Customer Reviews

Serving Productive Time: Stories, Poems, and Tips to Inspire Positive Change from Inmates, Prison Staff, and Volunteers

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I ordered this book last month for a prisoner in California, and he has already sent me a review of it. This is what he wrote:

"I just finished reading 'Serving Productive Time' and the stories are inspiring - some of them are very much like things I could say about my own life and stirred emotions in me (yes, he cried!). At the end of each chapter there is a questionnaire/exercise that you can do, so the reader can interact with the book. The book is well-written and put together, and while it has a lot of Christian stories, there are also secular and other religious viewpoints acknowledged, so even a non-Christian could read the book without taking 'offense'. The book has contact information for most of the people who contributed stories to it, which is good, as even though some are in prison there are a few that I plan on contacting. Each chapter also has contact info for outreach programs (a few that I am also contacting) and short sections on topics such as 'selecting a college or university'. I enjoyed reading this, it was very uplifting and I recommend it for other prisoners that want idea's on how they can serve their time productively. I only wish I had more copies of it to share with other inmates - my copy is already being passed around!"

This book is full of powerful stories and precious glimpses into the lives of many touched by our prison system. From inmates and correctional staff, to volunteers and family of inmates, this text draws from a broad range of first hand experiences over a range of topics related to change, compassion, forgiveness, the impact on everyone touched by a harmful act, and the ever present possibilities to change our lives for the better. Interspersed throughout are a variety of cartoons created by inmates that are based in truth, yet show the power of humor in the prison culture, no matter how frustrating prison life is. The book touches on issues that impact us all. The stories in this volume bring home the sometimes painful, sometimes humorous, and often humbling experiences of those within or touched by the prison system. These are human stories, full of regret and hope, of pain and gratitude, of shame and forgiveness. They are always speaking to the power of healing and transformation. The writers share glimpses into their journeys and the experiences that have inspired change - and in some cases, profound transformation. As a therapist, I will use this book in my work with families of inmates, as well as treatment of probationers and parolees. I will share this book with friends and family. These stories speak to the fact that change is possible in any circumstance or environment. We all are students and teachers in this life. Some of the stories teach valuable lessons about the interconnectedness of all life and promote the understanding that as one of us is lifted up, we are all lifted up. I recommend that all should experience a glimpse into the heartaches, humor and blessings of Serving Productive Time. Molly G. Prince, LCSW

Serving Productive Time is a perfect intervention that we can depend on for participants and correctional and program staff, because it engages people immediately. Anyone can benefit from reading these stories. This book directly complements our Community Model that fosters self-help and mutual aid while changing the culture of incarceration. The Community Model reduces recidivism and ends the us vs. them dichotomy by promoting dignity for all and service to others. Please watch our short documentary film "Community Model in Corrections" at [...]

Morgan Moss and Penny Patton
Center for Therapeutic Justice

Totally helpful and useful for someone who has need for uplifting and encouragement. On top of all that, useful information and humor is included to complete this wonderful book. I'm extremely pleased with it and would highly recommend this book for anyone who has a loved one in similiar circumstances.

The idea is basically a simple one: Prisoners are locked up, not going anywhere, perhaps for a long time. But among them, some will simply stagnate emotionally, spiritually, and socially, while others travel an internal road to a richer, more meaningful existence. This book is full of wisdom and insight. The variety of perspectives and styles of expression makes it certain that every reader will find some that seem especially pertinent to his or her own needs and concerns.

Paul Karsten Fauteck, Psy.D.
Forensic psychologist, former prisoner, and author of Going Straight: An Ex-convict/Psychologist Tells Why and How and Get It Right!, a four part video.

This book is awesome and a great way to share the many perspectives of prison!