Locked Down, Locked Out

January 1, 2015

Schenwar, editor in chief of social justice website Truthout, has written extensively about prisons, but the topic hit home for the author when her sister Kayla was incarcerated on drug charges. Kayla's experience in jail impelled Schenwar to pen this book in order to ask for reforms in the system. In particular, the author discusses the often overlooked effects on the family and the community of incarcerated people. In addition to her sister, Schenwar considers other inmates who have committed more serious crimes and suggests ways that these, too, could have been better handled. The complexity of the current criminal justice system means that many of her ideas seem pie in the sky, but certainly they are worth a second glance. Given the author's personal involvement, she deserves kudos for bringing them to light. VERDICT This book should be read by students and professionals in criminal justice. Since it has an easy-to-read style, it should also be of interest to the general reader who simply wishes to know what it's like to be behind bars.--Frances O. Sandiford, formerly with Green Haven Correctional Facility Lib., Stormville, NY

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