Scan barcode
joemdief's review against another edition
5.0
Portraying the “bad guys/gals” as they ought to be seen...humans (just like “us”) capable of error, curiosities of youth, passion, and sometimes downright stupidity.
The American prison system is a subject many citizens would rather not approach, perhaps because they would find that a majority of the prison population would in some way resemble those they are closest to. Rather than facing an issue, it’s easier to pretend the dark truth isn’t there.
I enjoyed this memoir. Despite the heavy material, Kerman was able to maintain a mood of light-hearted realness and genuine humor throughout. The reader can form a connection to each character the author has bonded with; thus illuminating an overall theme that those on the outside are separated from those on the inside merely by one wrong turn and a barb-wire fence.
The American prison system is a subject many citizens would rather not approach, perhaps because they would find that a majority of the prison population would in some way resemble those they are closest to. Rather than facing an issue, it’s easier to pretend the dark truth isn’t there.
I enjoyed this memoir. Despite the heavy material, Kerman was able to maintain a mood of light-hearted realness and genuine humor throughout. The reader can form a connection to each character the author has bonded with; thus illuminating an overall theme that those on the outside are separated from those on the inside merely by one wrong turn and a barb-wire fence.
luckyace's review
2.0
I did enjoy reading this, but nothing really happened that is worthy of writing a book about
literarylifestylechic's review
3.0
Of course the show is better and much juicier. The book read ok. It wasn't something that I just couldn't put down. Having seen the show I kept trying to figure out the characters and also placement of the reading to episodes. I give this book 3 stars.
eggjen's review
4.0
I thought this book was really interesting and well written. Being able to get that "fly on a wall" look at life inside a prison for a year - and even a couple of different types of prisons - was kind of cool. Kerman serves as a great narrator for this book as she seems like someone who gets along with pretty much anyone. She befriends a lot of different people and also makes for a narrator that is easy to relate to.
I also like that she takes the time to talk about all the times in her life that she could have asked for help or done something different - and the choices that she has made that brought her to her situation. It is the kind of book that you can learn a lot from without feeling like you are being preached at or lectured. Well written, interesting and easy to read - can't ask for much more than that!
I also like that she takes the time to talk about all the times in her life that she could have asked for help or done something different - and the choices that she has made that brought her to her situation. It is the kind of book that you can learn a lot from without feeling like you are being preached at or lectured. Well written, interesting and easy to read - can't ask for much more than that!
kdawn999's review
3.0
I enjoyed finding the real-life inspirations behind the characters in the Netflix show, and in some ways, Kerman's memoir is even more surprising. However, the book falls prey to the pitfalls of its voice. A white, privileged voice, though self-conscious, is still a white, privileged voice, and I don't find her prison culture shock or concerns all that interesting.
blakelassahn's review
3.0
i'm gonna be honest i lost my copy of this book halfway through so i can't finish it lol
edit: i listened to the audiobook!
edit: i listened to the audiobook!