Books matching: impact of incarceration
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- #1
Save:A striking, deeply empathetic poetry collection that fuses personal experience with pressing social issues. Betts combines artistry and truth to give voice to people too often erased - challenging, powerful, and absolutely worth reading.
Felon: Poems by Reginald Dwayne Betts is a powerful collection that delves into the complex realities of being a Black man marked by incarceration in America. Betts, drawing on his personal experiences, captures the psychological aftermath of imprisonment through evocative language and varied poetic forms. The poems explore themes of systemic racism, trauma, longing, and the quest for identity, revealing how the label of 'felon' extends far beyond the prison walls and continues to shape lives long after release.
The writing style is both masterful and accessible, weaving together street language with lyrical beauty. Betts employs received forms like the ghazal and sonnets, offering a blend of structure and emotional honesty that resonates deeply. He uses redaction poetry to highlight injustices, allowing the original text to reveal the human stories often obscured by legal language. Overall, Felon is not just a reflection on incarceration but a poignant exploration of resilience and hope, urging readers to confront the harsh realities faced by those entangled in the criminal justice system.
October 2019•106 pages - #2
Save:A stunning, emotionally charged read that shines a stark light on hope, injustice, and perseverance. Highly recommended for fans of lyrical storytelling and powerful, relevant social commentary.
'Punching the Air' by Ibi Zoboi is a powerful and moving novel told in verse, following the story of Amal Shahid, a black Muslim teenager who is wrongfully accused and convicted of a crime. The book delves into the themes of systemic racism, injustice in the legal system, and the struggles faced by young black men. Through poetry, the author portrays Amal's journey of maintaining his humanity, seeking truth, and finding hope in a dark situation. The narrative reflects on the disenfranchisement of marginalized communities and the impact of incarceration on individuals.
The writing style of 'Punching the Air' is described as poetic, bold, and impactful. The use of verse adds depth and emotion to the story, allowing readers to connect with Amal's experiences on a profound level. The book not only highlights the personal struggles of the protagonist but also addresses broader societal issues, such as the failings of the US justice system and the importance of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
September 2020•416 pages - #3
Save:A brisk, convincing, and personal take on America’s fractured justice system. Not an exhaustive manifesto, but it sparks important conversation and challenges readers to see the invisible divides in our own backyard.
Chris Hayes in 'A Colony in a Nation' presents a fresh perspective on the division within America, distinguishing between the Colony and the Nation. He draws parallels between the present-day racial disparities and the American Colonies under British rule, highlighting the unequal treatment faced by African Americans. Through personal experiences and historical references, Hayes delves into the role of fear in lawmaking, the impact of gun violence, and the prevalence of the private prison industry. He challenges readers to consider the implications of living in a divided America and reflects on the psychological and societal implications of this divide.
The book also explores the differences in the criminal justice system between the Nation and the Colony, drawing analogies between a functioning operating system and a disruptive computer virus. Hayes eloquently discusses the historical context of America as a colony under British rule, shedding light on the injustices faced by the colonists and drawing parallels to the contemporary issues of policing and justice in America today.
It was a few years ago. I heard a couple arguing loudly on the street outside my apartment. “Arguing” probably undersells it—he was screaming as he leaned over her, his voice punching her ears: “How s...March 2017•272 pages A raw and powerful look at the realities of life after prison, illuminated through one woman’s struggle; it’s moving, thought-provoking, and important - though its conclusions are messy, just like real life.
Author Jennifer Gonnerman follows the story of Elaine from her life growing up in New York as one of a number of siblings who eventually face tremendous struggles with imprisonment and drugs to her journey of trying to reestablish her life after receiving clemency 16 years into her sentence. Gonnerman writes in a simplistic, direct style that weaves the political and social climate with the details of Bartlett's personal journey. She gives a fair portrayal of Bartlett who is not altogether a saint nor completely an unredeemable sinner. The story highlights the injustice in the three strikes law. Gonerman is a fairly good writer and excellent researcher. Elaine did a stupid thing in carrying drugs and should have had a shorter sentence. It was severe injustice. But she and her family did not appear to be giving much of an effort to dig out of their misery. One wonders how they feel with the author exposing all of their misdeeds another assault by the privileged. Surely there are families more deserving to have their story told or told with more penetrating understanding of their plight. The book opens on the morning of January 26, 2000, when Bartlett is set free and returns to New York City. At 42, she has virtually nothing no money, no job, no real home. All she does have is a large and troubled family, including four children, who live in a decrepit housing project on the Lower East Side. I left one prison to come home to another, Elaine says.
Twenty-six-year-old Elaine Bartlett cracked open the bedroom closet and surveyed her options. She picked out a T-shirt, a pair of Jordache jeans, a leather belt, and a brown knit sweater with suede pa...2004•369 pages- #5
Save:A brilliant, haunting, and unique Southern novel - heartbreaking yet beautiful. Not for the faint of heart, but essential reading for those who appreciate powerful storytelling and social commentary.
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward is a heartbreaking and emotional novel that follows the story of a young boy named Jojo, who is responsible for caring for his little sister Kayla while living with their drug-addicted mother and incarcerated father in rural Mississippi. The book delves into themes of family, race, justice, and the impact of historical traumas, as the characters embark on a road trip to pick up their father from prison, encountering ghosts and facing their own struggles along the way. The writing style is described as lyrical, poetic, and haunting, painting a vivid picture of despair and resilience that lingers with the reader long after finishing the book.
I like to think I know what death is. I like to think that it’s something I could look at straight. When Pop tell me he need my help and I see that black knife slid into the belt of his pants, I follo...September 2017•321 pages - #6
Save:A highly entertaining, twist-packed suspense novel - perfect for fans of quick, escapist reads and rollercoaster mysteries, even if it won’t linger with you long after the final page.
One night, Matt Hunter innocently tried to break up a fight and ended up a killer. Now, nine years later, he's an ex-con who takes nothing for granted. His wife, Olivia, is pregnant, and the two of them are closing on their dream house. But all it will take is one shocking, inexplicable call from Olivia's phone to shatter Matt's life a second time. The story revolves around Matt Hunter, a man with a new life since being released from prison, suddenly finding his idyllic existence with his pregnant wife, Olivia, threatened when he is thrown into the middle of a triple murder investigation. Matt is haunted by a death from his college days, and as he tries to navigate his present life, he is drawn into a web of suspicion and danger.
Despite it being solidly midday, the trailer remained night-dark. That was how Kimmy liked it. She worked nights and was a light sleeper. Back in her Vegas headlining days it had taken years of testin...October 2004•474 pages - #7
Save:"This Is My America" by Kim Johnson is a powerful novel that delves into the injustices faced by the Beaumont family. Tracy Beaumont tirelessly fights to prove her father's innocence as he sits on death row, while unexpectedly having to defend her brother Jamal who is accused of a crime he didn't commit. The book explores themes of systemic racism, injustice, and the struggles of African Americans within the criminal justice system, all woven together with a gripping plot and a writing style that keeps readers fully invested in the story.
Tracy's journey to seek justice for her family members, the challenges she faces, and the emotional turmoil she endures are portrayed with masterful storytelling by Kim Johnson. The book not only sheds light on the harsh realities of racial inequalities but also showcases the resilience, bravery, and determination of the characters in the face of adversity, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.
July 2020•405 pages - #8
Save:Moving, poetic, and unflinchingly honest - 'Somebody’s Daughter' is a powerful memoir about love, loss, and becoming yourself despite the odds. Highly recommended for fans of heartfelt, unforgettable life stories.
"Somebody's Daughter" by Ashley C. Ford is a powerful memoir that delves into the author's life from childhood to adulthood, exploring her relationships with her family members, including her incarcerated father, strained mother, and loving grandmother. The book beautifully captures the complexities of growing up in a challenging environment, dealing with family dynamics, and finding one's identity amidst struggles and hardships. Ford's writing style is described as honest, eloquent, and heartbreaking, evoking emotions of joy, pain, and resilience as she shares her story with vulnerability and bravery.
There it was. I expected and hated when my mother said those words. Two years before this call, I’d moved to Brooklyn from Indiana. Now I lived in Flatbush with my boyfriend, Kelly. Back home in the M...June 2021•221 pages - #9
Save:'Release' by Daisy Jane is a captivating love story that delves into the complexities of relationships, exploring themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. The plot follows the intertwined lives of Gennedy, Mattias, and Silas, navigating through a taboo romance that challenges societal norms. The writing style is praised for its emotional depth, intense sexual tension, and realistic portrayal of a throuple relationship, highlighting the importance of communication and trust.
December 2021•320 pages - #10
Save:Powerful, gritty, and unflinchingly real - The Animal Factory is a gripping read that pulls no punches. Essential for anyone curious about the realities of prison life, but be prepared for some tough, thought-provoking content.
'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...1977•208 pages
