Between Hell and Hope: Teaching Humanity in an Imperfect Word

by Leanne Lawrence

"With the words of Leanne Lawrence, you are introduced to a world of incarcerated, hard human shells of despair. Leanne has the capacity to find the humanity within each of the inmates and brings their stories to page after riveting page. She describes their raw, personal journeys without passing judgement. She has been given a gift because of their trust; her gift to us in return is stories that are haunting and challenging..."
-Sadie Darnell, Sheriff: Alachua County, FL

"This is a gritty, street-wise little book with a big heart. It is a full cup for the parched lips of the voice-less. Leanne Lawrence tells from the inside out how hearts shot full of pain may be mended. She tells how the anguished may come to speak not in requiem, rather with hope and thanksgiving. This book will break your heart, and you will mend to be the better for it."
-Will Irby, Author and Journalist

"I like (Leanne's) voice in these stories and the way (she) finds a knot of pain (about pit bulls or rape) and holds out to it, rather than quickly unravels it..."
-Michael Ames: Director/Vanderbilt University Press: Nashville, TN

"This book will take you into another world where heart and humor are essential to survival. This wonderful teacher has been our GED Instructor at the county jail for many years and she changes lives every day. Read it! It will open your eyes and your heart and make you laugh out loud!"
-Ellen West, Ed.D., Principal: Loften High School, Ret.

"Witnessing Leanne interact with her students is truly remarkable. She has a natural ability to cultivate growth and inspiration in her classroom. Just when inmates think they're at a dead end, Leanne shows them a road they never knew existed..."
-Shane Guthrie: Classroom Tutor/Department of the Jail

"Between Hell and Hope takes the reader to the edge and makes them WANT to jump!"
-Linda Cue: Alachua County Library District/Former Jail Librarian

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 5, 2013

Reviews

[Judy Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important book for everyone to read to help them understand what many less fortunate Americans have to deal with in their lives every day. Story after story from her years of teaching the lower income in jails and GED classes illustrate how a little humanity shown to those who much of society has forgotten can reap large rewards. At the very least, this book will remind you to count your blessings, and perhaps to be a little less judgmental about people who are born into less fortunate circumstances.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest and powerful account of Leanne's path in life and those she has encountered. She is a teacher, a counselor, a friend, and a colleague that make her worth getting to know. Leanne's encouraging words to all, regardless of lot in life are inspiring. Her honest, no frills style is enjoyable yet sometimes achingly difficult to read.

[Judy Ingersoll johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any real teacher. Teaching is a calling. Leanne answered her calling for sure!