Road to Hancock County


James Odell had it all: money, women, and all that wealth could provide. He was highly successful in business. Sadly, his business was criminal, and like many criminals he was caught. After he was convicted and went to prison he had a religious conversion and began inspiring others to change their lives for the better.

How he made his money, how he spent it, and how he redeemed himself is a better than average recovery from addiction story.

James Odell has a large salesman personality who had it all. And lost it all. Several times. This book tells the story of his rise to riches, fall to incarceration, and new life as a preacher and teacher in jail.
God's hand is clearly at work in the author's life. That part of the story encouraged me. God protected him, tried to warn him of danger, and placed helpers along the way.
I didn't care for the sensationalism of the author's life before conversion. The majority of this book details the author's use of alcohol, drugs, and sex to feed his carnal side. I get it - you sinned. I don't want to read about all the gory details. His conversion to Christianity and actual life change are covered quickly at the end, and that part of the story should be the focus, in my opinion.
The book is also quite preachy. But the author is a preacher, so that makes sense. It's just not my preferred style. Instead of telling me what to do, I prefer to read a story where the author lets me make up my own mind on how I'll handle the information presented.
And since the author is new to the faith and living in a bubble of jail, I'd rather he wait and preach at me when he's been on this journey for a while outside of jail - in the real world away from his support system.
I also didn't care for the repetition of information. Many of the chapters read like stream of consciousness. The book would be more concise and impactful with an edit.
Despite the drawbacks, the story is inspirational. I wish the author the best as he finishes his current prison sentence, faces additional charges in Texas, and adjusts to life on the outside.

The Road to Hancock County is all over the place. Perhaps some editing would help the story flow a little better. It reads strange because he keeps talking about being a GREAT con man, but then starts with the Bible quotes. Maybe it’s just me, but the constant emphasis on being a GREAT con man makes the religious talk seem like part of another con. While, I hope his recovery is genuine, the book is like being part of yet another scheme.

Great idea, has potential.

This book was provided to me for review purposes.

I really enjoyed this book. From real life struggles that happens to so many in this world power, sex and addiction how he overcame it all
after losing everything and opened his self to faith in the Lord. The truth and realness of his story touches you. I recommend this book to others it's just a great story.. Thank you netgalley for giving me a chance to read it.

James Odell is a child who suffered a great deal of hardship in his life that would lead him on the path to where he is now. James was a millionaire who lost everything to a life of crime, drugs, and excess, but found redemption through faith This is a really great story of the human condition as James faces and struggles and eventually overcomes his demons. James shares his fall from power and how he found redemption while serving time in a Mississippi jail. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Be captivated by the life story of James Odell in his gripping memoir 'The Road to Hancock County'. From a life of luxury to the depths of addiction and crime, James' journey is a testament to the power of transformation and the grace of God.

Through his raw and honest account, James shares his fall from power and how he found redemption while serving time in a Mississippi jail. You'll be inspired by James' unwavering faith and the positive impact he made on countless lives while behind bars. Get ready for a journey of hope, renewal, and the transformative power of grace.

Discover the Incredible Journey of James Odell in 'The Road to Hancock County'.

A millionaire who lost everything to a life of crime, drugs, and excess, but found redemption through faith.

Follow James as he recounts his descent into addiction, the loss of everything he once held dear, and his miraculous transformation in a Mississippi jail cell. This autobiography takes you on an emotional rollercoaster and provides a powerful testament to the transformative power of grace. Get ready for an inspiring tale of hope and renewal.