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The Toughest Prison of All
When Floyd Forsberg lost his father at 10, he turned to shoplifting and burglary to feed his family and fill the void his father left. At 14, he was sent to the Luther Burbank School for Boys for possessing firearms and running away. There, Floyd found himself trapped by a system that sought to destroy his dignity rather than restore his character. From this point forward, Floyd would strive to become the most hardened, disciplined, professional bank robber ever.
On one of the rare occasions he wasn't incarcerated, Floyd met Nancy, a golden-haired goddess, the love of his life. Given the choice between loving her and being the greatest bank robber in America, he chose Nancy without hesitation. But before he went straight, he just needed to pull off one last job ...
Floyd Forsberg spent his time behind bars planning the biggest bank heist in history and longing for the simple love of his soul mate. When he robbed the First National Bank of Nevada in 1974, he achieved his first goal. But with a million dollars of the bank's money in his hands and the FBI constantly on his tail, he would have to escape The Toughest Prison of All to achieve peace.
—Tony Onorato
On one of the rare occasions he wasn't incarcerated, Floyd met Nancy, a golden-haired goddess, the love of his life. Given the choice between loving her and being the greatest bank robber in America, he chose Nancy without hesitation. But before he went straight, he just needed to pull off one last job ...
Floyd Forsberg spent his time behind bars planning the biggest bank heist in history and longing for the simple love of his soul mate. When he robbed the First National Bank of Nevada in 1974, he achieved his first goal. But with a million dollars of the bank's money in his hands and the FBI constantly on his tail, he would have to escape The Toughest Prison of All to achieve peace.
—Tony Onorato
- GenresTrue Crime
407 pages, Paperback
First published September 18, 2015
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111 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 7, 2017
Floyd C. Forsberg's Toughest Prison of All is a gripping account of the author's personal journey through his life of crime, how he managed to save himself by breaking out of his criminal lifestyle and why he chooses to continue staying out of trouble.
I believe that every person always has different options he/she can take when it comes to pretty much everything in life. Unfortunately, though, the better option isn't always as appealing as the bad.
Being raised in an abusive and damaging household, Floyd was negatively shaped by his poisonous environment.
"I was born on November 25, 1941 to the working class, the alcoholic class, and the hit-your -wife-if-she-gets-out-of-line class. Smoking was cool and done in the theaters, restaurants, and hospital waiting rooms. All the adult men I knew as a child worked and drank and screwed around and hit their wives and kids. It was normal, and society didn't interfere into "family matters" like domestic abuse. I was whipped with a belt for bad behavior and felt lucky about it. Some of my friends got a paternal fist."
His father, whom he was named after, died when he was ten yrs old. Not only did he have to deal with his father's death at such a young age, but he and his family also had to struggle with everything that came because of it. Since his father was their main source of income, and he could no longer provide, his mother moved them around a lot, in hopes of finding a better (and more affordable) place to settle.
Shortly after his father's death, he was introduced to shoplifting by a neighborhood friend. From there Floyd moved on to other petty crimes and eventually graduated to committing bigger offenses. Before he knew it, he adapted a criminal lifestyle and was constantly getting in and out of trouble. At some point, being a criminal is all he really knew how to do; other criminals were the only people he could call his friends.
He never had a reason to stop, until one day he fell in love. The love he felt for Nancy made him want to change for the better, and so he decided he would... But not before committing the largest bank robbery in history at the First National Bank of Reno, Nevada, in 1974. A robbery which put him back in prison until 1992 (despite escaping a couple of times).
While serving time in prison, he not only wrote this book, but was also able to shine light on the corruption of the criminal Justice system. It was both enlightening and scary to see into the mind of a criminal himself, but also how criminal the people of the justice system can be; very eye opening.
Flyod C. Foresberg's writing is great and his tale will suck you in and have you eagerly flipping it's pages to see what happens next. He has since put his criminal life behind him (thankfully) and has been staying out of trouble for the last 22 years.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who's interested in autobiographies/memoirs, and true crime stories.
**** I received an eBook copy of this title in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to booktasters for introducing me to this author, and thank you to Floyd C. Foreberg and the publishers from Genius Book for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. ****
I believe that every person always has different options he/she can take when it comes to pretty much everything in life. Unfortunately, though, the better option isn't always as appealing as the bad.
Being raised in an abusive and damaging household, Floyd was negatively shaped by his poisonous environment.
