Description
From Surviving to Living is Holly Bot’s honest testimony of a life unraveled and a soul restored. From her first day behind bars to the long years of struggle and growth that followed, she traces the path of broken choices, deep regret, and the surprising mercy of God that met her in the hardest places.
Part prison memoir, part spiritual journey, this book wrestles with shame, identity, and the slow work of grace that turns mere survival into real life. Holly does not minimize her failures or the harm they caused, but she bears witness to the God who redeems even what seems beyond repair.
For Incarcerated Individuals
This memoir speaks directly to inmate needs by honestly depicting the emotional, spiritual, and practical challenges of incarceration. Through transparent storytelling about isolation, mental health struggles, broken family ties, and navigating prison routines, it gives readers validation, hope, and a model of resilience and spiritual growth. The book offers practical insight into intake, segregation, mental health treatment, and maintaining relationships while inside. Its message of faith, healing, and personal transformation encourages inmates to pursue growth, participate in programs, and believe that change is possible.
For Facilities
The memoir is a valuable staff resource, offering a clearer understanding of inmate behavior, mental health, and the impact of structure, community, and compassion. It supports rehabilitative efforts by encouraging positive behavior, reducing hopelessness, and helping inmates engage more meaningfully in counseling, faith-based programs, and peer support. Its themes contribute to safer environments, stronger communication, and greater readiness for reentry.
For Loved Ones
The book also serves families by providing an intimate look into the emotional and spiritual realities of incarceration—from separation and custody struggles to navigating communication barriers. It offers validation, practical insight into the system, and encouragement rooted in faith. By showing the author’s journey of forgiveness, healing, and restored relationships, it gives loved ones hope for reconciliation and tools to support their incarcerated family member while caring for their own wellbeing.
Overall
More than a memoir, this book is a practical and spiritual resource for inmates, families, and facilities—offering understanding, encouragement, and a message of redemption that illuminates a path toward healing and transformation.
Book, 261 Pages
Print Book: US Trade (6 x 9 in / 152 x 229 mm), Standard Black & White, 60# Cream — Uncoated, Paperback Perfect Bound, Matte Cover
ISBN 978-1-257-95232-8
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SueLin –
An incredible tale of brutal honesty, hope, and despair.
I was moved to tears in so many parts, and equally inspired and encouraged by Holly’s strength, insight, and reflection.
Her book forced me to hold a mirror to myself, and confront the poor attitudes and behaviours I’ve adopted, and the excuses I use to avoid being accountable for my actions.
Despite the religious aspects of this book, it is far from a sermon-like lecture, passages from the bible punctuate poignant events in Holly’s story and serve as moments of learning and food for thought.
‘From Surviving to Living’ also gives a detailed insight as to what incarcerated life may look like, so it satisfied a personal curiousity for me.
I learned so much from these pages, and I highly reccommend this book to anyone who’s ever been through, or is going through tough times, felt that their life sucked or they couldn’t catch a break, is stuck in a rut and unsure how to break free, or even if you feel like life is good and would like a gentle reminder to appreciate what you have.
Deb M –
From Surviving to Living by Holly Bot, while not an easy read, is compelling. Holly takes full responsibility for her crime and tells her story in a matter of fact manner. She share the wrongs that happened to her without making excuses for the wrongs she committed. The first part of the book describes her struggles and her wrong and ineffective ways of responding. This sets the stage for the second part where Holly describes the transformation of her life when her relationship with Jesus becomes personal. Holly experiences forgiveness and hope in the redemptive love of God and strength to live according to biblical principals, even when it is hard to do so. Holly’s desire with telling her story is to share this redemptive hope with those who are incarcerated. Also, to give an example to those who know or work with incarcerated people that transformed lives are possible. Disclosure: I know Holly and can attest that she is living a transformed life. I am also an advance reader.
Carey –
Brutal honesty in sharing her story, Holly Bot’s book From Surviving to Living kept me captivated until the end, and moved me to tears in many spots. I read an advanced copy of her book and was really glad I stumbled on it. Having personally known Holly in high school, I was ashamed for my judgement of her after reading her story. My first memory of our friendship in high school was her making sure I had been saved by Jesus Christ, so it was cool and not surprising to me to see her transformation and how she is using this to help others, I think she always had it in her, and I will be wary to judge a book by it’s cover from now on!