Lost Identity written by Joseph Reed is an interesting novel. It will keep the reader reading in anticipation to see what is going to happen next. It has several turns and twists that the read is not expecting. Also Lost Identity will help people who do not know Christ to find their true identity in Him. There is a clear presentation of the gospel throughout its pages.
Tim Lee, Evangelist, Garland, TX

This book brilliantly tells us about two parts of Mr. Reed's life. Johnny, before he was saved, and Joseph after. Using examples from the Bible (Saul/Paul) the reader has no doubt that Mr. Reed and his friends had questionable reputations before he became a witness for God. Mr. Reed is indeed a very talented writer.
Doris Leabo

A high school dropout, a soldier in the Korean War, a barbershop owner in Houston, a prescription drug addict, a gambler, a racehorse owner -- none of J. Allen Reed's former occupations fit the typical Christian writer profile. Now the owner of two spas -- the Fountain View in Navasota and another in Spring -- Reed says the majority of his writing is done between the hours of 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Facing educational and time challenges while writing his book, Reed knew that his desire to write and share his story were more powerful than the obstacles. "I think everybody has a story," says Reed. "Some just don't have the means to put it on paper."

During his 77 years, Reed has experienced many hardships and struggles, most of which influence his story topics. "Most of my characters are people I know or myself in different names," Reed says. His new book, Lost Identity, is about a preacher, a gambler, and a Mafioso who are all involved in a car accident. Only one of them survives. The survivor suffers memory loss from the accident and the book chronicles his journey to discover which of the three men he really is.

The majority of Reed's books are published for philanthropy; he has donated his book to 17 prisons in Texas and one in Louisiana. Lost Identity can be found in the Christian bookstore Scripture Haven at the Post Oak Mall in College Station, at the malls in Brenham and Tomball, and can be ordered at [prisonbookministry.org]
Insite

Thank you so much for sharing your book with me.

Lost Identity is a great story of God's love, of God's ability to change anyone, regardless of their background. It tells of how once you surrender, you can help others enjoy the benefits of being a Christian. It's message should be taken to heart by all.
Peggy Lunsford

Thank you very much for your generosity, I don't see people exhibit such kind behavior very often, especially not to those they've never met. You've made my day.

I really think he'll enjoy the book. We both grew up in Texas and can relate to the subjet matter of the book all too well (though I've only read the first 15 or 20 pages of it- I can't wait to read the entire piece).

Thanks again! God bless
Melissa McGill

Dear Mr. Reed,

My name is TImothy Stucky. My sister Peggy Lunsford goes to church with you and I have received the book "Lost Identity".

It has turned my life around. I really enjoy the material that's in it, and it shows to be very profitable for change.

If you should happen to write anymore book, please send me the titles to them so I can acquire them as well.

Thank you very much.
Mr. Timothy Stucky

J. Allen Reed's Lost Identity is an interesting approach to a compelling story. His knowledge of what we sometime view as life's "underside" is evident as is his certainty of God's rich grace.
The Navasota Examiner

Thank you for sharing your book with me. I really enjoyed it.

The book really pulled me into the story. I couldn't wait to see how it ended. It was so evangelistic. I loved how you used scripture and gave a clear plan of salvation.

I have shared it with some friends involved in the prison ministry. I plan to give my copy to our Church library. I pray that God will use your book to reach many men, women, boys and girls for Christ.
Georgianna Mayton, Wife of Pastor Cliff Mayton, Memorial Baptist Church

J. Allen Reed is, without a doubt, one of the great miracles in modern day Christianity. His life has been one of continual story of the amazing grace of Jesus Christ. Joe grew up on the blood soaked streets of what is known as hell's kitchen north side Houston, Texas in the same neighborhood where I lived. This book is a must for every sinner, as well as saint, who is looking for a hop and a new direction in their life. Mr. Reed had an Apostle Paul Experience.
Freddie Gage, Past President of Southern Baptist Evangelist

Mr. Reed expresses in this book concern and understanding for people who have a life style different from the average person. The message in this book for God's love for the lost was a blessing to me. I was saved as a nine year old boy. This book, however, can reach a certain segment of society with God's plan of salvation using terms they will understand. Read it carefully, and let God speak to your heart.
Harold Clayton, Evangelist

The book,"Lost Identity: God Still Works", manages to tell an engaging story while giving the plan of Salvation in a way that would enable anyone who is seeking the truth of scripture to find his way to the Cross.

Just when I thought that I had figured out where Mr. Reed's plot was headed, there was a major twist in the storyline that took me completely by surprise! Having the pleasure of meeting this author and his dear wife only added to my enjoyment of this imaginative story.
Alana Allen

J. Allen Reed is a familiar figure around the Spring area, though most know him as Joseph. He and his wife Sue founded Joseph's Salon, now located on Spring Cypress Road, back in the late 1960s when the area was more country than suburbia. In the decades that followed, the Reeds and their staff gave thousands of haircuts, and made just as many friends.

The decision to sell the salon wasn't an easy one, but about four years ago the Reeds did just that. It wasn't long before an opportunity to purchase the former Navasota Country Club came along, and Joseph jumped on it. The Reeds engaged in an extensive renovation process, reopening the facility as Fountain View at Edgewood, a luxury salon, spa, and fitness facility.

As busy as the Reeds were in getting this beautiful facility up and running, it was a great surprise to learn that Joseph had written a book, a full-length novel published earlier this year about rough characters from the darker side of this country's industrialized society at the dawn of the 20th century.

The novel's prose has a gritty authenticity that stems, no doubt, from Reed's own childhood in the Fifth Ward on the north side of Houston, commonly referred to as Hell's Kitchen.

After a stint in Korea as a U.S. Army combat medic, Reed returned to Texas and married Sue, his childhood sweetheart. He then obtained barber and beauty licenses, and opened his first barber shop on Laura Koppe Rd., a rough area with crime and gang activity. Some of his early customers were high-class call girls who worked the Shamrock and Rice hotels, but he also cut hair for decent young ladies who worked in offices, as well as housewives, lawyers, judges, police and even movie stars.

For five years during this era he ran a poker game in the back room of his barber shop. He also owned race horses, and became an expert at handicapping and betting on the races.

By the time he fell into the grips of an addiction to prescription drugs, wife Sue was reaching the end of her rope, and told him she intended to leave. His desire to please her motivated Joseph to fight and overcome his addiction.

It also motivated Reed to attend a Baptist revival meeting. Evangelist Tim Lee, a U.S. Marine who lost both legs in Vietnam, was preaching. He looked right at Joseph when he said he had, "run from God until God took his legs."

And that was an epiphany for Reed, who had been doing the same thing ever since he had returned from Korea. It was a moment that was to change his life forever.

Joseph's many friends know that he is authentic in every way, not the least of which is his spirituality. He has been married to Sue for 54 years, and theirs is a remarkable story.

Which is why Reed's novel about hope, and the journey to God, is also remarkable.

To learn more, visit: Prison Book Ministry.
That Texas Magazine