"I was born on November 25, 1941 to the working class, the alcoholic class, and the hit-your -wife-if-she-gets-out-of-line class. Smoking was cool and done in the theaters, restaurants, and hospital waiting rooms. All the adult men I knew as a child worked and drank and screwed around and hit their wives and kids. It was normal, and society didn't interfere into "family matters" like domestic abuse. I was whipped with a belt for bad behavior and felt lucky about it. Some of my friends got a paternal fist."
His father, whom he was named after, died when he was ten yrs old. Not only did he have to deal with his father's death at such a young age, but he and his family also had to struggle with everything that came because of it. Since his father was their main source of income, and he could no longer provide, his mother moved them around a lot, in hopes of finding a better (and more affordable) place to settle.
Shortly after his father's death, he was introduced to shoplifting by a neighborhood friend. From there Floyd moved on to other petty crimes and eventually graduated to committing bigger offenses. Before he knew it, he adapted a criminal lifestyle and was constantly getting in and out of trouble. At some point, being a criminal is all he really knew how to do; other criminals were the only people he could call his friends.
He never had a reason to stop, until one day he fell in love. The love he felt for Nancy made him want to change for the better, and so he decided he would... But not before committing the largest bank robbery in history at the First National Bank of Reno, Nevada, in 1974. A robbery which put him back in prison until 1992 (despite escaping a couple of times).
While serving time in prison, he not only wrote this book, but was also able to shine light on the corruption of the criminal Justice system. It was both enlightening and scary to see into the mind of a criminal himself, but also how criminal the people of the justice system can be; very eye opening.
Flyod C. Foresberg's writing is great and his tale will suck you in and have you eagerly flipping it's pages to see what happens next. He has since put his criminal life behind him (thankfully) and has been staying out of trouble for the last 22 years.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who's interested in autobiographies/memoirs, and true crime stories.
**** I received an eBook copy of this title in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to booktasters for introducing me to this author, and thank you to Floyd C. Foreberg and the publishers from Genius Book for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. ****
March 12, 2017
“When Floyd Forsberg lost his father at 10, he turned to shoplifting and burglary to feed his family and fill the void his father left. At 14, he was sent to the Luther Burbank School for Boys for possessing firearms and running away. There, Floyd found himself trapped by a system that sought to destroy his dignity rather than restore his character. From this point forward, Floyd would strive to become the most hardened, disciplined, professional bank robber ever.” (toughestprison.com)
What an amazing book.
This unapologetic autobiographical account provides a truly fascinating insight into the mind of career criminal Floyd Forsberg, documenting his escapades in a gripping yet humble fashion. The photographs throughout are captivating and offer a 3D experience for readers who enjoy visual stimulation.
Chapter one sees Floyd preparing for “Reno’s most perfect robbery”, and I wasn’t sure the book was for me due to all the strategic language and premeditation of crime. I was hoping the subsequent chapters wouldn’t be too heavily peppered with robbery jargon and detailed plans, as I’m more interested in action and consequences! Floyd’s self-esteem issues and need for validation become apparent very early on, and despite his arrogant opinion of the “nobility” of his “chosen profession” he is a likable story teller. One thing that stood out to me was how many wise words and beautiful quotes were scattered throughout the pages, and I found myself wishing I could distribute copies to the prisoners I have worked with over the years.
“I was whipped with a belt for bad behaviour and felt lucky about it. Some of my friends got a parental fist.”
“Even as juvenile delinquents, we understood how important it was to let the caseworkers and psychologists think that they had you all figured out. Once they had you tagged and labelled, they pretty much felt their job was done and were far less apt to interfere with your life.”
“More importantly, I still had my dignity. I had kept the code. I had maintained my silence to the end.”
“Psychiatry is a dangerous profession Floyd. They analyse and dissect all human behaviour down to certain basic fundamentals. At first it’s all very interesting and exciting to them. Then they realize they’re not so different from the people they study.”
What I particularly liked about this book was that it didn’t follow a predictable pattern, and I found myself guessing constantly. Although I have worked in prison and rehabilitation systems it was shocking to read just how calculated and ruthless Floyd and his associates were. There was a consistent undertone of desperation and despair in his choices, which is all too familiar in the criminal world – adrenaline, instant gratification, living for the moment, dire consequences. Floyd falls deeply in love with Nancy, and this is the first time we see his true vulnerability and inner turmoil.
“She didn’t understand that I couldn’t be entirely myself – that I couldn’t be totally me – even with her. She could never possibly understand why I still needed the War, why I would probably live a Jekyll and Hyde existence the rest of my life.”
The cat-and-mouse nature of Floyd’s relationship with the authorities is astonishing, and exposes not only a sophisticated network of criminals outwitting local and national police, but a seriously corrupt and damaging justice system. The book examines the insanity of the prison revolving door and the reality many offenders face when trying to break free of their learned behaviours in a society that regards criminals as sub-human. Floyd is an intelligent author, able to reflect on his life with little pity and buckets of honesty. He pulled on my heartstrings in unexpected ways, particularly with his inability to empathise and connect with another person without suspicion and fear.
“In the past, I hadn’t ever valued my freedom because I hadn’t ever valued myself.”
Floyd recognises the positive and influential figures that gave him cause to think about life outside his ego-centric bubble, which is heart-warming without becoming insincere. His connection with Mr Hubbard was refreshing in a book so full of contempt for “the system” and shows the reader the deeply philosophical Floyd often hidden by his alter-ego “Frosty”.
“I will keep on doing what I can, and accepting what I cannot change. That’s what mature people do, Floyd. It is this very same level of emotional maturity that you still have to learn.”
Floyd grows as the pages turn, showing an ever increasing capability to relate to people around him and recognise the correlation between his decisions and the impact on himself and others. It is rare to find such a beautifully written book that encompasses raw facts and sickening acts but at the same time describes a vulnerable and damaged individual forgotten in a world of punishment and alleged reform.
“There really wasn’t any place for me to escape to. I carried my real prison inside me.”
Tab says….
Do read this book if –
You like a love story
You enjoy reading or watching anything crime related
You want to get lost in a story
You enjoy autobiographies
You like to be shocked
You like to learn about conspiracies, corruption and loop holes in systems
Do not read this book if –
You’re looking for an easy read
(Book errors:
Chapter 25 reads “Denise stared giggling” – should this be “started?”
Chapter 27 reads “the DA watned” – should this be “wanted?”)
What an amazing book.
This unapologetic autobiographical account provides a truly fascinating insight into the mind of career criminal Floyd Forsberg, documenting his escapades in a gripping yet humble fashion. The photographs throughout are captivating and offer a 3D experience for readers who enjoy visual stimulation.
Chapter one sees Floyd preparing for “Reno’s most perfect robbery”, and I wasn’t sure the book was for me due to all the strategic language and premeditation of crime. I was hoping the subsequent chapters wouldn’t be too heavily peppered with robbery jargon and detailed plans, as I’m more interested in action and consequences! Floyd’s self-esteem issues and need for validation become apparent very early on, and despite his arrogant opinion of the “nobility” of his “chosen profession” he is a likable story teller. One thing that stood out to me was how many wise words and beautiful quotes were scattered throughout the pages, and I found myself wishing I could distribute copies to the prisoners I have worked with over the years.
“I was whipped with a belt for bad behaviour and felt lucky about it. Some of my friends got a parental fist.”
“Even as juvenile delinquents, we understood how important it was to let the caseworkers and psychologists think that they had you all figured out. Once they had you tagged and labelled, they pretty much felt their job was done and were far less apt to interfere with your life.”
“More importantly, I still had my dignity. I had kept the code. I had maintained my silence to the end.”
“Psychiatry is a dangerous profession Floyd. They analyse and dissect all human behaviour down to certain basic fundamentals. At first it’s all very interesting and exciting to them. Then they realize they’re not so different from the people they study.”
What I particularly liked about this book was that it didn’t follow a predictable pattern, and I found myself guessing constantly. Although I have worked in prison and rehabilitation systems it was shocking to read just how calculated and ruthless Floyd and his associates were. There was a consistent undertone of desperation and despair in his choices, which is all too familiar in the criminal world – adrenaline, instant gratification, living for the moment, dire consequences. Floyd falls deeply in love with Nancy, and this is the first time we see his true vulnerability and inner turmoil.
“She didn’t understand that I couldn’t be entirely myself – that I couldn’t be totally me – even with her. She could never possibly understand why I still needed the War, why I would probably live a Jekyll and Hyde existence the rest of my life.”
The cat-and-mouse nature of Floyd’s relationship with the authorities is astonishing, and exposes not only a sophisticated network of criminals outwitting local and national police, but a seriously corrupt and damaging justice system. The book examines the insanity of the prison revolving door and the reality many offenders face when trying to break free of their learned behaviours in a society that regards criminals as sub-human. Floyd is an intelligent author, able to reflect on his life with little pity and buckets of honesty. He pulled on my heartstrings in unexpected ways, particularly with his inability to empathise and connect with another person without suspicion and fear.
“In the past, I hadn’t ever valued my freedom because I hadn’t ever valued myself.”
Floyd recognises the positive and influential figures that gave him cause to think about life outside his ego-centric bubble, which is heart-warming without becoming insincere. His connection with Mr Hubbard was refreshing in a book so full of contempt for “the system” and shows the reader the deeply philosophical Floyd often hidden by his alter-ego “Frosty”.
“I will keep on doing what I can, and accepting what I cannot change. That’s what mature people do, Floyd. It is this very same level of emotional maturity that you still have to learn.”
Floyd grows as the pages turn, showing an ever increasing capability to relate to people around him and recognise the correlation between his decisions and the impact on himself and others. It is rare to find such a beautifully written book that encompasses raw facts and sickening acts but at the same time describes a vulnerable and damaged individual forgotten in a world of punishment and alleged reform.
“There really wasn’t any place for me to escape to. I carried my real prison inside me.”
Tab says….
Do read this book if –
You like a love story
You enjoy reading or watching anything crime related
You want to get lost in a story
You enjoy autobiographies
You like to be shocked
You like to learn about conspiracies, corruption and loop holes in systems
Do not read this book if –
You’re looking for an easy read
(Book errors:
Chapter 25 reads “Denise stared giggling” – should this be “started?”
Chapter 27 reads “the DA watned” – should this be “wanted?”)
March 27, 2018
A very interesting and unique look into the prison system and criminal mind by a convict himself. While I did find this book a little longer then most books and slower in some places, I really enjoyed reading Floyd’s story throughout his life and learning about things in the penal system I didn’t know previously. * I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review *
March 9, 2017
Reading the life of a man who first chose the life of crime his transition to the legal work force was a great experience. this memoir gives insight into how the penal system fails by exposing it's flaws and where it succeeds by some of the people who are part of it.
Highly Recommended
Highly Recommended
April 11, 2017
Floyd C. Forsberg, bank robber and changed man, tells his story about life on the inside, outside and on some people’s bad sides. Part of the synopsis of the book is “[he] spent his time behind bars planning the biggest bank heist in history and longing for the simple love of his soul mate. When he robbed the First National Bank of Nevada in 1974, he achieved his first goal. But with a million dollars of the bank’s money in his hands and the FBI constantly on his tail, he would have to escape The Toughest Prison of All to achieve peace.”
Forsberg (or Frosty, the name of his cruder, meaner side), writes from his own perspective. He explores what it was like to plan and rob banks, escape prison and be on the run. All the while wishing for stability and a sense of normalcy. It was uncomfortable to read at first due to the retelling of his childhood and the obvious impact that would have on his future. It was uncomfortable because I wanted to root for him. I couldn’t. There were so many opportunities for Forsberg to make a change and he chose not to. A lot of people have those types of people in their lives and it is unsettling to be in their mind.
It is a bold book written with depth, capturing the attention and keeps it throughout. . Each time I remember that this is someone's past, their history, my stomach churns. It is a true look into the American justice and prison system and there are clearly gaps within the system. A rehabilitation system. Particularly around the ability to report, investigate and punish those within the ranks, as Forsberg addresses. Overall, Toughest Prison is a decent read, with an interesting storyline and somewhat interesting characters. It’s a predictable book with a sort of happy ending and is a cautionary tale.
Forsberg (or Frosty, the name of his cruder, meaner side), writes from his own perspective. He explores what it was like to plan and rob banks, escape prison and be on the run. All the while wishing for stability and a sense of normalcy. It was uncomfortable to read at first due to the retelling of his childhood and the obvious impact that would have on his future. It was uncomfortable because I wanted to root for him. I couldn’t. There were so many opportunities for Forsberg to make a change and he chose not to. A lot of people have those types of people in their lives and it is unsettling to be in their mind.
It is a bold book written with depth, capturing the attention and keeps it throughout. . Each time I remember that this is someone's past, their history, my stomach churns. It is a true look into the American justice and prison system and there are clearly gaps within the system. A rehabilitation system. Particularly around the ability to report, investigate and punish those within the ranks, as Forsberg addresses. Overall, Toughest Prison is a decent read, with an interesting storyline and somewhat interesting characters. It’s a predictable book with a sort of happy ending and is a cautionary tale.
March 15, 2017
This book was a real eye-opener and I really was captivated by Floyd and his story. I continued to want to know what would happen and at times I felt for Floyd and was rooting for him to make better decisions! I do believe that there is corruption in our system but I didn't love how Floyd sometimes made himself out to be a victim. He was a serial bank robber, there were victims of stolen money and if my hard earned money would have been stolen from my bank, I would be angry! Floyd continued to get paroled/ released and he continued to make bad decisions. I felt like he kept getting a new pass and each time he wanted revenge, to get even and to get what he thought he "deserved". I continued to shake my head, "No Floyd, come on!"
I liked how the book ended and I was glad for Floyd and his hard work at the end. I think he had some good role models in his life and he ended up maturing.
I would recommend this book.
Note: I was given this book in exchange for an honest review
I liked how the book ended and I was glad for Floyd and his hard work at the end. I think he had some good role models in his life and he ended up maturing.
I would recommend this book.
Note: I was given this book in exchange for an honest review
March 13, 2017
I cannot fault this book. It is superbly well written, often I was so absorbed in the exploits of the richly colourful and diverse characters I forgot they were real. Then the harsh, brutal reality and desolate desperation of their lives would hit me anew.
The author gives a frank and honest account of his life, his crimes, his guilt and a system deeply flawed and marred by corruption. Despite the subject matter the author asks for no pity and makes few apologies. None the less there is a clear and vital moral lesson to us all, to examine our lives individually from the inside.
The pace of the book is remorseless - the author is in a constant cat and mouse situation, sometimes the cat, at other times the mouse - but he writes with such fluidity it is easy to keep reading as the chapters pace themselves well and the narrative flows easily. He transports you so seamlessly into his world, you are left almost with that feeling of needing to pinch yourself to see if it is real. The manner in which you quickly accept the status quo is another way the author cleverly draws you into his world, you absolutely get a real sense of the resignedness of those locked in the criminal justice system and the cycle of reoffending.
This is a book that will make you think and rethink the values you may have held dear, and will certainly open your mind to the certainty that all is not as it seems. And that salvation can come in the least expected guise.
I highly recommend this book.
The author gives a frank and honest account of his life, his crimes, his guilt and a system deeply flawed and marred by corruption. Despite the subject matter the author asks for no pity and makes few apologies. None the less there is a clear and vital moral lesson to us all, to examine our lives individually from the inside.
The pace of the book is remorseless - the author is in a constant cat and mouse situation, sometimes the cat, at other times the mouse - but he writes with such fluidity it is easy to keep reading as the chapters pace themselves well and the narrative flows easily. He transports you so seamlessly into his world, you are left almost with that feeling of needing to pinch yourself to see if it is real. The manner in which you quickly accept the status quo is another way the author cleverly draws you into his world, you absolutely get a real sense of the resignedness of those locked in the criminal justice system and the cycle of reoffending.
This is a book that will make you think and rethink the values you may have held dear, and will certainly open your mind to the certainty that all is not as it seems. And that salvation can come in the least expected guise.
I highly recommend this book.
August 5, 2017
BooHoo
A homo thief in love with a whore robs banks, rats out other inmates, kills an innocent girl and rats out his partner, trys to discredit the FBI and Judges, what a phony human being. He's pathetic!
A homo thief in love with a whore robs banks, rats out other inmates, kills an innocent girl and rats out his partner, trys to discredit the FBI and Judges, what a phony human being. He's pathetic!
March 15, 2019
This book is all over the place.
This could have been a great story but the author mixed in too many themes. There is true crime, romance, law enforcement corruption and homosexual love stories.
This could have been a great story but the author mixed in too many themes. There is true crime, romance, law enforcement corruption and homosexual love stories.
June 16, 2021
Wonderful story. A lot of pain and a lot of thrill reading this. I just hope a fine balance can be struck between reducing the destructive nature of the American criminal justice system and deterring crime as a whole.
February 24, 2018
an eye opening book not just about Floyd and his 30 odd years behind bars but also about the American penal system I really enjoyed this book God luck Floyd for the future
March 10, 2017
This book follows the story of Floyd "frosty" Forsberg, a bank robber with a rather rough start in life.
This was actually super interesting to read, to experience what he went through as if it were myself.
I found it amazing to be able to learn how he got to where he ended up, from a seeming 'dangerous ' criminal to a full fledged member of society.
Personally, I would recommend this to everyone I know, from sixteen years old up.
This was actually super interesting to read, to experience what he went through as if it were myself.
I found it amazing to be able to learn how he got to where he ended up, from a seeming 'dangerous ' criminal to a full fledged member of society.
Personally, I would recommend this to everyone I know, from sixteen years old up.
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April 19, 2017this just left me with a very uneasy feeling. this guy was not a very successful criminal and even after he "reformed" he still seemed to maintain an attitude of victim.
April 26, 2017
I enjoyed Floyd's memoirs. I wish he said more about the war he rages with his mind and how he got out of his prisons.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews