Couldn't Keep It to Myself: Testimonies from Our Imprisoned Sisters Book

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by: Wally Lamb, Women of York Correctional Institution

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Customer Reviews
Average Rating: Rating: - This is an amazing book This wonderful book has changed the way I have viewed women in prison. Most of the women in this book suffered from one or several of factors like drug and sexual abuse, domestic violence, low self esteem, and even the loss of a loved one. The amazing thing is that every woman in this book has achieved their individual aspirations and goals while in prison or upon her release. I loved the story of Nancy Birkla who was convicted of drug dealing and served 7 years in York Correctional Institition. What is remarkable is what she acheived after her release. She earned a college degree with a perfect 4.0 grade point average in human services. She later worked as a coordinator for an agency that provides life skills counseling, housing and job opportunities to adults with developmental disabilities. I enjoyed reading the story of Barbara Parson Lane who was convicted of killing her husband after he sexually molested his step grand daughter. She became involved in a variety of interesting pursuits while incarcerated like working in a program in which inmates train Labrador retrievers to assist adults and children with special needs. This incredibly ambitious woman also studies computers, journalism, and yoga. I loved the story of Brenda Medina who was convicted for her participation in a gang related killing as a teenager. She has become a bilingual tutor and has taught Hispanic inmates to read, speak, and write English. Brenda also serves a reporter, photographer and editor for the inmate newsletter. Bonnie Foreshaw was the first person convicted for the murder of a pregnant woman in Connecticut which was an accident. She actively supports and is involved in anti violence and literacy groups. The story of Diane Bartholomew is very moving too. She was physically, emotionally, and sexually abused through her twenty four year marriage. She later experienced a breakdown which led her to shoot and kill her husband. However her life did not end there. She later earned a bachelors degree in social work with hopes of becoming a mental health counselor Diane even fought a courageous battle with breast cancer while in prison. This book is filled with hard luck stories about women who have endured great adversity in their lives. It is written so truthfully as each story tugs at your emotions. I enjoyed it very much. Rating: - Brilliant What else could you expect by a book that was edited by the great Wally Lamb! An insightful and eye opening look at real life situations of "every day" women. I found myself laughing at the introduction written by Wally and crying through most of the book for the women who wrote it. Rating: - Enlightening Read I found this book to be insightful and enlightening with regard to the women at York women's correctional facility. When my daughter, a senior in college studying criminal justice suggested I read it with her I thought it would be a collection of excuses and whinnings. I was surprised at the honesty and straight forward tone of the book. I loved it. It has made me more understanding of the women who end up in prison. It is no wonder to me now, considering the horrific childhoods that many of these women endured that these women ended up in prison.( It behoves me that they survived childhood) I understand more since reading these essays about the circumstances that got them there.

Couldn't Keep It to Myself: Testimonies from Our Imprisoned Sisters Book

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