Out of the Red: My Life of Gangs, Prison, and Redemption

by Christian L Bolden

Frank Tannenbaum Outstanding Book Award from the American Society of Criminology​
Faculty Senate Award for Research from Loyola University New Orleans​

Out of the Red is one man’s pathbreaking story of how social forces and personal choices combined to deliver an unfortunate fate. After a childhood of poverty, institutional discrimination, violence, and being thrown away by the public education system, Bolden's life took him through the treacherous landscape of street gangs at the age of fourteen. The Bloods offered a sense of family, protection, excitement, and power. Incarcerated during the Texas prison boom, the teenage former gangster was thrust into a fight for survival as he navigated the perils of adult prison. As mass incarceration and prison gangs swallowed up youth like him, survival meant finding hope in a hopeless situation and carving a path to his own rehabilitation. Despite all odds, he forged a new path through education, ultimately achieving the seemingly impossible for a formerly incarcerated ex-gangbanger.
 

234 pages, Hardcover

Published August 14, 2020

Reviews

[Karla Bradford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started this book, there was no putting it down. Dr. Bolden delivers a very impactful story of redemption. I feel that every educator should read this book to have a better understanding of some of the children in our care and the obstacles they may be facing.

[Hailey Vittrup · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be honest- this book was assigned to me for a criminology course that I am taking, and I had no idea what to expect. It was challenging to read at first, as I had a hard time comprehending the harsh real-life occurrences that took place in Dr. Bolden’s life. Then, after I got past the first part, I couldn’t stop reading. It was completely engaging. I finished this book earlier today and I had tears in my eyes as I read the last paragraph. I have no doubt that Dr. Bolden was meant to write this book. It is evident that he is an incredible writer with a powerful story of redemption. He discusses the extent of his early life, explains how he became a gang member, and goes through his whole experience in incarceration and beyond that. I do not want to spoil the book, but I do want to say this. The story that he tells of redemption and becoming exceptional despite early wrong choices and awful circumstances is truly amazing. He becomes a Christian while he is incarcerated, and this life change is shown in an awesome way. I am truly thankful to have had the opportunity to read this book, as I learned so much and have a new outlook on second chances and the power of forgiveness. 10/10 recommend to adults (Content warning: assault, language, difficult situations, violence, gang discussion, and incarceration, all in a true, real-life context)

[camilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

i have the pleasure of being taught & advised by this author! i can’t help but be a bit biased because he is truly a wonderful instructor who cares about his students growth and development as humans. that aside, his story is truly amazing and i highly recommend this book for those who are interested in learning more about the criminal justice system, it’s unfairness, and how it is possible to defy the odds and make it out on top. his story is not one without trials & tribulations, but what he has been able to accomplish in spite of those is truly inspiring. i love this book! and i want everyone to read it.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-read. I cried four times while reading it (last 3 were out of pure amazement and joy) and I am so thankful to have the privilege of reading these words. Also thankful to know the amazing professor Dr. Bolden is and how he has enlightened me and educated me on the topic of criminal justice. After taking a class with him, and not knowing him outside the classroom, I was in shock while reading this book because the stigma around scholars is that they have never been introduced into crime. This is a very toxic stigma that makes it harder for those involved in crime to make the change out, if desired. Thank you Dr. Bolden!!!

[Sequoya Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Great read. From a sociological perspective, it’s brilliant- the amount of ethnographic interviews and data collection is impressive but it never feels like a research heavy book. The author and his family also used a lot of handwritten letters for reference which are incredible valuable. It’s just so well written and truly a story of how one may be drawn towards a life of crime or in gangs and touches on socioeconomic factors, race, class, abuse, and trauma. I’ve bought three copies and gifted one to a formerly incarcerated friend working so hard to change his life around who now wants to meet the author. Brilliant writing and novel.

[Sade Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for Criminal Justice Professional s

I am currently obtaining my masters in criminology from IUP. This book was chosen by my professor. I read it in 2 days. I cried a lot, because of what the author went through. It also helped me understand the other side better. I worked as a Corrections Officer, DOC Counselor and I am currently a Probation Officer. Bolden has help me become a better PO. He has motivated me to work harder to help my clients. A lot of the stories in this book I’ve experienced myself. Bolden has also motivated me to obt

[Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating account of the factors that led to the author's childhood criminality, the injustice of the Texas prison system, and the sisyphean task of reintroduction to society. The book contains both academic analysis of the reasons that young people enter into a life of criminality and the cruelty and inadequacy of the criminal justice system, as well as a personal account of the author's relationships and experiences with delinquency and his avoidance of recidivism.

[Olivia Painter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book twice now, and I guarantee when I read it again it will still touch, educate, and move me the same way. If you care at all for social justice and want to learn from a first-hand account about the realities of our criminal justice system, you will read this book. Thank me later.

[Cameron Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously an eye opening book.
The author was one of my professors in undergrad and he has changed the way I view the justice and prison system. This piece is truly inspiring and amazing.
The author is a phenomenal man, father, husband, and educator. His writing goes further to express his journey of what all it took to get to where he is today.

[Sab Huynh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve had the pleasure of being taught by Dr. Bolden last fall.
He’s an excellent professor and writer!
If you want to learn more about the criminal justice system this book is an amazing resource. It delves into Bolden’s first hand experience with the criminal justice system.
100% recommend!

[Adjacent Podcast · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yall! READ THIS BOOK! Incredible! We discuss this on the podcast often and have had Dr. Christian Bolden

https://rss.com/podcasts/adjacent/

Incredible story, Incredible human! This needs to be a movie! WOW Highly Recommend!

[Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filed with solid statistical analysis as well as a poignant, deeply personal story, I enjoyed every page of this book.

[night birdie · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting biography, i learned a lot, incredibly sad.