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Sparrow in the Razor Wire: Finding Freedom from Within While Serving a Life Sentence
In 1999, Quan Huynh shot and killed another man in a gang-related incident in Hollywood, California. He received a prison sentence of fifteen years to life in a state that, at the time, did not parole prisoners with life sentences. Behind bars, Quan continued his downward spiral.
This could have been the end of the story for Quan, as it is for many prisoners. But somewhere along the way, he discovered a new path—one that prompted him to commit to self-reflection, truth, and personal responsibility.
Sparrow in the Razor Wire is Quan’s story of transformation inside a place many see as the end of the road. In his book, he shares the journey of redemption and discovery that led to his ultimate freedom. He found that, no matter the prison, the key to unlocking the door is in each one of us.
This could have been the end of the story for Quan, as it is for many prisoners. But somewhere along the way, he discovered a new path—one that prompted him to commit to self-reflection, truth, and personal responsibility.
Sparrow in the Razor Wire is Quan’s story of transformation inside a place many see as the end of the road. In his book, he shares the journey of redemption and discovery that led to his ultimate freedom. He found that, no matter the prison, the key to unlocking the door is in each one of us.
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
ebook
Published September 15, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 22, 2020
Nothing I have come across—except, perhaps, for The Autobiography of Malcolm X—even compares to Quan Huynh’s memoir.
Equal parts moving and disturbing, this feels more like a required reading for students (think Elie Wiesel’s Night or Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl) than just another memoir.
When I say that this book will go down in history as one of the greatest memoirs of all time, I feel that to be an understatement. I say that because it holds universal wisdom, and books these days rarely do.
Though I have never been to prison, I find myself writing down Quan’s advice to fellow inmates on taking full responsibility for their lives.
And like the character of Bobby, who struggles to accept that it was not because he saw a shadow that he murdered his partner, I and everyone else on this earth struggle to accept that our failures are 100% ours to own. And that only through that ownership will we ever see the full picture that life has to offer.
Truly awe-inspiring read that left me wanting more, that left me hopeful for the future, and that helped me connect to my own truth in many ways.
This is one of my all-time favorite memoirs.
Don’t just read this, absorb every single word of it. You'll be better off because of it.
Equal parts moving and disturbing, this feels more like a required reading for students (think Elie Wiesel’s Night or Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl) than just another memoir.
When I say that this book will go down in history as one of the greatest memoirs of all time, I feel that to be an understatement. I say that because it holds universal wisdom, and books these days rarely do.
Though I have never been to prison, I find myself writing down Quan’s advice to fellow inmates on taking full responsibility for their lives.
And like the character of Bobby, who struggles to accept that it was not because he saw a shadow that he murdered his partner, I and everyone else on this earth struggle to accept that our failures are 100% ours to own. And that only through that ownership will we ever see the full picture that life has to offer.
Truly awe-inspiring read that left me wanting more, that left me hopeful for the future, and that helped me connect to my own truth in many ways.
This is one of my all-time favorite memoirs.
Don’t just read this, absorb every single word of it. You'll be better off because of it.
January 24, 2021
I cried reading this book..... I cried several times while reading the second half of the book. I cried open hearted tears, the kind of tears that well up from deep within when healing happens, connections happen, and when bonds that have restricted a person's presence with their own inner goodness are broken as this goodness is witnessed and acknowledged by another. These kind of tears feel so sweet to cry. Although my tears were in response to Quan's telling of his life experiences, I was so engaged in the story that the healing and connections felt to me like my own experience.
I appreciate how honest Quan is in telling his story. The first half of the book details dark, dark periods of his life, including the murder he committed and for which he was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. In reading these dark details I felt simultaneously horrified and connected to him because without holding back or justifying, he clearly describes and acknowledges the violence he lived with and committed, while also managing to treat the person he was when those events occurred with some kindness. I believe Quan has honestly forgiven himself, and is now committing his life to serving others.
I also was inspired the way this book illustrated how very simple acts of kindness from one person to another can add up and lead a person from the darkness to light. This is powerful.
I highly recommend this memoir, this uplifting story of a young man's life. I liked it so much that I read it twice.
I appreciate how honest Quan is in telling his story. The first half of the book details dark, dark periods of his life, including the murder he committed and for which he was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. In reading these dark details I felt simultaneously horrified and connected to him because without holding back or justifying, he clearly describes and acknowledges the violence he lived with and committed, while also managing to treat the person he was when those events occurred with some kindness. I believe Quan has honestly forgiven himself, and is now committing his life to serving others.
I also was inspired the way this book illustrated how very simple acts of kindness from one person to another can add up and lead a person from the darkness to light. This is powerful.
I highly recommend this memoir, this uplifting story of a young man's life. I liked it so much that I read it twice.
November 7, 2023
Amazing Man, Amazing Book! Wow! We met and heard this amazing writer at the Annual Mystery Writer's of America party at the Tam O' Shanter this past weekend.
