Out of the Pit: How Grit, God, and Good BBQ Saved My Life

By Sondra Martin Hicks

Out of the Pit is the raw, unflinching true story of John Borgstedt-a man who refused to let his past define him. From a childhood marked by abandonment and abuse to years spent locked away in mental institutions and solitary confinement, John's early life reads like a tragedy. But this is not a story of victimhood-it's a story of victory.

Through every heartbreak, every betrayal, and every moment of excruciating pain-including a devastating accident that left him with permanent spinal damage and a near-death experience on the operating table-John chose grit over giving up. He chose hope over despair.

Today, John is the heart behind one of the most beloved BBQ joints in East Texas, where he dishes out more than just smoked brisket-he serves up courage, compassion, and relentless encouragement to everyone who crosses his path. Out of the Pit is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder that even in the darkest places, victory is possible.

This isn't just a story you'll read. It's a story you'll feel-and one you'll never forget.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FLWRQTVZ
• ISBN13: 9798297195349
• Release Date: August 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 190 Pages
• Weight: 0.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"