Books matching: prison life
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- #1
Save:'Orange Is the New Black' by author Piper Kerman is a memoir detailing her experiences during the thirteen months she spent in prison after being convicted on a drug charge. Kerman recounts her journey from being a Smith College graduate to becoming entangled in a drug smuggling scheme, leading to her self-surrender at the prison. The book offers a glimpse into the American prison system, the relationships she formed with fellow inmates, and reflections on her actions that led to her incarceration. Kerman's writing style is described as candid and insightful, providing a poignant and thought-provoking narrative of her time in a women's federal prison.
The book delves into the daily life in a women's prison, shedding light on the challenges faced by inmates and the flaws within the justice system. Kerman's storytelling captures the attention of readers by painting a vivid picture of her fellow inmates with dignity and humanity, despite their shared stark surroundings. Through her memoir, she raises awareness about the ineffectiveness of the prison and criminal justice system in the United States, highlighting the impact of the War on Drugs on individuals' lives. 'Orange Is the New Black' offers a raw and honest account of Kerman's experiences, emphasizing the need for social change within the prison system.
International baggage claim in the Brussels airport was large and airy, with multiple carousels circling endlessly. I scurried from one to another, desperately trying to find my black suitcase. Becaus... - #2
Save:The Mars Room, written by Rachel Kushner, follows the life of Romy Hall, a woman serving two life sentences for murder, as she reflects on her past life as a stripper at The Mars Room and her experiences in prison. The novel delves into the dark and gritty realities of prison life, exploring the stories of Romy and the women around her, providing a character study of resourceful individuals trapped in a system that offers little hope. Kushner's writing style is described as deft, strong, and captivating, with detailed descriptions of California and San Francisco, creating a bleak yet engaging narrative that offers insight into the complexities of the justice system and societal failures.
Chain Night happens once a week on Thursdays. Once a week the defining moment for sixty women takes place. For some of the sixty, that defining moment happens over and over. For them it is routine. Fo... - #3
Save:The Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King is a novella that tells the story of Andy Dufresne, who is wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife and her lover. The book explores themes of hope, redemption, and the horrors of being innocent in prison. Through the first-person narration of Red, the readers are taken on a journey inside the prison, witnessing the struggles and triumphs of the characters. Stephen King's writing style effectively conveys the psychological effects of institutionalization, the power of friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit.
There’s a guy like me in every state and federal prison in America, I guess—I’m the guy who can get it for you. Tailor-made cigarettes, a bag of reefer if you’re partial to that, a bottle of brandy to... - #4
Save:'Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing' by Ted Conover is an insightful and eye-opening account of the author's experience as an undercover corrections officer at Sing Sing prison in New York. Through Conover's vivid storytelling, readers are taken on a journey inside the prison system, exploring the daily challenges faced by both inmates and guards. The book provides a unique perspective on the contemporary state of prisons, intertwining historical context with personal anecdotes to shed light on the complexities of the correctional system.
Conover's writing style strikes a balance between objectivity and sentimentality, offering readers a nuanced view of prison life. By immersing himself in the role of a corrections officer, Conover provides a firsthand look at the inner workings of Sing Sing, delving into the human experiences and frustrations of both guards and inmates. Through detailed storytelling and thought-provoking insights, 'Newjack' challenges stereotypes and offers a compelling narrative that invites readers to reconsider their perceptions of the prison industrial complex.
Six-twenty A.M. and the sun rises over a dark place. Across the Hudson River from Sing Sing prison, on the opposite bank, the hills turn pink; I spot the treeless gap in the ridgeline where, another o... - #5
Save:'Papillon' by Henri Charriere is a captivating memoir detailing the author's years of imprisonment in French Guiana and his relentless attempts to escape. The narrative follows Papillon's journey through various prisons, encounters with different characters, and his unwavering determination to regain his freedom. The writing style is described as raw and intense, focusing on the human spirit's endurance in the face of adversity and the contrasting elements of kindness and cruelty experienced by the protagonist.
It was the twenty-sixth of October, 1931. At eight o’clock in the morning they let me out of the cell I’d been occupying in the Conciergerie for a year. I was freshly shaved and carefully dressed. My ... - #6
Save:'The Animal Factory' by Edward Bunker is a gripping novel that delves into the harsh realities of prison life, particularly focusing on San Quentin, one of America's toughest prisons. Through vivid storytelling, the author, who has spent over 25 years in prison, provides a raw and authentic portrayal of the challenges faced by inmates. The plot revolves around the evolving relationship between two main characters – Earl, an older convict with influence within the prison, and Ron, a young and vulnerable drug trafficker. As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a journey through the complex dynamics of prison society, exploring themes of friendship, survival, and the impact of incarceration on individuals.
Bunker's writing style in 'The Animal Factory' is praised for its authenticity and compelling narrative. Readers appreciate the detailed descriptions of prison life and relationships without glorifying or sensationalizing the harsh realities. The author's personal experiences shine through the pages, adding depth and credibility to the story. Despite some initial challenges in following the characters, the book is ultimately described as engrossing, powerful, and thought-provoking, offering a glimpse into the brutal world behind bars.
Dawn pushed a faint line of yellow on the city’s low skyline when the prisoners, nearly five hundred of them, were herded from the jail’s sallyport to the parking lot. Waiting was the fleet of black-a... - #7
Save:'Stone City' by Mitchell Smith is a gripping novel set in a State prison where a college professor named Bauman is tasked with uncovering a serial killer within the inmate population. The book delves deep into the raw and brutal realities of prison life, portraying the grimy environment, powerful cliques, brutal violence, and constant fear that permeates daily existence. The plot unfolds with Bauman facing deadly danger as he navigates the treacherous world of the prison, leading to a surprising and intense climax. The writing style is described as heavy with graphic accounts of violent behavior, yet engaging due to the author's use of picturesque dialogue and intense scenarios.
The river fell down the mountain slope in weighty series, like a carried trunk slipped loose, falling down a flight of stairs. Narrow, cold, dark and deep, the river ran a length along the mountain’s ... - #8
Save:'Marching Powder' is a riveting true story that takes readers inside the walls of San Pedro prison in Bolivia. The book narrates the experiences of a British drug dealer incarcerated in the bizarre prison, where high-grade cocaine is mass-produced and inmates have to buy their own cells. The author, Rusty Young, skillfully captures the daily life in San Pedro, including corruption at all levels of society, extreme mass hysteria among prisoners, and the unusual phenomenon of tourists staying overnight. With a mix of disbelief, brutality, and intrigue, the book paints a vivid picture of a world that seems unreal yet chillingly true to South America.
The narrative in 'Marching Powder' is engaging and captivating, offering readers a glimpse into a world filled with strange occurrences and unexpected twists. The book's structure is well-written and keeps the adrenaline pumping, making it feel like a blockbuster movie in literary form. Despite some skepticism about the events portrayed and the main character's credibility, Rusty Young's storytelling prowess shines through, leaving readers both entertained and enlightened about the peculiarities of life in a Bolivian prison.
Three days before I was arrested and ordered to leave the Republic of Bolivia, guards at San Pedro prison in La Paz caught me with several micro-cassettes hidden down my pants. I was on my way out of ... - #9
Save:The House of the Dead by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a semi-autobiographical novel based on the author's own experiences in a Siberian prison camp. The book portrays the life of convicts in the camp through a loosely knit collection of facts and events, organized by themes rather than a continuous story. Dostoyevsky's writing style reflects a deep exploration of human nature, with sharp psychological portraits of the convicts and their interactions with each other and the prison authorities. The narrative provides insights into the daily routine, celebrations, prison conditions, and the characters' struggles for freedom.
Our prison stood at the edge of the fortress, right next to the ramparts. You would sometimes take a look at God’s world through the cracks in the fence: surely there must be something to be seen? – a... - #10
Save:'The Devil in the Marshalsea' by Antonia Hodgson is a gripping historical fiction novel set in 18th century London, specifically in the Marshalsea debtors' prison. The protagonist, Tom Hawkins, finds himself embroiled in a murder investigation within the harsh confines of the prison, where survival depends on solving the mystery. The book offers a vivid portrayal of life in Georgian London, filled with atmospheric scenes and a complex plot that keeps readers engaged till the end.
I grinned at the man across the bench. It was a warm September night, I had a full purse for the first time in months and we had just found a table in the most disreputable coffeehouse in London. Life...
