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A Tortuous Path: Atonement and Reinvention in a Broken System
In this thought-provoking sequel to his first memoir, Trauma, Shame, and the Power of Love: The Fall and Rise of a Physician who Heals Himself, former elite cancer doctor and researcher, Christopher Pelloski, chronicles his compelling journey from federal incarceration to halfway house detention to the first few years of building a new “after” life. Alternating between humor, pathos, and measured outrage, Pelloski takes us with him as he weathers imprisonment, divorce, and medical board hearings, undergoes polygraph interrogations and court-mandated therapy, finds a new home, starts a new profession, reconnects with family and old friends, and forges new relationships in A Tortuous Path: Atonement and Redemption in a Broken System.
Diverse stories of those encountered along the way show the faces of those most affected by the failures and capriciousness of the American justice system—and demonstrate the essential value of kindness and second chances.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2019
185 people are currently reading
412 people want to read
About the author
Christopher E. Pelloski
2 books11 followersCHRISTOPHER E. PELLOSKI earned his medical degree from the Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago in 2001. He was accepted into the Radiation Oncology Residency Training Program and eventually joined the faculty at the University of Texas - MD Anderson Cancer Center, in Houston, one of the top cancer centers in the world. After his recruitment to the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center in 2010, he ran a full clinical practice, supervised his own basic-science research laboratory, and served as his department's Residency Program Director and as the Director of Pediatric Radiation Oncology.
Pelloski is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and subsequently suffered throughout most of his life with undiagnosed and untreated Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, with Dissociative Features.
In the summer of 2013, his personal, public, and professional life came to a painful reckoning. By the fall of 2014, he became Inmate#: 71491-061 at the Federal Correctional Institution, Elkton.
Dr. Pelloski has received numerous literary awards for both of his books and is a strong advocate for change in social policies and a better understanding of mental health issues.
See the author's exclusive interview with criminal defense attorney, Stephen E. Palmer, Esq.: youtube.com/watch?v=cCxRfX_6iFE
Pelloski is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and subsequently suffered throughout most of his life with undiagnosed and untreated Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, with Dissociative Features.
In the summer of 2013, his personal, public, and professional life came to a painful reckoning. By the fall of 2014, he became Inmate#: 71491-061 at the Federal Correctional Institution, Elkton.
Dr. Pelloski has received numerous literary awards for both of his books and is a strong advocate for change in social policies and a better understanding of mental health issues.
See the author's exclusive interview with criminal defense attorney, Stephen E. Palmer, Esq.: youtube.com/watch?v=cCxRfX_6iFE
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 27, 2020
This was a good account of what happens in prisons. While working in a correctional facility I have first hand knowledge of how different types of inmates are viewed. The system is broken for sure. Not all sex offenders are the same but they are grouped into one category which is not right. May times the nonviolent offenders are punished as if they are like the violent offender. Judges hands are tied in most cases also and have very little lee way when sentencing a offender for a crime when grouped into a certain category. My hopes is that the legal system changes for the better and that society will see they are causing more harm than not pertaining to non violent offenders.
November 11, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A Tortuous Path: Atonement and Reinvention in a Broken System by Christopher Pelloski is a fantastic effort by the author to shed some light on the child pornography possession cases and how they are treated by the USA justice system.
In my opinion the writer with this book and also his first book: Trauma, Shame, and the Power of Love: The Fall and Rise of a Physician Who Heals Himself manages successfully to show the truth behind the myths that cover with the veil of ignorance of the difference between a pedophile and child pornography possession usesr.
I must admit that before I read this enlighten book, I was under the false impression that people that watch child pornography are the same as pedophiles, and I am sure most of the people in his world have the same ideas.
The truth is that only about 2 to 3% of the people that watch child pornography end up becoming pedophiles. The vast majority of them are people that were sexually abused when they were kids, and that’s what happened to the author of this book.
Child pornography viewers are mostly people that need help. They were victimized when they were children and should be addressed like any other person that has some kind of disease.
The author does a great job presenting all the negatives and positives aspects of what it went through from arrest to release from chastity and also offers valuable information on how the system can become more human and more productive with the people that get arrested with possession of child pornography.
One example is instead of trying to arrest people that have child pornography files in their computer, it will be better to focus on catching the people that make these movies.
The arguments of the author were very logical and convincing and allowed the reader to see his case.
I think this book must be read by people that work for the Justice department and use its valuable first-hand experienced information to reshape and humanize the arrest and therapeutic procedures of child pornography possession cases.
Highly recommended.
A Tortuous Path: Atonement and Reinvention in a Broken System by Christopher Pelloski is a fantastic effort by the author to shed some light on the child pornography possession cases and how they are treated by the USA justice system.
In my opinion the writer with this book and also his first book: Trauma, Shame, and the Power of Love: The Fall and Rise of a Physician Who Heals Himself manages successfully to show the truth behind the myths that cover with the veil of ignorance of the difference between a pedophile and child pornography possession usesr.
I must admit that before I read this enlighten book, I was under the false impression that people that watch child pornography are the same as pedophiles, and I am sure most of the people in his world have the same ideas.
The truth is that only about 2 to 3% of the people that watch child pornography end up becoming pedophiles. The vast majority of them are people that were sexually abused when they were kids, and that’s what happened to the author of this book.
Child pornography viewers are mostly people that need help. They were victimized when they were children and should be addressed like any other person that has some kind of disease.
The author does a great job presenting all the negatives and positives aspects of what it went through from arrest to release from chastity and also offers valuable information on how the system can become more human and more productive with the people that get arrested with possession of child pornography.
One example is instead of trying to arrest people that have child pornography files in their computer, it will be better to focus on catching the people that make these movies.
The arguments of the author were very logical and convincing and allowed the reader to see his case.
I think this book must be read by people that work for the Justice department and use its valuable first-hand experienced information to reshape and humanize the arrest and therapeutic procedures of child pornography possession cases.
Highly recommended.
February 8, 2021
Chris explains very well how the U.S. justice system works and affects so many individuals. He also offers insight on how to improve the system based on studies and other countries' actions. As someone who is dealing with a similar situation first-hand, this book was frustratingly helpful. Frustrating to know that there are SO MANY going through the same situation when better actions could be taken to provide better results. But also helpful to know that there are resources available and people who are willing to help. I feel a significant amount of empathy for Chris and his family for what they've been through, and am thankful that Chris was willing to share his story with all of us. Hopefully we can all grow from it, I will be sharing this book with everyone I know.
August 28, 2020
I would pose the following question to the reader to put their mind in the proper frame to read A Tortuous Path: should a smoker who is not part of the tobacco industry be held accountable for a child who he does not know getting cancer?
Christopher Pelloski’s "A Tortuous Path – Atonement and Reinvention in a Broken System" is the sequel to "Trauma, Shame, and the Power of Love". It describes in detail his experiences during incarceration. This second text is much more prescriptive than the first. As such, both books should definitely be purchased as a set. The two, together, have much greater value than either has read as a stand – alone work. The latter part of the second book is an evidenced – based discourse on the sentencing procedures for child – pornography offenses.
The most important discussion within the book concerns US Supreme Court Chief Justice Anthony Kennedy. Kennedy’s arguments regarding incarceration cited rates of recidivism by convicted porn viewers. The information used by Kennedy has been subsequently shown to have been fabricated!
Pelloski describes instances of persons in their young twenties being incarcerated for extensive periods and put at an extreme economic disadvantage for finding employment upon discharge. He describes this legal path as utterly insane especially in light of the recidivism rates that are far lower than the fabricated rates used by the Supreme Court. Diversion programs, similar to those used by consumers of illicit drugs should be the corrective model used.
"many teens in high school send explicit pictures of themselves and their friends to each other—which technically is production and distribution of child pornography, since the subjects of the media are under eighteen years of age, even if the subjects are themselves. And yes, cases are emerging where teens are considered to have victimized themselves and are punished for it as if they were abusing adults, while state laws… are being drafted to further criminalize this common activity among teens"
To whatever extent Pelloski is right about the above quote, the legal situation truly has become irrational. He suggests looking to Western Europe (especially Finland or Germany) for a more rational approach to dealing with consumers of child pornography. The populist sensationalizing of the issues in America suggest to Pelloski that only the Federal court system – not the legislative systems – can effect reform.
Christopher Pelloski’s "A Tortuous Path – Atonement and Reinvention in a Broken System" is the sequel to "Trauma, Shame, and the Power of Love". It describes in detail his experiences during incarceration. This second text is much more prescriptive than the first. As such, both books should definitely be purchased as a set. The two, together, have much greater value than either has read as a stand – alone work. The latter part of the second book is an evidenced – based discourse on the sentencing procedures for child – pornography offenses.
