Letters to My Son in Prison

How a Father and Son Found Forgiveness for an Unforgivable Crime

By: Ken Guidroz

Narrated by: Ken Guidroz

Ken raised his three sons in a squeaky-clean suburb of Los Angeles. He envisioned fatherhood as coaching their sports teams, taking them to church (where he was the pastor), and visiting colleges one day. Instead, he got an education on the street names of opioids, fluency in rehab vernacular, and an insider’s view of the California prison system, when his middle son, Lucas, accidentally killed a man with his car while high on heroin.

Ken was tormented by doubt. What did I do wrong as a dad? Will my son ever be okay? Will my marriage survive this trauma?

Estranged from his son, Ken strived to rebuild their relationship. Face-to-face visits made them feel like they were in a fishbowl, and phone calls were interrupted with inmates screaming. Letter writing turned out to be the best way to connect. Writing the letters proved cathartic for Ken. And they were clarifying for Lucas, as he made sense of losing his way, ultimately writing a heart-wrenching apology to the widow of his victim.

The written word became the perfect medium for a father to reconnect with his son—and himself.

Ken is most revealing, however, about the impact all this had on his faith. To go from the podium to the back pew and then out the back door disoriented him. How could he redefine his faith outside the four walls of religion?

With a distinct voice and disarming honesty, Letters to My Son in Prison offers a candid snapshot of fatherhood, a refreshing take on marriage, and a creative vision of faith.

©2023 Ken Guidroz (P)2023 Ken Guidroz

Thought provoking!

This book was incredibly thought provoking for me. As a parent, in my faith, but mainly how I live and appreciate my own family and interact with them daily. I really enjoyed the emotions that came through wit Ken reading it.

Ken should stand.....

Honestly, this story was very touching and I was very involved in the drama of his life experience. Too many folks are having to deal with the outcome of drugs in the family. I was so involved with this mans story until the last half hour or so. He asks his son to consider creation and science and then proceeds to give a man made explanation of how it all begins. I was so dissapointed. This man was a minister yet he doesnt stand on the word of God as it is written in Genisis. If you cant believe part of Gods word you cannot possibly have a firm foundation for all of it. Science and creation does meld if you do your research. I do recommend this story after saying all that and it is written very well.

Surreal

Thank you!
This was a great read and very helpful to my own situation. Thanks

Written from the heart

Ken Guidroz bares his soul with total honesty. He draws you into his personal tragedy speaking to you directly. From his seemingly lonely place he articulates the agony of suffering. His candid words can offer catharsis to others who are locked into their own loneliness and doubt. Listen to the book read by the author, his voice will resonate in your soul long after you have finished the book.

Incredible!!!

Emotional true life story. Pulled on my heart strings in every way. The heart and soul of a father’s love and faith.

Amazing book!

The realness of this book makes it a must read. This is one man’s journey of the challenges of fatherhood, faith, family and the taboo subject of the toll addiction can have on our own families and, unfortunately, on others. The depth of emotion is felt in every word and the different stories and letters within picked at my own scars about family, faith and addiction. Truly a must read.

So insightful on several platforms

Such a beautiful story of family, faith and trials. I was touched by the honesty.

Captured with the Intro

I really like the writing style.It's not just for parents with kids in prison.

Couldn’t Stop Listening!!

Such a great book! There were times where I felt every emotion as if I was part of what was going on. As an avid reader/audio book listener, it’s hard for me to get hooked to books easily but this book had me listening without wanting to stop. Highly recommend the book- 10/10.

You will not want to put it down.

Fantastic Book? Well written in a very enjoyable style. It keeps you hooked. Emotional story of a father and son. You can feel the emotion. Ken did a great job in narrating the book. Highly recommended.