The Wound Is Where the Light Enters
The Wound Is Where the Light Enters is Chris Young's powerful meditation on choice, consequence, and human potential—the story of a man who accepted responsibility for his past, refused to surrender his future, and chose who he would become.
AVAILABLE AUGUST 4, 2026
His story opened my eyes even more to how unjust our system can be and how powerful redemption truly is. The world needs to hear Chris' voice.
Kim Kardashian
Chris' presence in my courtroom transformed my life. I am so grateful that, with the gift of this book, he now has a chance to transform yours.
Kevin Sharp
former U.S. District Court Judge; Partner, Sanford Heisler Sharp McK
Chris Young's incredible story will change lives - and has the potential to change laws too... This is an urgent and necessary book in a distinct new voice.
Van Jones
CNN Political Commentator & Criminal Justice Reform Advocate
Chris Young is a consultant, author, and public speaker. Sentenced to life in prison under outdated federal drug laws, Chris spent more than a decade incarcerated.
In 2021, he was granted executive clemency. Since his release, Chris has earned a degree in economics and public policy from Southern Methodist University and founded Coherence Consulting.
No matter what anybody said, I had to speak. I had to fight back. If they were going to take my life, I wanted to prove they could never take my will.
Chris Young
AS FEATURED IN
DALLAS MORNING NEWS
SMU Graduate Handed Life Sentence Now Faces Life With Degree
Dallas Morning News follows Chris from his apartment mirror to the SMU stage — reuniting him with the very judge who once had to sentence him, now standing by his side in celebration.
CBS NEWS TEXAS
Chris Young's Story of Redemption and Resilience
CBS Texas calls Chris's journey to commencement
"a college course in resilience" — chronicling hardship, clemency, and a hard-won new chapter defined by purpose, discipline, and the power of choice.
FOX 4 DALLAS-FORT WORTH
SMU Grad Shares Redemption Story After Double Life Sentence
Fox 4 shares how advocacy from a Dallas attorney, a resigning federal judge, public support, and years of quiet persistence helped free Chris from two life sentences — and led him, against every odd, to graduation day.
NBC DFW
The Judge Who Sentenced Him Became His Unlikely Supporter
CNN traces how Dallas attorney Brittany Barnett spent years fighting for Chris's freedom, while he spent his days in prison studying law, teaching himself to code, and helping other inmates with their cases.
%202.png)