Writing Our Way Out: Memoirs from Jail

by David Coogan

Detailing the formative and transformative memories of ten men, Writing Our Way Out is the creative culmination of a writing class that began in the Richmond City Jail in Virginia, and grew into a journey to re-entry. Compiled in a narrative by their teacher, Dr. David Coogan, these stories explore the conditions, traps, and turning points on the path to imprisonment in modern America, as well as the redemptive and rehabilitative power of memoir.

Genres: Memoir

258 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2015

Reviews

[Dan Ream · Rating 5 out of 5]

This excellent collection of life stories by Richmond City Jail inmates , prompted by VCU English professor Dave Coogan’s Saturday writing classes at the jail and follow up work together, is amazing in how Coogan was able to draw out these men to thoughtfully reflect on -and better understand- their own stories . I am now listening to the excellent podcast of the same title in which these men expand upon their stories here in the book and discuss them with Coogan and psychologists and other professionals .I may never see prisoners quite the same after reading these stories.

[Emma Breeden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A difficult read at times, but a must-read. It will open your eyes. Thankful I got to meet and listen to Dr. Coogan and Kelvin Belton... proud that something like this happened at my alma mater and in my city. Hopeful for the future.

[Gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing read. If you're looking to read truly diverse literature, start with these painfully honest memoirs that will erase the ugly stereotypes of "criminals" and replace them with people. Just because the book takes place in Virginia doesn't mean it's any different from other states' criminal justice systems. Please, please, PLEASE read this book!

[Lori Krenik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memoirs that humanize people that society so easily dehumanizes and forgets.

[Connor O’Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

“This is a work of Creative non-fiction. It’s my memoir of teaching a writing class to prisoners. And it’s ten prisoners’ memoirs, written with this hope in mind: that each man might understand the story of his life & in so doing, change its course.”

This quote from the introduction perfectly summarizes this book. VCU Professor Dr. David Coogan and the ten men who contributed: Kelvin Belton, Karl Black, Stanley Craddock, Ronald Fountain, Bradley Greene, Tony Martin, Naji Mujahid, Terence Scruggs, Andre Simpson & Dean Turner, present a deeply personal look into their lives and their journeys of bettering themselves.

While this book does touch on some larger systemic issues with the prison system in the United States, it is a personal journey of introspection more than anything else. Writing Our Way Out is a wonderful & powerful reminder that each person is their own unique individual with their own struggles & story to tell.

[Michael Cosgrove · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who has been involved with the justice system, and who has spent tons of time journaling and self-examination as part of recovery, the need to explore our own story struck a chord with me. I did sometimes have trouble keeping track of the different men’s stories. Also, my brother-in-law wrote this book, so take what I say with a grain of salt. :)

[Sarah Fiske]

The stories in this book are important to hear, and they are beautifully arranged and curated by the author/teacher who inspired the writing. This book is about much more than the memoirs themselves - it's about the process of self-discovery and relationship building that comes from having resilient spirit.

[Rallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those learning about the Prison Industrial Complex and mass incarceration, this book should be added to your list.

[Max Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

"One after the other, a little at a time, the bricks of the dream come down... But it was my choice to fall... That provided the necessary pressure to weaken the foundation of my spirit."

This book is clearly low budget. The margins are a little strange but all together it's well made. The book meanders a little bit but it glistens with occasionally compelling prose, and the meaning behind the book is very profound. Not all of the book had me clinging, but some of it definitely did. The quote above shows the kind of surprising excellency that would suddenly appear. Glad I read it.

[S. Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book. Though it is hard/sad to read a lot of the time, it is hopeful and illuminating. I have included these men in my daily prayers and really hope they find the right path for themselves. The program is a great ministry and I believe it is giving inmates a way of getting out of a life they don't ant to live. It won't work for everyone by those willing to invest in themselves, it seems a wonderful path. I applaud Dr. Coogan, his efforts and his program.

[Florence Buchholz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dave Coogan, an English professor at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond started a creative writing program at the city jail. In doing so he unlocked the life stories of a group of incarcerated young men. Some of their stories are unbearably sad. Abuse, both physical and emotional, affected their lives. But writing of these painful experiences unlocked self awareness and seems to have kindled determination to effect real life changes. For some that change involved some backsliding and even new prison stays, but the desire to find a better way to navigate through life comes through clearly in their collected writings. Bravo to Dr. Coogan for conceiving this unusual creative writing program and best wishes to his students as they continue their struggle.