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Livin' the Dream
Written by former New York Corrections Officer, Jack McKraken, Livin’ the Dream is a deep dive into the beating heart of American Corrections. This book shines a light on the absurdities, inadequacies, and organized chaos of the system that stands between ordinary Americans and the worst violent offenders.
Author of science-fiction novel Beyond Mortal Measure,, Jack McKraken breaks into the world of nonfiction writing from his own perspective as he describes a ground-level view of a single Corrections Officer while simultaneously examining the entirety of the US prison system. From the tedium of the day-to-day rounds to the politics of the NYSCOPBA (New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association) McKraken depicts the conditions and constraints within which CorrectionsOfficers are forced to operate by an entrenched bureaucracy. The book describes prisoner interactions and altercations candidly, often humorously, leaving the reader with a unique perspective into American Justice.
Antelope Hill is proud to publish Livin’ the Dream as its second original work. Jack McKraken's work is not just a memoir of exciting anecdotes and useful tips, but an account of how one can survive and keep their sanity within one of the most soul-crushing settings known to man. This title is a must-read for anyone who may find themselves in prison, regardless of which side of the bars.
Author of science-fiction novel Beyond Mortal Measure,, Jack McKraken breaks into the world of nonfiction writing from his own perspective as he describes a ground-level view of a single Corrections Officer while simultaneously examining the entirety of the US prison system. From the tedium of the day-to-day rounds to the politics of the NYSCOPBA (New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association) McKraken depicts the conditions and constraints within which CorrectionsOfficers are forced to operate by an entrenched bureaucracy. The book describes prisoner interactions and altercations candidly, often humorously, leaving the reader with a unique perspective into American Justice.
Antelope Hill is proud to publish Livin’ the Dream as its second original work. Jack McKraken's work is not just a memoir of exciting anecdotes and useful tips, but an account of how one can survive and keep their sanity within one of the most soul-crushing settings known to man. This title is a must-read for anyone who may find themselves in prison, regardless of which side of the bars.
- GenresEducation
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 22, 2021
Alright so going into this book I had no idea what to expect because I knew nothing about the topic of prison life or Correctional Officers and to be honest prior I had almost interest in it either. However that being said what an important read it is. Its not an area talked about much by people in the Dissident Right but it should be and Jack delivers.
Not only are the real life experiences Jack records invigorating and sometimes disgusting all at once, they are also tied together perfectly with a lesson learned and proposed solutions by Jack. His writing style is also very funny and entertaining. He had me laughing quite a few times picturing in my head the scenarios he faced during his time locked in with "Americas most degenerate".
The book is a relativley quick read but its a page turner and his ideas on how to solve these problems are well thought out and concise. We always get the inmates take in the media or in books or in movies but never the COs. Jack McKraken does an excellent job of giving you a no BS, no sugar coating take on his time as a New York CO in ClownWorld™ America. Highly recommend giving it a read.
Not only are the real life experiences Jack records invigorating and sometimes disgusting all at once, they are also tied together perfectly with a lesson learned and proposed solutions by Jack. His writing style is also very funny and entertaining. He had me laughing quite a few times picturing in my head the scenarios he faced during his time locked in with "Americas most degenerate".
The book is a relativley quick read but its a page turner and his ideas on how to solve these problems are well thought out and concise. We always get the inmates take in the media or in books or in movies but never the COs. Jack McKraken does an excellent job of giving you a no BS, no sugar coating take on his time as a New York CO in ClownWorld™ America. Highly recommend giving it a read.
April 7, 2021
It's the second book I've read by a correctional officer, the first was Newjack, by Ted Conover, which was a terrific book. I read that one twice. Jack McKraken's (pseudonym) book is not as well written but still has some funny moments. He goes into the hardships of the job and the motivations on how someone would be a C.O. This is not fiction, but gritty, humorous and often frustrating tales of a broken penal system. The man's political stances will frustrate some readers; I would recommend this for anyone interested in pursuing a job in corrections as his illiberal takes may straighten out some misconceptions
May 25, 2021
Hilarious and informative, a great book to give to a friend or to spend an afternoon reading.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews