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sheisnovel's review
5.0
If you are from NYC, you will know at the very least one person that has gone to Rikers. It's part of the history of the city. This is the written 'oral' history of Rikers, compiling a series of voices from previously incarcerated persons, retired correction officers, mental health officials, attorneys and more. The voices that come through from all sides tell the same story, but from a different vantage point. I like that it spans the origins of Rikers all the way up to the Adams administration.
The book is divided into different categories like the experiences of the LGBTQ persons, the events surrounding Covid-19, the attempts at reform, the mental health situation, the treatment of adolescents, the role/influence of gangs in the prison and more. The detention center itself is treated as a standalone overarching silent contributor with the inability to change it's own fate.
I highly recommend this and is not for the faint of heart.
The book is divided into different categories like the experiences of the LGBTQ persons, the events surrounding Covid-19, the attempts at reform, the mental health situation, the treatment of adolescents, the role/influence of gangs in the prison and more. The detention center itself is treated as a standalone overarching silent contributor with the inability to change it's own fate.
I highly recommend this and is not for the faint of heart.
lanieslectory's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
slow-paced
4.0
courtz531's review against another edition
informative
sad
medium-paced
4.25
I enjoyed this book. It was very informative. I am not sure if I am a fan of the format, which included many different narrators chiming in. Very different format. but it wasn't terrible. I liked that this book is divided by chapter, each chapter on a specific issue. I thought this made for a nicely organized listening experience.
bookwormbabs's review
5.0
Such a wonderful, important book. I discovered it's existence while I sat in on a panel discussing the ability of NYC jails to be governed. I'm so glad I found it. It was quick, deep read that had me head first in the book for days. I currently work in social services while working toward my MSW with the overall goal of potentially working in the field of criminal justice. This book has inspired me to read more, do my job even better, and never forget the people behind the demeaning titles and slurs that society often throws around. This book gives so much insight into a broken system by interviewing formerly/current incarcerated individuals as well as people who work in or have retired from the field. It's eye opening, emotionally stirring, and tragic while also offering light at times. Please read this book.