This was well-researched, well-written book about a man (Silverstien) in the prison system. He seemed doomed from the start with a rough upbringing (with an abusive mother and mostly absent father) and then apparently being falsely accused of murder. He argues (quite believably) that his tough behavior in prison was to try to maintain his safety. It is either kill or be killed. But it is hard to sympathize with a man who stabs someone in the chest 67 times.

The book reveals a horrific and terrifying prison culture. One of the most interesting elements of it was the strict moral code of the criminals. Snitching is a big no-no. But murder apparently is totally acceptable. It was tough read that provided a lot to think about, including the role of prisons – punishment vs rehabilitation? Can people be rehabilitated? Can we trust a murderer won’t murder again? And how much is society to blame for people turning to crime? In the case of Silverstien, no one saved him from a childhood of abuse, so is it any wonder he turned out to be so violent himself? And what of prisoners’ rights vs safety (of themselves, the other inmates & the guards). As we hear mostly from Silverstien’s perspective, the guards are seen as somewhat heartless. So, I would have liked to get a bit more from their perspective, having to work with murderers. I was also intrigued by the incomprehensible women on the outside who become pen pals for the purpose of being romantically involved with convicts. In another book perhaps…
I won a free copy of this book (thanks to the author & publisher!) and am voluntarily providing an honest review. ( )