The most important discussion within the book concerns US Supreme Court Chief Justice Anthony Kennedy. Kennedy’s arguments regarding incarceration cited rates of recidivism by convicted porn viewers. The information used by Kennedy has been subsequently shown to have been fabricated!
Pelloski describes instances of persons in their young twenties being incarcerated for extensive periods and put at an extreme economic disadvantage for finding employment upon discharge. He describes this legal path as utterly insane especially in light of the recidivism rates that are far lower than the fabricated rates used by the Supreme Court. Diversion programs, similar to those used by consumers of illicit drugs should be the corrective model used.
"many teens in high school send explicit pictures of themselves and their friends to each other—which technically is production and distribution of child pornography, since the subjects of the media are under eighteen years of age, even if the subjects are themselves. And yes, cases are emerging where teens are considered to have victimized themselves and are punished for it as if they were abusing adults, while state laws… are being drafted to further criminalize this common activity among teens"
To whatever extent Pelloski is right about the above quote, the legal situation truly has become irrational. He suggests looking to Western Europe (especially Finland or Germany) for a more rational approach to dealing with consumers of child pornography. The populist sensationalizing of the issues in America suggest to Pelloski that only the Federal court system – not the legislative systems – can effect reform.
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June 25, 2020
Well-Written Look at the Prison System from the Inside
This is the sequel to the author's first book about his story and personal journey through our judicial and prison systems and beyond after he was arrested for looking at child pornography. You certainly need to read the first book before you dive into this one to fully appreciate it. The first one essentially sets up everything that happened from the first call from law enforcement about his child pornography viewing through all the initial legal wrangling. This book starts with him going to prison. He is exceedingly candid and detailed, making it feel so real for the reader. We are right there with him in prison, learning the ins-and-outs and about his fellow inmates. I was truly shocked by how sad so many of the inmates' stories were. They had led such harsh existences, especially in childhood, broken in one way or another before they committed their crimes. It certainly gets you thinking about how we just warehouse those to break the laws, often with mandatory sentencing that seems capricious at times. As the author states in the book, it seems like the legal and prison systems are more apt to crush those who are broken rather than truly rehabilitate them. In the case of no contact, non producing offenders, it seems like we have a chance to make a difference as a society; they need counseling, not mandatory sentencing. For those who perpetrate evil, either through actually harming a child physically or producing porn, lock them up and throw away the key. But it seems like we could take a more humane approach with the other ones. So, prison life—and the inmates’ lives—as presented was a real eye-opener. I certainly hope that most of them get the help they need. Following the author's story as he went to a halfway house and started to come back to his new normal definitely was a tortuous path, as the book's title suggests. I, in particular, appreciated the author's self-appraisal and his willingness to share that, and I'm glad that he stated in this book, and I think the other one, that he's not looking to excuse his behavior, but explain it, and open up a conversation about mental illness and child abuse. This isn't always an easy read, but it truly gets you thinking about how we could do better as a society to protect and heal the vulnerable—of all ages. Surprisingly, it has a touch of humor and a little self-deprecation. A highly recommended read, as well as the first book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
This is the sequel to the author's first book about his story and personal journey through our judicial and prison systems and beyond after he was arrested for looking at child pornography. You certainly need to read the first book before you dive into this one to fully appreciate it. The first one essentially sets up everything that happened from the first call from law enforcement about his child pornography viewing through all the initial legal wrangling. This book starts with him going to prison. He is exceedingly candid and detailed, making it feel so real for the reader. We are right there with him in prison, learning the ins-and-outs and about his fellow inmates. I was truly shocked by how sad so many of the inmates' stories were. They had led such harsh existences, especially in childhood, broken in one way or another before they committed their crimes. It certainly gets you thinking about how we just warehouse those to break the laws, often with mandatory sentencing that seems capricious at times. As the author states in the book, it seems like the legal and prison systems are more apt to crush those who are broken rather than truly rehabilitate them. In the case of no contact, non producing offenders, it seems like we have a chance to make a difference as a society; they need counseling, not mandatory sentencing. For those who perpetrate evil, either through actually harming a child physically or producing porn, lock them up and throw away the key. But it seems like we could take a more humane approach with the other ones. So, prison life—and the inmates’ lives—as presented was a real eye-opener. I certainly hope that most of them get the help they need. Following the author's story as he went to a halfway house and started to come back to his new normal definitely was a tortuous path, as the book's title suggests. I, in particular, appreciated the author's self-appraisal and his willingness to share that, and I'm glad that he stated in this book, and I think the other one, that he's not looking to excuse his behavior, but explain it, and open up a conversation about mental illness and child abuse. This isn't always an easy read, but it truly gets you thinking about how we could do better as a society to protect and heal the vulnerable—of all ages. Surprisingly, it has a touch of humor and a little self-deprecation. A highly recommended read, as well as the first book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
May 4, 2020
Prisons
This autobiography is a sequel to the author’s first book Trauma, Shame and The Power of Love: The Rise and Fall of a Physician Who Heals Himself.This book follows his incarceration, his release to a halfway house and his rebuilding his future. This book delves into how the American Justice System views the difference between a pedophile and someone who has viewed child pornography (basically the same) and it’s impact on society and the impact on the offenders. The fellow prisoners are viewed with compassion most of whom were passive observers of child pornography not pedophiles. The author compares Finland and Germany’s handling of viewers of child pornography with the USA, the former providing therapy rather than prison terms. The book makes one think about the Sexual Deviant Registry and its impact on the abusers as well as society. The author is angry, bewildered and gains insight into his problem. This is a good book for individuals in the Justice System, Politicians and Probation Counselors to read. It is very impactful.
This autobiography is a sequel to the author’s first book Trauma, Shame and The Power of Love: The Rise and Fall of a Physician Who Heals Himself.This book follows his incarceration, his release to a halfway house and his rebuilding his future. This book delves into how the American Justice System views the difference between a pedophile and someone who has viewed child pornography (basically the same) and it’s impact on society and the impact on the offenders. The fellow prisoners are viewed with compassion most of whom were passive observers of child pornography not pedophiles. The author compares Finland and Germany’s handling of viewers of child pornography with the USA, the former providing therapy rather than prison terms. The book makes one think about the Sexual Deviant Registry and its impact on the abusers as well as society. The author is angry, bewildered and gains insight into his problem. This is a good book for individuals in the Justice System, Politicians and Probation Counselors to read. It is very impactful.
December 11, 2020
I did not like this book at all. First of all, the author did not explain in any detail the exact extent of his viewing of child pornography and how the police found out he was viewing it, thus causing his arrest and subsequent charges brought against him. Maybe it was laid out in his first book. But not everyone, including me, have read his first book. I also didn't like his lack of remorse over viewing it. He has all kinds of excuses why he did it, but they were just excuses. He was wrong and I wanted to hear him say that in an honest way. He said it was wrong but it came across as hollow to me. I believe he was just sorry he got caught and lost a LOT, but not sorry for making the decision to view child pornography over and over again, until he got caught. Personally I don't buy his side of the story, which lacked too many details. I had a hard time reading the book because of the extremely disturbing content. I kept reading to see if he truly atones for what he did. Sadly that didn't happen. In my opinion anyway.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2022
Everyone (especially judges) should read this
People who view child pornography contribute to the need to make it. They need to have a ‘time out’ in prison. However, politicians pay attention to sensationalism instead of reality in making laws about this subject. Those who view it are not creators over 80% of the time, yet they’re all treated as though they are. They need therapy, and that usually can’t happen with lengthy prison sentences. The stories of many of his fellow inmates should anger everyone. Our laws need to be changed to more closely follow those in countries with low recidivism rates and be more humane.
People who view child pornography contribute to the need to make it. They need to have a ‘time out’ in prison. However, politicians pay attention to sensationalism instead of reality in making laws about this subject. Those who view it are not creators over 80% of the time, yet they’re all treated as though they are. They need therapy, and that usually can’t happen with lengthy prison sentences. The stories of many of his fellow inmates should anger everyone. Our laws need to be changed to more closely follow those in countries with low recidivism rates and be more humane.
November 26, 2019
The writer explains why he was convicted of viewing child pornography and describes the results of the conviction: his time in prison, removal of his license to practice medicine, the break-up of his marriage, his difficulty in finding a place to rent, etc. I agree with his assessment that long prison sentences--and possibly any prison time at all--are inappropriate for this type of crime.
July 6, 2019
Too long and draw out
I chose this rating because I didn’t feel this book to be interesting felt it was a bit drawn out and boring in the middle ! Not a fan of this kind of writing !
I chose this rating because I didn’t feel this book to be interesting felt it was a bit drawn out and boring in the middle ! Not a fan of this kind of writing !
November 10, 2019
Great read
This book, showed that something really bad, can somewhat turn around for good. Doctor, viewed child porn, and was prosecuted for it. Lost his medical license, family, money and some fair weather friends. He is rebuilding his life. I am happy for him.
This book, showed that something really bad, can somewhat turn around for good. Doctor, viewed child porn, and was prosecuted for it. Lost his medical license, family, money and some fair weather friends. He is rebuilding his life. I am happy for him.
June 13, 2020
Interesting
This book opened my eyes to some of the things in our system that need to be addressed and how childhood trauma can effect adult behavior. It helps me to be more sympathetic towards people with this offense.
This book opened my eyes to some of the things in our system that need to be addressed and how childhood trauma can effect adult behavior. It helps me to be more sympathetic towards people with this offense.
September 24, 2020
Eye opener!
Seeing this system in a totally different view, things I wished I understood years ago. Once again the laws of sexual offenders and / or the definitions are so misunderstood. Learned more about addiction and PTSD and how this all relates to life . Great read !
Seeing this system in a totally different view, things I wished I understood years ago. Once again the laws of sexual offenders and / or the definitions are so misunderstood. Learned more about addiction and PTSD and how this all relates to life . Great read !
November 16, 2019
Amazing Journey
An educational eye opener! I will never feel the same about the taboo topic of a horrifying nature most of associate when hearing the words "sex offender. "
An educational eye opener! I will never feel the same about the taboo topic of a horrifying nature most of associate when hearing the words "sex offender. "
June 25, 2020
Excellent Sequel to a Sad and Painful Tale
The explanations of mental illness were invaluable. An interesting and insightful story of a long fall from grace. Highly recommend.
The explanations of mental illness were invaluable. An interesting and insightful story of a long fall from grace. Highly recommend.
July 28, 2020
This explores the author's time in prison and then his reentry into society. Well-written and engrossing. I enjoy the scathing take downs of the American criminal justice system.
October 16, 2022
Maybe 3 1/2 stars. Definitely better than the first book, but still issues with his enormous ego and lack of sources sited for some of his conclusions. Lots is unnecessary swearing.
January 12, 2024
I read the first book and loved it. The author did not pull any punches in reviewing his life and his crime and the story was touching.
This book picks up where the last one ended, and follows the author through prison (the first half of the book) and his first two years on probation. This book is angrier, and for good reason. The initial shock of being charged and going through the court system has worn off and he has moved on to healing. And he has a lot to be angry for; the US criminal justice system does view people like him as child molesters. The therapy he got - intended as a "one size fits all" model - is designed to treat people who actually touched kids or produced child pornography.
The book is very well written and emotional. It is clear the author continues to heal, and the afterword makes that clear.
This book picks up where the last one ended, and follows the author through prison (the first half of the book) and his first two years on probation. This book is angrier, and for good reason. The initial shock of being charged and going through the court system has worn off and he has moved on to healing. And he has a lot to be angry for; the US criminal justice system does view people like him as child molesters. The therapy he got - intended as a "one size fits all" model - is designed to treat people who actually touched kids or produced child pornography.
The book is very well written and emotional. It is clear the author continues to heal, and the afterword makes that clear.
May 2, 2019
Dr. Pelloski does it again! A Tortuous Path is a continuation of his first book Trauma, Shame, and the Power of Love: The Fall and Rise of a Physician Who Heals Himself. This book is split into two parts, the time Pelloski spent in prison and what trials and tribulations he experiences post-jail. In this book Dr. Pelloski gives you an insiders perspective from a federal correction facility from the eyes of a labeled "chomo" and how the prison system looks at these inmates differently. Pelloski knows how to paint a picture with words as he describes his fellow inmates and his day-to-day life within the system. After he was released from jail, you shortly learn about the heartbreaking reality that Pelloski had to overcome to become the man he is today. I gave this book five stars because Pelloski knows how to capture the reader and really have them feel his emotions and hook you into his book. I finished it in one day because I could not put it down! If you liked the first book, you will LOVE the second.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews