Saint Badass: Personal Transcendence in Tucker Max Hell

by Douglas W. Carnine

“My life was the result of my crazy childhood.” With these words began an extraordinary correspondence, between Roy Tester, a double-murderer serving a life sentence in the notorious Arkansas prison, Tucker Maximum Security Prison, and Doug Carnine, a meditation teacher and lay Buddhist minister on the other side of the country. In the letters that followed — more than 700 over seven years — these two men, along with three other prisoners at Tucker Max, developed a profound spiritual partnership that changed all of their lives. Saint Badass: Personal Transcendence in Tucker Max Hell tells the inspiring story of these unlikely friends in their own words, and follows their journey as they rediscover their humanity in one of the most inhuman places on Earth.

Buddhist Synopsis:
Saint Badass: Personal Transcendence in Tucker Max Hell is a memoir about bringing heaven down to hell. Drawing on an exchange of letters, Doug Carnine tells the story of his partnership with three murderers and an alleged rapist, about Buddhism and its practices of mindfulness and kindness, and how by adopting these practices, the prisoners transformed their lives.
All four prisoners were housed in Tucker, Arkansas, at the notorious maximum-security prison featured in the Robert Redford movie Brubaker. In their letters, to Carnine, and sometimes to one another, the prisoners describe their unrelentingly abusive childhoods, their lives of violence and crime, their eventual submission to prison life, and their growing commitments to meditation and kindness. A suspenseful and moving drama unfolds as these prisoners join in partnership and experience glimpses of internal freedom. Each prisoner faces new crises in prison, including disabling illness, a brain tumor, a prison gang attack, family betrayal, medical abuse and harsh punishments for mild offenses. Yet through mindfulness and the blessings of kindness, each prisoner in his own way overcomes his crisis. The destructive forces of prison and the horror of the men’s upbringings provide a dramatic contrast to their incongruously continuous acts of kindness and growing concern for the well-being of others. The journey chronicled in this book calls into question stereotypes about marginalized members of society and inspires hope for change. This story is about transformation -- that of the prisoners, and of the author, as he shares personal difficulties and learns from the courage and commitment of his prison friends.

Genres: Nonfiction

202 pages, Paperback

Published July 25, 2017

About the author

Douglas Carnine, a professor emeritus from the University of Oregon, began his pursuit of scientific research, instructional design, Buddhism and martial arts when he was 21. His academic career focused on failure to thrive children and lead to him receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council for Exceptional Children.
After retiring, he became curious about the importance of kindness from working with men convicted of murder and serving as a hospice volunteer. After reviewing the research on kindness, he decided to devote his writing and his advocacy to making the importance of mindful kindness more prominent. The resulting project is his website Feedkindness.com along with the upcoming books How Love Wins and Saint Badass.

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

We’ve both lived in Eugene, OR, for several decades, but I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Doug Carnine, co-founder of Eugene Buddhist Priory, until “meeting” him through his writing of this remarkable book. Urged on by his daughter, Carnine ultimately wrote and received hundreds of letters from four men sentenced to hard time at a notoriously brutal federal prison in Arkansas. Each prisoner endured an awful childhood and committed horrendous crimes in adulthood. Their chances of surviving “hell on earth” at Tucker Max Security Prison, much less finding transcendence through Buddhist principles of loving kindness, were nil until they connected with Carnine. The spiritual transformations are jaw-dropping. My thanks to biblio buddy KT for recommending this book.

[Susan Bissell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting story on how this author, Doug Carnine, made friends with four men who are in prison for murder or for some another crime that Doug started writing to. Roy is the first one the Doug started communicating with in prison that helped Roy start a new way of life for him which he started passing onto even teaching the three other men about the Buddha way of life. These men come from a horrific, violent, and abusive home life that ended up turning them into the men they became; mean and hateful towards life and everybody in it. Doug brought to these men a new way to look at their life by sending them books on the Buddha way of life. The Buddha philosophy started changing these men teaching them how they can a better person and live a better life no matter where they are. One practice Roy and Doug started was Sacks of Kindness. Doug would send Roy money for his account and he would buy items for men who had no one from the outside in their life. Roy would give them a sack filled with food items or a pair of shoes, even a few tee shirts, this made a big difference to these men who had nothing to have someone show that he cared about them. These Sacks of Kindness made life in prison more tolerable and more pleasant life amongst the prisoners. Two of these four men eventually became Buddha priests while in prison. I think with the Buddha's teaching it taught these men anger management and to be more tolerant to inmates, even to the prison guards or personnel. I was amazed how the doctors and nurses were cruel to men by withholding their meds or cutting down the dose they were to get. It made me think of the old philosophy; two wrong don't make a right. What some of the men that are in prison for and what they have done on the outside is wrong unjust even horrible, but aren't we the people on the outside to know better than to keep on passing evil onto another? I think we all could use Buddha's teaching in our lives, maybe there would be more peace, love, and goodwill on this earth.

[Anna Hola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saint Badass by Doug Carnine is a deeply moving and unforgettable memoir that proves transformation is possible even in the darkest places. Through over 700 letters exchanged with prisoners inside Tucker Maximum Security Prison, Carnine reveals a raw and honest journey of pain, accountability, and spiritual awakening. The contrast between brutal prison life and the gentle practices of mindfulness and kindness is both shocking and inspiring. Each man’s story is heartbreaking, yet their commitment to growth and inner freedom is nothing short of extraordinary. The emotional depth, vulnerability, and courage found in these pages will stay with you long after you finish reading. This book challenges stereotypes and opens the heart in unexpected ways. An uplifting, thought provoking read about humanity, redemption, and the power of compassion.

[Smartreach Digital · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saint Badass by Doug Carnine is one of the most compelling stories of redemption I have ever read. Through years of deeply personal letters exchanged with inmates at Tucker Maximum Security Prison, the book reveals how mindfulness and compassion can take root even in the harshest soil. The emotional weight of the prisoners’ abusive childhoods and violent pasts makes their spiritual awakening even more powerful. Carnine’s steady presence as a meditation teacher never feels preachy instead, it feels human, patient, and real. The men’s struggles with illness, gang violence, and institutional punishment add layers of suspense and urgency. Yet what shines brightest is their growing commitment to kindness and responsibility. This memoir challenges assumptions about crime and punishment while offering a hopeful vision of inner freedom. It is raw, honest, and deeply inspiring.

[Sophie Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This extraordinary memoir goes far beyond a typical prison story. Doug Carnine opens a window into a world most of us will never see, revealing men who confront their darkest mistakes and choose growth instead of bitterness. The letters are intimate and vulnerable, allowing readers to witness gradual but genuine transformation. The contrast between the brutality of maximum security life and the gentle discipline of meditation creates a powerful emotional impact. Every setback from medical crises to betrayal tests their resolve, yet their dedication to mindfulness remains unwavering. The courage it takes to practice kindness in such an unforgiving environment is nothing short of remarkable. This book does not excuse past crimes, but it shows that change is possible. A deeply moving and unforgettable journey of redemption and spiritual awakening.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this quite a while back, and somehow misplaced it. I rediscovered it tonight and could not put it down. I've always been interested in the background of prisoners: what happened to them to make them go to prison, how were they before, etc. This book took those questions into account and so much more. The author gets to know several inmates over the course of many years, and the stories that he shares are both amazing and bittersweet. On the one hand, the inmates have made peace with their situation. On the other hand, you can't help but wonder how lonely and frustrating life inside those walls can be. This was an excellent read and I enjoyed reading the author's correspondence over the years.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most deeply moving books I have ever read. The lives of these men, their words and actions, and the kindness and guidance Doug Carnine, and his wife, Linda, provided them with, will be chewing and brewing inside me for a long time. For these men to practice so sincerely with all of their past karma they have endured and created, in such horrific, inhumane circumstances, is so humbling to read about and to use to meditate on my own life. I feel grateful to have been able to read this book, and think anyone interested in living a life of practicing loving kindness, regardless of whether they are religious or Buddhist, will find reading it extremely valuable.

[Owen Greece · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saint Badass: Personal Transcendence in Tucker Max Hell is one of the most powerful and transformative memoirs I’ve ever read. The raw honesty in the letters between the prisoners and Doug Carnine is deeply moving and unforgettable. I was struck by how mindfulness and compassion became tools for survival and growth in such a harsh environment. The contrast between the brutality of prison life and the emergence of kindness is beautifully portrayed. Each story felt intensely personal and spiritually profound. It challenged my assumptions about redemption and human potential. A truly inspiring and thought-provoking read.

[Camille Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an extraordinary story of personal transcendence and unlikely friendship. The way the prisoners rediscovered their humanity through meditation and kindness was both heartbreaking and uplifting. I appreciated how the book never sugarcoated their crimes or their suffering, yet still allowed room for growth and redemption. The letters reveal vulnerability, courage, and a sincere desire to change. It made me reflect on how compassion can exist even in the most inhumane environments. The spiritual lessons woven throughout were powerful and accessible. This is a memoir that truly challenges stereotypes and inspires hope.

[Paul Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an emotional and spiritual journey that stayed with me long after I finished it. The correspondence format makes every moment feel intimate and authentic. I was amazed by how these men confronted their violent pasts and slowly embraced mindfulness and compassion. Their transformation felt real, hard earned, and incredibly inspiring. The struggles they faced illness, betrayal, and violence added depth and urgency to the narrative. Yet hope and humanity shone through every page. It’s a story about redemption in the darkest of places, and it moved me deeply.

[Brooke Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a powerful testament to the human spirit. Through heartfelt letters exchanged inside Tucker Maximum Security Prison, we witness men society had written off rediscover their humanity. The emotional honesty is raw and deeply moving. Carnine’s guidance in mindfulness and kindness becomes a lifeline in a brutal environment. The transformation feels authentic, not romanticized. It’s inspiring to see hope bloom in such darkness. A remarkable and unforgettable read.

[Carolyn Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saint Badass challenges everything we think we know about prisoners and redemption. Doug Carnine shares an extraordinary correspondence that reveals growth, accountability, and courage. The men’s painful childhoods and harsh prison realities are heartbreaking, yet their spiritual evolution is uplifting. Mindfulness becomes more than a practice it becomes survival. The emotional depth and honesty make this book impossible to ignore. It’s both sobering and hopeful. Truly transformative.

[Readerswith Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir is beautifully written and profoundly inspiring. The letters exchanged over seven years show how compassion can penetrate even the hardest walls. Watching hardened inmates embrace meditation and kindness is both surprising and deeply touching. Their struggles illness, violence, betrayal make their breakthroughs even more meaningful. Carnine doesn’t preach; he walks beside them. The result is a story of real change and spiritual awakening. Five stars for its courage and heart.

[SANDRA BOOKLOVERS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few books capture transformation as authentically as this one. The correspondence feels intimate and genuine, allowing readers to witness the gradual shift from anger to awareness. The setting inside Tucker prison makes the kindness these men cultivate even more extraordinary. Each crisis they face strengthens the emotional impact of their journey. This is not just a prison memoir it’s a lesson in humanity. It leaves you reflecting on forgiveness and growth. Absolutely compelling.

[Richard Charttelon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doug Carnine’s partnership with these prisoners is both unexpected and deeply moving. The story proves that no one is beyond change when given guidance and compassion. The contrast between the harsh prison system and the gentle practice of mindfulness creates powerful tension. Every letter adds depth, vulnerability, and hope. The men’s courage to confront their pasts is inspiring. This book restores faith in the possibility of redemption. A truly life changing read.

[Melanie Domenech Rodríguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving connection is essential to individuals and communities. This books provides an emotionally nuanced series of examples of loving connections across miles, walls, and lived experiences. People that may not have otherwise met became each others’ teachers and companions. Beautiful.

[FMLDNR · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved the book. shows that we are all human. this was a good reads giveaway for me.

[GrnEyed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life in Tucker Max isn’t easy, but most people would never expect prison life to be easy. For a few people, Doug Carnine made life in prison a bit easier thanks to countless letters written back and forth. Learning about, and practicing, Buddhism Doug was able to educate a few of the inmates. Roy and Cody, two of the inmates learned about the practice of Buddhism and learned about acts of kindness. They shared their crimes and their lives behind bars with Doug. They showed him how hard things could be in turn, Doug started things such as Sacks of Kindness. It sounds simple, throw money at people and they will be happier. Perhaps happier isn’t the correct word when you are dealing with men who get tossed into the hole for infractions. These men, on occasion, were prevented from having visits because a staff member in the prison has a bone to pick with them. I was shocked out how cruel some of the prison staff people could be to the prisoners. Despite being behind bars, they were still people. It saddened me to read about meds being taken away for no reason.
This entire book is about the good in people and the bad in people. How even the smallest act of kindness can help brighten a person’s day. I appreciated the fact that although Buddhism was discussed it was not forced. This is a great book that teaches so many lessons. It’s definitely one people should read.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most moving books I have ever read. The lives of these men, their words and actions, and the kindness and guidance Doug Carnine and his wife, Linda, have provided them with will be chewing and brewing inside me for a long time. For these men to practice so sincerely with all of the past karma they have endured and created, in such horrific, inhumane circumstances, is so humbling to read about and to use to meditate on my own life. This book is a true gift for anyone interested in expanding their idea of practicing loving kindness in their daily life, whether they are Buddhist, or not.

[Nancy I]

Still reading this book. Probably should not have started it right after finishing Bryan Stevenson's "Just Mercy" because both non-fiction books are heavily involved with convicted prisoners. So, I've put it aside for a bit and will get back to it once I've "decompressed."
Actually, having tried to get back into it I did not succeed so am passing this along to others.