Explore my journey through incarceration with a unique collection of daily journals and in-depth book reports. Each entry offers a raw, personal perspective, transforming moments of confinement into reflections of growth and resilience.
I just finished reading The Catcher in the Rye, and it was definitely an interesting experience. Unlike most novels, it doesn’t really have a traditional climax or story arc. Instead, it feels like being inside the mind of Holden Caulfield, a young man trying to deal...
Well, I finally did it — I completed one of the hardest goals I set for myself in prison: I ran a half-marathon.13.1 miles… actually, 13.2 for good measure. Before I came here, the farthest I had ever run was about 4.5 miles — and honestly, I never wanted to go...
I read the Sparks and Oaks version of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, which includes both the original Shakespearean English and a modern English translation side by side. Having both versions made it much easier to follow, and it was a fast, entertaining read....
This past week felt like a one-way trip to the SHU (the “hole”) for a lot of guys. It started last weekend during visitation. One guy had his girlfriend sneak in contraband, but in the middle of the handoff, he dropped a bottle of vape oil. Total rookie mistake. The...
I’ve always wanted to read George Orwell’s 1984, especially because it’s been referenced so many times in pop culture and politics. Honestly, I’m a little embarrassed I didn’t pick it up until now. But I’m glad I finally did — it’s one of those books that feels like...
A lot of little things have been keeping my mind occupied this week. First up, I put some “prisoner innovation” to the test with an arts-and-crafts project. I needed a pillbox, since they don’t sell them here and I kept forgetting whether I’d taken my meds in the...
It’s been a couple of weeks since my last post, but I’ve got a few updates to share. Nothing earth-shattering, but some big personal milestones and a few moments worth remembering. First off, I got a visit from my mom, which was great. Unfortunately, the vending...
This Labor Day weekend had a little bit of everything—races, cinnamon rolls, countdown milestones, and a reminder that even when things go right, they still don’t go exactly how you want them to. On Sunday, I ran my 10K. Only four of us showed up, but I still gave it...
I just finished reading Electrical and Mechanical Engineering by David Baker, and I really enjoyed it. I’ve always liked engineering and understanding how things work, so this book felt like it was written for me. If life had gone differently, I probably would have...
This week felt a little slower than usual, which is kind of rare around here, but there were still a few funny moments and milestones worth sharing. One of the bigger incidents happened when staff found a whole stash of hooch—liquor—hidden in the front part of the...