Voices from American Prisons

Rezensionen / Stimmen

'This is a truly necessary book, a deeply challenging and insightful exploration of the religious and political belief systems that have made it possible for us, as a nation, to deny the humanity of millions and to build a massive penal system unprecedented in world history. It places the voices of those we have caged at the center and, in so doing, opens our minds and hearts to the transformative possibilities of education, faith, and community. This is a book to be read and shared, over and over again.' - Michelle Alexander, Professor of Law, The Ohio State University, USA

'In this important new book Kaia Stern takes us inside the prisons that incarcerate millions of Americans, to reveal their hardships and suffering, as well as their hopes and aspirations. By exposing us to their voices and humanizing their experience we are reminded that mass incarceration has come at a cost, not only to those who waste away behind bars, but to those of us who sit idly by and pretend it doesn't concern us. This book will be an invaluable resource for educators, policymakers and activists who seek to create and advocate for prisons that are humane, offer genuine opportunities for rehabilitation and provide those housed within a basis for hope.' - Pedro A. Noguera, Peter L. Agnew Professor of Education, New York University, USA

'Our fears of those who are, or have been, incarcerated lead us to forget our common humanity. Kaia Stern's book is a phenomenal guide to understanding how an inclusive beloved community becomes possible. Voices From American Prisons points us to the path of true justice, rooted in non-violence, faith and transformative educational opportunities for those caught in our punishment system.' - Leslie M. Harris, Winship Distinguished Research Professor in the Humanities, Emory University, USA

'Heretofore, 'voices' from US prisons were usually angry men (white and black) who had axes to grind with whomever they blamed for their imprisonment. It is, therefore, refreshing to see in this small volume by sociologist Stern (Harvard) not angry voices, but rather uplifting, spiritual, and deeply thoughtful words examining the humanity of men and women locked up inside of the many prisons across the US... The author's epilogue explains that education programs alone will not end the inhumanity of punishment, nor will it end mass incarceration. Stern is an advocate of the Project Half initiative, which she believes can offer cost-effective policies that will eventually end both incarceration and recidivism... Especially for graduate students in sociology, criminology and social work, and criminal justice professionals working to rehabilitate prisoners.Suming up: Recommended' - Earl Smith, Professor Emeritus of Sociology,Wake Forest University, Choice Reviews, January 2015