Editorial Review

John Grisham tackles nonfiction for the first time with Read more

Reviews (26)

I must apologize
I wrote that the Broker was not the book I should strongly recommend. Well, I'm astonished now, because Mr Grisham knew about ties between Cia and Italian Telecom. How did he manage? Well, back to the Innocent man. I have read some of the recension before me. I think it could be hard to cope for a layman, but it's very interesting for a jurist, expecially for a no American one. The plot is intriguing, and the style is very dry. I read it in a day, and I learnt very much about American system. System is really good, sometimes men aren't, like everywhere. The clue is: American juries care more about what a convicted should do in the future, then about which crime one actually performed, if then. That's the reason why a dropout like Ronnie was a perfect candidate for lethal injection. He was crazy, noisy , arrogant, he slept most of the time and use to chase boozes and skirts. What's the use of let he in life? Grisham is great when at the end calculates to the penny what's the cost of such a court mistake for the american taxpayer. A cynical could rebuke: right, but only because it happened to be eventually corrected. The correction was the really burden, and not the mistake. I hope to read more nonfiction from Mr Grisham, that could even write a postfaction like Victor Hugo in the Miserables: Italy loves my books, but Italian judiciary ssystem isn't any better ( Hugo said Italy loved les Miserables, but Italy was really a worse country then France ).It's a book about justice, not simply a book about american judiciary system or small countries judicial oddities. I recommend it to all law students.

A Poignant and Compelling Story!
What would you do if you were suspected by the police of the rape and murder of a young woman? Whom would you turn to if you were convicted of a crime based on circumstantial evidence and shoddy legal tactics? Whoever believes we are all innocent until proven guilty hasn't truly been put to the test.
His best book yet
His first Nonfiction book was very well written.It was a major page turner and I finished it in 2 days.I liked it better than any of his other books and I"m a big Grisham fan.Please note, if you don't want to have anything given away I'd not read the captions under the photos because some of the story will be given away.It is a very one sided story and is easy to read his contempt for the the bad part of the criminal justice system, but it also made me think.Before I read this I was a strong supporter of capital punishment, and now I still believe in it, but I see why there are so many appeals etc. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Capital Punishment    2. Infamous Crimes And Criminals    3. Judicial error    4. Legal System    5. Murder - General    6. Oklahoma    7. Penology    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Trials (Murder)    11. True Crime / Espionage    12. Social Science / Penology   

Reviews (4)

Great corrections book
I've taught college-level corrections courses for quite a few years now and have kicked around a number of different corrections texts.This new edition is definitely an improvement over previous ones--it's much heavier on the recent empirical research, which helps me to keep my students "on track" with what the actual research indicates regarding a number of correctional topics.
Review of American Corrections, 7th Edition
Clear, Cole, & Reisig present a thorough overview of classic and historical correctional philosophy that is strongly tied to their discussion of more contemporary issues.Each revision includes the most up to date, critically acclaimed research from top criminology journals. Additionally, they regularly cite the best government sources (such as the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the Federal Bureau of Prisons) to support various claims. In sum, this is a fair and balanced approach to all of the important issues facing corrections. I have taught Corrections for many years, and would not consider using a book other than American Corrections.

Worst Criminal Justice Textbook I've ever read
The name of this book should be 'The Overly-Liberal, Bleeding-Heart View of Corrections'.This was by far the worst criminal justice textbook that I have ever read.I expect textbooks for classes to give the facts and be somewhat unbiased.This book gave a VERY one-sided view which portrayed anyone that is convicted of a crime to be the actual victim; all the way from investigation to parole.This view would have been fine if it had been countered with the other side as well.I was very disappointed.I read it from from front to cover, and it was brutal.This should be a book on opinion, instead of a textbook. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Corrections    2. Criminal Procedure    3. Criminology    4. Law    5. Legal Reference / Law Profession    6. United States    7. Law / Criminal Procedure    8. Prisons   

Subjects:  1. Correctional personnel    2. Criminal Law - General    3. Criminology    4. Law    5. Penology    6. Personnel management    7. Prison administration    8. Sociology    9. United States    10. Non-Classifiable    11. Social Sciences    12. Sociology, Social Studies   

Reviews (31)

Foucault's Disicpline
Foucault's "Discipline and Punish," is an excellent read. On point in his breakdown and analysis of where our modern day system of prison come from; readers will find this book well written easily understanble in its translation of the history of the prison system.

