As
someone who has spent nearly three-quarters of his life incarcerated in maximum-security
facilities, I don’t normally bother with reading about other people’s
experiences with judicial systems
and prisons. After all I could simply ask my neighbours about theirs and get
days and days worth
of that stuff.
However,
Shaun Attwood’s book Hard Time came to me from a dear friend with a request for
my thoughts on it. Now that I’ve read it, I’m so glad I did and grateful to my
friend for giving me the chance to do so.
Mr.
Attwood has captured and conveys with his words the many aspects that compose
an experience within
the system with such exact accuracy and frank realism that it’s almost spooky.
I truly thought that
no one could ever convey through writing a picture of the culture of
jail/prison guards, nor the culture
of prisoners, and the many ways in which we not only interact one group to
another, but also amongst
ourselves within the groups.
Shaun
gives his readers who’ve never been caught up in the lifestyle and system a
chance to experience
them without having to lose their freedom, nor damage their souls to do so.
I wish
every kid, boy and girl alike could read this book before they get to the point
at which they’re making
the decision to take drugs and/or embrace a criminal life. I’m sure it would
convince many not to
make those mistakes.
P-2105
Union
Correctional Institution
7819
NW 228th
Street
Raiford
FL32026
Shaun
Attwood
My lad is 11 now will take that advice and encourage him to read it as he gets a bit older. Just maybe it will make him think before making the wrong choices
ReplyDeleteSarah x
good idea, Sarah, maybe i'll come and talk at his school some day too
ReplyDeletegreat review...
ReplyDeleteKaren
I agree with the "exact accuracy and frank realism". That's what drew me to the blog in the first place. Very few books capture surreal experience of prison, and I have always firmly felt it is because most readers can completely identify with Shaun and see things through his eyes, the eyes of a white middle class educated person with a heart.
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to read your books! You're an absolutely brilliant writer and your blog is extroidinarily powerful. I'm fascinated by the criminal justice system and follow many high profile trials here in AZ (I'm in Scottsdale/Tempe). It will be a freezing cold July day in Phoenix before I will ever knowingly get involved in the court system here! I'm almost obsessively cautious about obeying the law, but just randomly mentioned your book in a large group recently. Someone spoke up who knew you quite well...what a small world it is :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your amazing story. The corruption within the system here is absolutely frightening. I wish you nothing but the best! Sending many healing thoughts and well wishes to your niece and family.