Jim Hogshire, “You are going to prison”

I think the title says it all. (This book reminds me of a quote my friend Meranda posted recently: “Read, every day, something no one else is reading.” What better way for a journalist to come up with ideas?)

THE LOWDOWN
Published: 1994, 182 pp.
Obtained via: Library
Date started: 4.1.07
Date finished: 4.8.07
What I liked: Mr. Hogshire gives it to you straight up — how you’re probably going to prison no matter what efforts you make to avoid it and tips for making the most of the prison hustle (and how to hustle the outside) as well as how to avoid becoming the bitch of your cell block. I’ve never heard of this publisher, so I can’t really be sure how authoritative all this is, but he claims to have gotten all his info from prisoners and others involved in the corrections process. The book includes an eye-opening chapter about what happens on death row and succeeds in conveying a sense of hopelessness prisoners are likely all too familiar with.
What I didn’t like: Some of the editorializing was superfluous — it’s pretty obvious from page one where this guy stands.
What I learned: A lot about how to survive prison. This is all about men’s prison, though, so I probably don’t have to worry about ever using this knowledge.
Unresolved question: Has he been to prison himself?

Edited 8/25/2008 to add: Most of the hits I get on this blog are people searching for this book. On Amazon, copies of the 1994 edition go for at least $75. I guess it’s in high demand!