Quan's story will take your breath away. He has lived more experiences in his short life than most will live in ten lifetimes!
That he has come through it all with such dignity and grace and an understanding of life and the universe, is also amazing.
That he has dedicated the rest of his life to helping fellow inmates and others is truly inspirational.
He not only helps inmates, but helps them in ways that the regular citizen would not be able to do. And, he coaches them, teaches them to read and write if necessary, trusts them, employs them, and gives them a new lease on life.
What a great book, what a great man.
As a mystery writer, and fan of tough, street thrillers, I love these true-life stories--such as cop/writer David Putnam, who's Bruno Johnson character helps bad guys to become good, rescues kids (and cats!), so would highly recommend Quan's work--it hits home on so many levels--from street thug (and why), to spiritual awakening--just amazing.
Thank you so much for your work Quan! Will read everything you put out there!
Quan's story will take your breath away. He has lived more experiences in his short life than most will live in ten lifetimes!
That he has come through it all with such dignity and grace and an understanding of life and the universe, is also amazing.
That he has dedicated the rest of his life to helping fellow inmates and others is truly inspirational.
He not only helps inmates, but helps them in ways that the regular citizen would not be able to do. And, he coaches them, teaches them to read and write if necessary, trusts them, employs them, and gives them a new lease on life.
What a great book, what a great man.
As a mystery writer, and fan of tough, street thrillers, I love these true-life stories--such as cop/writer David Putnam, who's Bruno Johnson character helps bad guys to become good, rescues kids (and cats!), so would highly recommend Quan's work--it hits home on so many levels--from street thug (and why), to spiritual awakening--just amazing.
Thank you so much for your work Quan! Will read everything you put out there!
November 10, 2020
Finding true freedom requires us to go deep within. I never write book reviews but this book, which is only 5 hours long on audio, will set you free. Quan Huynh's book about his life in prison covers a myriad of topics from racism, criminal justice system, to taking ownership of your emotions and actions. I find that listening to Quan's story made me look at my own life. How can a person in prison have so much more freedom of the spirit than one who is out in the world? His writing is raw and I really could not put down the book. It is one of those books that I want to give everyone I know. Anyone who knows me knows that I love spiritual retreats. This book was a spiritual retreat for me because he made you go deeper into the seven miles depth of your soul. He did it by simply talking about his own journey.
December 30, 2020
Finding the right words to sum up the experience of reading Quan's story has been very difficult.
I feel like I've been given a gift.
There is so much going on in this book. In short, it is a powerful story of transformation and truth. Quan unceremoniously lays his life experience out there for all to see. I can't imagine how difficult it had to be to write this story. I'm so glad he did.
If you have ever made a judgment about any person or written a person off because they made a choice that ended in the harm of another, read this book.
This is a must-read story of the human condition. Pretty much the entire gamut of being human. The darkest and the finest parts of being a human.
If you are looking to see hope for our life here on earth, it's in this book.
I highly recommend it.
I feel like I've been given a gift.
There is so much going on in this book. In short, it is a powerful story of transformation and truth. Quan unceremoniously lays his life experience out there for all to see. I can't imagine how difficult it had to be to write this story. I'm so glad he did.
If you have ever made a judgment about any person or written a person off because they made a choice that ended in the harm of another, read this book.
This is a must-read story of the human condition. Pretty much the entire gamut of being human. The darkest and the finest parts of being a human.
If you are looking to see hope for our life here on earth, it's in this book.
I highly recommend it.
February 8, 2023
Nothing can prepare you for the complete honesty and openness of this memior. Quan Huynh's story was heartbreaking and inspiring all at once. His growth, his wisdom, and his humility are mind-blowing. It reminded me of a quote from Just Mercy. “Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.”
Everyone has the capacity for goodness and greatness, and I was so impressed that Huynh does not shy away from laying out his imperfections, his guilt, and his progress. It truly is the little decisions we make every day that define us.
Everyone has the capacity for goodness and greatness, and I was so impressed that Huynh does not shy away from laying out his imperfections, his guilt, and his progress. It truly is the little decisions we make every day that define us.
February 28, 2024
I met the author, Quan Huynh, through a philanthropy contact and after my first meeting with him I was already inspired by what little I knew about him. I bought Sparrow in the Razor Wire on Audible, narrated by Quan, which gave the book such personalization. I could not stop listening and finished the book in just a few sittings. What an honest and inspiring story! Thank you for your bravery in sharing your story, and most importantly for reminding us that everyone deserves a second chance and that people can change.
October 13, 2020
I could barely put it down. If that was all I said, it would be enough.
Quan tells a powerful story full of raw pain and anger. While serving his life sentence he takes the time to examine the root cause of that anger and offers of some insightful revelations that apply to everyone.
While this is most definitely a memoir, you will find yourself examining many aspects of your own life and will set the book down with some new perspectives.
Quan tells a powerful story full of raw pain and anger. While serving his life sentence he takes the time to examine the root cause of that anger and offers of some insightful revelations that apply to everyone.
While this is most definitely a memoir, you will find yourself examining many aspects of your own life and will set the book down with some new perspectives.
February 7, 2021
Riveting account of gang violence, prison and redemption
The story unfolds rapidly and vividly, a cinematic rendering.
Once he is convicted the violence and sense of threat is woven expertly into every page. It’s the details, sounds, the cold feeling of a-table on his elbows. The squishy sound a man’s head makes when an inmates jumps down from a bunkbed to stomp on him. Tough, gritty, real and hopeful. A testament to man’s ability to transform.
The story unfolds rapidly and vividly, a cinematic rendering.
Once he is convicted the violence and sense of threat is woven expertly into every page. It’s the details, sounds, the cold feeling of a-table on his elbows. The squishy sound a man’s head makes when an inmates jumps down from a bunkbed to stomp on him. Tough, gritty, real and hopeful. A testament to man’s ability to transform.
May 16, 2021
Quan's book takes the reader through his journey within a place that has its own set of rules and standards like no other place on God's green earth. While he struggles to uphold and enforce the traditions of his new environment, he also finds hope in the things that are also outside of that realm for he realizes that it takes real transmation to have any chance of finding freedom.
I would recommend this as reading for any book club, and to any individual who has an open mind.
Ty Lindqvist
I would recommend this as reading for any book club, and to any individual who has an open mind.
Ty Lindqvist
September 22, 2021
What a beautifully written book. Quan takes you through his journey from immigrating from Vietnam to being sentenced to life in prison in California, then ultimately released and working with other incarcerated and system impacted people to help them achieve their inner freedom. Highly recommended for anyone whether you have been touched by the criminal justice system or not. A must read, especially for young men who are looking for their path in life.
February 19, 2022
Incredible book. As a public defender for 3 decades I especially appreciated the integrity and depth of his self exploration and transformation. His internal growth process would serve all of us but in the outside world there is less motivation to put in the hard work. Brings to life how much of our actions are due to circumstance beyond our control and that there is always room for growth and redemption. Also the insight into prison life was very interesting and informative.
July 20, 2021
Quan Hyunh learned to take an honest look at the worst thing he has ever done, come to terms with his accountability, and discover a way to move forward with dignity and honor to build a meaningful life. The lessons in this book are relevant to everyone, whether you have direct, indirect, or no experience with crime, punishment, and the dysfunctional correctional system in America.
August 4, 2021
The usual memoir problems, they are always so self congratulatory. Inspiring story but the ending somewhat ruined it. He goes on and on about his morality, being true to himself, letting go of his ego blah, blah, blah. , all so that he can fly home and prove everyone else wrong. I guess he "won".
August 15, 2021
Prisons need to be abolished and rehabilitation centers replace them. Quan and his book are living proof that helping people become their best is much more productive than throwing them in prison, dehumanizing them and then throwing them back into society. Quan is an excellent writer and storyteller. I hope his thinking and actions lead us into a new era of justice
January 16, 2022
This book is incredible from a mindfulness and cultural perspective. I docked a star simply because the assumption that the justice system works as intended (give accountability and get paroled) isn't true at large. Still, it has me thinking deep and I really enjoyed experiencing secondhand Huynh's mindset shift over the years. What a moving story to be told.
October 6, 2020
We are all fallen, we all have things we need forgiven. Quan’s journey makes me reflect on the ways I’ve seen myself as superior to others. There’s so many of us who rationalize our lives instead of taking responsibility for our actions.
April 4, 2022
Great book. I don't know how people don't find this kind of redemption journey really engaging.
When he thinks he's gonna get out, has earned it, and then doesn't - and later realizes maybe he didn't deserve it. That sticks with me.
Fact that it's all a true story just drives it home for me.
When he thinks he's gonna get out, has earned it, and then doesn't - and later realizes maybe he didn't deserve it. That sticks with me.
Fact that it's all a true story just drives it home for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2022
Fantastic memoir of personal growth combined with practical advice for people facing a parole suitability hearing. I plan to donate multiple copies to the prison libraries in my state once the administrator at the state penitentiary previews the copy I sent him for appropriateness.
November 27, 2022
One of the best books I read this year. This book is well done, not for the quality of its writing but for the humility, self-reflection, and transparency of its story. A good example of self reflection and inner growth.
October 27, 2020
This is an incredible book. Highly recommend. This book will help you believe in hope, goodness, transformation, and the power of community.
January 3, 2023
This book really helped frame my perspective of redemption in society
April 4, 2021
Riveting story with raw emotion, transparency, and spiritual growth. A must read for anyone, really
April 23, 2022
Who would think a true story of a gang member in prison for 2nd degree murder would be uplifting? I was shocked how much I learned from this man.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews