Todd L. Cook is an incarcerated author from Nebraska.
His first two books are available now:
I grew up in Norfolk, Nebraska, and found myself in trouble with the law early on.
My inability to deal with adverse childhood experiences resulted in an overwhelming desire for acceptance and created a destructive path leading to a life without parole sentence by the age of 18.
It is my mission in life to do as much good as I have done bad, in an effort to reduce my debt; although it is one that I will never be able to repay.
Sharing my experiences through my books is in line with this mission. To help those coming behind me to see what not to do, so that they can spare themselves and the victims they would create.
I'm not perfect and I'm speaking from a place of complete failure, so maybe you question why you'd hear me out. The fact that I've failed so miserably as a child lets me see where I came from, what I went through, and where I want to be. In my extreme devastation, I'm hopeful that you will see a better path. If you do, I'm on my way to making meaning out of madness and I thank you for providing me with that opportunity.
“Better choices equals better results.”
Lessons Learned: From Playground to Penitentiary
What People Are Saying
“A heartfelt book about the author's inner growth and struggle to become respectable and genuine. The book is filled with life lessons that took some hard hits to learn.”
— Patricia Hendrie
“Inspiring book about the author’s search for social acceptance after being born with a cleft lip and palate, leading to involvement in criminal activities and eventually an accidental shooting. The lessons he’s learned and ways he’s developed during his years in incarceration since age 18, without the chance of parole, are both interesting for anyone intrigued by the US prison system and inspiring for those intent on self-development.”
— Ashleigh Jackson
"You helped me in more ways than you know and I hope one day that you get your commutation. I feel you deserve that and just because we make mistakes, we should be given a second chance, especially if we prove ourselves. You really got me wanting to be a better person and change the world and I thank you for that a whole lot. Everything happens for a reason and I came across your book for a reason."
— Tobias Smith
“When acceptance is your only motivation, you'll do outrageous things to get it - and keep it.”
Lessons Learned: From Playground to Penitentiary