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Blood on the Razor Wire: A Prison Memoir
Twenty-four-year-old Chad Marks was sentenced to forty years in the Federal Prison System for a non-violent drug crime. He was sent to one of the worst, if not the worst, prison in the United States where violence, beatings, stabbings, and death were just everyday business. This book takes you on that journey with him, as you read you can feel and experience the disappointment, hope, fear, and desperation of never knowing if today will be your last day.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2020
173 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 5, 2020
I just finished this book and as someone with a history with the FBOP I just have to say that even though the level of danger is always present in a high security prison such as the one talked about in this book I am at a complete loss for words. The audacity that this author has on calling out names ,in which he had no legal right to do, and the statements of which some should NEVER be discussed outside of those walls will lead to nothing but horrible repercussions for the author. The fact that he did everything but proclaim himself a glorified boy scout just adds to my loss for words. At times I was left wondering why someone that seems to always be the good guy and always does the right thing ever ended up there to begin with. I personally know several of the people that he listed in this book along with others that remember this guy from his time and all of them have the same story to tell of this man and none of those stories reflect the person he has portrayed himself to be in this book. If you choose to read this book then do so with the understanding that it is more fiction then truth.
October 16, 2024
I absolutely love reading memoirs and learning someone’s story. Our justice system has many flaws and Chad Mark’s story is one of them. First time drug offender, 21 years old receives a 40 year sentence, and gets sent to the country’s most dangerous United States Penitentiary Big Sandy. The violence, prison politics, and overall brutality in a place like that is disgusting. It is so inspiring to read about someone who didn’t succumb to their surroundings and found way to rehabilitate themselves. Loved this book and definitely recommend if you are interested in learning more about life behind the razor wire.
May 26, 2022
Gripping
A raw account of the brutal and brutalizing culture of a federal penitentiary. Gives you a close up of the fear, gangs sand culture of violence among both inmates and staff.
A raw account of the brutal and brutalizing culture of a federal penitentiary. Gives you a close up of the fear, gangs sand culture of violence among both inmates and staff.
July 5, 2024
A brutal depiction of life inside US penitentiary Big Sandy in Inez, Kentucky. Marks intersperses his memoir with flashbacks to his life as a drug dealer from his teenage years to the time he was arrested at age 24 leading to his time in one of the most violent prisons in the US prison system. He has to learn how to navigate prison politics, convict codes, gangs, manipulation, side hustles, smuggling, drug addicts, staff corruption, racial dynamics, alliances and how to stay mostly safe and alive. As depicted there was a constant shadow of violence hanging over every day with the need to stay vigilant and alert at all times. The book raises questions as to the effectiveness of the prison system in rehabilitation of convicts and that reforms are needed rather than perpetuating a system of violence that rips up both prisoners and the staff working there physically, mentally, emotionally, and morally.
He seems to take some responsibility for the crimes he committed leading him to doing time in prison but compared his sentence numerous times to the relative shorter sentences of others with crimes he considered worse with a sense of injustice. There did not seem to be a sense of remorse for how selling crack contributed to ruining the lives of people that he sold to.
From an editing perspective, the book had a number of typos that could be corrected if future revisions are published.
It’s a heavy read from the standpoint of the constant violence depicted and continual stress that inmates are under but compelling at the same time. I would liked to have read more about his work as a “jailhouse lawyer” which was referenced briefly at the very end of the book which could have broadened the trajectory of the book from just surviving the penitentiary to achieving some positive outcomes for himself and others. Glad to know he’s advocating for and helping others since his release.
He seems to take some responsibility for the crimes he committed leading him to doing time in prison but compared his sentence numerous times to the relative shorter sentences of others with crimes he considered worse with a sense of injustice. There did not seem to be a sense of remorse for how selling crack contributed to ruining the lives of people that he sold to.
From an editing perspective, the book had a number of typos that could be corrected if future revisions are published.
