COURAGE in the FACE of CRUELTY: MY TWENTY-EIGHT YEAR JOURNEY THROUGH THE CALIFORNIA PRISON SYSTEM

by James Alexander

James Alexander was born and raised in Chicago, served as a United States Marine, and was sentenced to prison after committing an accidental murder. He achieved certifications as an Electronic Technician, X-ray Technician, and Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counselor while in prison. James has a Master’s Degree in Psychology and was honored as an Unsung Hero of Compassion by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama for helping to develop self-help programs for other inmates. With Courage in the Face of Cruelty, he takes the reader on a remarkable journey through his 28 years in the California prison system, removing the veil of secrecy and opening the gates widely for all to see. James describes the inhumanity in simple terms and shows how inmates treat each other and how correctional officers treat inmates. He also uncovers the corrupt nature of unfair politicians who exploit human beings as fodder for their “tough on crime” stance.

118 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 4, 2019

About the author

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Reviews

[Harry Allagree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was guided to this book through a friend, who knows the author & has had him speak at her church. This happened because I spoke to this friend about the author's wife, who was one of my most helpful care nurses while I was in the hospital recently & who mentioned to me that she knew my friend. What a surprise!

This is a painful book to read, almost unbelieveable, except that it is quite factual & did happen. It recounts Mr. Alexander's almost 30 year imprisonment in the California penal system. Whatever good forces there are in the universe were certainly working in his behalf, through loyal & persistent friends on the outside of prison. Because of that James eventually was released in April 2011 & has continued to pursue life in the loving service of others: he is proof of the indomitable human spirit & of the fact that people who have, for whatever reason, done terrible things are capable of real change.

The book is a terrifying peek into an unjust & vile penal world, riddled with political self-interest, violence, retaliatory & unforgiving vengeance, degradation, & greed for money & power. Mr. Alexander seems fair & balanced in his assessment, IMHO, based on his experience. He gives credit where it is due, but ordinary citizens, at least in California, are largely unaware of this broken system & the countless human lives which have been written off & sacrificed.

[Adrienna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it. It was a book available as a book set at my work library. This will be the first book the patrons will read and discuss.

The author shared quite a bit of insight and ins and outs of prison system in California. Denial several times from either parole board then governor, after 28 years released.

I was disappointed on how or why he committed the crime on behalf of a military friend, was he a friend actually, or just did it because they were in same affiliation. I would've liked more details or insight to connect the dots.

I also read he got associate degrees and see synopsis had masters degree in psychology, did this happen outside of prison. Usually in prison they offer sociology, business, and applied degrees at associate level. I saw they just added bachelor degrees in southern California prisons a few years ago. He was released in 2011, which is years later I heard of such higher degrees offered in prison which is bachelors. I could learn about masters... Happening in prison. Overall I'm glad he succeeded while and after prison, moreover, to share his story so similar to others behind the walls.

[Margie Goonan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so INSPIRATIONAL!!!!!
I've been volunteering in prisons for 17 years teaching AVP and this is one of the most inspirational books I have ever read!!!!!

[Alcina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a courageous memoir of a mans journey through the judicial system. He is accountable for his part in an accidental shooting, while throwing light into the shadows of the prison industrial complex and the inherent racism and institutional violence. His attempts to atone while in the system and then his commitment to lifelong healing of himself and others when released are despite the awful and violent conditions, not because of them. We need people of his experience and character on the outside, as healers and supports for others in the system.