The Master Plan

My Journey From Life in Prison to a Life of Purpose

By: Chris Wilson, Bret Witter, Wes Moore - foreword

Narrated by: Chris Wilson, Wes Moore

The inspiring, instructive, and ultimately triumphant memoir of a man who used hard work and a Master Plan to turn a life sentence into a second chance.

Growing up in a tough Washington, D.C., neighborhood, Chris Wilson was so afraid for his life he wouldn't leave the house without a gun. One night, defending himself, he killed a man. At 18, he was sentenced to life in prison with no hope of parole.

But what should have been the end of his story became the beginning. Deciding to make something of his life, Chris embarked on a journey of self-improvement - reading, working out, learning languages, even starting a business. He wrote his Master Plan: a list of all he expected to accomplish or acquire. He worked his plan every day for years, and in his mid-30s he did the impossible: he convinced a judge to reduce his sentence and became a free man. Today Chris is a successful social entrepreneur who employs returning citizens; a mentor; and a public speaker. He is the embodiment of second chances, and this is his unforgettable story.

©2019 Chris Wilson (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Inspiring without being preachy, Wilson’s manifesto will greatly appeal to today’s youth." (Publishers Weekly)

“Uplifting... Wilson candidly shares the eye-opening details of his time in prison with a prose style that moves with directness and refreshingly unfettered honesty... A smoothly written memoir steeped in positive reinforcement and hope for the future.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“Truly inspiring... Wilson engagingly tells his riveting story while also exposing corrupt justice practices... Highly recommended [for] anyone who loves an uplifting life story.” (Booklist)

Bubble burster

If you want to get out of your bubble, and do your part to correct our system, read this book

It gives hope for tomorrow

This reading would do well for everyone at every stage of life, in any situation

Inspirational and Real

A story that reflects what can be done When you have focus. Something everyone can learn from.

Inspiring

Couldn't stop listening. Chris Wilson is an inspiration and a wonderful author and narrator. As soon as I finished the book, I sat down and wrote my own Master Plan!

Wow

This book took me through so many different emotions. Its very moving, raw yet equally motivating. The performance was done well making it an easy listen. Hard to listen to this book and not take action.

An Inspiration

Truly inspiring listen. Was moved by all the individual stories and their tie-ins.
Great work.

Extraordinary

Chris Wilson’s story will absolutely inspire you and frustrate you. You’ll feel nothing but love and respect for Chris. Your frustrations will be aimed squarely at the systems we’ve built to deny generations their full potential. If you’re as devoted to life long learning as Chris is, dig in to this extraordinary memoir and call to action.

Very Raw and Emotional

A honest reflection on trauma, redemption, hard work and the hard reality of a failed system.

Amazing

This book helped a rural middle aged white woman understand the oppressed, you’re amazing Chris!

Everyone should read this book - absolutely everyone

This is the first mind altering book I’ve read in a really long time. I can’t think of anyone who should not read this book. We desperately need our politicians and law makers to read this to begin the process of changing an incredibly broken system. We need anyone involved in the prison system to read this to gain perspective on their impact on people and to maybe remember the inmate are in fact people and that the prison system was created to in fact rehabilitate. We need our youth to read this before they make decisions they cannot take back. And everyone else needs to read it to gain perspective and a desire for change for a population most of us easily dismiss. This book is important and Chris deserves a medal. Thank you for believing in yourself when no one else did.