The Profound Benefits of a Stint in Prison: Locked up and lucked out in max security

by Andrew Hamilton

Andrew Hamilton thought he had life beautiful fiancée, a popular pizza restaurant, two beloved dogs and a thriving side business supplying massive quantities of magic mushrooms and LSD to eager Sydneysiders.
Then one night police raided his Surry Hills home and it all came crashing down. Andrew's predicament didn't sink in at first, mainly because he was on a three-day cocaine bender and just wanted to sleep it off. When he was transferred to Parklea Correctional Centre, his prison-inspired existential dilemma began.

The Profound Benefits of a Stint in Prison is a sometimes confronting, more often hilarious insider's view to life inside. Andrew left prison a changed man, determined to turn his life around. This is the story of what happens when max denial collides with the reality of max security.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Audiobook, Crime

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2024

Reviews

[Daniel Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew Hamilton’s The Profound Benefits of a Stint in Prison: Locked Up and Lucked Out in Max Security is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of personal transformation through the lens of incarceration. Rather than glorifying prison life, Hamilton offers readers a candid reflection on the profound lessons learned during his time in a maximum-security facility, making this book an inspiring read for anyone interested in the themes of redemption, resilience, and the human capacity for change.

Hamilton’s writing is raw and honest, drawing readers into his world with vivid storytelling that captures the complexities of life behind bars. He does not shy away from the harsh realities of prison life, yet he masterfully balances this with an exploration of the introspection and personal growth that can arise from such experiences. His ability to articulate the emotional and psychological challenges he faced allows readers to empathize with his journey, making it relatable even for those who have never experienced incarceration.

One of the most commendable aspects of Hamilton’s narrative is his focus on the lessons learned during his time in prison. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, self-reflection, and the pursuit of personal growth, showcasing how he turned a challenging situation into an opportunity for self-improvement. Through various programs and interactions with fellow inmates, he discovers new perspectives on life, relationships, and responsibility. These insights are not only valuable for individuals who have experienced similar circumstances but also for anyone seeking inspiration to overcome adversity.

Hamilton also addresses broader themes of criminal justice and rehabilitation, advocating for a more compassionate understanding of those who find themselves in the prison system. He challenges societal perceptions of inmates, encouraging readers to recognize the potential for change and the importance of rehabilitation over punishment. This call for empathy and reform is timely and necessary, making the book not just a personal memoir but also a commentary on the need for systemic change in how we view and treat incarcerated individuals.

The Profound Benefits of a Stint in Prison is more than just a recounting of Hamilton's experiences; it is a testament to the power of the human spirit to adapt, learn, and grow in the face of adversity. His journey serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder that even in the darkest of circumstances, there is potential for transformation and redemption.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in personal development, criminal justice reform, or the complexities of human experience. Hamilton’s story will resonate with readers long after they turn the last page, leaving them inspired to reflect on their own lives and the lessons they can learn from their challenges. This review emphasizes the positive aspects of the book while acknowledging its serious themes, making it an engaging and insightful read.

[Les Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

After seeing Andrew open for another comedian I immediately jumped at the chance to see him for an hour long solo show.
After a cracker of a set, a heap of chuckles and some good chatter, Andrew mentioned he was selling and signing copies of his book. After hearing his set I knew this book would be fantastic and happily bought it.
Similar to his set but with all the details and depth that's difficult to compress into a stand up routine, this book was a pleasure to read, empathetic and sincere.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let’s face it most of us will never be imprisoned, nonetheless a lot of us have a macabre curiosity about what life is like behind bars.
A real life account by Andrew provides a huge insight into a system that operates behind those high walls.
A drug raid and crafty surveillance operation changed his immediate life as he was thrust into a system that evokes fear and strips even the most basic liberties.
From the moment he is put in a tiny police holding cell the anticipation became real.
Transfers to maximum security prisons in Sydney provided the reader with so much fodder on life behind bars.
Locked up for 23 hours a day and left sitting in a cell with nothing to do or read was an eye opener as it reiterates that rehabilitation won’t work in these circumstances.
Once in a designated wing Andrew soon learnt the ropes and his food journal descriptions and ratings was a classic.
Barriers can be broken, respect is always a winner and understanding that not everyone incarcerated is a bad person were key takeaways.
Finding and observing the funnier side of life behind bars inspired a comedic passion and routines on stage at comedy clubs became a new addiction.
Interesting and refreshing subject matter certainly got my attention and respect for this great account.

[Jen de R · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. The guy overestimates the appeal of his old-life reminiscences, especially an interminable description of a blokes’ holiday in Thailand. They drank a lot and did some drugs, it’s not worth a million pages of detail.
There was no narrative arc or point apparent when I gave up and stopped reading a third of the way through.
For a much better read on a similar topic, I can recommend Paul Wood’s book How to Escape from Prison.

[Maddy Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually thought this was really good! I thought it was interesting and I actually enjoyed it! I would recommend this to a friend

[Kiah Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sensational book! I was sobbing by the end

[Pip Snort · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was self indulgent and ridiculous, but also a bit interesting. Who would have thought that sunshine, being sober and exercising would feel better than a diet of cocaine, psychedelic mushrooms and darkness...

[Joshua Chipchase · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing and humorous memoir that chronicles a drug dealer's short time in an Australian prison. The author kept things interesting and the story revealed how inmates survive and thrive in prison. Had some helpful things to say about the importance of community (and how they form in prisons). The prison seemed to be less brutal (among the inmates) than some of the ones in the U.S. that I have read about. The author had a witty take on things and there was hope and growth in the story.

I would have differences with the author on his view of drugs (he supports their legalization and didn't seem to see how devastating they can be to people and societies) but I appreciated his recognition that his time in prison woke him up and moved him away from a harmful lifestyle.

[Graeme · Rating 1 out of 5]

If he hadn't gone to gaol he may have not lived. Don't ignore the reason why he was in gaol.Some of the drugs he supplied may now have been decriminalised (small amounts) or legalised for medicinal purposes, but don't you still need a dealer to supply you ? quote -"Morally I don't think I did anything particularly wrong." Does he know what happened to his clients ? In 2023, almost 2 in 3 drug-induced deaths (65% or 1,060 deaths) were accidental and 1 in 4 (24% or 395 deaths) were considered intentional (ABS 2024, Tables 13.3–13.4). If he has a positive no drug message for youth detention & prisons & he is "clean"himself that are the positives from his story.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book after watching Andrews hilarious gig at the Brisbane Hotel for Perth fringe festival- something about how genuine he was and how it felt like we were yarning back and forth captivated me. He mentioned he was selling his book after the show and I jumped at the opportunity knowing that if I enjoyed him speaking to a room full of strangers and getting such a huge laugh the book was going to be just as good - man was I right. Cover to cover in under a week I couldn’t put it down. Such a good read for anyone who is fascinated by other’s lived experiences … this just happens to have a comedic twinge to it throughout.

[Alice Jones1234567 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I found it a really interesting insight into the world of drugs and prison - two things I have no experience of. I thought the characters were well drawn, and despite them being nothing like me I liked them and wished them well. I thought the author did a good job of showing how the small things matter in prison, and the lackadaisical attitude of the guards. I think it was thought provoking and raised some interesting ethical dilemmas about whether drugs should be legal and under what circumstances someone should go to prison. Well done Andrew Hamilton!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I’ve never listened to an audio book before. I thought I wouldn’t enjoy them. But this. This. This changed my mind. Andrew’s writing (and narration) were and are profound - much like the title of the book. ☺️ I laughed. I cried (more than once!). He wrote with such passion, vulnerability and honesty, and it made every chapter so compelling. I’m sitting here, 2 minutes after finishing the book - dumbfounded at the beauty that is his writing. Cliche to say? Yes. But true? Also yes. 10/10 would read again!

[Amy M · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Hammo since the early Yeah mad (youtube) days and thought I'd give this a go. Pretty interesting hearing about his time in jail as a mostly positive one. I think it's disgusting that he went without such basic things (a pillow, basic entertainment and most importantly- his inhaler(!)) To find out about Clint at the end was a sad turn I hadn't expected. Hope Hammo can keep his positive outlook going for a long time, it's refreshing!

[Andrew Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great listen. It's not as funny as I expected, but it's definitely entertaining. I definitely shed some tears towards the end. It is a great inspiration to rise above a bad situation and a great testament to how a stay in prison should work. There is something about hearing a memoir - or really any book - read in the author's own voice that I really like.

[Katie Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. Very blokey humour but more a genuinely well told story than an out-and-out comedy. Has some sad and poignant moments and I felt at times he was glossing over the hard moments in prison. But overall a positive and feel-good story.

[Nat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an unplanned audio book for me, needed to throw something on while walking.

I don't know much about life in Australian remand and I'm sure this was a very light tough of reality. It was engaging and interesting but not really my normal read.

[Debbie Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book. Fantastic to see his transformation. Night to read an honest account of life inside from an inmate. Instead of those written by journalists and guards that are very one sided and make out that all those in jail are guilty/or bad people.

[Rob Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook version read by the author. Excellent tale of how a challenging experience can be channeled for a very positive outcome. Witty, amusing and sad all at once. And a window into what prison life is really like in Australia.

[Andrew Bysterveldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick easy read. Thoroughly engaging. At first I thought “oh here we go a guy boasting about his life selling drugs” but the book just goes from strength to strength.

[Michella Mcintosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting modern take on what its like in a CC in NSW. Perhaps I found it more interesting as this my professional area.

[Alex Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew Hamilton is one of the funniest people on YouTube so it was only right that I bought his book!

It was super good, and had me laughing out loud!

Would def recommend!

[Mellissa Holzheimer]

This was a really good and easy read. Funny, down to earth and the author was authentically himself in the story. Really enjoyed this one.

[Emma De Smet · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Jacinta · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I don’t condone why he was imprisoned it was interesting to listen to how a short stay in prison worked especially during covid.

[Lars · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good. If you like Hammo you'll like this.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent memoir

[Shannon Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in one sitting!

“Fuck a duck” best line in the book.

[Belinda · Rating 2 out of 5]

dnf

[Kt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Genre: non-fiction - memoir, true crime

Does the blurb reflect the plot: yes, it’s a great overview of what’s to come

Sum it up: Ever met a comedian who has been to jail? No? Then say hello to Andrew Hamilton. Charged with drug trafficking, pizza shop owner and prolific drug user Hamilton is remanded into custody awaiting bail, but not just in any prison; he’s in maximum security and it’s a whole new world from the one he’s just been ripped away from. There is a lot to like about this book, but what got me the most is how ridiculously honest Hamilton is throughout it. Most people go to great lengths to hide a criminal history; but Hamilton owns it, doesn’t excuse his drug use and trafficking and acknowledges what it will take to stay off drugs in the future. It’s certainly not an ‘oh woe is me’ tail, but rather a refreshingly insightful, warts and all look at how a couple of bad decisions can completely change your life; but also how you can also turn it around if you really want to. For all the confronting and poignant parts, Hamilton’s trademark humour also regularly comes through, which not only sees a stack of emotions rise from the pages as you read; but which will have you seriously invested in this must read memoir that I couldn’t put down.

Who should read it: a must for fans of Hamilton’s comedy and the OG Crew, it’s a memoir that anyone would be hard pressed not to enjoy reading and therefore it’s a memoir everyone should read.

The Profound Benefits of a Stint in Prison: Locked Up and Lucked Out in Max Security is my fourteenth read in #ktbookbingo. Category ‘Memoir/Biography’. To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo or @peggyanne_readsandruns on Instagram.

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone else curious about what life is like behind bars? No? Just me? Ok then 🫣

Apart from some questionable in depth insight into substance use and abuse, I found this quite intriguing.