Changed at San Quentin...for Better or Worse [Paperback]

Joe Hare (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 16, 2006

Life is hard at San Quentin, for correctional officers and inmates alike. But throughout my thirty-year tenure at the prison, during which I worked with such notorious criminals as Charles Manson, Sirhan Sirhan, and George Jackson of Black Panther fame, I saw lives changed every day-some for the better, some worse. My own life is one I like to think was changed for the better as a result of having been there. But it's all about choices. If I learned anything during my years at San Quentin, it's that choices and actions have consequences. Regardless of the difficult conditions inherent in prison life, for those who chose to take advantage of the help that was offered, their lives almost always took a turn for the better. But for those who chose to continue in justifying and excusing the behavior that landed them in such dire circumstances, rehabilitation was minimal at best. The changes I saw while I worked at San Quentin were not limited to people; conditions and attitudes regarding prisons in general changed as well. The entire penal system underwent enormous changes during that time period-again, some for the better, some worse. Changed at San Quentin...for Better or Worse chronicles my thirty years as a correctional officer in that notorious prison, as well as outlining many of the legal and societal changes that took place during that time period that positively-and, at times, adversely-affected life behind bars in this California penal institution. My ultimate challenge and purpose for writing this book is to point out that, although I believe crime must be punished and the innocent protected from those who would harm them, there is still hope for those who are incarcerated for even the most despicable of crimes if they will make the right choices.-Joe Hare

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Born in Newark, New Jersey, to Irish immigrant parents, first-generation American Joseph "Joe" Hare and his three brothers and one sister grew up in a close-knit family where both parents worked to make ends meet. Then, as America was drawn into World War II, Joe was diagnosed with a blood clot on his brain. When his medical condition worsened, he was introduced to a renowned brain specialist named Professor Purse, who not only operated successfully on Joe but also influenced him greatly throughout his life. A few years later, in Berkeley, California, Joe married Eileen Patricia McCormick (Pat). He and Pat now have two lovely daughters, Carol and Sharon, a granddaughter named Michele, and a son-in-law named Bill, who is married to Carol and, in Joe's words, "is the son we never had." Joe worked as a carpenter until September 1949 when God redirected his life and he soon found himself embarking on a new profession, something he would never have chosen for himself but that he has never regretted-working as a correctional officer at the California State Prison at San Quentin. While employed at the prison he went to night school and received his degree in psychology. As a result he ended up working as a counselor in the Adjustment Center of the prison, a section of the facility that housed some of its most dangerous inmates. Since his retirement from San Quentin, Joe has worked as a licensed general building contractor. He is much in demand at churches and other venues, where he speaks of his experiences as a correctional officer at the notorious prison of San Quentin. He and Pat continue to live in Concord, California.*** Kathi Macias is an award winning writer who has authored seventeen books. Kathi has also ghostwritten and collaborated on several others, and has published numerous articles, short stories, and poems in various periodicals. She is a staff member for a worldwide manuscript critique service, a member of The Christian PEN, CAN, C

Product Details

• Paperback: 172 pages
• Publisher: AuthorHouse (February 16, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 142590999X
• ISBN-13: 978-1425909994
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,221,910 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored more than 35 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women's clubs and retreats, and writers' conferences, and recently won the prestigious member of the year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), as well as Novel of the Year from Golden Scrolls and finalist in Carol Awards from ACFW (both for Red Ink). Kathi "Easy Writer" Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al, where the two of them spend their free time riding in Al's sunburst orange 2005 Corvette.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Powerful Visit From My Easy Chair, June 30, 2006

By 

Lucy N. Adams "Hymn story author" (Lake Junaluska, NC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Changed at San Quentin...for Better or Worse (Paperback)

I have never been to San Quentin before - but I have now. Through the reading of this amazing book, I have experienced various stories - some sad and many of positive reform. It all has to do with choice. San Quentin is "for better or for worse" as the title states. I appreciate the efforts of Joe Hare and Kathi Macias who have highlighted life within the walls that most readers will never experience. Mr. Hare, Correctional Counselor, went to the prison for a short term job and stayed thirty years. That in itself speaks for the depth of love and understanding that he had for the men. His Christian faith was the foundation from which he reached out to help those who wished to move beyond the pit of dispair. God opened doors for his witness , as he was not the chaplain but one who could answer questions that any inmate asked about life. He said that he "discovered kindness and compassion in some of the most hardened criminals." Therefore, reading about "Papa Joe" as some called him, was heartwarming. This book is a blessing!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A real eye opener, March 8, 2006

By 

WD "WDM" (Wasilla, Alaska USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Changed at San Quentin...for Better or Worse (Paperback)

Joe Hare has done a wonderful job telling his story about working for 30 years at California's San Quentin State Prision.
After seeing the many changes in the California penal system over the year, I'd have to agree with Joe Hare that things just aren't what they used to be. Ever since Govenor Jerry Brown made major changes in the prison systems, things have gone down hill.
During most of Mr. Hares carrer the prision was used towards rehabilitation and punishment. The inmates in the "old" days used to have to work at some prison job. Some were excellent ways for an uneducated man without any skills to get an education and some useful training like those received in the furniture factory Joe supervised.
Joe's caring and christian way of dealing with everday circumstances earned Joe the respect of the inmates and fellow correctional officers as well.