Correction: Parole, Prison, and the Possibility of Change by Ben Austen
Correction is a sorely needed look at the current criminal justice system and how the idea of reform has gone by the wayside, in favor of mere retribution. Millions of Americans are currently in prison or under parole requirements. But who gets to make parole in the first place? This book details the lives of men trying to get parole, and the many obstacles in their way from the parole board. How much punishment is enough? This book goes into great detail about why parole isn’t what it seems to be. (Out Now)
Grace Under Pressure: My 27-Year Journey of Injustice, Resilience, and Purpose by Jimmie C. Gardner
I read this book in two sittings, which is very unusual for me. Jimmie was falsely convicted for sexual assaults and given a life sentence. His trust in the justice system was misplaced; he ended up being in prison for 27 years for a crime he didn’t commit, due to racism and false evidence. The whole time, he maintained that he was innocent, but found it hard to find a lawyer that actually listened to him. This book is thrilling and sad all at once. (Out May 7, 2004)