Breaking Out: The unbelievable, inspirational true story of a former Class A drug dealer who became a probation worker

by Janice Nix

’We’re going to change all this. We’re going to make you a new life.’ From petty shoplifter to gangland empress.
From frightened runaway to proud mother.
From drug dealer to probation worker. Janice Nix lived a life of crime. Groomed to work as a shoplifter in London’s West End, she entered a glamorous underworld of beautiful possessions – and drugs. As she rose to the top of her criminal empire, Janice achieved the money and status her family had never had. But one day, it had to come tumbling down. Several prison stretches later, Janice was reformed – and inspired to join the probation service. Using everything she learned in her years on the streets, she’s devoted her life to ensure girls like her don’t make the same mistakes. This is her story.

344 pages, Paperback

Published January 21, 2021

Reviews

[Anthony Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating read

Excellent book, what an inspiration. To see both sides of our criminal justice system is rare, this book is a fascinating insight into both. We need more people in the world like this lady

[Clare Bowyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

This book was an honest insight to the struggles for women caught up in the justice system and really made you sympathise with them. I hope people read it and it helps to make positive changes for women in the future.

[Jayne Spry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book i enjoyed reading this one

[CA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant book,

I really enjoyed this glimpse into her life. I would have liked to have read more about prison life and her prior relationship with probation. As at times it did have a fictional feel as glorified the criminal part of her life and more briefly explained the trauma and negative aspects that was a thread throughout her life. No mention was made of her relationship with probation from her position as an offender, this may have been due to professional boundaries with working in the system but would have been good to have had that explanation. I found the jumping between timelines confusing at times but that's more of a personal preference regarding writing style. Overall a really interesting and enjoyable book, I will be recommending it to friends to read.

[Gales Tales70 · Rating 4 out of 5]

How one woman who lived a life of crime from childhood through adulthood, with around 16 convictions from dipping/stolen goods to supplying class A drugs and how after losing everything, including family and friends she chose to turn her life around to help others and became a probation worker with the highest regard. A truly, remarkable story of one woman’s survival and dedication to change others lives for the better

I loved this book for its honesty and brutal dedication to devote her life and experiences to others so they don’t make the same mistakes

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting glimpse into the world of drug dealing in London in the 80s and 90s. Janice’s story is fascinating and has many moments where I couldn’t believe what I was reading. Having the two time periods run alongside each other was effective however I would have liked to know more about her work in probation as the end felt a little rushed. Thank you Gill Parr for sourcing another interesting read for Appleton Readers!

[Marc Clegg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read!!

Really enjoyed this book!! Shes an inspiration to all is addicts and offenders out there ,I thought my life was over as I have had addictions and criminal record but now after reading Janice book I really want to do something to help others in there recovery , really enjoyed hearing of Janice amazing bck story and her time with her daughter that led her to working for the probation, what a shame funding is as it is .highly recommend ❤️

[Vivien · Rating 3 out of 5]

An amazing story of a reformed drug dealer. What an inspirational woman she became. Sadly the tales of the prison service and the cuts to probation make for very sad reading. The government doesn't seem to realise that you get what you pay for. How much better would it be to put money to helping and supporting ex-offenders than letting them struggle and fail and then locking them up again?

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to have worked for a short time with one of the women in her story. When I found out about this book it was an obvious must read. I was not disappointed. I am sad now that it ended and I know there has to be so much more story to tell.

[lisa allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

What am inspirational book and author

Amazing read her personal journey is gripping and makes you think about the benefits of supporting each other through difficult times can achieve

[Ju.styna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read, truly enjoyed every page. In a way felt like a little adventure I would never take. In point of view - reflective on the past, life choices but also problems with the system after inprisoment.
Would strongly recommend to real life crime & memoir readers.

[Jade_Reads2019 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so heartbreaking. I’ve never read anything quite like it. It has trigger warnings for Drug Abuse, domestic violence.

[Jacqui Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a very good read. It's got highs and lows, and Janice is a funny character who gave me some giggles. Glad you changed your life Janice. This proves nothing is impossible.

[Patricia Durham]

D

[Lisa pook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Excellent brilliant and a heartwarming book about an amazing lady that turned her life around and did an amazing job helping others well done Janice 😘😘 a must read

[Poppy Lingard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I flew through this one, an interesting and inspiring book.

[Claire Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, it really made me think and I liked the way it jumped from present day and back into Janice's past. You could really see where her empathy was coming from.

[Paul Vye · Rating 4 out of 5]

A movie wating to happen. Sent a tweet to the author as I was so impressed. She ignored me.