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Street God: The Explosive True Story of a Former Drug Boss on the Run from the Hood--and the Courageous Mission That Drove Him Back
His street name was Daylight. But he was a nightmare.
On the streets of New York, darkness and violence reigned. Dimas “Daylight” Salaberrios began selling drugs when he was eleven years old, and by sixteen, he had served his first stint at the notorious Rikers Island prison. Dimas saw only one way to survive: by reigning over the streets. He would be the richest, most powerful ruler in the hood . . . or die trying.
Street God is the true story of one man’s dangerous journey through the underworld of crime, drugs, and almost certain death. It was an encounter with the real God that saved his life — and then made it even more dangerous. Because that God sent Dimas back down the darkest streets he’d ever known — with other lives depending on it. And Dimas had to ask the question: How far am I prepared to go?
A dramatic, compelling memoir full of twists and turns, Street God delves deep into a world from which few ever emerge — and shows how a single spark of light can illuminate even the darkest existence.
On the streets of New York, darkness and violence reigned. Dimas “Daylight” Salaberrios began selling drugs when he was eleven years old, and by sixteen, he had served his first stint at the notorious Rikers Island prison. Dimas saw only one way to survive: by reigning over the streets. He would be the richest, most powerful ruler in the hood . . . or die trying.
Street God is the true story of one man’s dangerous journey through the underworld of crime, drugs, and almost certain death. It was an encounter with the real God that saved his life — and then made it even more dangerous. Because that God sent Dimas back down the darkest streets he’d ever known — with other lives depending on it. And Dimas had to ask the question: How far am I prepared to go?
A dramatic, compelling memoir full of twists and turns, Street God delves deep into a world from which few ever emerge — and shows how a single spark of light can illuminate even the darkest existence.
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First published August 20, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
November 2, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was painful to read, the entire time, I only thought, where the heck are this kid’s parents? The book is real, and scary, and heartbreaking to read as a parent of two young children. I could only think about his mother, the hopes and dreams she had for him as a baby, a toddler, a child in kindergarten.
This book shows how insidious and terrifying the street life is. However, this book also shows you that no matter where you are in life, no matter how dark the road you walk, God will always have a reason. God always watches over you no matter where you are. God always has a plan, and He will always use whatever circumstances you find yourself in, to the greaster good, if only you let God into your life.
Once the book got to the part of Dima’s redemption and turning to God, it seemed to slow down and almost bog down in the details. Overall, though, it was a fascinating book to read, and allow me to glimpse into the darker aspects of street life I don’t see.
This book was painful to read, the entire time, I only thought, where the heck are this kid’s parents? The book is real, and scary, and heartbreaking to read as a parent of two young children. I could only think about his mother, the hopes and dreams she had for him as a baby, a toddler, a child in kindergarten.
This book shows how insidious and terrifying the street life is. However, this book also shows you that no matter where you are in life, no matter how dark the road you walk, God will always have a reason. God always watches over you no matter where you are. God always has a plan, and He will always use whatever circumstances you find yourself in, to the greaster good, if only you let God into your life.
Once the book got to the part of Dima’s redemption and turning to God, it seemed to slow down and almost bog down in the details. Overall, though, it was a fascinating book to read, and allow me to glimpse into the darker aspects of street life I don’t see.
August 24, 2015
This is the explanation of the book, “The Explosive True Story of a Former Drug Boss on the Run from the Hood--and the Courageous Mission That Drove Him Back.” It is as interesting and exciting as it sounds. Anything that is about a person’s life that is the true retelling of it is very appealing to me.
You will read how Dimas-Daylight gets started into the drug world. It isn’t how you would think. Dimas was raised in a good home, not in the hood, but he wanted power and money. Dimas thinks the quickest way to do that is sell drugs. He knows to be a good drug dealer you have to stay clean and just sell them, no using.
To me it’s amazing how God kept him from so much evil and saved his life numerous times. How God intervened on many occasions. God had/has special plans for Dimas.
Really weird and strange things happened to Dimas before he knew he had to get away from the drugs and that world, before he was killed or worse.
His life as a Christian is amazing. How he has compassion for all people, from all walks of life. How God protected him with miracles and many other things that happened in his life.
Street God isn’t a sad or morose kind of book. It is full of light, life, forgiveness and love. God doesn’t give up on us easily. He wants all to be saved and forgiven. An excellent book. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
You will read how Dimas-Daylight gets started into the drug world. It isn’t how you would think. Dimas was raised in a good home, not in the hood, but he wanted power and money. Dimas thinks the quickest way to do that is sell drugs. He knows to be a good drug dealer you have to stay clean and just sell them, no using.