Excellent
For the people saying that this book is dense, impenetrable, hard to understand, etc., I would suggest simply going a little slower and, if possible, studying other works by Foucault in order to get used to his style. Among Foucault's books, I think this is probably the "easiest" to read in that the motives of its writing are clear, the themes are laid out for you in black and white, and the documented evidence/archival history that he returns to time and time again is at least documented and built on solidly. Foucault had a way with seeing history in new ways, this book is a beautiful demonstration of that, it uncovers and unveils currents at work within history other than the "accepted" or "offered" ones, one of his favorite projects, and as such...I think it's essential. As with his other books, though, be prepared for bold, grand statements and stylistic flourishes that are not always backed up with demonstrated evidence, but...he knew that part of writing was rhetoric. He states his case, and does so with amazing eloquence...this is a very powerful book.

BUYER BEWARE
I bought the book on a recommendation a year back and tried to read it but failed to concentrate enough as it was a pretty dense book. Recently I picked it up again, this time determined to finish it as it is considered an important work.
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Subjects:  1. Criminology    2. History & Surveys - Modern    3. Penology    4. Philosophy    5. Prison discipline    6. Prisons    7. Punishment    8. Sociology    9. French    10. Literary theory    11. Social Science / Criminology   

Reviews (13)

Must Read for Any Correctional Employee
Eye opener to the social structure within the prison environment.After reading the book I felt confident in my ability to withstand the mind games inmates try to pull everyday.I recommend the book to all new nurses in our prison.

Excellent book for Criminal Justice Field
I have been in Law Enforcement for over 13 years now and this book really opens your eyes to the cons that are out there.My wife works in the prison system as an Investigator and found this book invaluable.I highly recommend this book to anyone in the Criminal Justice Field, and I mean ANYONE.Especially, those that are new to the system so you will be prepared in case you are faced with these types of cons.Great book!

A must read for anyone in corrections
This is one of the greatest books I have ever read.It was recommended to me by the warden of a prison.
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Subjects:  1. Crime    2. Criminology    3. Criminology (General)    4. Penology    5. Prisoners    6. Social Science    7. Sociology    8. Swindlers and swindling    9. United States   

Editorial Review

In the bold and heartbreaking Read more

Reviews (343)

I know, I know, it's not all true .....
We all are more than aware that James Frey's books are not all based on his experiences but that doesn't change the fact that both "A Million Little Pieces" and "My Friend Leonard" are powerful stories. The characters are riveting, the story line is completely engrossing, and Frey's writing style adds so much to the story. "My Friend Leonard" was intense, funny, painful, and inspiring.I just finished it last night and would recommend it to anyone.I think that people/the media need to stop judging James Frey for taking creative license in his writing and just accept both books for what they are: very strong, readable stories that draw you in from page 1 and move you.

A wonderful book, even if it is fiction...
I remember vaguely hearing about James Frey and the whole Oprah thing, which seemed a little ridiculous. But I was still curious about his book "A Million Little Pieces". So I bought the book and read it, I loved it. For me it was eye opening, everyday I work with criminals and drug addicts but I have never been one myself. As much as I want to help them, I don't understand what they have experienced. Mr.Frey's books have laid out a story of addiction and recovery that is butural, yet honest and accurate. "My Friend Leonard" is a touching story that nicely finshes off the saga that "A Million Little Pieces" begins. I would recommend them both to anyone, they are captivating and honest about the horrors of drug addiction. Even though parts of what Mr.Frey wrote are not true, you cannot deny good writing and a good story.

