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The Prison Guard’s Daughter: My Journey Through the Ashes of Attica
On the 50th anniversary of America’s deadliest prison riot comes a prison-guard daughter’s quest to uncover the truth about her father’s murder during the uprising―a story of crossing racial divides, befriending inmates and correctional officers alike, and challenging the state to reveal and pay for its malfeasance.
Deanne Quinn Miller was five years old when her father―William “Billy” Quinn―was murdered in the first minutes of the Attica Prison Riot, the only corrections officer to die at the hands of inmates. But how did he die? Who were the killers? Those questions haunted Dee and wreaked havoc on her psyche for thirty years. Finally, when she joined the Forgotten Victims of Attica, she began to find answers. This began the process of bringing closure not only for herself but for the other victims’ families, the former prisoners she met, and all of those who perished on September 13, 1971―the day of the “retaking,” when New York State troopers and corrections officers at the Attica Correctional facility slaughtered twenty-nine rioting prisoners and ten hostages in a hail of gunfire.
In The Prison Guard’s Daughter, Dee brings readers in on her lifelong mission for the truth and justice for the Attica survivors and the families of the men who lost their lives. But the real win was the journey that crossed racial and criminal-justice divides: befriending infamous Attica prisoner Frank “Big Black” Smith, meeting Richard Clark and other inmates who tried to carry her father to safety after his beating, and learning what life was like for all of the people―prisoners and prison employees alike―inside Attica. As Miller lays bare the truth about her father’s death, the world inside Attica, and the state’s reckless raid and coverup, she conveys a narrative of compassionate humanity and a call for prison reform.
Deanne Quinn Miller was five years old when her father―William “Billy” Quinn―was murdered in the first minutes of the Attica Prison Riot, the only corrections officer to die at the hands of inmates. But how did he die? Who were the killers? Those questions haunted Dee and wreaked havoc on her psyche for thirty years. Finally, when she joined the Forgotten Victims of Attica, she began to find answers. This began the process of bringing closure not only for herself but for the other victims’ families, the former prisoners she met, and all of those who perished on September 13, 1971―the day of the “retaking,” when New York State troopers and corrections officers at the Attica Correctional facility slaughtered twenty-nine rioting prisoners and ten hostages in a hail of gunfire.
In The Prison Guard’s Daughter, Dee brings readers in on her lifelong mission for the truth and justice for the Attica survivors and the families of the men who lost their lives. But the real win was the journey that crossed racial and criminal-justice divides: befriending infamous Attica prisoner Frank “Big Black” Smith, meeting Richard Clark and other inmates who tried to carry her father to safety after his beating, and learning what life was like for all of the people―prisoners and prison employees alike―inside Attica. As Miller lays bare the truth about her father’s death, the world inside Attica, and the state’s reckless raid and coverup, she conveys a narrative of compassionate humanity and a call for prison reform.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 1, 2021
didn't hold my interest because it wasn't what I thought it was going to be.
October 16, 2021
I had heard of the riots at Attica, but really knew nothing else about them. This non-fiction book is not about the riots (although there are details about it within the book) but about the prison guards who were injured and the families of the ones who were killed. Deanne Quinn Miller is the daughter of the only guard killed my the inmates. She grew up knowing what happened to her father, but no one talked about it. It wasn't until several inmates received settlements from the state of New York, including the two men who were convicted of killing her father, that she became a crusader to compensate the guards or their families. In her eyes, and many others, the way the riot was quelled was the reason so many died and the treatment of the employees after the riot was deplorable. When she joined the Forgotten Victims of Attica, she began to find answers to what really happened and she became a fighter for those victims, compensation for what they suffered and an apology. She got to know some of the prisoners, some who tried to save her father and others who tried to help others. From the blurb: "As Miller lays bare the truth about her father’s death, the world inside Attica, and the state’s reckless raid and coverup, she conveys a narrative of compassionate humanity and a call for prison reform." I learned a lot from this book about the riots as well as government coverups and that perseverance pays off when fighting for justice. Rosemary Benson narrated this book. As it is all told from Deanne's point of view, it felt like she was sharing the story. If you are interested in prisons, prison reform, Government Coverups, or the Attica Riots, then I recommend this one. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
October 4, 2021
This autobiographical account of the aftermath of the Attica riot was fascinating. Told from the perspective of the daughter of one of the guards who was killed in the hostage taking, she shares a very personal story of survival and struggle. She played a key role in the group of people who fought for the rights of the survivors. The stories she presented about how the families of survivors, and the survivors themselves, were treated by the state government is horrifying. Throughout the narrative, I rooted for her and her contemporaries. I hope this group someday gets the apology they want (and, in my opinion, deserve).
I found the author's treatment of the subject to be personal, emotional, yet fair. She formed relationships with former inmates and was able to accept people as individuals. She has performed a lifetime of research about this subject and presents a thorough account of her findings and experiences.
This is a great book for anyone interested in the history of criminal justice, hostage situations, and victims' rights in the US. This work of nonfiction is just as gripping as any fictional legal and/or courtroom novel.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I found the author's treatment of the subject to be personal, emotional, yet fair. She formed relationships with former inmates and was able to accept people as individuals. She has performed a lifetime of research about this subject and presents a thorough account of her findings and experiences.
This is a great book for anyone interested in the history of criminal justice, hostage situations, and victims' rights in the US. This work of nonfiction is just as gripping as any fictional legal and/or courtroom novel.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2021
Engaging, Balanced, and Moving
Ms. Quinn-Miller looks at the myths and the truths of the Attica Correctional Facility uprising in 1971 not only through the eyes of the daughter of the only guard killed by the inmates in the uprising, but also through the eyes of an investigator searching the rubble for the truth.
I grew up in Attica from 6th through 12th grade, so this book was personal to me. As the author mentions, I remember the prison whistle going off on numerous occasions and shrugging it off. Someone had walked off the prison farm again. I recognized many names and places in the book. I had a friend whose non-guard father was killed in the retaking. I remember returning to college after a visit home that weekend and people thinking the inmates had taken over the whole village. A minor myth of the many about the uprising that the author has brought to light. You don't have to be from Attica or Western NY for this book to move you.
Ms. Quinn-Miller looks at the myths and the truths of the Attica Correctional Facility uprising in 1971 not only through the eyes of the daughter of the only guard killed by the inmates in the uprising, but also through the eyes of an investigator searching the rubble for the truth.
I grew up in Attica from 6th through 12th grade, so this book was personal to me. As the author mentions, I remember the prison whistle going off on numerous occasions and shrugging it off. Someone had walked off the prison farm again. I recognized many names and places in the book. I had a friend whose non-guard father was killed in the retaking. I remember returning to college after a visit home that weekend and people thinking the inmates had taken over the whole village. A minor myth of the many about the uprising that the author has brought to light. You don't have to be from Attica or Western NY for this book to move you.
October 4, 2021
Touching story about a daughter of a prison guard’s daughter in Attica. He died during the 1971 riots and fought for years with other victims to come to a $12 million settlement. This meant working with lawyers and courts, meeting with other victims and relatives as well as trying to understand what Rockefeller was doing the day he ordered the prison to be fired upon.
October 28, 2021
Deanne Quinn Miller (with expert writing help from Gary Craig) lends a unique perspective to the Attica tragedy: that of the only prison guard killed by inmates, and yet she split with the survivors who blamed everything on the inmates. The state's betrayal of the victims' families and the reconciliation she found with some of the former inmates makes for memorable reading.
September 27, 2021
September 13th, 2021 marked the 50th anniversary of the Attica Prison riot which left 29 inmates and 10 prison guard hostages dead. It was the worse prison riot in US history. Deanne Quinn Miller was just five years old when her father William Quinn was the only corrections officer who was killed by an inmate during the riot. She recounts the search for the truth of what happened to her father, and her fight for justice for the hostages who lived and the widows of the hostages who were killed, when state troopers and corrections officers violently retook the prison in her riveting book, The Prison Guard's Daughter.
Deanne's young mother had two young daughters and another on the way when her husband was held hostage with dozens of other corrections officers as over 1200 inmates at the Attica maximum security prison overtook the guards on September 9th and held 42 guards hostage in the prison yard. On September 9th, Billy Quinn's badly beaten body was brought to the gate, and he was taken to a hospital where where he perished from his injuries on September 11, 1971.
After four days of negotiating with the inmates over their list of demands, many of which were for just and humane treatment, negotiations ended and the inmates were ordered to surrender. Inmates lined up hostages on a catwalks and held knives to the throats of guards. On September 13th, helicopters dropped tear gas into the yard and state troopers and other law enforcement officers charged the yard with guns shooting. The 39 people killed, including 10 guards, were killed by bullets from those guns, although initial reports erroneously stated inmates killed the guards.
After years traumatized by her father's death which caused her physical and emotional ailments, Miller joined the FVOA- Forgotten Victims of Attica. Miller (reluctantly at first) became more involved in the organization, who aimed to get New York State to provide monetary compensation, similar to the $12 million provided to the inmates who were severely beaten and tortured by law enforcement following the disastrous and violent overtaking of the prison.
Widows of the officers killed were tricked into accepting a small worker’s compensation check, without knowing that cashing it meant they could not sue New York State its role in their husbands’ deaths. Only one widow refused to cash the check, and she successfully sued New York State and received a $1 million settlement.
The FVOA spent more than thirty years working with lawyers, reporters, accountants and state legislators trying to get an equitable settlement for the widows and officers before the now elderly widows and guards died.
Miller became a spokesperson for FVOA, and in that position she became known to legislators and reporters, including Gary Craig from the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, who cowrote the book with Miller. Through this position, Miller became good friends with Richard X. Clark, the leader of the Muslim inmates, and Frank “Big Black” Smith, a former Attica inmate who worked to get the inmates their settlement. She wanted justice not just for the officers but also for the inmates. She wanted the truth to come out.
In addition to the monetary settlement, Miller wanted to know the truth about how her father died. Two inmates were convicted in his death, but they didn’t spend much time in prison for their roles when their sentences were commuted by the governor. She had to face one of them at a public hearing, in front of a large audience, an awful situation.
The FVOA had a Five Point Plan for Justice, asking for the state to provide restitution, offer counseling to those who wanted it, open any Attica records closed to the public, ensure an annual FVOA memorial ceremony on prison grounds, and apologize.
Fifty years after the riot, they are still waiting for an apology. The victims received a $12 million settlement. The state wanted the victims to pay for counseling out of their settlement.
The Prison Guard’s Daughter is an important book, not only for its historical context (many people under the age of 50 don’t know about Attica), but for the emotional journey that Deanne Quinn Miller shares with readers. Her strength and perseverance is inspiring.
Deanne's young mother had two young daughters and another on the way when her husband was held hostage with dozens of other corrections officers as over 1200 inmates at the Attica maximum security prison overtook the guards on September 9th and held 42 guards hostage in the prison yard. On September 9th, Billy Quinn's badly beaten body was brought to the gate, and he was taken to a hospital where where he perished from his injuries on September 11, 1971.
After four days of negotiating with the inmates over their list of demands, many of which were for just and humane treatment, negotiations ended and the inmates were ordered to surrender. Inmates lined up hostages on a catwalks and held knives to the throats of guards. On September 13th, helicopters dropped tear gas into the yard and state troopers and other law enforcement officers charged the yard with guns shooting. The 39 people killed, including 10 guards, were killed by bullets from those guns, although initial reports erroneously stated inmates killed the guards.
After years traumatized by her father's death which caused her physical and emotional ailments, Miller joined the FVOA- Forgotten Victims of Attica. Miller (reluctantly at first) became more involved in the organization, who aimed to get New York State to provide monetary compensation, similar to the $12 million provided to the inmates who were severely beaten and tortured by law enforcement following the disastrous and violent overtaking of the prison.
Widows of the officers killed were tricked into accepting a small worker’s compensation check, without knowing that cashing it meant they could not sue New York State its role in their husbands’ deaths. Only one widow refused to cash the check, and she successfully sued New York State and received a $1 million settlement.
The FVOA spent more than thirty years working with lawyers, reporters, accountants and state legislators trying to get an equitable settlement for the widows and officers before the now elderly widows and guards died.
Miller became a spokesperson for FVOA, and in that position she became known to legislators and reporters, including Gary Craig from the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, who cowrote the book with Miller. Through this position, Miller became good friends with Richard X. Clark, the leader of the Muslim inmates, and Frank “Big Black” Smith, a former Attica inmate who worked to get the inmates their settlement. She wanted justice not just for the officers but also for the inmates. She wanted the truth to come out.
In addition to the monetary settlement, Miller wanted to know the truth about how her father died. Two inmates were convicted in his death, but they didn’t spend much time in prison for their roles when their sentences were commuted by the governor. She had to face one of them at a public hearing, in front of a large audience, an awful situation.
The FVOA had a Five Point Plan for Justice, asking for the state to provide restitution, offer counseling to those who wanted it, open any Attica records closed to the public, ensure an annual FVOA memorial ceremony on prison grounds, and apologize.
Fifty years after the riot, they are still waiting for an apology. The victims received a $12 million settlement. The state wanted the victims to pay for counseling out of their settlement.
The Prison Guard’s Daughter is an important book, not only for its historical context (many people under the age of 50 don’t know about Attica), but for the emotional journey that Deanne Quinn Miller shares with readers. Her strength and perseverance is inspiring.
September 6, 2021
Audiobook provided by NetGalley and Tantor Audio in exchange for an honest review.
Ok, so I'll be honest, I chose this book to learn more about Attica, but then realized that I wasn't sure hearing the history from the prison guard side of things was the way I wanted to learn what happened at the prison. It's not that what Deanne and the rest of the Quinn family experienced wasn't horrible, because it was. No child should have to lose a parent to violence. But the reality is that America is long overdue for a massive police and prison reform.
What I did find really interesting about THE PRISON GUARD'S DAUGHTER was the behind the scenes and grassroots advocating that the Forgotten Victims of Attica had to do in order to have their voices be heard. I can't help but wonder if this was led by BIPOC folx if they would have been able to have access to the level of government that Deanne did as a white woman. How many marginalized people have had their worlds impacted like the Quinn family, but were never given a platform to tell their story?
With the 50th anniversary happening this year, I wish this novel went deeper into the racism and abuse by prison staff that led up to the riots. It's touched upon, but there was an opportunity to really talk about the atrocious behavior by the Attica prison and local law enforcement leading up to, during, and after the riot.
Overall, this was an interesting read, but now I want to go find more information on what happened at Attica.
Rosemary Benson does a good job with the audiobook narration.
Ok, so I'll be honest, I chose this book to learn more about Attica, but then realized that I wasn't sure hearing the history from the prison guard side of things was the way I wanted to learn what happened at the prison. It's not that what Deanne and the rest of the Quinn family experienced wasn't horrible, because it was. No child should have to lose a parent to violence. But the reality is that America is long overdue for a massive police and prison reform.
What I did find really interesting about THE PRISON GUARD'S DAUGHTER was the behind the scenes and grassroots advocating that the Forgotten Victims of Attica had to do in order to have their voices be heard. I can't help but wonder if this was led by BIPOC folx if they would have been able to have access to the level of government that Deanne did as a white woman. How many marginalized people have had their worlds impacted like the Quinn family, but were never given a platform to tell their story?
With the 50th anniversary happening this year, I wish this novel went deeper into the racism and abuse by prison staff that led up to the riots. It's touched upon, but there was an opportunity to really talk about the atrocious behavior by the Attica prison and local law enforcement leading up to, during, and after the riot.
Overall, this was an interesting read, but now I want to go find more information on what happened at Attica.
Rosemary Benson does a good job with the audiobook narration.
July 25, 2021
This book discusses the Attica Prison Riot and the victims who were forgotten and left behind by the state. It discusses the lies and mistruths that were spread in the aftermath of the riot as well as the efforts to hide that the officers who had worked in retaking Attica likely had not gone in to save the hostages. The author explores and openly discusses how she has changed over time from learning about what happened during the Attica Prison Riot. She explores her grief and anger from losing her father as well as discusses how other families have been affected by the riot. She details the fight to have the hurt and neglect of the families by the state to be acknowledged and apologized for. She also discusses some of the dehumanization of criminals that is often used to to brush off and/or justify the cruelty toward inmates and removal of rights from inmates. There is a lot of work done in this book to show the pain that has occurred from the Attica Prison Riot and how the state has contributed to that pain. It also is attempting to ensure that the riot and the victims are remembered and not simply swept under the rug. I hope that this book may find many readers in the future who can learn or gain more knowledge about this event as this was my first time hearing or even reading about the Attica Prison Riot.
I would like thank Diversion Books for providing me with an ARC.
I would like thank Diversion Books for providing me with an ARC.
November 20, 2021
I've been more than a little obsessed with the Attica uprising since watching Stanley Nelson's documentary. It was almost too painful to watch but having seen it I want to know as much as I can about how it led to where it did and the aftermath and cover-up.
I wasn't sure the tone this would book would take. Quinn Miller's father was the only death attributed to inmates and it happened at the start of the uprising, but her book is a fully informed and remarkably fair minded account of the wrongs done to the families of the state murdered guards and the incarcerated victims. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a more personal view of the after affects of the Attica uprising, retaking, and the subsequent cover up of crimes committed by the state.
I wasn't sure the tone this would book would take. Quinn Miller's father was the only death attributed to inmates and it happened at the start of the uprising, but her book is a fully informed and remarkably fair minded account of the wrongs done to the families of the state murdered guards and the incarcerated victims. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a more personal view of the after affects of the Attica uprising, retaking, and the subsequent cover up of crimes committed by the state.
November 8, 2021
I appreciated the scope of this book and the author’s ability to look objectively at the riot and from multiple points of view, despite her personal and emotional experiences.
My grandfather was a prison guard at Attica and was on duty during the riot. Though he never wanted to discuss it, my grandmother’s journals indicate that an inmate helped him escape through air vents and he was able to pull two, fellow guards to safety. Though my grandfather has been gone for several years, I feel closer to him after reading this book.
My grandfather was a prison guard at Attica and was on duty during the riot. Though he never wanted to discuss it, my grandmother’s journals indicate that an inmate helped him escape through air vents and he was able to pull two, fellow guards to safety. Though my grandfather has been gone for several years, I feel closer to him after reading this book.
May 12, 2022
The riot at Attica Prison began on September 09, 1971 and ended on September 13, 1971. The riot began when prisoners became fed up with their treatment. Even though people are incarcerated for all manner of things, there are still human rights in place. Torture, beatings, starvation and inedible food, and lack of medical care should not be allowed. During the riot, prisoners took forty two correctional officers and staff as hostages. Ultimately, ten correctional officers and staff were murdered. The authors father was the first noted death, having been beaten, later dying at the hospital. By most accounts, he was a kind and fair correctional officer and was well liked by inmates. Thirty three inmates were killed in the retaking of the prison by law enforcement officials.
I cannot imagine my parent being killed in any way, and them yanking me out of class to tell me before sending me back. What the kids of these employees went through is gross. Of course, the state did all manner of underhanded things to avoid being sued or having to pay out very much money. The lack of information and cover up of the truth in regards to what the families knew is typical and revolting. There were a lot of lawsuits from former inmates and their families, which really touched some nerves of the correctional staff and their families. I can imagine that it would be difficult to be on one side of the issue and have to see it from the other side. The fact of the matter is, there was certainly mistreatment of inmates going on. There was certainly a right for them to seek better treatment, however, because of the riot, other people lost their lives. Families on both sides of this issue were traumatized, lost family members, dealt with major issues and comments, and were slighted by the state government. I am glad to see that efforts were made to release more information to those involved and admit wrongdoings.
I got this book on Audible as part of buy one get one for one credit sale day, so that was great. This was not one of my favorite books that I picked out for this month, however, as I knew nothing about Attica beyond that it was a prison that had a riot at some point, I did learn quite a lot about the events surrounding it. It also makes one take a forced look at treatment of prisoners and what kind of things were meant to be changed as a result of this riot. If you are interested in this particular event, this would be a good book for you. It contains a lot of information beyond the personal account of Deanne Quinn, whose father was the first to die.
I cannot imagine my parent being killed in any way, and them yanking me out of class to tell me before sending me back. What the kids of these employees went through is gross. Of course, the state did all manner of underhanded things to avoid being sued or having to pay out very much money. The lack of information and cover up of the truth in regards to what the families knew is typical and revolting. There were a lot of lawsuits from former inmates and their families, which really touched some nerves of the correctional staff and their families. I can imagine that it would be difficult to be on one side of the issue and have to see it from the other side. The fact of the matter is, there was certainly mistreatment of inmates going on. There was certainly a right for them to seek better treatment, however, because of the riot, other people lost their lives. Families on both sides of this issue were traumatized, lost family members, dealt with major issues and comments, and were slighted by the state government. I am glad to see that efforts were made to release more information to those involved and admit wrongdoings.
I got this book on Audible as part of buy one get one for one credit sale day, so that was great. This was not one of my favorite books that I picked out for this month, however, as I knew nothing about Attica beyond that it was a prison that had a riot at some point, I did learn quite a lot about the events surrounding it. It also makes one take a forced look at treatment of prisoners and what kind of things were meant to be changed as a result of this riot. If you are interested in this particular event, this would be a good book for you. It contains a lot of information beyond the personal account of Deanne Quinn, whose father was the first to die.
January 4, 2022
The Prison Guard’s Daughter: My Journey Through the Ashes of Attica
by Deanne Quinn Miller
Published September 7, 2021
~This was heart wrenching. I always wanted to know about this uprising but I was shocked to hear about the atrocities and the decades long aftermath.
On September 13, 1971, armed troops and corrections officers at the Attica Correctional Facility in upstate New York slaughtered twenty-nine rioting prisoners and ten hostages in a hail of gunfire. Negotiations for a peaceful resolution had stalled. The sticking point was the prisoners' final demand: amnesty for their murder of correctional officer William "Billy" Quinn, committed four days earlier during the takeover. Deanne Quinn Miller was five years old when her father was killed, the only Attica employee to die at the hands of inmates. For nearly thirty years, authorities attempting to protect law enforcement fed Deanne Quinn Miller lies about Attica, its aftermath, and her father's death. Here she tells of her relentless quest for truth and justice-for herself, her family, and an entire community. After the state settled a long-standing lawsuit with injured Attica inmates by awarding them $12 million, Miller cofounded the Forgotten Victims of Attica and succeeded in getting the same compensation for the hostages and their families-who had received no support from the state. As Miller lays bare the truth about her father's death, the world inside Attica, and the state's reckless raid and coverup, she conveys a narrative of compassionate humanity and a call for prison reform.
by Deanne Quinn Miller
Published September 7, 2021
~This was heart wrenching. I always wanted to know about this uprising but I was shocked to hear about the atrocities and the decades long aftermath.
On September 13, 1971, armed troops and corrections officers at the Attica Correctional Facility in upstate New York slaughtered twenty-nine rioting prisoners and ten hostages in a hail of gunfire. Negotiations for a peaceful resolution had stalled. The sticking point was the prisoners' final demand: amnesty for their murder of correctional officer William "Billy" Quinn, committed four days earlier during the takeover. Deanne Quinn Miller was five years old when her father was killed, the only Attica employee to die at the hands of inmates. For nearly thirty years, authorities attempting to protect law enforcement fed Deanne Quinn Miller lies about Attica, its aftermath, and her father's death. Here she tells of her relentless quest for truth and justice-for herself, her family, and an entire community. After the state settled a long-standing lawsuit with injured Attica inmates by awarding them $12 million, Miller cofounded the Forgotten Victims of Attica and succeeded in getting the same compensation for the hostages and their families-who had received no support from the state. As Miller lays bare the truth about her father's death, the world inside Attica, and the state's reckless raid and coverup, she conveys a narrative of compassionate humanity and a call for prison reform.
September 3, 2021
This was an eye-opening account of the most violent uprising in a New York state prison. In September of 1971 prisoners revolted and took control of Attica Correctional Facility in upstate New York, killing one of the prison guards and taking other guards and staff hostage. They had a list of demands including better living conditions and basic civil rights. Four days later with peaceful negotiations stalling, New York state authorities and armed forces responded with a hail of gunfire that killed dozens of prisoners and staff alike.
This is a retelling from the point of view of the daughter of William Quinn, the prison guard killed by the prisoners. It is a personal and compelling account of the mistakes, the coverups, the lies, the devastation and the utter lack of justice for families of those killed in the historic raid at Attica. Told with great compassion and emotion, it tells the story of the Forgotten Victims of Attica, the men who were taken hostage and the widows and the families who were left behind who drew no support or compensation from the State of New York for decades. Unbelievable but true.
This is a retelling from the point of view of the daughter of William Quinn, the prison guard killed by the prisoners. It is a personal and compelling account of the mistakes, the coverups, the lies, the devastation and the utter lack of justice for families of those killed in the historic raid at Attica. Told with great compassion and emotion, it tells the story of the Forgotten Victims of Attica, the men who were taken hostage and the widows and the families who were left behind who drew no support or compensation from the State of New York for decades. Unbelievable but true.
November 2, 2021
I received this book through the Goodreads giveaways. I requested this because I didn't know really anything about Attica except for brief mentions in a show or something. There is so many incidences in our American history that don't reach everyone's education. This is sad to have read, the riots that have so many perspectives mostly leading to generations of loss, but also this book is proud, this daughter of a slain guard went from being consumed by her darkness to orchestrating the lights being shed on the whole situation. I feel so many emotions here, I can sympathize and feel the cry for change. I am sorry for all these families have went through. Thank you for the chance to read this, it'll be forever in my thoughts.
April 28, 2024
If you are looking for a non-fiction account of the Attica riot and the long struggle afterwards for the families of the prison guards, this is the book for you!!
I grew up in the small town of Darien around the corner from Dee and her family. Our lives intersected at many points, but I never knew the full extent of her family’s suffering. Dee is right - no one talked about the riot and as young children we were taught never to ask. We too have family members who have worked at the prison. It’s unfortunate that the areas largest employer should treat their employees and their families in such a manner!! Absolutely shameful the extent of the cover up - and for over 50 years now! To all the Quinn girls and especially Dee, much love and respect!
I grew up in the small town of Darien around the corner from Dee and her family. Our lives intersected at many points, but I never knew the full extent of her family’s suffering. Dee is right - no one talked about the riot and as young children we were taught never to ask. We too have family members who have worked at the prison. It’s unfortunate that the areas largest employer should treat their employees and their families in such a manner!! Absolutely shameful the extent of the cover up - and for over 50 years now! To all the Quinn girls and especially Dee, much love and respect!
August 29, 2021
This is a really interesting book based on a true story. Deanne Quinn Miller is the daughter of the only officer that was killed by prisoners during the 1971 riot. It is emotional, and Deanne does a good job of sharing her hurt, anger, and confusion over all of the proceedings surrounding the events aftermath. Many things just feel completely unreal and unfair. It does a good job of looking at things from multiple points of view, as well as what led to the riot, which was maltreatment and bad conditions. If you are interested in history this is a really good book. Additionally, the narrator does a really good job of reading this book as well.
December 13, 2022
Deanne was five when her father was murdered by inmates during the Attica Prison Riot in 1971 and as an adult, after decades of silence, she spoke to others about what really happened and how New York State could have -- and should still -- right the wrongs it upheld. The author's story is very emotional, especially learning how many children were left fatherless, and how NYS to this day will not apologize for the deadly way it "retook" the prison from the inmates. Miller also shows how all people are more alike than different, and working together as a group for support can help us all to accomplish physical goals and heal emotionally. An important look at history.
September 7, 2021
This was an informative read to some of the events of the Attica prison riot as well as being very eye opening about the events that took place after the horrific event. At times it was horrifying to hear what hostages went through during and especially after the riot especially the actions of the state of New York. This informative read did a great job conveying the many emotions these survivors felt while continuing to tell the events that were taking place. Overall this was an informative read that was told well that I would recommend to interested in the topic.
May 14, 2022
What a story. I was interested in it, being from the Rochester area and knowing local writer Gary Craig's coverage of Attica. He co-authored this but what took my breath away was Dee Quinn-Miller's personal account. Heartbreaking and--using a word I do not dole out lightly--inspiring. This sheds light on the ugly impact of corrupt bureaucracy when it tries to bury the truth. What it means for those who were gaslit for 40 years before a noble group of activists decided to fight.
I think everyone should read this. It's as authentic of a true telling as you'll ever find.
I think everyone should read this. It's as authentic of a true telling as you'll ever find.
September 9, 2021
The daughter of a prison guard who was killed in the September of 1971 prisoners revolted where they took control over the Arctic correction facility in New York tells her POV of the mistakes coverups and lies told. The men who were taken hostage their widows and families were left behind with no support or compensation These families are still living with the effects from that and this is one guards story . This was one of the US bloodies prison riots in history.This is a emotional read.
March 8, 2024
This book really affected me and I’m really not sure why. Obviously the story itself is very sad, but this goes beyond that. Make sure you’re in the right headspace before picking this up.
This book loses points for me for 2 reasons: 1. It like the same 3 or 4 stories being told in different ways over and over. 2. At some points, it felt like the author was salty about the fact that 9/11 “overshadowed” the anniversary of the riot. It didn’t, two things can be tragic and sad at the same time. She goes on for several pages about her grievances about how the state insurance fund was so much more compassionate with 9/11 victims than they were with riot victims and their families. It just gave me the ick.
This book loses points for me for 2 reasons: 1. It like the same 3 or 4 stories being told in different ways over and over. 2. At some points, it felt like the author was salty about the fact that 9/11 “overshadowed” the anniversary of the riot. It didn’t, two things can be tragic and sad at the same time. She goes on for several pages about her grievances about how the state insurance fund was so much more compassionate with 9/11 victims than they were with riot victims and their families. It just gave me the ick.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2021
This was so interesting, I never knew anything about this at all. It was so well explained and narrated and if I had a criticism it was a bit long, but then I wouldn't know what she would cut out.
It is interesting to see how far we have come along but (spoiler) they still have not received an apology.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley but the review is entirely my own.
It is interesting to see how far we have come along but (spoiler) they still have not received an apology.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley but the review is entirely my own.
September 23, 2021
This book offers a look into the Attica riot from the viewpoint of a prison guard's daughter. It was really interesting to see how difficult it was to determine what actually happened. I appreciated how honest the author was about how her feelings changed over the course of her life.
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. Yay!
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. Yay!
October 8, 2021
Emotional tribute
I remember these days. I remember being your babysitter. I remember my first boyfriends father. So long ago. So much pain, SO MUCH ADMIRATION FOR YOU DEE DEE! This was a very hard book for me to read, greatly written by a strong beautiful woman. Very highly recommended!❤️❤️❤️
I remember these days. I remember being your babysitter. I remember my first boyfriends father. So long ago. So much pain, SO MUCH ADMIRATION FOR YOU DEE DEE! This was a very hard book for me to read, greatly written by a strong beautiful woman. Very highly recommended!❤️❤️❤️
January 17, 2022
Interesting story from a daughter who lost her father in the Attica prison riot in 1971. Deanne explains the heartbreak, the struggle to move forward and the wrong doing from the state of New York.
She also goes through a journey of forgiveness and understanding to see the whole picture.
Decent read, very detailed in the legal process and misgivings.
She also goes through a journey of forgiveness and understanding to see the whole picture.
Decent read, very detailed in the legal process and misgivings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2023
An honest story from a survivors point of view
Deanne Quinn writes a poignant and inspirational story of loss and bravery. I learned so much about Attica and appreciate that through her grief Deanne remained open minded enough to respect and share other’s points of view even when it hurt to do so.
Deanne Quinn writes a poignant and inspirational story of loss and bravery. I learned so much about Attica and appreciate that through her grief Deanne remained open minded enough to respect and share other’s points of view even when it hurt to do so.
August 31, 2021
I found this book on NetGalley and received an audiobook copy. I will say that the story itself was good. It was informative and held my interest. The only part I didn’t like was the voice reading the story. It sounded more like a robot reading the story and was hard for me to get into.
January 21, 2022
The road to justice is often littered with pain and suffering. Miller takes us through the trauma of the Attica uprising and her subsequent, years long, search for justice, healing and reconciliation. This book was received from Goodreads.
May 28, 2022
Like a 2.5, I thought it was educational, touching, and appreciated how Miller could see multiple angles of the events. But towards the end I felt it was repetitive in the anecdotes of stonewalling / govt bureaucracy & incompetence.
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