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From Hero to Villain

Jose Pereira

The True Story of the Citgo6

The story of the CITGO 6 is one of tragedy, injustice, and perseverance. In November 2017, six American oil executives were arrested by the Venezuelan tyranny and accused of espionage, treason, corruption, and embezzlement. Despite their innocence, these men were imprisoned for five years without a fair trial. Despite the harsh conditions they faced, the CITGO 6 never lost hope.

  Biography & Memoir   100,000 words   100% complete   Published by United Book Publishers
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Update #22 - A powerful review from Laura Gabriela Mogoi Aug. 14, 2024

The other day, I was awakening for my morning prayers and offering of Gratitude and to make the set up of my Monday morning Podcast “Building Resilience “, and I turn on my phone and open LinkedIn and it appeared this surprising review of my book (a 5 pages review) that got me speechless!!!!!

I couldn't imaging the dedication she took to make this wonderful , incredible, marvelous and beautiful description in a review in whats the essence of my book. 

God bless you Laura Gabriela Mogoi you definitely MADE MY DAY!!!!!!!

If you haven’t ready it yet,I will put here the link to the book⬇️

https://lnkd.in/gQh9ydhh

If somebody want a FREE digital version, just email me and I only will ask you to put a review in my Amazon account. 


THE REVIEW:

From Laura Gabriela Mogoi


"From Hero to Villain: My True Story of the CITGO 6" by José Pereira is a book that not only
recounts a story of injustice and suffering but also delves deep into the human experience, revealing the extraordinary capacity of the human spirit to find strength, hope, and even rebirth in the darkest moments. This book is not just an account of the events experienced by José Pereira, but a profound reflection on the fragility of freedom and the strength to face the darkest adversities.


José Pereira guides us through a journey that begins with a prominent role within Citgo Petroleum, a company that represents the "crown jewel" of Venezuela's energy sector. His narrative is rich in details about his past, his experiences in the oil sector, and the successes that led him to the peak of his career. However, it is evident how fate can change in an instant.


José Pereira describes with almost surgical precision the moment when his life radically changes: a business trip turns into a nightmare of five years of unjust imprisonment in Venezuela.


Indeed, one of the most genuine aspects of the book is the portrayal of Pereira's personal transformation. At the beginning, we see a man who has reached the pinnacle of his career, a leader in the oil industry who has dedicated decades to his profession. However, when his freedom is taken away, a side of José Pereira emerges that few know: that of a deeply spiritual man who rediscovers faith and finds comfort in the Scriptures. This transformation is told with a sincerity that strikes the reader, showing how adversity can reveal a person's true nature and lead to inner growth that goes far beyond material success.


The true power of this book lies in José Pereira's ability to convey his experience with disarming vulnerability. He hides nothing: the most painful details of his captivity, the physical and mental tortures, the suffering inflicted by the separation from his family. But like a golden thread running through the narrative, there is a resilience that shines on every page.


José Pereira is not just a survivor; he is a man reborn from the ashes of despair, transformed by his experience into someone stronger, wiser, more spiritual. It is precisely in these moments of weakness that the book becomes extraordinarily powerful. José Pereira shows us that even in moments of deepest despair, love for his family and faith in


God were the pillars that sustained him. The description of his attempts to keep hope alive, through clandestine letters exchanged with his wife, is particularly touching and represents one of the most authentic and human elements of the book.


Another aspect that makes this book unique is the way José Pereira reflects on his life and the meaning of suffering. The descriptions of meetings with people of great culture and wisdom during captivity, the rediscovery of faith and the Bible as a source of strength and inspiration, are moments that give the book a mystical dimension. These moments are testimonies of the human ability to find light even in the darkest places.


Through his words, we understand that captivity was not just an unjust punishment but also a kind of "spiritual laboratory," where he was able to reassess his priorities, rediscover the value of family, and deepen his understanding of faith. José Pereira often cites the Scriptures, finding parallels between his experience and biblical stories, particularly that of Job. These references are never forced or rhetorical but emerge as genuine reflections that add depth to his narrative.


A particularly touching aspect is the description of his relationship with his wife, Mervis. José Pereira reflects with deep gratitude on his wife's unconditional support, which made his journey of survival and transformation possible. Their relationship, tested by years of forced separation, emerges as a resilient love story, capable of withstanding any storm. Their bond emerges as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that love can truly overcome any obstacle.


Pereira describes with affection and gratitude the unconditional support of Mervis, which was crucial for his mental and emotional survival. This bond, described with affectionate and sometimes moving details, makes the book not only a story of suffering but also a celebration of love and fidelity.


Finally, "From Hero to Villain" is a book that also speaks of redemption. Pereira is not just a man who survived a great injustice; he is a man who emerged from the experience with a new vision of life and a burning desire to help others. His decision to become a resilience coach and motivational speaker is the natural result of his journey of personal growth. In this sense, the book is also a message of hope for anyone going through a difficult time: Pereira shows us that with faith and determination, it is possible not only to survive adversity but also to transform it into a source of strength and inspiration for oneself and others.


The book is not just a chronicle of events but a meditation on the importance of faith, family, and forgiveness. It is an invitation to reflect on our lives, the choices we make, and how we face adversity; it is an invitation never to give up, to find strength in God and in the people who love us, and to turn even the most devastating experiences into opportunities for personal and spiritual growth.


"From Hero to Villain: My True Story of the CITGO 6" is an essential read for anyone who
wants to explore the depths of human resilience. Pereira's story is not just that of a man
unjustly imprisoned, but that of a soul that found light in the darkness and now shares it with the world, offering a testimony of faith, love, and hope that will resonate for a long time in the hearts of readers.


"From Hero to Villain" is not simply a book to read but an experience to live! Dearest José Angel Pereira, your book is more than a simple testimony; it is a beacon of light for all those who face darkness. With extraordinary strength, you have turned your captivity into a universal lesson of courage, faith, and resilience. Thank you for having the courage to relive those moments and share with us the deepest truths of your journey.


You have taken pain and fear and turned them into a story of hope that resonates with truth and authenticity. Your narrative is powerful not only because it tells a fight for survival but because it shows us that even in the most adverse conditions, we can find the strength to rise, love more deeply, and believe in a better tomorrow.


With your testimony, you have given readers an invaluable gift: proof that light can triumph over darkness, and that the human heart is capable of infinite resilience. Your story is not just a recounting of what you have lived through but a manifesto of what it truly means to live— with all the passion, vulnerability, and strength that define humanity.


Thank you, José Angel, for opening your heart and soul to us. Your book is not just a personal legacy, but a legacy for humanity, a reminder that even in the most difficult moments, we can find our way to redemption and peace. Your words will stay with us, inspiring us to always seek the best in ourselves, even in the face of the greatest adversities.


May your story continue to touch and transform lives, as it has with mine and those of many other readers. Thank you, José Angel, for showing us what it truly means to be human.