that man can write...
regarless of the controversy over the fact that portions of this book, along with "a million little pieces" is fictional... there is one undeniable fact... james frey can write. i loved this book... i cried though over half of it... he easily sucks you into his life... you root an cheer for his relationships, mourn for his loss' an feel a sense of pride with every good decison he makes. this is a must read for everyone. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1969-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Drug And Alcohol Abuse Treatment    7. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    8. Ex-convicts    9. Frey, James,    10. Male friendship    11. Penology    12. Personal Memoirs    13. Prison Life    14. Psychopathology - Addiction    15. Recovering addicts    16. United States    17. Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts   

Subjects:  1. Parole    2. Penology    3. Probation    4. Social Science    5. Sociology    6. United States    7. Law    8. Political Science / Law Enforcement   

Editorial Review

Any book that can give voice to the voiceless should be celebrated. No one feels this more strongly than Wally Lamb, editor of Read more

Reviews (47)

'can't keep this to myself'
I have been an admirer of Wally Lamb for quite awhile now.But when I read that he was volunteering his time to conduct writing workshops at York Correctional Institution, I was so very impressed and moved.I couldn't put the book down; it was so full of life -- and living.Even under the worst circumstances.The writings demonstrate what we -- and the "officials" -- have always known:that most molestations of children are conducted by close friends or relatives.And that kind of betrayal can never be undone. But I was so disappointed when the book was over and I had no more to read from the group.I could have gone on reading much more from these remarkable women, who have lived such violent, difficult lives.And this is not to excuse the crimes they committed, but merely to acknowledge that they are not only their crimes, but complete lives of individuals who evolved to where they are today.As much as I have admired Wally Lamb and his writings before (I only read two books of his), I admire him even more and eagerly await his next book.And I hope there will be another volume from his Women of York workshops.

Disturbing butoften hopeful
I am glad that I read this book as it gave me a bit of an insight to what life is like in prison for woman incarcerated at a maximum prison. This book certainly helped me to appreciate the freedoms that most of us take for granted on a much larger scale of understanding. I usually keep my reviews pretty short, but I have to add that these short stories these courageous women wrote in this book are very worth while reading and I learned quite a lot from these woman who were willing to share their lives with us.Being someone who worked at a maximum facility for men, I always wondered what the female experience in jail would be like, and I believe that this book gives you a pretty good idea. None of the incarcerated women make any excuses for their crimes, they accept full responsibility, and then give us a bio of their lives, as far as what may have led up to their crimes.Yes it was disturbing for me to read at times, but yet a book I just could not put down. What disturbed me was clearly hearing about how much violence these woman as children sadly grew up with, and how no one was there to help them, or assist them out of the nightmare of child abuse, and domestic violence. The beginning of the book is interesting as well as Wally Lamb talks about his life just a little bit and what led up to his other book, "She's Come Undone", which is another book if his I couldn't put down.
One of the best books I've read in awhile
I must confess, I did not open this book without some bias.I volunteer at a prison and have a deep interest in women's issues, and after reading the other Amazon.com reviews, I was pretty sure I would love this book.(I was right.)What I didn't expect was a strong desire to share it with just about everyone I know.Don't get me wrong, this is no "Chicken Soup for the Soul" -- there are some hard stories in this book.But the writing is outstanding, and in reading each story I was captivated by the author's personality, struggles, hopes, and essential humanity.This book was, for me, a powerful aid to compassion and understanding.I recommend it highly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American literature    2. Composition & Creative Writing - General    3. Connecticut    4. Language    5. Language Arts & Disciplines    6. Penology    7. Prisoners' writings, American    8. Sociology    9. Women    10. Women authors    11. Women prisoners    12. Women's Studies - General    13. Language Arts & Disciplines / Composition & Creative Writing   

Reviews (3)

Quick & Very Fast
I received my books within days NOT weeks as thought, had a chance to review the book before my classes started.
The best textbook on corrections available!
I'm using this textbook in my community college course on corrections -- and I can't image how any book could be better.The book is built around a theme of professionalism in corrections and makes me want to work as a corrections officer -- and makes me want to improve the field.If you are interested in a career in corrections this book is for you -- whether or not you are currently in school.

The best textbook on corrections available!
I'm using this textbook in my community college course on corrections -- and I can't image how any book could be better.The book is built around a theme of professionalism in corrections and makes me want to work as a corrections officer -- and makes me want to improve the field.If you are interested in a career in corrections this book is for you -- whether or not you are currently in school. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. History: World    3. Modern - 21st Century    4. Penology    5. Sociology    6. Law / Criminal Law   

Reviews (5)

More Like Kafka

An engrossing, condemning eyewitness account
The author was a second-generation British Muslim born and raised in England, and was seized from his family home in Pakistan in 2002, accused by the U.S. of being a terrorist, and held for over three years. His story of his imprisonment and detention including two years at Guantanamo Bay provides the first account by a detainee of life inside the prison. From his intense interrogations to his release in 2005, this account is co-authored by Victoria Brittain, former foreign editor of the UK Guardian, and provides an engrossing, condemning eyewitness account of the US prison system and civil rights pertaining to terrorist suspects.
1/3 through the book - this is a poorly edited book
So far, I've made it through about a hundred pages, and this book sounds hollow and fake. The author jumps around in his timeframes, and by changing his vocabulary and perspective, makes it very difficult for the reader to keep a perspective on his actions and history.
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Subjects:  1. Abuse of    2. Afghan War, 2001-    3. Afghanistan    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography And Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Penology    9. Personal Memoirs    10. Personal narratives, British    11. Political    12. Political Freedom & Security - Human Rights    13. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    14. Prisoners of war    15. War on Terrorism, 2001-    16. Biography & Autobiography / Political    17. Human rights   

Subjects:  1. Corrections    2. Criminology    3. Penology    4. Social Science    5. Sociology    6. United States    7. Crime & criminology    8. Social Science / Criminology   

Editorial Review

Since the 1993 publication of her memoir Read more

Reviews (19)

A Topic always worth thinking about, but not a convincing book
The facts of Prejean's first book have been disputed by victims and others. The truth isn't always obvious, but putting together Prejean's remarks in her book about Robert Lee Willie; the interviews that they both gave; Debbie Morris's account of what Prejean told her; the testimony of other witnesses, I'd have to say that she was lying when she described him as remorseful, and her credibility is compromised.Prejean is also willfully gullible when it comes to her advisees; she isn't so trusting with everyone. The first part of this book deals with the cases of two executed men whom Prejean claims were innocent. I don't know whether to believe her or not.
Three Florida cases: Jerry Rogers, Roy Swafford, Peter Ventura
Jerry Layne Rogers, Sr. -- wrongfully convicted and innocent. From 1989 - 1992, I was his investigator at CCR [The Office of Capital Collateral Representative, a state agency representing death-sentenced persons].
A Devastating Read
For those of us who like to think that the justice system of the USA is the best in the world, the contents of this book will be nothing less than devastating.Sr. Helen details how two men, both probably innocent, were executed in spite of the purported "safeguards" in the death penalty process.Revealed for all to see is a "justice" system that has become corrupt, populated with judges and prosecutors whose passion for justice has been expropriated by a passion for the law, with The Law the end, instead of merely a servant of justice.As an example, an appeal submitted by one of these two men's attorneys was titled "Notice of Appeal" instead of "Petition for Appeal" and so the Virginia Supreme Court refused to review the case--then and forever, in spite of strong new DNA evidence that showed this man was probably innocent.This was a very powerful argument against the death penalty, and against the legalism that has almost entirely taken over our courts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Capital Punishment    2. Criminal Law    3. Criminology    4. Criminology (Specific Aspects)    5. Penology    6. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    7. Politics / Current Events    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Social Science / Penology   

Editorial Review

Most people know it's easier to get into prison than it is to get out. But for a journalist, just getting into Sing Sing, New York's notorious maximum-security prison, isn't easy. In fact, Ted Conover was so stymied by official channels that he took the only way in--other than crime--and became a New York State corrections officer: "I wanted to hear the voices one truly never hears, the voices of guards--those on the front lines of our prison policies, the society's proxies." Read more

Reviews (101)

