Under the Walnut Tree

by Donnell Joseph

By his own accounting, Donnell Joseph has spent more years of his life in prison than out. But he is one prisoner who, upon his release and against all odds, has permanently turned his life around. Under the Walnut Tree is the extraordinary memoir of that life, beginning with Donnell’s childhood in South Central Los Angeles and his introduction to the gangs that would serve as both family and ruin; to his journey through the hells of the California juvenile penal system and, as he grew up, the infamous state prisons at San Quentin and Folsom; to the lost years of federal prison; and finally to the recovery of his own humanity and the blossoming of love. A story not only of “a human being who has grown to learn how to love,” Under the Walnut Tree is also one man’s witness to “living life as a fool” offered as example and warning.

Paperback

Published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Emma Plocharsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why are there no written reviews? Idk how I found this book—but I think it should be more talked about. The writing isn’t stellar or revolutionary, but the story is (cheesy af). Donnell, if you’re out there….I’m sorry your book kinda flopped. I liked it a lot tho :)