Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul: 101 Stories to Open the Heart and Rekindle the Spirit of Hope, Healing and Forgiveness (Chicken Soup for the Soul) (Paperback)

by Tom Lagana (Author), Jack Canfield (Author), Mark Victor Hansen (Author) "When I arrived at Folsom Prison fifteen years ago, I was so much of a fish (slang for new prisoner) that I swear scales used..." (more)
Key Phrases: project workers, Scat Cat, Matt Matteo, Brother Harry (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Previously available only through free distribution to prisons, this life-changing book is the result of charitable donations from sales of Chicken Soup for the Christian Family Soul and gifts from thousands of individuals.

In the spring of 2000, over 100,000 copies of Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul were distributed to prisoners, prison libraries and prison ministries throughout the United States. The hope was that this collection of stories would touch the hearts of prisoners and offer them hope and encouragement, as well as inspire them to transcend the limiting thinking and behaviors of their past.

The book was so successful that the co-authors soon found themselves flooded with requests for the book from family members, correctional officers, prison volunteers and others. Because of this huge demand, the decision was made to also release the book to the general public.

About the Author
Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, the #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, have dedicated their lives to the personal and professional growth of others. Tom Lagana is a professional speaker, author, engineer and prison volunteer. He is a member of the International Federation of Speaking Professionals and is a recipient of the national Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 348 pages
• Publisher: HCI (March 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558748369
• ISBN-13: 978-1558748361
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #9,287 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #7 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Authors, A-Z > ( C ) > Canfield, Jack
  #59 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Christian Living > Faith
  #90 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Spirituality > Inspirational

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chicken Soup For The Prisoner's Soul, August 1, 2002

By	Antonette - See all my reviews

I just received my copy of Chicken Soup for the Prisoners Soul. What a beautiful book! I am the leader of Prison Fellowship Ministries at my church, and I am often questioned on this ministry I choose to serve. People don't question other ministries. If you help the elderly or people of poverty everyone pats you on the back. Our ministry is not as easily accepted. Many are baffled as to why anyone would bother.

I'm going to order a box of books for my volunteer group. It is a must for prison ministry volunteers! Plus I will keep a copy on hand at work. For now on when I am asked, "Why," I will loan out your book. Thank you so much for caring about the forgotten ones. It is actually a loved one in prison who told me about your book. He said it's helping him cope with doing his time."

Antonette Flamenco

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul, December 12, 2002

By	Janaki Green "RejaJoy" (Omaha, NE United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

We highly recommend this book for anyone who is incarcerated, has a family member or friend in jail or for anyone who has compassion for their fellow man. We conduct a support group at the local county jail based on this incredible book, "Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul". In our group, inmates take turns reading the stories out loud and many times we have to pass the tissues around. These true life stories open all of our hearts as they help us to realize our connection with one another. One man read a story about a Dad and his son and when he was finished he began to cry openly. He shared that he knew he needed to talk to his Dad and that he was so ashamed. Another woman cried as she read the words of a poem, "I'm scared, alone and stuck in this place." These are stories that touch the Souls of those incarcerated since they are so very real and personal. The inmates cherish these books and treat their copies like a treasure. Our second recommendation for everyone is to not only read this book but to buy another copy and ask that it be sent to your local prison library! Thank you Tom Lagana, for authoring this much needed book!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FINALLY AVAILABLE!! Enlightening!!!, May 18, 2002

By	Jane "jane" (Santa Fe, NM) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

i am so thrilled to see this book finally be available to the general public. The stories in this book are enlightening. As a mental health professional in a maximum security prison, i have used the book in prisons as a tool of healing and expression.
As the founder of a peace organization we have been providing this book free to prisoners around the world for the past two years as well as doing workshops in prisons utilizing the book.
Not only is it good for prisoners but it is a powerful tool of education for those NOT connected with "the system." It brings a voice of humanity to people many in society would like to throw away. This book reminds us of how closely connected we all are.
(i also have two stories in it and am honored to be part of such a positive book!)