Ted Conover's Keen Eye for Researching ..........
I bought this book for the interest in the subject matter and to also read about the author's personal experiences as a correctional officer and researcher. For the past few weeks, I read the book and can honestly say it is one of the best books on criminal justice written from "an outsider's experience inside." Ted Conover's role was to get the story. How many persons could honestly say they go in a prison to work on a book? Very, very few, probably the Ted Conover few.
Much Respect
I have to give the author credit.When he was denied the right to shadow a C.O. (Corrections Officer), he became one.This is not as simple as it sounds.He literally swore an oath to protect the inmates and the lives of his fellow officers.He worked the job with dedication, and got some great material out of it.I was wary, because I thought he might have been playing C.O.But, working in Sing Sing, you don't "play" anything.Bravo.

A Great Adventure Behind Bars.
Some investigative reporters will do anything for a story.We see it all the time on T.V. news.This one tends to live dangerously; he wrote about American Illegal Aliens in 1987 -- I wish he would do a followup as so much has changed in that regard in the past twenty years or so.
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Subjects:  1. American    2. Biography    3. Correctional personnel    4. Criminology    5. General    6. Law Enforcement    7. New York (State)    8. Officials and employees    9. Ossining    10. Ossining Correctional Facility    11. Penal Institutions    12. Politics / Current Events    13. Prisons    14. Sing Sing Prison    15. Social Science    16. Sociology    17. Current Events / American    18. USA   

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. Cuba    4. Lunt, Lawrence K    5. Penology    6. Political prisoners    7. Prisons    8. Sociology   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (6)

Three Florida casea: Jerry Rogers, Peter Ventura, and Roy Swafford

4 stars: a SOFTcover edition cost self and Mother Earth less
Medium:Book
Beautiful photographs of those falsely accused
There are emerging artists whose work tends to emphasize style over substance, of which there are many (Notable examples include Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY artist Anissa Mack, perhaps best known for her performance piece "Pies for a Passerby" and most, though not all, of the emerging artists represented in the recent Brooklyn Museum exhibition "Open House: Working in Brooklyn".). And then there are those who can produce stylishly beautiful work, and make profound statements about culture, society, etc. through their art. Fellow Brunonian Taryn Simon - she studied photography primarily at the Rhode Island School of Design, widely regarded as America's premier art school, while still an undergraduate at Brown - is unquestionably one of these, with a distinctive documentary style which harkens back to Walker Evans's sympathetic black and white photographic portrayals of people in Depression-era America. However, here Simon has worked deliberately in color, using the conventions of commercial fashion photography to create memorable images. Hers is a splendid, mature body of work, replete with much empathy for her subjects; former convicts who were falsely accused and convicted. Each photograph is accompanied with commentary from the two attorneys in charge of the Innocence Project, Barry Scheck and Peter Neufeld. Through their Innocence Project, attorneys Scheck and Neufeld have freed scores of people who were wrongly convicted. Simon received a Guggenheim Fellowship in Photography for this project; an award normally given to artists who are in mid-career or further along, not to an emerging artist. Simon's work has been exhibited at New York City's International Center of Photography and P. S. 1 Contemporary Art Center; an international tour of these photographs had its first stop at P. S. 1. As both a fellow alumnus of her college and a fellow photographer, I eagerly look forward to yet another impressive body of work from Ms. Simon. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Case studies    2. DNA fingerprinting    3. False imprisonment    4. Individual Photographer    5. Judicial error    6. Legal System    7. Penology    8. Photo Essays    9. Photoessays & Documentaries    10. Photography    11. Social Science    12. United States    13. Photographs: portraits    14. Photography / General   

Subjects:  1. Corrections    2. Penology    3. Political Freedom & Security - Law Enforcement    4. Social Science    5. Sociology    6. United States    7. Political Science / Law Enforcement    8. Prisons   

Reviews (5)

Outside looking in...
There is so little about this book that involves actual events that the author participates in that I get the feeling it is complete fiction.The dialogue reads like a white guy trying to write how a black guy or a latino guy would speak.There is a preachy quality to whenever the author talks about himself -- "I sinned and I am repenting and I am going to make the world a better place for ex-cons".
Inside Prisons
Michael Santos has writ