Scan barcode
erinkayata's review against another edition
4.0
This one landed on my radar because it’s by another former Hearst newspapers reporter and I’m so glad it did. I do not read enough books about prison and every one is eye opening. This one especially both tells Keri’s individual story while also telling the story of a corrupt system. Her voice is clear-eyed and honest and I appreciated all her reflections. Would recommend!
smocko's review against another edition
5.0
This book was amazing. Keri is an exceptional writer, drawing you into the story and making you truly understand what was happening in her life. I actually marked several passages, which I haven’t done since grad school. Well done, Keri! (It’s the kind of book that makes you feel like you can call the author by their first name!)
elizabeth_1898's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent writing; this is the first book in a while that I read cover-to-cover in less than one day. My only gripe is that while the author seems to understand the privilege her skin color gave her, she glosses over the privilege that she had coming from a well-to-do family. Her parents' ability (and desire) to continue paying her rent, college tuition, skating lessons, college tuition again, etc. is definitely a form of privilege not many have ... but it's only mentioned in a few offhanded comments. Otherwise, definitely a great read.
khyson's review against another edition
4.0
There are roughly 2 million people currently incarcerated in the U.S. Many more have been at some point in their lives. Keri Blakinger's voice is so needed, and it's not enough.
beccamcostello's review against another edition
5.0
So well written and beautifully empathetic, which is not surprising since Blakinger is obviously a great journalist and narrative writer. The book is straightforward and real without cliche aphorisms about hope, but still inspiring and stirring. I am so in love with the descriptive source citations at the end.
ashmarcer's review against another edition
5.0
I’m always so impressed by individuals who are able to tell their story with such candor. Starting out this year with “I Cried to Dream Again” and now with “Corrections in Ink,” the depth in which these individuals are able to tell their story while discussing the criminal justice system increased my interest in more stories like theirs.
jshel10's review against another edition
5.0
Really compelling memoir about the author's descent into drug use, her time in prison, and then her life after as she becomes one of the foremost reporters covering America's prisons. The destructive part of her life can be difficult to read at times because she is brutally honest about the choices she made and that nearly ruined her life, but it's uplifting to read about her transformation in prison amidst horrible conditions and then her path toward becoming an advocate for the incarcerated. Tough read, but highly recommended.
bookslifeandeverythingnice's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Keri Blakinger for an ARC audiobook copy to review. As always, an honest review from me.
Trigger warning: substance use, sexual assault, prison, eating disorders, suicidal ideations
Like:
- The author is her real authentic self, even when discussing difficult experiences
- It’s not the glamorized or typical successful child to train wreck adult, story that so much of media like to sensationalize for views, but the real honest reality of living with these struggles day to day
Love:
- That it’s the author herself narrating the audiobook
- The power of journalism and its role in justice
- Keri used her not so great life experiences to make the world and prison especially a better place
Wish that:
- She would have gotten more mental health help as a child and young adult so she didn’t have to suffer as much
Dislike:
- Some parts became a little repetitive and boring
Overall, a good book about many very important topics that are currently affecting our society. The memoir format really allows the important messages to hit home much more than a traditional non fiction book would. Very real, raw and honest and I commend Keri for sharing her story with the world.
Trigger warning: substance use, sexual assault, prison, eating disorders, suicidal ideations
Like:
- The author is her real authentic self, even when discussing difficult experiences
- It’s not the glamorized or typical successful child to train wreck adult, story that so much of media like to sensationalize for views, but the real honest reality of living with these struggles day to day
Love:
- That it’s the author herself narrating the audiobook
- The power of journalism and its role in justice
- Keri used her not so great life experiences to make the world and prison especially a better place
Wish that:
- She would have gotten more mental health help as a child and young adult so she didn’t have to suffer as much
Dislike:
- Some parts became a little repetitive and boring
Overall, a good book about many very important topics that are currently affecting our society. The memoir format really allows the important messages to hit home much more than a traditional non fiction book would. Very real, raw and honest and I commend Keri for sharing her story with the world.
sallymentzer25's review against another edition
5.0
Read this book! It is a candid memoir by an incredibly talented and smart writer. We follow Keri from her privileged upbringing to her downward spiral into the world of drugs and addiction, her arrest and then time spent in prison. Her descriptions of her journey into the depths of misery are graphic and alarming. After she is released from prison, she is able to complete her college degree and create a new life for herself as a successful journalist and reporter, exposing some of the flaws and injustices in the prison system.