Other: An Asian & Pacific Islander Prisoners' Anthology

by Eddy Zheng (editor), Helen Zia (Foreword)

AVAILABLE from EastWind Books of Berkeley for $15.95 asiabookcenter.com asiabookcenter.com/store/p244/Other%3... This anthology of work by Asian and Pacific Islander (API) prisoners is the first book to highlight the unique stories and perspectives of this growing prisoner population in the U.S. In total, 22 talented API prisoner writers, poets, and artists have contributed to this anthology, which was initiated and co-edited by Eddy Zheng, who was recently released from prison and immigration detention after over two decades behind bars. Through original poetry, vignettes, essays, first-hand narratives, interviews, and drawings, these prisoners cover topics such as the factors that led to their incarceration, the cruelty that occurs in prisons and immigration detention jails, and the harsh reality of deportation that awaits many API prisoners. By offering readers a glimpse into their innermost fears, regrets, and dreams, these prisoners have contributed an important voice to our society's discussion around race, immigration, and prison issues. Contributors to this anthology are Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, Hmong, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Mien, Tongan, and Vietnamese; some are immigrant, refugees, indigenous or adopted. One is transgender, another is female. OTHER includes a preface by Helen Zia. The book is edited by Eddy Zheng and Ben Wang, designed by Joy Liu, RevoluXinDesigns.com, and is a project of the Asian Prisoner Support Committee (APSC). apscinfo@gmail.com

Genres: Nonfiction, Race, Anthologies, Social Justice, Poetry

146 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of stories, poems, and artwork by incarcerated or formerly incarcerated Asian Americans. It's filled with voices I have never heard, and people I didn't know even existed.

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn. The art, poetry, and text were collected and edited in prison (and in correspondence with prisoners) and represent a variety of perspectives on the intersection of the model minority myth + incarceration, the immigration family + incarceration, and spirituality/core beliefs. Would recommend.

[Fei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful collection of writings from people in the inside. Especially highlights the migration-school-prison-deportation pipeline.

[Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing collection of poems, essays and personal stories written by Asian and Pacific Islander prisoners that touches on issues of race, plural identities and the need for reform in our prison system. The pieces written by Viet Mike Ngo were especially powerful and well-written (see "A Day in the Life"!) Eddy Zheng has compiled and edited a striking collection.

[Naveena Sunkara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This anthology offers startling insight to the lives of API prisoners. Through poetry,art and prose they explore both the horrors of the prison industrial complex and the effect it has on a majority of individuals behind bars.

[Alton Zheng · Rating 5 out of 5]

It really highlights the stories and perspectives of the growing prisoner population in the United States. It is written in great poetry, essays, and goes in depth through interviews and pictures.