It’s a heavy read from the standpoint of the constant violence depicted and continual stress that inmates are under but compelling at the same time. I would liked to have read more about his work as a “jailhouse lawyer” which was referenced briefly at the very end of the book which could have broadened the trajectory of the book from just surviving the penitentiary to achieving some positive outcomes for himself and others. Glad to know he’s advocating for and helping others since his release.
April 9, 2022
Amazing Survival Skills and Intellectual discipline!!
I don't know how anyone could survive such torture!! This book holds your interest, makes you mad, sad, and extremely angered at our Federal Prison system, Guards and CO's. These people are supposed to be our leaders and set an example when they appear to be antagonists. Prisoners are HUMAN BEINGS too and should be treated as such. I've never seen the inside of a jail or prison, so for me this was a wakeup call. Chad, you are an excellent example of a true survivor, and I'm so glad you started Chad Marks Group Freedom Fighters, but would you make the FB page less "rap-based" and include more interesting prison stories, good news stories and accomplishments. This would certainly attract more interests and promote more donations.
I don't know how anyone could survive such torture!! This book holds your interest, makes you mad, sad, and extremely angered at our Federal Prison system, Guards and CO's. These people are supposed to be our leaders and set an example when they appear to be antagonists. Prisoners are HUMAN BEINGS too and should be treated as such. I've never seen the inside of a jail or prison, so for me this was a wakeup call. Chad, you are an excellent example of a true survivor, and I'm so glad you started Chad Marks Group Freedom Fighters, but would you make the FB page less "rap-based" and include more interesting prison stories, good news stories and accomplishments. This would certainly attract more interests and promote more donations.
November 23, 2020
Wow! Heart-wrenching!
As I read along I found myself weeping. I felt Mr. Marks pain, sadness & his remorse as he cry’s out for God to help him. As the author states,”No one can walk through Big Sandy & leave unaffected.” Chad Marks took my mind through his journey of darkness & evil, a HELL on earth. I was affected!
I spent days thinking about our Criminal Justice System and how absurd & how it doesn’t make sense.
So many questions... Ex. RP Officer who’s life is forever changed by a VIOLENT CRIMINAL who shot the officer & he served 7 years.
GOD IS GREAT Mr Marks. You felt him in the sunlight, the breeze, the air you inhaled, your clarity and the Freedom Fighters unconditional acts of kindness who fought so hard for your release. I pray you have the BEST LIFE forward.
As I read along I found myself weeping. I felt Mr. Marks pain, sadness & his remorse as he cry’s out for God to help him. As the author states,”No one can walk through Big Sandy & leave unaffected.” Chad Marks took my mind through his journey of darkness & evil, a HELL on earth. I was affected!
I spent days thinking about our Criminal Justice System and how absurd & how it doesn’t make sense.
So many questions... Ex. RP Officer who’s life is forever changed by a VIOLENT CRIMINAL who shot the officer & he served 7 years.
GOD IS GREAT Mr Marks. You felt him in the sunlight, the breeze, the air you inhaled, your clarity and the Freedom Fighters unconditional acts of kindness who fought so hard for your release. I pray you have the BEST LIFE forward.
February 16, 2024
I found the book to be written with some bizarre vocabulary choices. It seemed as though the author had used the synonyms function when editing his work. The stories seemed far fetched and the authors sense of self was quite inflated. He danced around the topic of ‘remorse’ without ever truly showing evidence of it or accepting that being a drug dealer is wrong. All of the emphasis was on the fact his crime was non violent. Drug dealing is not a victimless crime.
I considered putting the book down multiple times but hoped it would get better. By 3/4 through I just wanted to know if he finally got hit or not or how he got out of the prison. Not worth the read.
I considered putting the book down multiple times but hoped it would get better. By 3/4 through I just wanted to know if he finally got hit or not or how he got out of the prison. Not worth the read.
August 15, 2023
Needs Saying
This was a very eye opening and candid look at a man's determination and will to come out alive at one of the most violet prisons in America. The writer gives you a look at how things work and function in a world one should be terrified of entering. The story doesn't spare your feelings and gives you a hard truth. You will not be disappointed, in this eye opening account of life on the inside. This story also says that we need some kind of reform programs.
This was a very eye opening and candid look at a man's determination and will to come out alive at one of the most violet prisons in America. The writer gives you a look at how things work and function in a world one should be terrified of entering. The story doesn't spare your feelings and gives you a hard truth. You will not be disappointed, in this eye opening account of life on the inside. This story also says that we need some kind of reform programs.
April 13, 2022
Eye-opener
****** SPOILER ALERT!!!!! ****** I've always had my own personal opinion about our justice system, but this story cements all of them. We need to do an overhaul on the American "so-called" justice system. There is no rhyme nor reason to any of it. I'm glad Chad got out and I hope wherever he is today he's fighting with all he's got. God bless you.
****** SPOILER ALERT!!!!! ****** I've always had my own personal opinion about our justice system, but this story cements all of them. We need to do an overhaul on the American "so-called" justice system. There is no rhyme nor reason to any of it. I'm glad Chad got out and I hope wherever he is today he's fighting with all he's got. God bless you.
May 3, 2022
The MOST candid self appraisal yet
I enjoy reading the stories of inmates. Short stories, poems or full length books, somehow this genre has a specific and legitimate feel. Chad has written a moving biography. There are lessons to be learned here and I think it might be a good thing if these stories were more widely distributed and discussed.
I enjoy reading the stories of inmates. Short stories, poems or full length books, somehow this genre has a specific and legitimate feel. Chad has written a moving biography. There are lessons to be learned here and I think it might be a good thing if these stories were more widely distributed and discussed.
January 18, 2025
Great story of resilience
Loved the story although I’ve heard most of it through Chads YouTube channel that I highly recommend. Chad is someone who represents those who deserve a 2nd chance. Too many people are jailed for non violent crimes, cages should be reserved for violent criminals not youths whose brains aren’t even fully developed yet.
Loved the story although I’ve heard most of it through Chads YouTube channel that I highly recommend. Chad is someone who represents those who deserve a 2nd chance. Too many people are jailed for non violent crimes, cages should be reserved for violent criminals not youths whose brains aren’t even fully developed yet.
June 6, 2022
Prison is a dog eat dog world
Corrupt evil guards and staff.degenerate criminals.all a recipe for disaster. The whole system needs to be torn down and made over.glad I myself will never see them walls again
Corrupt evil guards and staff.degenerate criminals.all a recipe for disaster. The whole system needs to be torn down and made over.glad I myself will never see them walls again
June 30, 2022
A fabulous read!
I couldn't stop reading this book! A great look at the inside of prison life! Mr Marks can add author to his resume, he did a great job !
I couldn't believe how our Justice system works, unbelievable!
I couldn't stop reading this book! A great look at the inside of prison life! Mr Marks can add author to his resume, he did a great job !
I couldn't believe how our Justice system works, unbelievable!
March 26, 2023
Realmente cuenta cosas que no interesan mucho y además no tiene ningún hilo conductor.
No habla de sus sentimientos ni de lo que piensa para prepararse a una condena larga de 40 años.
Tampoco habla de sus conversaciones con sus abogados para recurrir la sentencia.
No me ha gustado.
No habla de sus sentimientos ni de lo que piensa para prepararse a una condena larga de 40 años.
Tampoco habla de sus conversaciones con sus abogados para recurrir la sentencia.
No me ha gustado.
June 26, 2023
This was a interesting book to read. It was a memoir of a mans life in a us prison. It was quite descriptive. This prison in the us was a rough prison, for sure. It took me a few days to read this book as I was only reading a bit of it per day.
June 27, 2023
Disheartening for the reality
I learned more about the federal penitentiary program from within and I had ever known. Until now most of my knowledge was about state pens. Ugliness all around.
I learned more about the federal penitentiary program from within and I had ever known. Until now most of my knowledge was about state pens. Ugliness all around.
May 13, 2024
Stumbled on Chad's YouTube page and bought the book due to being from Kentucky and knowing he spent time in a few different federal prisons. Through Chad I have been introduced to a few other prison reads. I highly recommend this book and hope Chad follows up with another one.
July 5, 2024
Amazing book couldn't put it down. It really opens your eyes to the injustices of prison and justice system. It's crazy that a man who rapes his own child and sells the videos of it gets 20 years while someone with drugs on them gets 40.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2025
Such an amazing story! I came across this book while watching an episode of Killer Chronicles (YouTube) and am thankful to have gotten this recommendation. Chad’s ability to describe the rawness of his prison experience made it difficult for me to put down the book. Highly recommend!
June 15, 2021
Great Read
A very well written true story. Hard to believe these these happen in prisons in this country. Highly recommend you should check this out.
A very well written true story. Hard to believe these these happen in prisons in this country. Highly recommend you should check this out.
March 1, 2022
Not Bad
Not Bad but I think the author is planning on doing a part 2 , should be all in one book for the price. Only a short read .
Not Bad but I think the author is planning on doing a part 2 , should be all in one book for the price. Only a short read .
June 5, 2022
At the end of the day how accurate and realistic this book is? I certainly not planning on finding out any time soon. Has its moments. 3.5 Stars.
March 5, 2023
great read
Great read edge of your seat type of book. At times you feel like you are locked down with the author. Definitely recommend.
Great read edge of your seat type of book. At times you feel like you are locked down with the author. Definitely recommend.
May 10, 2024
This is a look into the life of prison life. It's eye opening, even though ppl are there cause of the wrongs they've done. It's still a cruel world to life out a sentence. Well written Chad.
December 31, 2020
As I read this book I came to understand that the Justice System not only doesn't care about people behind bars but so many of the are so very corrupt. I have people I care about in FBOP and know that what Chad Marks writes about it true more goes on in the prisons than anyone can imagine. They have to do what they have to do to survive. And the the guards and prisoners do have alot of pull in what happens to a person in there...I shed many years while reading this book. I appreciate that Chad wrote it and opened people's eyes! I recommend this book whether you have some one you love in there or not! God Bless you, Chad and The Freedom Fighters for all you do to help not only the prisoners but their families too!
January 12, 2026
A Survival Story
This book is a must read for anyone trying to live the gangster life. If you are young and dabbling in the drug game, read this book in your spare time, before spare time in the federal prison system is all you have.
This book is a must read for anyone trying to live the gangster life. If you are young and dabbling in the drug game, read this book in your spare time, before spare time in the federal prison system is all you have.
February 8, 2022
Sounds good
Why didn't you mention that Aaron Pike, the guy that was stabbed 30 times was from New York? Why didn't your "car" ride on the gang members then? And you know for a fact that the guy riding with Josh on Dog would have mopped you up,that's why you didn't get involved. Donnie LaFond is doing Life for a body he caught in transit in Atlanta. Ace died at the hospital, not on the yard. You were really unaware of your surroundings! You criticize the gangmembers for jumping dudes2 or 3 deep when YOU were in a geographical gang and they were doing the exact same thing. That's called a hypocrite and shows how little self awareness you actually have. Lucky that the crack law saved you, eh?
Why didn't you mention that Aaron Pike, the guy that was stabbed 30 times was from New York? Why didn't your "car" ride on the gang members then? And you know for a fact that the guy riding with Josh on Dog would have mopped you up,that's why you didn't get involved. Donnie LaFond is doing Life for a body he caught in transit in Atlanta. Ace died at the hospital, not on the yard. You were really unaware of your surroundings! You criticize the gangmembers for jumping dudes2 or 3 deep when YOU were in a geographical gang and they were doing the exact same thing. That's called a hypocrite and shows how little self awareness you actually have. Lucky that the crack law saved you, eh?
June 23, 2023
This is the best and most realistic book about being in prison, specifically a USP Federal prison. Better than "Scared Straight." I only wished it was longer because it was that good.
Most other prison books are pretty boring or self-serving.
Most other prison books are pretty boring or self-serving.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews