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Life in Prison
"The true stories I've written in this book are my living nightmares. My greatest hope is that the lessons the stories offer will help you make better choices than I did." Stanley "Tookie" Williams, cofounder of the notorious Crips gang, is a death-row inmate. But in his two decades of incarceration, Williams has also become a respected author and activist whose dedication to ending gang warfare in the lives of inner-city children has earned him a 2001 Nobel Peace Prize nomination. In this award-winning bookwhich has drawn praise from educators, government leaders, and families alikeWilliams describes the brutal reality of being an inmate. He debunks myths of prisons as "gladiator schools" with blunt, riveting stories of overwhelming homesickness, the terror of solitary confinement, and the humiliation of strip-searches. Williams' words are a frank challenge to adolescent readers to educate themselves, make intelligent decisions, and above all, not to follow in his footsteps.
80 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
59 people are currently reading
926 people want to read
About the author
Stanley Tookie Williams
12 books62 followersStanley Tookie Williams III was a leader of the Crips, a notorious American street gang which had its roots in South Central Los Angeles in 1969.
In 1979 he was convicted of four murders committed in the course of robberies, sentenced to death, and eventually executed. Once incarcerated, he authored several books, including anti-gang and anti-violence literature and children's books.
In 1979 he was convicted of four murders committed in the course of robberies, sentenced to death, and eventually executed. Once incarcerated, he authored several books, including anti-gang and anti-violence literature and children's books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
December 19, 2014
I recommend this book to all teen and others who would like to learn what it likes to live a life as a prisoner. After learn about "Tookie" experience in Death Row, I start to realize how good is life when you're free to do what you want. I also appreciate my freedom now more then anything else and Tookie Story makes me to live my life as a free man.
September 16, 2020
"Life in prison" by Stanley Williams is a tough position, but not tough in the means of language or intense plot, its tough in the means of some kind of ethical trip through your brain and morality.
What I mean by that, is the reader's aproach to the author of this book. Tookie (The author) was founder and leader of the Crips gang, he was sentenced to death for killing four people. This Gang member was nominated for the Nobel Peace prize five times and once for the Nobel Literature Prize.
For me personally, when I was reading about it, it was strange and somehow disgusting. How a criminal and a murderer can be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize? Is something wrong with the World?
While reading this book, I realized that The problem is not The world or Tookie. The problem is my own narrow worldview which tried to convince me: this book can't be interesting, its not worth my time and nerves. But it's good that I've openned a few pages of this brilliant book!
This book just broadens your horizons. In fact, it is worth reading it right now, when the US punishment system is facing a crisis. Tookie explains in this book how the socio-economic aspect of the propensity for criminal activity works. I think that this is a position that is worth recommending to anyone who says that the environment and economy do not affect people. Does Tookie not fit in with the archetype BLM is fighting for? He is a black person from the so-called slums, his social status makes him look for bad idols and this is how he fetishizes prison. That was the problem by then, and its also problem now. In retrospect, I acted foolishly to be a person judging the whole book in such black and white way. But this is something most of us will do, so sometimes it's worth skipping over the internalized fear of criminals and just reading what they're up against.
The First thing the reader pays attention to is structure of "Life in the prison". The book looks like a diary, looks gray and sad, which attracts attention and tension. What's also important is the way author tells his "sad" and "gray" story of penitentiary.
What he did, in philosophy, is called breaking the meta-narrative, the language of this book is simple and childish, it is simply not a literary language. But how well breaking the rules of "thrilling" words, of full language seriousness works well in this case! The reader of this book simply absorbs it, you could place your self in San Quentin while reading this. Thoughts of Tookie are your thoughts. I mean even those photos that appear every few pages, make the book look rather childish than serious. But its brilliant in every aspect!
Unfortunately the book also has its drawbacks. As I said, approaching this book is an ethical challenge. Unfortunately I didn't feel like Tookie, offered to explain that he had done wrong, rather he talked not to do bad because prison is unpleasant. I know from reading sources outside the book that he feels guilty, but the book mentions it on two or three pages. I've missed a short ethical manifesto from Tookie. But What's also interesting is that this lack of explanation from Tookie leaves the reader with some emptines which he or she needs to fullfill with learning more about Stanley Williams. So basically, it encourages us to learn more and thats somehow good.
Thats why my ratting of this book is 4 stars, not 5.
But anyway I really recommend this book, the approach to prisons in it is completely different than in any documentaries or movies. And if someone reading my review is willing to learn more about philosophical aspect of prison system, then I recomend "Discipline and Punish" by Micheal Foucault.
What I mean by that, is the reader's aproach to the author of this book. Tookie (The author) was founder and leader of the Crips gang, he was sentenced to death for killing four people. This Gang member was nominated for the Nobel Peace prize five times and once for the Nobel Literature Prize.
For me personally, when I was reading about it, it was strange and somehow disgusting. How a criminal and a murderer can be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize? Is something wrong with the World?
While reading this book, I realized that The problem is not The world or Tookie. The problem is my own narrow worldview which tried to convince me: this book can't be interesting, its not worth my time and nerves. But it's good that I've openned a few pages of this brilliant book!
This book just broadens your horizons. In fact, it is worth reading it right now, when the US punishment system is facing a crisis. Tookie explains in this book how the socio-economic aspect of the propensity for criminal activity works. I think that this is a position that is worth recommending to anyone who says that the environment and economy do not affect people. Does Tookie not fit in with the archetype BLM is fighting for? He is a black person from the so-called slums, his social status makes him look for bad idols and this is how he fetishizes prison. That was the problem by then, and its also problem now. In retrospect, I acted foolishly to be a person judging the whole book in such black and white way. But this is something most of us will do, so sometimes it's worth skipping over the internalized fear of criminals and just reading what they're up against.
The First thing the reader pays attention to is structure of "Life in the prison". The book looks like a diary, looks gray and sad, which attracts attention and tension. What's also important is the way author tells his "sad" and "gray" story of penitentiary.
What he did, in philosophy, is called breaking the meta-narrative, the language of this book is simple and childish, it is simply not a literary language. But how well breaking the rules of "thrilling" words, of full language seriousness works well in this case! The reader of this book simply absorbs it, you could place your self in San Quentin while reading this. Thoughts of Tookie are your thoughts. I mean even those photos that appear every few pages, make the book look rather childish than serious. But its brilliant in every aspect!
Unfortunately the book also has its drawbacks. As I said, approaching this book is an ethical challenge. Unfortunately I didn't feel like Tookie, offered to explain that he had done wrong, rather he talked not to do bad because prison is unpleasant. I know from reading sources outside the book that he feels guilty, but the book mentions it on two or three pages. I've missed a short ethical manifesto from Tookie. But What's also interesting is that this lack of explanation from Tookie leaves the reader with some emptines which he or she needs to fullfill with learning more about Stanley Williams. So basically, it encourages us to learn more and thats somehow good.
Thats why my ratting of this book is 4 stars, not 5.
But anyway I really recommend this book, the approach to prisons in it is completely different than in any documentaries or movies. And if someone reading my review is willing to learn more about philosophical aspect of prison system, then I recomend "Discipline and Punish" by Micheal Foucault.
October 27, 2023
Very good advice for anyone in a gang from Stanley Tookie Williams (one of the early leaders in the West Side Crips) who paid the ultimate price for his involvement in gang activity. Anyone working with gangs will find this book very helpful in understanding the environment that perpetrates gang violence and how this cycle repeats generationally.
October 18, 2017
When Stanley was young he had someone he always looked up to, In fact, everyone acknowledges him because he was a good storyteller. He was a man named Rock. He went to prison and told children stories about it. He told stories so good he leads children to go to prison. Now Stanley is in prison, and he hated it. He tells us the harsh ways of how prison officers treat their inmates. These are several reasons to stay out of jail and the consequences of doing crimes.
I believe this is a really good book for seeking information about prison because it would change your perspective about it. Young children should especially read this book because living a life in prison is depressing and no one should really sink. This is a real-life story and a book full of fascinating rules, this book has around 100 pages and it's not really challenging to read. Compared to other books this book just informs the reader to not go to jail. Instead of giving the reader a story.
Reading the book gives you a general idea of what prison is. This book is able to make you think a lot because it gives you an example of every situation.
I believe Stanley Williams books are worthwhile to reading because this book is a begging to his real-life prison stories since he lived most of his life in prison.
I believe this is a really good book for seeking information about prison because it would change your perspective about it. Young children should especially read this book because living a life in prison is depressing and no one should really sink. This is a real-life story and a book full of fascinating rules, this book has around 100 pages and it's not really challenging to read. Compared to other books this book just informs the reader to not go to jail. Instead of giving the reader a story.
Reading the book gives you a general idea of what prison is. This book is able to make you think a lot because it gives you an example of every situation.
I believe Stanley Williams books are worthwhile to reading because this book is a begging to his real-life prison stories since he lived most of his life in prison.
June 2, 2017
........
October 19, 2017
i liked this book it teaches kids not to join gangs and it tells about Stanley life in prison.
September 21, 2013
I chose this book because I was interested in prison life. Stanley "Tookie" Williams, the main character of the story cofounded the Crips gang. He is on death row for murdering four people during a robbery. He tells about the day to day life of prison and why you would'nt want to go there. "There are no tables or chairs to sit on in the cell, so I have to invent what i need." That quote is my favorite because it shows you only get what you need, no more. The writers point of you is first person, I like his writing style because he tells you the story in a way so you wouldn't want to go to prison. I would recommend this book to someone young who is at risk of getting into trouble in the future.
April 20, 2009
I think this book "Life in prison " is an amazing book . i didnt relly liked it at first cuss i thought it wass going to be boreing . but as i kept on reading the book it qot better and better and i actually loved the book and i thought it wass amazing . this book is about stanley and he actually wrote this book while he was in prision . i learned many things from this book this book stalks about the life style of stanley williams while he was in prision .You can find this book in the public libary or in ms.stoddards libary .
September 30, 2011
What I think about Life in Prison, Is that it is a very great book it always has frighting things to tell you about prison. But, I think that the book that I am reading the Author is a really good story teller. He tells you the most worst things that can happen in prison.
May 10, 2013
Great book for students who are in high school but low readers. High interest and extremely accessible. Tookie, though the founder of the Crips, is a great role model for students, especially those students who are at high risk for gang involvement.
November 2, 2007
Excellent book for high and at-risk kids.
Read
July 31, 2013cool
February 1, 2014
A short read...but very powerful!
October 3, 2014
I think this book is the best book for hight school student to read because this book give lesson about how hard is to spend all you life in prison
Read
April 27, 2015i love this book
January 9, 2013
The strongest of men feared him. The weakest of souls were crushed by his ego. None have dared to threaten neither his street reputation nor his authority. His gang, the Crips, is notorious for their viciousness and brutality. When Stanley (he acquired the nickname “Tookie”) Williams, the mastermind behind all of this, suddenly realizes that the world isn’t his playground nor does he make the rules. He may have ran from the law, but the law caught up.
Life in Prison, his short book, insists that the violent lifestyle of a violent offender may not be as pleasurable as you think. Stanley’s childhood innocence was robbed way too young, as he was accepted in gang lifestyle. Robberies, street firefights, and drugs were popular/common events where he grew up. It may not be surprising that he became a part of the norm. Revelations uncover in the most intriguing ways in Life in Prison. You may encounter similar stories through the media (television, newspapers, etc.), but Stanley gave you the behind the scenes, behind the bars, perspective of an inmate stuck in the arduous concept of being stuck on Death Row. Back in Stanley’s early childhood, ex-convicts would always explain to minors on how prison was a pleasant place. Some described it as a place in which men, on a basis, competed to earn a title of their strength. In reality, prison is nothing like those descriptions. The plight of Stanley “Tookie” Williams may imprint in our hearts. We may view this man in scorn, but I surely do not. It truly takes a real man to admit, wrongdoings. Stanley did prove his strength in prison, but I am not acknowledging physical excellence, I am admiring his mindset. He may be ashamed of the legacy he had left behind, but he started to refurbish it with a new one.
"My lack of fear of this barbaric methodology of death, I rely upon my faith. It has nothing to do with machismo, with manhood, or with some pseudo former gang street code. This is pure faith, and predicated on my redemption. So, therefore, I just stand strong and continue to tell you, your audience, and the world that I am innocent and, yes, I have been a wretched person, but I have redeemed myself. And I say to you and all those who can listen and will listen that redemption is tailor-made for the wretched, and that's what I used to be…That's what I would like the world to remember me. That's how I would like my legacy to be remembered as: a redemptive transition, something that I believe is not exclusive just for the so-called sanctimonious, the elitists. And it doesn't—is not predicated on color or race or social stratum or one's religious background. It's accessible for everybody. That's the beauty about it. And whether others choose to believe that I have redeemed myself or not, I worry not, because I know and God knows, and you can believe that all of the youths that I continue to help, they know, too. So with that, I am grateful…I say to you and everyone else, God bless. So take care."-Stanley “Tookie” Williams, on WBAI Pacifica.
Nothing may bring you closer to accessing the true painstaking agony of a prisoner, especially placed in Death Row, than Mr. Williams’ novel. This book deserves, an obvious, 5-star rating. However, this doesn’t follow the typical rubric. One may not simply say this book was “interesting” or “well-written”. Those are such inappropriate terms to use with this novel. This book was not to interest, even if it may have. It was to warn outsiders of the plight that one experiences behind bars. Hollywood may not portray this pain, for this is genuine. To know that Stanley felt that his readers have changed by this book would be amazing. This novel, Life in Prison, didn’t simply “change” me, but it wanted me to continue his word. To believe that this man, once a relentless gang leader, transformed into a heartfelt entrepreneur of this new era is incredible. This was not a book, for it was a plead, or an epiphany. The world may never be the same after his book touched the hearts of many (and probably prevented young teens accepting such a morose lifestyle). I recommend this book to those of the curious, but also to the appreciative. Non-fiction fans would admire this book!
Stanley “Tookie” Williams 1993-2005
Grading System
1 Star- The book was torturous! It wasn’t worth the time that you spent reading it.
2-Stars-The book had a 2 chapter’s worth of enjoyable context. I don’t really recommend it.
3-Stars-It was a great book, but lacked one special element that would enhance the read. It would depend on the book if I were to grade it or not.
4-Stars-It was an excellent book. The majority of this book had great context. However, it is not the book for everyone.
5-Stars-The book was almost perfect! I cannot say anything negative about this book. It was worth every nanosecond that you had spent on reading this book. It would be worth reading again.
Life in Prison, his short book, insists that the violent lifestyle of a violent offender may not be as pleasurable as you think. Stanley’s childhood innocence was robbed way too young, as he was accepted in gang lifestyle. Robberies, street firefights, and drugs were popular/common events where he grew up. It may not be surprising that he became a part of the norm. Revelations uncover in the most intriguing ways in Life in Prison. You may encounter similar stories through the media (television, newspapers, etc.), but Stanley gave you the behind the scenes, behind the bars, perspective of an inmate stuck in the arduous concept of being stuck on Death Row. Back in Stanley’s early childhood, ex-convicts would always explain to minors on how prison was a pleasant place. Some described it as a place in which men, on a basis, competed to earn a title of their strength. In reality, prison is nothing like those descriptions. The plight of Stanley “Tookie” Williams may imprint in our hearts. We may view this man in scorn, but I surely do not. It truly takes a real man to admit, wrongdoings. Stanley did prove his strength in prison, but I am not acknowledging physical excellence, I am admiring his mindset. He may be ashamed of the legacy he had left behind, but he started to refurbish it with a new one.
"My lack of fear of this barbaric methodology of death, I rely upon my faith. It has nothing to do with machismo, with manhood, or with some pseudo former gang street code. This is pure faith, and predicated on my redemption. So, therefore, I just stand strong and continue to tell you, your audience, and the world that I am innocent and, yes, I have been a wretched person, but I have redeemed myself. And I say to you and all those who can listen and will listen that redemption is tailor-made for the wretched, and that's what I used to be…That's what I would like the world to remember me. That's how I would like my legacy to be remembered as: a redemptive transition, something that I believe is not exclusive just for the so-called sanctimonious, the elitists. And it doesn't—is not predicated on color or race or social stratum or one's religious background. It's accessible for everybody. That's the beauty about it. And whether others choose to believe that I have redeemed myself or not, I worry not, because I know and God knows, and you can believe that all of the youths that I continue to help, they know, too. So with that, I am grateful…I say to you and everyone else, God bless. So take care."-Stanley “Tookie” Williams, on WBAI Pacifica.
Nothing may bring you closer to accessing the true painstaking agony of a prisoner, especially placed in Death Row, than Mr. Williams’ novel. This book deserves, an obvious, 5-star rating. However, this doesn’t follow the typical rubric. One may not simply say this book was “interesting” or “well-written”. Those are such inappropriate terms to use with this novel. This book was not to interest, even if it may have. It was to warn outsiders of the plight that one experiences behind bars. Hollywood may not portray this pain, for this is genuine. To know that Stanley felt that his readers have changed by this book would be amazing. This novel, Life in Prison, didn’t simply “change” me, but it wanted me to continue his word. To believe that this man, once a relentless gang leader, transformed into a heartfelt entrepreneur of this new era is incredible. This was not a book, for it was a plead, or an epiphany. The world may never be the same after his book touched the hearts of many (and probably prevented young teens accepting such a morose lifestyle). I recommend this book to those of the curious, but also to the appreciative. Non-fiction fans would admire this book!
Stanley “Tookie” Williams 1993-2005
Grading System
1 Star- The book was torturous! It wasn’t worth the time that you spent reading it.
2-Stars-The book had a 2 chapter’s worth of enjoyable context. I don’t really recommend it.
3-Stars-It was a great book, but lacked one special element that would enhance the read. It would depend on the book if I were to grade it or not.
4-Stars-It was an excellent book. The majority of this book had great context. However, it is not the book for everyone.
5-Stars-The book was almost perfect! I cannot say anything negative about this book. It was worth every nanosecond that you had spent on reading this book. It would be worth reading again.
December 6, 2016
In the book Life in Prison by Stanley Tookie Williams, Tookie was the a leader and co-founder of the crip gang. He was sent to prison and always wanted to go to prison to live there. The stories of prison he would hear about when he was a kid sounded cool or whatever to him because of the way his friends older brothers would hype up prison to him and his friends. They would show him pictures of them and their friends in the prison yard working out and kicking back doing prison stuff which is really nothing since its prison and there is nothing to do in prison from what I would assume. He spoke to a book editor I think he spoke to a lady about his book and she asked why he made his book and who it was directed to. He said that he made it because of the bad mistakes he made and how he regrets them and wouldn’t want for anyone to go through the same as he did. He did the stuff he did to get into prison because they made it sound like a place you’d like to go to but in reality it isn’t he was just noble and was made to believe that prison was a place you’d like to go to but it really isn’t a place you’d ever want to go to. Tookie directed the book Life in Prison to older kids and troubled teens who have no one or anything and would go to life of crime because they don’t have much to do all teens got is time if they don’t occupy themselves. The last thing that Tookie wants is for teens to be in gangs or prison. Tookie was put on death row and couldn’t get much free time but his aunt or a family member of his bought him a tv so he could have in his cell, which was allowed in prison if someone would’ve bought you one. I would recommend Life in Prison to whoever wants to be in a gang or is apart of gang currently or even crews because well Tookie gives a lot of evidence that being apart of gangs is stupid and even more stupid wanting to be in prison. Gangs are for people who don’t have absolutely anyone in their life and tries to make their own family in the streets but that doesn’t mean you have to do bad you could look out for each and help one another out but it’ll just do you bad for doing bad and nothing would seem to get better. You are allowed visitors in prison but you must get searched once before you visit them and once after you’re going back to your cell, you’d have to strip down all your clothes and get your clothes searched and then get searched yourself without any clothes on. Tookie was already on death row so he would have to die after serving his time in prison and would get put on the electric chair or given a pill I’m not sure how it works but he’d have to be killed. The moral of the story is to not be like Tookie and want to end up in prison or become apart of a street gang or any of that because he gives to evidence that it’s the worst place you could go to and that he regrets the actions he took to get into prison.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2010
End of book reading response.
In the book Life in prison, a man named Stanley "Tookie" Williams suffers life in prison with nothing to do except stay in a cell almost all the day.
It really taught me a lot about how I have to respect the rules and laws. Where ever I am. Otherwise I would end up getting strip searched, beaten up, and many many other foul and upsetting things.
The book really makes you fell bad for Stanley, because he makes it seem that he did nothing wrong and he exaggerated about what they did to him in jail. With all the diseases, blather explosions, and severe injuries either caused by a jail guard or another cell mate. When Prisoners broke any rules within the cell they would have to serve time in the "hole". The hole is a dark cell underground that without any windows and many limitations to the cell store to buy supplies such as pencils, paper, etc.
The "hole" reminds me a lot of "time outs" that I used to have when I was a young boy.I used to have to stay in a corner or in the bathroom with only dinner to look forward to.
I don't think that Tookie actually deserved to be put in jail. I believe he seemed like a regular person that got in trouble once in his life for shoplifting or even maybe got accused for something he didn't do. Still I don't think he should have been executed. I thought you could only get executed if you committed a murder?
Tookie seemed like the only sane person in his prison. He drew, watched t.v, wrote books (including this one), read a lot, worked out at least 3 times a week (without getting into a fight once), wrote letters to his family, and so much more. He seemed like the only person that could actually keep their mind and not go crazy in their cell after being trapped there for over 4 years.
Overall the book really taught me a lot about how to survive jail (which I probably won't ever have to do, and that I need to follow rules correctly if I don't want to be executed on December 13, 2005 just like Tookie did.
In the book Life in prison, a man named Stanley "Tookie" Williams suffers life in prison with nothing to do except stay in a cell almost all the day.
It really taught me a lot about how I have to respect the rules and laws. Where ever I am. Otherwise I would end up getting strip searched, beaten up, and many many other foul and upsetting things.
The book really makes you fell bad for Stanley, because he makes it seem that he did nothing wrong and he exaggerated about what they did to him in jail. With all the diseases, blather explosions, and severe injuries either caused by a jail guard or another cell mate. When Prisoners broke any rules within the cell they would have to serve time in the "hole". The hole is a dark cell underground that without any windows and many limitations to the cell store to buy supplies such as pencils, paper, etc.
The "hole" reminds me a lot of "time outs" that I used to have when I was a young boy.I used to have to stay in a corner or in the bathroom with only dinner to look forward to.
I don't think that Tookie actually deserved to be put in jail. I believe he seemed like a regular person that got in trouble once in his life for shoplifting or even maybe got accused for something he didn't do. Still I don't think he should have been executed. I thought you could only get executed if you committed a murder?
Tookie seemed like the only sane person in his prison. He drew, watched t.v, wrote books (including this one), read a lot, worked out at least 3 times a week (without getting into a fight once), wrote letters to his family, and so much more. He seemed like the only person that could actually keep their mind and not go crazy in their cell after being trapped there for over 4 years.
Overall the book really taught me a lot about how to survive jail (which I probably won't ever have to do, and that I need to follow rules correctly if I don't want to be executed on December 13, 2005 just like Tookie did.
October 19, 2014
The book, "Life in Prison" is a sharp touch of reality inside a federal prison. It's written by Stanley Tookie Williams and acts as a bit of an autobiography on his life before, in and after prison. If you enjoy biographies then I definitely recommend this book.
The book starts when Stanley moves to a new neighborhood as he refers to as the, "hood". There is dangerous activity in the hood, with drugs, violence and gangs and Stanley almost immediately wishes to become someone who could prove his dominance by participating in these activities. One of his friend's brothers went to jail and when they got out they explained to Stanley how amazing prison was and how if you were a "real man" then you were sent there. Captivated, Stanley ended up there for over 20 years, even though his family always warned him how damaging prison is.
The poignant book will certainly touch your heart as you read about Stanley's struggles, family and his slow journey back into the outside world. Stanley has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and if you read this book you will understand why.
So many reviews exclaim about how if you, "have a delinquent who's rude, swayed to participate in horrible things, or anything like that-make him/her read this book-it can and will change lives."
I highly recommend this book to everyone, it really is a eye opener and it will turn your world and heart upside down.
~Alex Lee 7-1
The book starts when Stanley moves to a new neighborhood as he refers to as the, "hood". There is dangerous activity in the hood, with drugs, violence and gangs and Stanley almost immediately wishes to become someone who could prove his dominance by participating in these activities. One of his friend's brothers went to jail and when they got out they explained to Stanley how amazing prison was and how if you were a "real man" then you were sent there. Captivated, Stanley ended up there for over 20 years, even though his family always warned him how damaging prison is.
The poignant book will certainly touch your heart as you read about Stanley's struggles, family and his slow journey back into the outside world. Stanley has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and if you read this book you will understand why.
So many reviews exclaim about how if you, "have a delinquent who's rude, swayed to participate in horrible things, or anything like that-make him/her read this book-it can and will change lives."
I highly recommend this book to everyone, it really is a eye opener and it will turn your world and heart upside down.
~Alex Lee 7-1
November 22, 2016
Why do you think you read this book?
My point in reading this book was because my father is practically spending his whole life in prison. I could relate to this book because I know what it is like to have some one you love gone away for life. Though you could go see them if you want to. But as Tookie said, " once you are in jail you are out of sight and mind". It is not that we don't love the people or family we have in jail, its just a burden. I feel like I didn't make a big mistake as they did so why should I be burdened with the calls and constant visits. Life in Prison is an amazing book to read especially if you are growing up with out a mature or responsible supervisor. Also if gangs are heckling you or always around and that's all you see.
Describe a part of this book you identified with?
The part of the book that I identified with most was when Tookie talked about being claustrophobic.
I am claustrophobic as well. I cant be in tight spaces especially if its crowded. I have a severe fear of elevators. I could practically faint just at the sight of one. I couldn't imagine being locked in an elevator sized room for basically the rest of my life. I would probably commit suicide just as one of his friends did. Life in Prison is no joke. I recommend parents and guardians make their children/ youth to read this story. It is very life changing.
My point in reading this book was because my father is practically spending his whole life in prison. I could relate to this book because I know what it is like to have some one you love gone away for life. Though you could go see them if you want to. But as Tookie said, " once you are in jail you are out of sight and mind". It is not that we don't love the people or family we have in jail, its just a burden. I feel like I didn't make a big mistake as they did so why should I be burdened with the calls and constant visits. Life in Prison is an amazing book to read especially if you are growing up with out a mature or responsible supervisor. Also if gangs are heckling you or always around and that's all you see.
Describe a part of this book you identified with?
The part of the book that I identified with most was when Tookie talked about being claustrophobic.
I am claustrophobic as well. I cant be in tight spaces especially if its crowded. I have a severe fear of elevators. I could practically faint just at the sight of one. I couldn't imagine being locked in an elevator sized room for basically the rest of my life. I would probably commit suicide just as one of his friends did. Life in Prison is no joke. I recommend parents and guardians make their children/ youth to read this story. It is very life changing.
January 23, 2013
Sranley tookie williams purpuse for writing this book was to educate young reders about life in prison and gang life he encourged kids to stay away forom criminal behaveour becuse it well lead them to prison just like him. The impact that this book had on the reders is it warns the readrs what awatis them is they get involved in gang life and he tells the readrs what he expreanced do to the disisons he made and the writer sends a long lasting to the readrs by telling them that prison is not a place they want to be in. This book is well writen speshaly for somebody who didnt have a formal education. The book was very captivating and my favrote character was tookie becuse he comited a lot of crimes but he regreted what he did and worked hard to stop other pepole from doing what he did and i found the book serious. I think the greatest strength in the book is when he tells us how hard it is to be a prisoner and how boring it is and how you are striped from your rigths. The weakness about the book is the aurther does not go in detail about the crimes he comited as a teen. I well highly recomend this book to a frinde becuse it is a book that should be read by teens who are in danger of going to jail.
January 15, 2008
Stanley "Tookie" Williams is one of the original founders of the Crips gang. After his involvement in a robbery where he killed four people, he was sentenced to death. During his time in prison, Stanley realized the errors of his ways and teamed up with a journalist who helped him write a series gang prevention books for kids. He also wrote his memoir and this book, "Life in Prison", for teenagers, warning them about what he made of his life and why not to follow in his footsteps. Stanley won the Nobel Prize for the work he did during his stay in prison. A few years ago, his death sentence was carried out, despite many pleas and protests from people who felt he had at least made a valiant effort at redemption. This book is kid-friendly but still a scary description of prison life. My "at-risk" students love it. It helps for them to hear warnings from someone who has lived it, and from someone they admire. I respect the work that Stanley did to try and prevent kids from following the same path.
August 18, 2014
When I ordered this off amazon I thought it was a detailed memoir of prison for adults, but its a cautionary tale aimed at teenagers. Written for children and teens, it basically addresses them and seeks to teach them why they need to stay in school and not break the law. It paints prison in honest terms and goes against the belief that in prison one will be happy and have proved their machismo.
I found it lacking in that it wasn't' the book I expected, but I'm giving it five stars because I think it will be really good for its target audience.
I found it lacking in that it wasn't' the book I expected, but I'm giving it five stars because I think it will be really good for its target audience.
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October 5, 2015I think this book will really make a difference in today's kids and change the mood for anyone excited about being in the pin. Its not fun and Tookie really explained this how it is and made me realize how harsh being locked up can be. In the book, he gives examples of what we can try at home like, " Lock yourself in the bathroom for 10 hours and try to last all day." He then says " Imagine that for many hours."
June 28, 2019
A very fine memoir of prison life written as a warning to young people. Mr. Williams portrays the terrible boredom and sense of loss that accompanies life in prison. This book in the right hands at the right moment could change lives.
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September 6, 2017After reading Life in Prison I really like that even after he made all those many mistakes in life he still changed his life even in prison. Also I really like that "Tookie" is writing this book to help kids would think going to jail is fun and something to be proud of.
April 15, 2018
I recommend this book because it’s about a lesson that’s being learned. It states facts about what happened after Stanley “Tookie” Williams comitted several crimes. This book lets readers know that the consequences after committing crimes isn’t fun when you actually go to prison.
October 30, 2013
i thought it waas good because it really shows you how bad it can be in jail it is very specific and give lots of details about why you will not ever want to be in prison
October 24, 2014
I think it's a very nice book. It teach us what's going on inside a prison.
October 14, 2016
It was a really good book, It provides many reasons why to not join gangs.
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