To me it’s amazing how God kept him from so much evil and saved his life numerous times. How God intervened on many occasions. God had/has special plans for Dimas.
Really weird and strange things happened to Dimas before he knew he had to get away from the drugs and that world, before he was killed or worse.
His life as a Christian is amazing. How he has compassion for all people, from all walks of life. How God protected him with miracles and many other things that happened in his life.
Street God isn’t a sad or morose kind of book. It is full of light, life, forgiveness and love. God doesn’t give up on us easily. He wants all to be saved and forgiven. An excellent book. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
December 20, 2021
A powerful story of sin's hold, God's relentless pursuit, His redemption, and one man's big faith in God! Definitely would recommend!
December 14, 2021
This is one of those books which you read and can't put down. It goes on and on and you are really loving it. I only kept it down to go see my girlfriend, pray, and rest. Amazing testimony from a fellow brother in CHRIST.
Reminds me that no one is too far gone as long as they are alive. JESUS CHRIST SAVES!!
Reminds me that no one is too far gone as long as they are alive. JESUS CHRIST SAVES!!
October 21, 2015
"The book truly is about a street God. What I love about the book was the reality in which in which he lived his life. I am familiar with lifestyle and have lived some of it. I come from the same place that Daylight came from. Daylight is an amazing guy and connected to him a lot. He has overcome so many trials in his life. He is a perfect example how God allows you to go through the bad choices in life but can bring you out of them. God is perfectly had a purpose for him. I was amazed that while the book was all about drugs, murder, gang life, deception and law breaking, the language was clean. The only thing I would change about this book is the lack of attention his daughter received in the book. I'm not sure why. I would have liked to have seen more of that relationship. Even still, this is the kind of book I love to read. I am happy that he shared his story. It is very uplifting." MD
Thanks for the guest review MD!
Christian Fiction Addict
Disclaimer: This book was provided complimentary by the Tyndale. The opinion of this book is my own and I was not paid or compensated for my review.
Thanks for the guest review MD!
Christian Fiction Addict
Disclaimer: This book was provided complimentary by the Tyndale. The opinion of this book is my own and I was not paid or compensated for my review.
December 2, 2015
I wanted to love Street God. But I just didn’t.
It sounded like such a powerful, intriguing story, but in the end, I had to drag myself through it to finish reading. I don’t doubt Dimas Salaberrios and the sincerity of his testimony — obviously, God has done a mighty work in his life, and it’s always an encouragement to read about such a powerful redemption story. However, even as a Christian myself, some of the “miraculous” parts of his story made me skeptical, to say nothing of his actual conversion, which he describes as three women casting a demon out of him. Don’t get me wrong, I believe God can and does do miraculous things even today, but this suspended even my disbelief.
From a strictly literary perspective, the book rambled on in confusion, dropping dozens of names of characters who you never really “knew” in any detail, and crossing over timelines so many times it got exhausting and nearly impossible to follow. I have no doubt that Dimas might be a powerful preacher, but his writing is almost painful.
I’m so easily pleased when it comes to books that I rarely find myself giving a negative review, but in this case, I don’t have a lot of accolades to give.
It sounded like such a powerful, intriguing story, but in the end, I had to drag myself through it to finish reading. I don’t doubt Dimas Salaberrios and the sincerity of his testimony — obviously, God has done a mighty work in his life, and it’s always an encouragement to read about such a powerful redemption story. However, even as a Christian myself, some of the “miraculous” parts of his story made me skeptical, to say nothing of his actual conversion, which he describes as three women casting a demon out of him. Don’t get me wrong, I believe God can and does do miraculous things even today, but this suspended even my disbelief.
From a strictly literary perspective, the book rambled on in confusion, dropping dozens of names of characters who you never really “knew” in any detail, and crossing over timelines so many times it got exhausting and nearly impossible to follow. I have no doubt that Dimas might be a powerful preacher, but his writing is almost painful.
I’m so easily pleased when it comes to books that I rarely find myself giving a negative review, but in this case, I don’t have a lot of accolades to give.
March 17, 2025
Most captivating story I ever read!
October 18, 2022
4.5 Stars. I Enjoyed the redemptive story of Dimas. I was a bit put off in the beginning as, to me, he seemed to glorifying the drug life. I hesitate even saying that, because it is his testimony. The book was much more enjoyable and truly moving, after his salvation.
August 31, 2015
This is an amazing story of God's grace and mercy. Salaberrios went from being a drug lord to being a preacher to the very culture he used to be a part of. His experience in the drug culture was very informative. I had no idea how kids get sucked into it. He explained the lure of flashy toys they can have right away. It is amazing he made it out alive as death was a common occurrence. This is a great book for parents and teens to read to see what life is like for the inner city kids and what God can do.
You can read my complete review at http://bit.ly/1JqYc7x.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
You can read my complete review at http://bit.ly/1JqYc7x.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
May 14, 2019
Are you there, God? It's me, Bart Simpson. I know I never paid too much attention at church, but I could really use some of that good stuff now. I'm... afraid. I'm afraid some weirdo's got my soul and I don't know what they're doing to it! I just want it back. Please? Oh, I hope you can hear this.
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August 23, 2015Crazy story of redemption.
November 12, 2022
WOW. Just wow.
February 28, 2025
The memoir of a former drug lord in NYC who became a Christian and currently pastors a church. The book was gripping and helped me understand the downward spiral that grips young people who grow up surrounded by broken homes, drug culture, gangs, and the pursuit of happiness in things that can't satisfy.
When the author hit rock bottom, he nearly lost his life to strange drugs and demonic oppression. The only thing that saved him was Jesus.
From the beginning, he was hungry for Jesus and zealous for following Him, though he had no idea what that looked like for a while. God led him away from living with his girlfriend, dealing drugs, cultish influences, etc., and strengthened his faith through prayer, fasting, miraculous close calls, street preaching, and even prison ministry while he served his sentence.
I am conflicted about reviewing this book, which is why I gave it three stars. On the one hand, the author presents a rough story to tell, and I'm encouraged by what God is doing in his life. But the author remains vague on what he believes and keeps spiritual beliefs generally focused on what he did for Jesus, rather than any spiritual wrestling or growth in understanding God's word. It's hard to know where the author stands doctrinally since he seems to be primarily focused on what he accomplished and never actually gave a clear gospel message.
It's not about what the story has (a testimony of God changing a sinner), but what the story didn't have (the grace of Jesus Christ overwhelming his story).
When the author hit rock bottom, he nearly lost his life to strange drugs and demonic oppression. The only thing that saved him was Jesus.
From the beginning, he was hungry for Jesus and zealous for following Him, though he had no idea what that looked like for a while. God led him away from living with his girlfriend, dealing drugs, cultish influences, etc., and strengthened his faith through prayer, fasting, miraculous close calls, street preaching, and even prison ministry while he served his sentence.
I am conflicted about reviewing this book, which is why I gave it three stars. On the one hand, the author presents a rough story to tell, and I'm encouraged by what God is doing in his life. But the author remains vague on what he believes and keeps spiritual beliefs generally focused on what he did for Jesus, rather than any spiritual wrestling or growth in understanding God's word. It's hard to know where the author stands doctrinally since he seems to be primarily focused on what he accomplished and never actually gave a clear gospel message.
It's not about what the story has (a testimony of God changing a sinner), but what the story didn't have (the grace of Jesus Christ overwhelming his story).
April 12, 2024
The title of this one is not an exaggeration - explosive and courageous are perfect adjectives to describe Salaberrios' harrowing experiences as an upcoming drug dealer in the neighborhoods of New York. His story definitely opened my eyes and expanded my understanding of the drug dealing culture, the inevitable dangers and the realistic consequences once caught. It was interesting that Salaberrios came from a middle class household, with educated and well employed parents. He defied the stereotypes of selling drugs to survive, of not having family who cared about him or of not having any other options. His incarcerations at Rikers Island were eye-opening; I had no idea that general population inmates were housed in large rooms together with 50 beds side by side.
Salaberrios' story is overflowing with redemption, repentance and salvation - he experienced incredible miracles once he accepted Jesus Christ into his life and became such a powerful force for good. His continuous work among the gang neighborhoods in which he grew up is extremely admirable; he offers hope to young men and women who are lost and deceived like he once was and provides for them an opportunity to escape the drug & prostitution culture and choose a better way.
Salaberrios' story is overflowing with redemption, repentance and salvation - he experienced incredible miracles once he accepted Jesus Christ into his life and became such a powerful force for good. His continuous work among the gang neighborhoods in which he grew up is extremely admirable; he offers hope to young men and women who are lost and deceived like he once was and provides for them an opportunity to escape the drug & prostitution culture and choose a better way.
April 1, 2023
What a challenging and uplifting true story of a drug dealer, crack addict and ultimately doomed lost soul. Christ met him where he was and he was changed completely. It is refreshing to read the life story of someone who knows the Lord and so even if his former life was a wretched mess, the cursing and tales of debauchery are excluded.
Anyone who is struggling in his faith or worse, does not even know the Lord, the account by Pastor Salaberrios will compel you to draw closer to the only One who can truly help and change you.
Anyone who is struggling in his faith or worse, does not even know the Lord, the account by Pastor Salaberrios will compel you to draw closer to the only One who can truly help and change you.
September 7, 2023
It was a pretty good read. There was some repetitiveness but outside of that it was well written and towards the end made you think. It shows just what God can do in someone's life and the reason God is not only Alive but needed as well. I love the fact that Dimas didn't let his last stop him but allowed his past to help him in his new found life. Praise God for using a street soldier for a warrior in Christ! In my life as a Christian, those who once were not of faith but have gained it, seemed to be the most inspiring and most powerful in their faith!
April 10, 2021
Fascinating how much life experience the author has lived and how God has protected, led, and guided him through all of it. Good storytelling. A little long, and more information about drug dealing than I may have wanted to know, but worth reading and learning about all his experiences in coming to understand his life goal of becoming a Street God is nothing compared to living and sharing God on the streets.
February 10, 2022
His name was Daylight and he dreamed of being a street god…His story is like a modern Nicky Cruz type of story. I recommend the book to any one who loves to hear testimonies of how Jesus intervenes even when things are hopeless. Read it if you believe in miracles and read the story to get a better insight about the world of hopelessness and drugs and how God can use anyone and any circumstance for His glory.
May 18, 2017
Wow. One of the most incredible testimonies of salvation I've ever read. The first half of it can be a bit hard to follow with so many names and places that I'm unfamiliar with BUT WOW... when three brave elderly ladies pray for his deliverance, everything changes. Amazing must-read. To God be the glory!
January 12, 2018
amazing read. what God did for this young man is amazing!!! i wish he would touch my like in a similiar way. i would love to meet Dimas.
i will warn that the beginning of this book did start to wear thin because he goes deeply into the drug trade, how he sold it and used it. once he was done talking about the drugs it got much better.
he was loaded with sin. welcome to being human
i will warn that the beginning of this book did start to wear thin because he goes deeply into the drug trade, how he sold it and used it. once he was done talking about the drugs it got much better.
he was loaded with sin. welcome to being human
May 8, 2019
This is not a riveting, waiting-for-the-climax kind of book, but it is honest and full of hope. Dimas overcame a life of power, money and drugs because others were willing to petition God for him. Through this true story, anyone who feels hopeless and like they’ve done too many bad things for God to accept them, can see that God uses imperfect people to reach imperfect people all the time!
February 20, 2020
Unique story. Listened to the audio book. Half the book shares extended details about the authors life as a drug dealer. The other half shares his amazing transformation and growth in the Lord and as a pastor. At times it’s disjointed. But hearing how prayer impacts Dimas life and ministry is so encouraging.
October 9, 2019
Amazing story about a thug who turned his life around for Gods purpose. He kind of jumps around a little when hes talking about different events but his strong suit isnt storytelling, its ministry and helping others come to Christ. I recommend to everyone to read
July 21, 2020
This book has brought me to tears,made me laugh and made me scream hallelujah in your face devil!
Christian- read this to get out of your bubble
Non-Christian- read for an amazing book and one mans personal journey to Jesus!
Christian- read this to get out of your bubble
Non-Christian- read for an amazing book and one mans personal journey to Jesus!
September 9, 2020
GET READY,because this book will seriously challenge your faith !!!
This book has been a game changer for me as it has refreshed my faith. God can use you regardless of your past. I will be forever grateful with Dimas for sharing his life story !
This book has been a game changer for me as it has refreshed my faith. God can use you regardless of your past. I will be forever grateful with Dimas for sharing his life story !
October 2, 2020
THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ. IF SOMEONE DOUBTS GOD, MAYBE THIS WILL MAKE THEM WANT TO GIVE HIM A CHANCE TO SEE IF HE IS FOR REAL. AMAZING TRUE STORY OF GOD'S POWER, UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, PROVISION AND HOW HE NEVER GIVES UP ON US. SO INSPIRING!
March 29, 2021
Really enjoyed reading this! Crazy life of almost dying, almost killing others, striving to be a "street god," and then he gets saved and wants to serve the God who made the streets. A book that will keep your attention!
July 18, 2021
Life on the streets is something I know nothing about. Reading this book gave me a bird’s eye view, giving me compassion and a heart to pray. It is evident of this man’s discernment; God’s hand is on his life!
May 30, 2022
Powerful story of Jesus' ability to change and use a life of one who follows Him. Dimas lived and is living a life that I can't honestly comprehend. But truth is often crazier than fiction can ever be.
August 25, 2017
This was a good read, the spiritual connection Dimas is to be praised, good luck on the remainder of you journey in Christ.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews