Book Review: Dale Recinella’s Now I Walk on Death Row
Inspiring Memoir in the Tradition of Born Again
As a high-powered finance lawyer, Dale Recinella was living the American dream. With prestige, power, and unthinkable paychecks at his fingertips, his life was perfect…at least on paper. But on the heels of closing a huge deal for the Miami Dolphins, Dale’s life took an unfathomable turn. He heard–and heeded–Jesus’s call to sell everything he owned and follow him. Thus began a radical quest to live out the words of Jesus–no matter what the cost.
In this quick-paced, well-written story, Recinella shares his amazing journey from growing up in an ethnic neighborhood in Detroit to racing through “the good life” on Wall Street to finally walking the God’s path for him of ministry on death row.
When I first opened this book up I wondered if I could be captivated by a book categorized as a biography when I wasn’t familiar with the subject. Although I wasn’t sure where the beginning was going Dale Recinella paints a picture of a confusing childhood that led to rebellion. As each chapter progresses it’s evident God places key people in Dale’s life to make a huge change in his life. Dale’s brother gives him a hard look at life and faith and in time Dale is living for God.
As his relationship with God grows closer Dale questions His Word. Did God really say…becomes a litmus test for much of Dale’s life. That question takes him beyond high power lawyering to Florida ghettos filled with homeless and HIV patients. God wasn’t done, in fact just beginning to use Dale’s gift and talents for Him. In time Dale wasn’t just serving in prison ministry, he was ministering on death row.
I found this a fascinating testimony of a man that had everything the world could offer and found contentment in life most of us would turn our nose up. I also was intrigued that he remained a part of the Roman Catholic community even though priests and a bishop weren’t sure what to do with him. That was almost 20 years ago and I believe that has changed, but it makes Dale a pioneer. He saw himself simply as a Christian, not wanting to be labeled by denomination. He wanted to make a difference in the name of Christ to the least of these.
This book is worth your time. It was challenging, convicting and it will mess with your faith. Dale explains the call on his life isn’t going to be the call for everyone. But I believe by the end you will be asking God if you are using His gifts as He planned.
I know I did.
This book was provided to me by Chosen Books, a division of Baker Publishing, for an honest review.
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