Father Behind Bars: A Story of Responsibility That Affects Everyone in America [Hardcover]

Arthur L., Jr. Hamilton (Author), William Banks (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1567960340 | ISBN-13: 978-1567960341 | Publication Date: February 1994

"This is a powerfully written story of how the soul and mind can survive against tremendous odds, and how they can rise to that greatest of all levels: the level of service to some of the forgotten people of this society."
--Ossie Davis
Actor, Director, Playwright, and Humanitarian

"A true and compelling insight into human nature and the struggle to love, be loved, and to create and achieve in the face of circumstances that all too often vanquish all hope. This story has powerful lessons for people on both sides of prison walls."
--Patricia J. Williams
Professor, Columbia University School of Law & Fellow, Center for Advanced Studies in Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University

"An engaging and endearing story of hope and uncompromising will. Seldom are black men, or for that matter black women, presented in either fiction or non-fiction as being real, morally purposeful, and so rational. A truly fine story that is at once moving, entertaining, and instructive."
--Charles Lynch, Ph.D.
Seton Hall University

"Inspiring and engrossing. A well-told story whose realism and truth is undeniable."
--Walter Mosely
Author

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

With the help of Banks, director of the Harlem Writers Guild, Hamilton recounts his life of poverty, violence, incarceration and redemption. Currently serving a prison term for armed robbery and manslaughter in Michigan, he ascribes his own violence to the example set by his abusive father who destroyed his family. He credits his reformation to Marilyn, a woman he met while in prison who brought her children, his children and him together as a family. Hamilton was also inspired to write and to continue his education, eventually completing his GED and graduating among the top 50 in the student body of a community college. Unfortunately, Hamilton describes little about Fathers Behind Bars, the nonprofit organization he founded to help incarcerated fathers and their children. While the book does not approach the fluidity and power of the classic prison memoir, readers will find this an inspiring tale. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Arthur J. Hamilton, Jr., is incarcerated at Lakeland Correctional Facility in Coldwater, Michigan, for armed robbery and manslaughter, and not eligible for parole until the next century. He determined to improve his life through hard work and self-discipline. He graduated from college with honors, has won awards from Southern Illinois University for his efforts in journalism, and is the founder of Fathers Behind Bars, Inc., a non-profit support organization for parents in prison. Arthur is loved and supported by his wife, Marilyn, and their five children.William Banks is the director of the Harlem Writer?s Guild in New York City. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 142 pages
• Publisher: Wrs Pub (February 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1567960340
• ISBN-13: 978-1567960341
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,509,543 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An outstanding book, March 11, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Father Behind Bars: A Story of Responsibility That Affects Everyone in America (Hardcover)

This book, I found truly remarkable. It shows that prison can reform some people. Mr.Hamilton shows that there is the possibility of rehablilitation in the prison system. The sad part is the death of his mother, and the violent death of his younger brother, that sends him into a life committing crime. His come back however, is remarkable. What he has done for himself and for other immates around the world is good. Helping incarcerated fathers to remain fathers to their children even behind bars. I recommend this book to all those that think the system spends too much of their tax money on people who will never change. It will change your way of thinking.