[Reading] "Savior, Savior, Hold My Hand" reminds us that most of our experiences are not that interesting to others. Accordingly, the bulk of Thomas's autobiography just doesn't grab us—or even pinch us.

His first book, "Down These Mean Streets,"… is a remarkable chronicle of one dark-skinned Puerto Rican's fear, rage and transcendent strength. It is a report from hell, describing with casual vividness the bleak event of his life from age 13 to 28. This powerful review of his early life ends with his being paroled after serving six years of a 5-to-15 year sentence for attempted armed robbery.

Thomas's latest book begins with the first year of his parole and from there recounts the events of what seems to be the next two years. Can one person's life possibly have more to teach us about man's unbending will to survive, to strut as hombre under the starkest circumstances...