William L Stephens

Tall Walls and High Fences is the first comprehensive history of Texas prisons, written by a former law enforcement officer and an officer of the Texas prisons. Bob Alexander and Richard K. Alford chronicle the significant events and transformation of the Texas prison system from its earliest times to the present day, paying special attention to the human side of the story. Within these pages are stories of prison breaks, bloodhounds chasing escapees, and gunfights. Inside the walls are deadly confrontations, human trafficking, rape, clandestine consensual trysts, and tricks turned against correctional officers.Famous people and episodes in Texas prison history receive their due, from Texas Rangers apprehending and placing outlaws in prison to the 1974 prison siege at Huntsville. Throughout this long history Alexander and Alford pay special tribute to the more than 75 correctional officers, lawmen, and civilians who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The author is a survivor of depression, and he wants to share his story with you. He faced the darkness of evil and found the light of hope. He was unwilling to become another ruined life caused by this horrible disease. The thought of taking his own life came into his mind at a low moment in time, and it scared the hell out of him. He decided in that instant not to become another statistic of suicide. He would fight back with all he had, depending on the Lord for the strength needed to succeed. He promised God if He would help him defeat this disease, that he would share with anyone who cared to listen. How he did it This book is the story of a normal guy, with a great life, who came down with this horrible disease. Choosing to be a winner, he started learning as much as he could about the disease and those who suffer from it. Sadly, he learned that many who suffer from depression, are unable or unwilling to even recognize they have this disease. You see there is a stigma/embarrassment that is often associated with it, that many cannot shake. Consequently, many are unwilling/afraid to share with, and ask help from, friends, family and co-workers. They often decide to suffer alone. This author decided to be totally different, to become a winner. He told everyone who would listen that he had depression and planned to defeat it. He decided to share his story no matter how long it took or how many obstacles he faced. He made an effort ten years ago that failed, possibly because he was more interested in financial success than improving people's lives. Today is different His measure of success now, is to help as many people as possible. We, and our great country are in troubling times, where more people are facing endless anxiety, fears, panic and problems without solutions, than ever before in America's history. The author is confident that a reader will find Through Valleys to Victory: Defeating Depression, Overcoming Spiritual Oppression, and Finding God's Peace in Troubling Times, is a book far different from any others written on this subject. William Stephens