Unwritten: My Life Before Grace

Cory's story begins with his rebellious teenage years in Wichita, involving mischief, drug use, and defiance of authority. His mother sends him to live with his devout Christian uncle in Montana, hoping to straighten him out, but Cory quickly falls into bad habits again. He returns to Wichita, and his behavior escalates, leading to arrests and a 36-month sentence in juvenile prison. After his release at 18, Cory struggles to adjust to life outside prison, facing challenges with employment, probation, and continued involvement in illegal activities. He experiences periods of joblessness, further legal trouble, and more time in jail. During his incarcerations, he has encounters with people who share their faith, and eventually, he has a transformative religious experience that leads him to embrace Christianity. Upon his release from prison, Cory moves to Texas to live with his mother, working to establish a stable life. He secures a job in construction, buys a car, and begins to integrate into society. However, he continues to struggle with drug addiction, using methamphetamine and getting into more trouble. He loses his car, his living situation becomes unstable, and he continues to engage in criminal activity. The narrative details Cory's relationships with various people, including family, friends, and acquaintances he meets during his periods of incarceration and in his life outside. His encounters with those around him, both positive and negative, influence his actions and trajectory. The story underscores his ongoing internal struggles, relapses, and eventual efforts toward positive change.