Now Read This: “The Master Plan: My Journey from Life in Prison to a Life of Purpose,” by Chris Wilson

This autobiography details the life of Chris Wilson, who was only 17 when a judge sentenced him to life in prison for shooting a man to death. This was the worst decision he made in his short life, and it cost him his freedom. At that time, Maryland passed legislation that prevented “lifers” from receiving parole. He had nothing to look forward to, aside from his permanent stay in Patuxent and a youth program no one took seriously. However, everything changed once he saw Steve, an inmate who studied constantly and dreamed fiercely. With this man as his inspiration and a single chance to have his sentence reduced, Chris decided to turn his life around. He earned his GED, learned a few languages and made a master plan for his life.

This master plan was nothing more than a list of goals for his future and temptations to avoid in the present, but Chris’ dreams and determination kept him focused on success. He started by getting a high school diploma and working out almost every day, but later his plan expanded. He began setting goals that helped others move forward with their own lives. Every step brought him closer to both his freedom and his life’s purpose. He found his purpose in a depressed area of Baltimore, where he worked for a non-profit to make the neighborhood better and where he also created two businesses to help returning citizens. It took him 16 years to get there, but his struggle empowered him and others who needed a positive role model as an incentive to succeed.

In his memoir and public speeches, Chris embodies the idea that people are more than their weakest moment. He shares his story and uses his own sordid history to prove what people can do if they are given the chance. Chris’ struggles with his situation and the legal system show that what he has accomplished so far isn’t easy. He even explains how difficult it is to remain on the outside. This honest account of Chris’ story conveys both his own faults and those of the prison system. By accepting the blame for his actions and demonstrating his dedication to self-improvement, Chris’ story becomes both informative and inspirational.

If you would like to read something similar to this, you might try reading “The Sun Does Shine” by Anthony Ray Hinton, which discusses a man who spent time on death row for a crime he didn’t commit. The library has this and “The Master Plan” in print.