" -- whether their own involves drugs or some other destructive force.

"The Prodigal Son" definitely is worth a read for anyone caught in the strangle hold of addiction, and for the friends and families of addicts. Not exactly a blueprint for recovery or for dealing with the disease of addiction, it's more of a map of the journey that details the mountains and valleys, the landmarks and landmines and, ultimately, the light at the end of the tunnel that is recovery, rebirth and reunion with the Lord.

This story of the prodigal son depicts an incredibly honest account of what the author went through as he did drugs and lived on the streets of Philadelphia. From what he did with drugs through his various gay and straight relationships to him finding help through his religious beliefs, I think that the reader will learn a lot about addiction and how to be saved.

I read this book in one sitting. Having someone you love addicted to drugs is an experience I wish on no one. Reading this book helped me see the other side. It has given me renewed faith in Christ, that once you put your faith in Him, He will make you a new creation. It is not easy to read, but definitely worth it. Elvin Colon took a brave step in documenting what he went through. I heartily recommend this book. It has helped me and I thank him for writing it.

The Prodigal Son is Awesome! Reading this Book made me realize how Bless we are to have a God who's Loves us No matter what. Elvin reading your story really touched and inspired me to talk to the Lord. Its been awhile since I Prayed and Thanks to your courageous story I'm Calling Jesus Tonight and every night.

May God continue to Bless You and Your Family

Terrence Hill
Philadelphia

coming from the same backround of life with the not knowing which way life was gonna take us reading elvins book gave hope to everyone. every one should pick this book up and read it its for family too that have to live and watch drug problems in the family this will help anyone see for themselve that there is hope if u keep prayer and the lord jesus christ in your lifes. amen

If you think there is no hope for yourself or someone you know, you must read Elvin Colon's book "The Prodigal Son".

What the world sees as far as what a human being can become (due to addiction), is a man who sunk as low as low can go.
What God sees as far as what a human being can become, is a man completely transformed and today is truly an anointed
man of God. I know him personally and that's what I see, a man changed and living for God.

I highly recommend this book. It shows that no one, no matter what they have done in their life, is exempt from
receiving God's grace. It shows that there is no limit to how God can turn a person around and give them a blessed
and productive life. It's a book of hope. You'll be blessed reading this book. I was.

Lori Riegler

This is one of the most honest and powerful testimonies I've ever had the honor of hearing. It's a testimony to the power of Jesus Christ. It's a story of Grace. Elvin is a friend of mine, and my brother in Christ. You could never imagine the man standing before you as the man he describes in his book. The story will move you to tears. A must read for anyone in recovery, or who knows someone struggling to recover from addiction.

I was shocked and engaged by Elvin's raw, unrestrained testimonial of a street addict's life. In the book he is direct, hard hitting, and truthful. But through the rough tale, he brings you to a place of understanding and compassion. Anyone suffering with addiction, or connected to someone in that situation, will see from this book that God saves, and that healing and return is possible. It does happen, and it can happen for you through Christ Jesus. Elvin has shared a true story of hope and restoration that honors God and what He does in our lives. Be a blessing - read this book, or share it with someone who needs it! Thanks to Elvin Colon for his courage and willingness to give to others in this way.