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The Women of Block 12
Linda Pischke, wife, mother and social worker is convinced the justice system is fair until she receives an invitation that forces her to question every middle-class belief she has about crime and criminals. When a retired priest asks Linda to serve at the county jail she is certain it’s a mistake. How could God possibly use a lukewarm Christian in jail ministry? The call brings her to Block 12 a holding unit for women waiting trial. Linda believes she is the teacher and the women are her students, but God has another plan. As the prisoners reveal their deepest personal stories, Linda realizes she has much to learn about faith, courage and what it means to be a friend. A page-turner - both heartbreaking and humorous. The reader will never forget the women of Block 12.
- GenresChristianInspirational
Paperback
First published November 26, 2010
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91 people want to read
About the author
Linda Pischke
2 books14 followersLinda Pischke lives in SE Wisconsin. She writes non-fiction books and articles about jail ministry. Her work has appeared in The Catholic Herald and The National Catholic Reporter. She has presented to the following groups: National Convocation on Jail & Prison Ministry, St. Louis, No Regrets Conference -Elmbrook Church, Carroll University, Waukesha County Technical College, The Catholic Worker, St. Vincent dePaul, Kiwanis of Muskego and various churches.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 28, 2018
This book was helpful and informative about the women in jail and some of what they deal with every day. I found the second half of the book which contained the stories of many of the woman very moving and also very sad. So many of them dealt with so many horrific things at a young age. Worth reading
August 17, 2017
Insightful
Informative and helpful overview and detailed explanations of how the prison population ends up there and the tragedies that bring them to that end. I am presently beginning to participate in a mentor ship program in our local jail and found this book very helpful.
Informative and helpful overview and detailed explanations of how the prison population ends up there and the tragedies that bring them to that end. I am presently beginning to participate in a mentor ship program in our local jail and found this book very helpful.
December 4, 2025
I quite enjoyed reading this book!
November 3, 2013
This book is well worth reading. The reader should be aware that some of the biographies are graphic. While I believe Ms. Pischke is doing a great work and I thoroughly enjoyed reading of her ministry, I will criticize that she doesn't appear to know or preach, according to the info in this book, the Gospel message. Some of the prisoners that wrote their biographies seem to have a firmer grasp of the saving work of Jesus Christ than others, and the Gospel is never stated clearly by the author, which should be the most important message of the book and ministry. One can speak all day of the power of God changing lives, but it often boils down to people talking about God while still trying to change in their own power. To clarify what I am saying, I will simply state this. The Gospel is this: That Jesus Christ died on the cross to take away our sins, that He was buried, and that He rose again on the third day victorious over sin, death, and hell. If we believe this is the ONLY way our sins can be forgiven and the ONLY way we can have eternal life, through Christ's shed blood, then we are saved, born-again believers. Only then are we able to truly change our behavior by the power of the Holy Spirit living in us. It is a heart change. There is a difference between hearing religious leaders talk about God and saying, "That sounds great. I want God in my life," yet not truly having the heart change that comes with salvation by the Gospel. It would be far more pleasing to hear leaders clearly articulate the one and only message that truly saves. Education is great. Giving a helping hand is great. However, these do not guarantee a soul a changed life and especially does not provide a place in eternity with God.
Having said all this, I could be wrong and perhaps Ms. Pischke does preach the pure Gospel message. It just didn't appear in her book, other than from a few women who shared their stories, which I believe is a huge oversight.
I will finish by saying that I respect the work Ms. Pischke does and I would recommend this book to open ones eyes to a hurting world that desperately needs love, compassion, mercy, and grace. Thanks for writing your book Ms. Pischke and for being courageous enough to share your vulnerabilities.
Having said all this, I could be wrong and perhaps Ms. Pischke does preach the pure Gospel message. It just didn't appear in her book, other than from a few women who shared their stories, which I believe is a huge oversight.
I will finish by saying that I respect the work Ms. Pischke does and I would recommend this book to open ones eyes to a hurting world that desperately needs love, compassion, mercy, and grace. Thanks for writing your book Ms. Pischke and for being courageous enough to share your vulnerabilities.
September 28, 2014
“The Women of Block 12” by Linda Pischke is a journey. This book is a journey past your preconceived notions about the drug-addicted women in our society and the imprisoned women that are talked about yet hidden from view. This is a journey past the media hype. This is a journey past being a safe, convenient Christian. This book takes you into the often scandalous lives of female inmates and their trek with Jesus Christ.
Pischke does a great job relaying her feelings and insights as she becomes aware of the humanity of the women who attend her Wednesday night ministry. She realizes not all of the women in the county jail are shadows in the dark. Every woman in that county jail was not simply a bad statistic or simply a product of their environment. The women of Block 12 who came to and went from the prison ministry had families, dreams and lives that stretched beyond the concrete walls.
The second half of “The Women of Block 12” was comprised of letters given to Pichke telling the stories of the women in their own words. Some letters are informative. Some are adventurous. Others are downright ugly. They all had a common thread of reflection and passion. They gave names, faces and places to people who were reduced to a series of numbers or marginalized by the industrial prison complex.
The beauty of the stories shared by the inmates was that they are authentic, naked and raw. Some of the things that were shared in terms of what lead them to being in Block 12 and beyond were so tragic they could not have been fabricated. These stories were not heroic nor commendable. There were broken homes, children lost in the foster care system, manipulative family members and going in and out of the prisons like they were department stores.
All-in-all, “The Women of Block 12” was an eye-opener. This book was not only a book about a woman who took the time to help other women in need. This book was also a voice for the voiceless and a potential help for those women who might be on the verge of giving up on God amidst it all.
To read the complete review of "The Women of Block 12" http://h1t.it/1u4ZtfW
Pischke does a great job relaying her feelings and insights as she becomes aware of the humanity of the women who attend her Wednesday night ministry. She realizes not all of the women in the county jail are shadows in the dark. Every woman in that county jail was not simply a bad statistic or simply a product of their environment. The women of Block 12 who came to and went from the prison ministry had families, dreams and lives that stretched beyond the concrete walls.
The second half of “The Women of Block 12” was comprised of letters given to Pichke telling the stories of the women in their own words. Some letters are informative. Some are adventurous. Others are downright ugly. They all had a common thread of reflection and passion. They gave names, faces and places to people who were reduced to a series of numbers or marginalized by the industrial prison complex.
The beauty of the stories shared by the inmates was that they are authentic, naked and raw. Some of the things that were shared in terms of what lead them to being in Block 12 and beyond were so tragic they could not have been fabricated. These stories were not heroic nor commendable. There were broken homes, children lost in the foster care system, manipulative family members and going in and out of the prisons like they were department stores.
All-in-all, “The Women of Block 12” was an eye-opener. This book was not only a book about a woman who took the time to help other women in need. This book was also a voice for the voiceless and a potential help for those women who might be on the verge of giving up on God amidst it all.
To read the complete review of "The Women of Block 12" http://h1t.it/1u4ZtfW
March 23, 2012
originally appeared on:Bookshelf Confessions
Before reading this book, I don’t really feel any compassion to those who are in jails. I keep thinking that they deserve it…but after this..it made me see a whole new side of these people, whether they are criminals or offenders, they’re still like us,--humans…
I never would have imagined listening to these women’s tales..but I find myself laughing and crying with every bump in their way. The book was well written, that it made you shiver just like they’re in front of you talking. Ms. Pischke made the words come alive. It’s not just about the dreadful things they’ve done once, but the little good things they always do.
This book made me realize, feel and sympathize with the horror, sadness, loss, unforgettable and tragic experiences of the women. And at the same time, it made me see their own tales of endurance, strength, faith and forgiveness.
It made me feel blessed of the little things I have and where I am now. It made me see how we can all be so judgmental when in fact, we don’t have the right to be..
Linda Pischke did a good job in presenting readers a story that would forever stay in their minds, and would persuade them to be of help and made a difference in every life they encounter.
Thank you Ms. Pischke! Thanks for answering God’s call, this book truly touched me….and everyone who’ll put a hand in this..:) and more than anything, no one could have write this better than you.
Women of Block 12, is a compelling story of women who suffered and continually hope for good. A mind-opening reality will seep in to anyone who had read this book.
An inspiring story! Highly recommended!
Before reading this book, I don’t really feel any compassion to those who are in jails. I keep thinking that they deserve it…but after this..it made me see a whole new side of these people, whether they are criminals or offenders, they’re still like us,--humans…
I never would have imagined listening to these women’s tales..but I find myself laughing and crying with every bump in their way. The book was well written, that it made you shiver just like they’re in front of you talking. Ms. Pischke made the words come alive. It’s not just about the dreadful things they’ve done once, but the little good things they always do.
This book made me realize, feel and sympathize with the horror, sadness, loss, unforgettable and tragic experiences of the women. And at the same time, it made me see their own tales of endurance, strength, faith and forgiveness.
It made me feel blessed of the little things I have and where I am now. It made me see how we can all be so judgmental when in fact, we don’t have the right to be..
Linda Pischke did a good job in presenting readers a story that would forever stay in their minds, and would persuade them to be of help and made a difference in every life they encounter.
Thank you Ms. Pischke! Thanks for answering God’s call, this book truly touched me….and everyone who’ll put a hand in this..:) and more than anything, no one could have write this better than you.
Women of Block 12, is a compelling story of women who suffered and continually hope for good. A mind-opening reality will seep in to anyone who had read this book.
An inspiring story! Highly recommended!
July 20, 2016
Firstly I would like to thank the author Linda Pischke. As I won this as part of First Reads, I have very much enjoyed the opportunity to read and review this book.
This book is divided into 2 sections: the first the author shares her experiences with working with the women in prison, how she coped, what it was like etc. The second section consists of the women's stories.
The book was fascinating!! What I particularly liked about the writing was that the author did not come across as the "expert" in what to do and how to do it. She painted a very human picture of herself, including her own reservations, flaws and judgments. I greatly admired her honest and down to earth descriptions of what she saw as her own shortcomings throughout these experiences. It's very reassuring to know that people in her position also have flaws like the rest of us and don't always have all the answers either :-)
The women's stories were quite tragic.....it's difficult to imagine living a life like some of these women have experienced. Although most of the women believed that they were going to be able to embrace a different future for themselves with the help of God, you have to wonder how many actually will. Certainly by their own accounts, old habits are very hard to break. Let's hope for their sake that they can!
Lastly, whilst this book is religious based, for those that shy away from structured religion (or any religion for that matter), do not let that put you off reading this book. I believe it is sensitive to all beliefs and is definitely not "preachy". I thoroughly enjoyed it!
This book is divided into 2 sections: the first the author shares her experiences with working with the women in prison, how she coped, what it was like etc. The second section consists of the women's stories.
The book was fascinating!! What I particularly liked about the writing was that the author did not come across as the "expert" in what to do and how to do it. She painted a very human picture of herself, including her own reservations, flaws and judgments. I greatly admired her honest and down to earth descriptions of what she saw as her own shortcomings throughout these experiences. It's very reassuring to know that people in her position also have flaws like the rest of us and don't always have all the answers either :-)
The women's stories were quite tragic.....it's difficult to imagine living a life like some of these women have experienced. Although most of the women believed that they were going to be able to embrace a different future for themselves with the help of God, you have to wonder how many actually will. Certainly by their own accounts, old habits are very hard to break. Let's hope for their sake that they can!
Lastly, whilst this book is religious based, for those that shy away from structured religion (or any religion for that matter), do not let that put you off reading this book. I believe it is sensitive to all beliefs and is definitely not "preachy". I thoroughly enjoyed it!
September 8, 2012
This book was written by a lady at my friend's church. I have been a part of a work release jail ministry which referred some ladies to this author to share their stories.
I was anxious to read my friend's story (Yolanda, pg. 159) I had wanted to read her story because she didn't share much of her past with me. So, this book gave me the chance to do that. It also reminded me that little things like my friend coming into the work release jail and reminding them that God loves them is important. This author also has an after care group for women who have been released from jail that my friend attends. They sound like they have a lot of fun at their meetings. I am excited to watch her church's ministries expand and help more and more people in my area. Thanks for serving God to the best of your ability.
I was anxious to read my friend's story (Yolanda, pg. 159) I had wanted to read her story because she didn't share much of her past with me. So, this book gave me the chance to do that. It also reminded me that little things like my friend coming into the work release jail and reminding them that God loves them is important. This author also has an after care group for women who have been released from jail that my friend attends. They sound like they have a lot of fun at their meetings. I am excited to watch her church's ministries expand and help more and more people in my area. Thanks for serving God to the best of your ability.
October 29, 2015
Linda Pischke wrote this book about her experiences in jail ministry. Part of the book is the stories written about actual women in jail or prison and how they came to be there. It is heartbreaking to read the abuse most of them have been through in childhood or as adults or both.
I was able to arrange for Linda to meet with my church book club. She is now involved in aftercare ministry where she and others serve as a support system to those who have been released. Some of the stories in her book are people she had never met, but some of them are people she has carried on a relationship with to this day. It was wonderful to hear that although many of those still struggle to keep their lives turned around, many have been able to learn from their experiences and go on to succeed.
I was able to arrange for Linda to meet with my church book club. She is now involved in aftercare ministry where she and others serve as a support system to those who have been released. Some of the stories in her book are people she had never met, but some of them are people she has carried on a relationship with to this day. It was wonderful to hear that although many of those still struggle to keep their lives turned around, many have been able to learn from their experiences and go on to succeed.
November 24, 2013
This book is really gripping.....with the lives that these women led. They are constantly in and out of jail and had no hope until Linda was called to lead the womens group on Wednesday nights. Seeing that the women were not interested for a lack of a better word, she incorporated a creative writing class and music that helped them heal and have a relationship with God.
My prayer for these women is that no matter how hard their journey is, to continue to put their trust and hope in God. “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
My prayer for these women is that no matter how hard their journey is, to continue to put their trust and hope in God. “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
November 10, 2011
This is a book about the women in prison living on Block 12 with no hope and nothing to look forward to in life. Linda Pischke starts a Wednesday group to open the womens eyes up to hope and a new life through the will of god and Jesus. You will see that this has a positive impact on the women of Block 12 and I just hope that when they become released from prison they continue to believe and pray and stay on the straight and narrow. Very well written and very brave of Linda Pischke who has helped and improved the lives of many others.
Obviously a great book as I read this in a day which is amazing for me!!
Obviously a great book as I read this in a day which is amazing for me!!
April 8, 2013
What an eye opener! I'm more grateful than ever for my sheltered life! This is a very touching yet disturbing account of women in prison and a jail ministry that touched the life of so many women prisoners. Their stories are heart-wrenching. The tears often flowed as I read the sad stories and also as I read about their trust in God--or how they finally turned to God. The author has done a remarkable job sharing the story of the jail ministry she has been involved with as well as sharing the stories of many of the inmates. I recommend this book as long as you understand that it contains a lot of sadness, but it also contains a lot of joy.
November 7, 2011
WOW! That is the first thing that comes to mind after finishing this book. Ms. Pischke starts off in a light and upbeat (especially for the topic) way and continues in that same upbeat way even when telling of the things these women endured. The stories of the women themselves are stories of hardship and barely getting by, but there is fight in every one of those women, and faith is what is getting them through. I am reccomending this book to several teenage girls that I know, and their mothers. Thanks again for choosing me as a First Reads winner.
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April 1, 2016Excellent book. I am so excited to start doing jail ministry this next month. This book is an encouraging look at jail ministry. It includes individual women's stories/testimonials of God's deliverence and salvation. I bought a few to share with others involved in jail ministry with me. I know they will love it.
April 8, 2015
Jail & Prison Ministry
A good starter book for those who are interested in serving in jail and prison ministry. I especially like the essays written by the women incarcerated. Some repeated the same mistake and some let the experience strengthen them to do more with their lives.
A good starter book for those who are interested in serving in jail and prison ministry. I especially like the essays written by the women incarcerated. Some repeated the same mistake and some let the experience strengthen them to do more with their lives.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews