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No Human Contact: Solitary Confinement, Maximum Security, and Two Inmates Who Changed the System
A deeply disturbing and human look at the American prison system’s practice of lifelong solitary confinement, and the two killers who changed modern day corrections. No Human Contact by the New York Times bestselling author of THE HOT HOUSE, Pulitzer Prize finalist Pete Earley takes readers inside the criminal justice system, examining the brutal lives of those in solitary confinement in an eye opening narrative of reprehensible crime, draconian punishment, and seemingly impossible reform in the harshest depths of the country’s most dangerous prisons.
In 1983, Thomas Silverstein and Clayton Fountain, both serving life sentences at the U.S, Prison in Marion, Illinois, separately murdered two correction officers on the same day. The Bureau of Prisons condemned both men to the severest punishment that could legally be imposed, one created specifically for them . It was unofficially called “no human contact.”
Each initially spent nine months in a mattress-sized cell where the lights burned twenty-four hours a day. They were clothed only in boxer shorts, completely sealed off from the outside world with only their minds to occupy their time. Eventually granted minimal privileges, Fountain turned to religion and endured twenty-one-years before dying alone of natural causes. Silverstein became a skilled artist and lasted thirty-six years, longer than any other American prisoner held in isolation. Amazingly, both men found purpose to their existence while confined in the belly of the beast.
Pete Earley—the only journalist to be granted face-to-face access with Silverstein—examines profound questions at the heart of our justice system. Were Silverstein and Fountain born bad? Or were they twisted by abusive childhoods? Did incarceration offer them a chance of rehabilitation—or force them to commit increasingly heinous crimes? No Human Contact elicits a uniquely deep and uncomfortable understanding of the crimes committed, the use of solitary confinement, and the reality of life, redemption, and death behind prison walls.
In 1983, Thomas Silverstein and Clayton Fountain, both serving life sentences at the U.S, Prison in Marion, Illinois, separately murdered two correction officers on the same day. The Bureau of Prisons condemned both men to the severest punishment that could legally be imposed, one created specifically for them . It was unofficially called “no human contact.”
Each initially spent nine months in a mattress-sized cell where the lights burned twenty-four hours a day. They were clothed only in boxer shorts, completely sealed off from the outside world with only their minds to occupy their time. Eventually granted minimal privileges, Fountain turned to religion and endured twenty-one-years before dying alone of natural causes. Silverstein became a skilled artist and lasted thirty-six years, longer than any other American prisoner held in isolation. Amazingly, both men found purpose to their existence while confined in the belly of the beast.
Pete Earley—the only journalist to be granted face-to-face access with Silverstein—examines profound questions at the heart of our justice system. Were Silverstein and Fountain born bad? Or were they twisted by abusive childhoods? Did incarceration offer them a chance of rehabilitation—or force them to commit increasingly heinous crimes? No Human Contact elicits a uniquely deep and uncomfortable understanding of the crimes committed, the use of solitary confinement, and the reality of life, redemption, and death behind prison walls.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published April 25, 2023
169 people are currently reading
3299 people want to read
About the author
Pete Earley
26 books115 followersPete Earley is a storyteller who has penned 13 books including the New York Times bestseller The Hot House and the 2007 Pulitzer Prize finalist Crazy: A Father’s Search Through America’s Mental Health Madness.
After a 14-year career in journalism, including six years at The Washington Post, Pete became a full-time author with a commitment to expose the stories that entertain and surprise.
His honest reporting and compelling writing helped him garner success as one of few authors with ”the power to introduce new ideas and give them currency,” according to Washingtonian magazine.
When Pete’s life was turned upside down by the events recounted in his book Crazy, he joined the National Alliance of Mental Illness to advocate for strong mental health reform on the public stage.
After a 14-year career in journalism, including six years at The Washington Post, Pete became a full-time author with a commitment to expose the stories that entertain and surprise.
His honest reporting and compelling writing helped him garner success as one of few authors with ”the power to introduce new ideas and give them currency,” according to Washingtonian magazine.
When Pete’s life was turned upside down by the events recounted in his book Crazy, he joined the National Alliance of Mental Illness to advocate for strong mental health reform on the public stage.
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April 26, 2023I’m going to find this really hard to review so take it with a grain of salt… I think. I'll refrain from writing a thesis on reform, rehabilitation and proportionate 'punishment' / justice.
I’m relatively new to audiobooks and I’ve been sticking to non fiction audiobooks as otherwise I can’t focus. This is non fiction but I kept losing focus - maybe an issue with the content, the narrator or just me.
I’m one of those true crime fans, particularly documentaries, so it’s not like this isn’t an area of interest to me. I was expecting an ‘Inside the world’s toughest prisons’ type story (great show!). So I requested this book and was expecting more about the prison and justice system, solitary confinement and reform (see first paragraph of book description) but found the first half at least to be more history about two criminals and their lives (see last paragraph of book description). It seems like these two paragraphs should’ve been swapped based on the actual focus of the book and tbh, I probs would’ve scrolled by and not requested.
It felt like the story was being told in such a way that we were supposed to feel sympathy for the two murderers before even getting to the ‘no human contact’ part of the book. I agree that the nature vs nurture debate is interesting, raises important questions, and ofc some people have horrific upbringings, and for that I do feel sorry for people, but it’s not what I was expecting as a focus or in the way it was told (see below).
I also found there were a few side bars or tangents that didn’t really seem necessary and quite a few quotes that either seemed out of place or frustrated me because, as above, it seemed like we were supposed to sympathise with murderers if they were abused or had a very hard childhood. Just for clarity, I do feel sad and sorry about the inhumane conditions of no human contact and for individuals who experience horrific childhoods, but it’s the parts of the book that made it sound like the victim is the murderer and forgetting or bypassing the fact that there were also victims of the murders, including the families of those who were murdered.
In the end, I couldn’t really summarise the prison and justice system parts of the story because it got lost in the other stuff I have described. Or, did I just lose focus too much? 🤔😆
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’m relatively new to audiobooks and I’ve been sticking to non fiction audiobooks as otherwise I can’t focus. This is non fiction but I kept losing focus - maybe an issue with the content, the narrator or just me.
I’m one of those true crime fans, particularly documentaries, so it’s not like this isn’t an area of interest to me. I was expecting an ‘Inside the world’s toughest prisons’ type story (great show!). So I requested this book and was expecting more about the prison and justice system, solitary confinement and reform (see first paragraph of book description) but found the first half at least to be more history about two criminals and their lives (see last paragraph of book description). It seems like these two paragraphs should’ve been swapped based on the actual focus of the book and tbh, I probs would’ve scrolled by and not requested.
It felt like the story was being told in such a way that we were supposed to feel sympathy for the two murderers before even getting to the ‘no human contact’ part of the book. I agree that the nature vs nurture debate is interesting, raises important questions, and ofc some people have horrific upbringings, and for that I do feel sorry for people, but it’s not what I was expecting as a focus or in the way it was told (see below).
I also found there were a few side bars or tangents that didn’t really seem necessary and quite a few quotes that either seemed out of place or frustrated me because, as above, it seemed like we were supposed to sympathise with murderers if they were abused or had a very hard childhood. Just for clarity, I do feel sad and sorry about the inhumane conditions of no human contact and for individuals who experience horrific childhoods, but it’s the parts of the book that made it sound like the victim is the murderer and forgetting or bypassing the fact that there were also victims of the murders, including the families of those who were murdered.
In the end, I couldn’t really summarise the prison and justice system parts of the story because it got lost in the other stuff I have described. Or, did I just lose focus too much? 🤔😆
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2023
A disturbing, challenging portrait of two inmates convicted of separate crimes subjected to the same conditions within the American jail system.
As per the author, as many as 80,000 inmates are currently held in isolation, or solitary confinement, in the US. This book details and discusses the backgrounds, crimes, trials and sentences of both convicted murderers in exceptional detail. The writing is graphic, as it should be for such a serious subject.
Without wishing to spend my entire review writing about the need for prison conditions and the need for reform, all I can say is that no one should ever have been exposed to the living arrangements that these two men had. Months and years of not hearing, seeing or speaking to another human, minimal access to sunlight, little fresh food and deplorable cell conditions make it sound as if it could have taken part from a much less wealthy and powerful country.
A must read for true crime enthusiasts. I will be sure to seek out the authors other works, I’m hopeful they will be just as detailed as this.
As per the author, as many as 80,000 inmates are currently held in isolation, or solitary confinement, in the US. This book details and discusses the backgrounds, crimes, trials and sentences of both convicted murderers in exceptional detail. The writing is graphic, as it should be for such a serious subject.
Without wishing to spend my entire review writing about the need for prison conditions and the need for reform, all I can say is that no one should ever have been exposed to the living arrangements that these two men had. Months and years of not hearing, seeing or speaking to another human, minimal access to sunlight, little fresh food and deplorable cell conditions make it sound as if it could have taken part from a much less wealthy and powerful country.
A must read for true crime enthusiasts. I will be sure to seek out the authors other works, I’m hopeful they will be just as detailed as this.
May 5, 2023
Ugly Truth
This is a really interesting book about two prisoners who each killed a prison guard and they were punished severely. Each prisoner lived isolated from all other human beings. Not only isolated, but often abused by guards for the sake of revenge. How far is too far?
This book is incredibly interesting and I honestly learned a lot. Not to mention the reminders of simple humanity.
This is a really interesting book about two prisoners who each killed a prison guard and they were punished severely. Each prisoner lived isolated from all other human beings. Not only isolated, but often abused by guards for the sake of revenge. How far is too far?
This book is incredibly interesting and I honestly learned a lot. Not to mention the reminders of simple humanity.
January 20, 2023
Another excellent true crime book by Pete Earley. Shocking stories of the real life situations behind bars endured by prisoners for decades. It gives much to think about and will stay with me a long time.
May 25, 2023
No Human Contact by Pete Earley audiobook was narrated by Rich Miller.
He was good and I highly recommend listening to this one. This was true crime fiction at its ugliest. It was disturbing at times and difficult. The mother was a real piece of work and I really can’t believe Tom survived her.
It’s unbelievable to me that both men lasted as long as they did and this book goes over so much detail that I don’t have any questions about their lives. I really enjoyed it because I’m a true crime junkie!
Thanks Tantor Audio via NetGalley.
He was good and I highly recommend listening to this one. This was true crime fiction at its ugliest. It was disturbing at times and difficult. The mother was a real piece of work and I really can’t believe Tom survived her.
It’s unbelievable to me that both men lasted as long as they did and this book goes over so much detail that I don’t have any questions about their lives. I really enjoyed it because I’m a true crime junkie!
Thanks Tantor Audio via NetGalley.
March 6, 2024
Not for anyone with a weak stomach or a strong aversion to brutal violence and bloodshed. This was a very insightful read, questioning if someone born into a violent, hateful family environment can possibly navigate through life with ANY potential. Our prison systems are hugely flawed, what's happening inside prison walls - and throughout the entire criminal justice system - is deeply disturbing. And I have no idea what the solution is to fix that situation. I saw the humanity of two seemingly heartless criminals (well, Silverstein more so than Fountain) and found myself teetering back and forth between sympathy, frustration, anger and sadness. I wanted to see each man rehabilitated but questioned if it was possible for either man to successfully blend back into mainstream life. Many debatable topics to discuss from this book!
August 6, 2023
geez… this book told 2 men’s stories in depth about their childhoods and them growing up and becoming involved in the criminal justice setting. it was very raw and straight to the point but also very thought provoking. i’ve always been fascinated with the criminal justice system, it has its flaws for sure but it was wild to read about how ruthless some of the people were in this story. prisons are like their own society where regular societal rules do not apply and it’s interesting to learn about!! it also does a great job of humanizing these people while still holding them responsible for their horrific acts that they have committed. people are nuanced!!
August 2, 2023
A disturbing book about the American penal system. In Canada we don’t have extensive solitary confinement. Or capital punishment.
The author examines nature vs nurture, and seems to try to get the reader to sympathize with the murderers.
As someone who knew 2 people who were murdered, I don’t care if its nurture or nature. I had a bad, very bad, start to life, but everyone is responsible for what they chose to do, regardless of why.
The author examines nature vs nurture, and seems to try to get the reader to sympathize with the murderers.
As someone who knew 2 people who were murdered, I don’t care if its nurture or nature. I had a bad, very bad, start to life, but everyone is responsible for what they chose to do, regardless of why.
January 16, 2023
My goodness what a roller coaster ride or was it a horror story of man's in humanity to another, not wanting to get in to the nature versus nurture debate or the right or wrong of incarcerating a person in prison for life, this was a fascinating and at times shocking read- the two main individual Tommy Silverstein and Clay Fountain both serving life sentences at the U.S, Prison in Marion, Illinois, separately murdered two correction officers on the same day. The Bureau of Prisons condemned both men to the severest punishment that could legally be imposed, one created specifically for them. It was unofficially called 'no human contact.' Clay lasted 21 years, Silverstein 36 years, in one of the most inhumane settings even the worst roughest prisons in the world could not create; minimal human contact, lights on 24hrs a day, cold water showers, no books, no stimulus, small cells, no parole, no talking just your boxer shorts and your own thoughts.
Why you ask, for a life time of crime, murder and mayhem, fascinating reveal from Silverstein on his perceptions of his upbringing and how the US penal system continues to corrupt already damaged individuals who have never felt care or love, who have never learnt other than to hurt first. Enjoying it is not quite the right word to use but it certainly was an eye opener one that I wouldn't want anyone regardless of crime to experience, even with these challenging conditions both learnt, reflected and offered something back to society.
Why you ask, for a life time of crime, murder and mayhem, fascinating reveal from Silverstein on his perceptions of his upbringing and how the US penal system continues to corrupt already damaged individuals who have never felt care or love, who have never learnt other than to hurt first. Enjoying it is not quite the right word to use but it certainly was an eye opener one that I wouldn't want anyone regardless of crime to experience, even with these challenging conditions both learnt, reflected and offered something back to society.
April 26, 2023
An interesting and thought provoking non fiction piece that partially answers the author’s question, yet also poses new ones.
The age old question- is someone’s upbringing/childhood an issue in regards to their behavior later in life?
Is systematic related abuse the trigger within the victim, who then becomes the abuser/bully?
When does the human psyche learn to overcome those boundaries? Or is that even possible, if one doesn’t know right from wrong?
This book catalogues two of the worst criminals who created a system of NO HUMAN CONTACT while serving yet another sentence to keep others safe within the walls of prison.
The sordid tales are hard to read, that one human could be so nasty to a child, especially their own, yet it happens every day.
Time spent in major prisons is also difficult when most are filled with racism, gangs, levels of class and to learn that there really isn’t a buddy system on the inside of most; it is every man for himself.
When raised as a savage, in a matching violent environment and the continuation of that behavior, leads most to a very dark place. Maybe surviving behind solid steel doors and no personal contact is the only way?
Eye opening and interesting.
The age old question- is someone’s upbringing/childhood an issue in regards to their behavior later in life?
Is systematic related abuse the trigger within the victim, who then becomes the abuser/bully?
When does the human psyche learn to overcome those boundaries? Or is that even possible, if one doesn’t know right from wrong?
This book catalogues two of the worst criminals who created a system of NO HUMAN CONTACT while serving yet another sentence to keep others safe within the walls of prison.
The sordid tales are hard to read, that one human could be so nasty to a child, especially their own, yet it happens every day.
Time spent in major prisons is also difficult when most are filled with racism, gangs, levels of class and to learn that there really isn’t a buddy system on the inside of most; it is every man for himself.
When raised as a savage, in a matching violent environment and the continuation of that behavior, leads most to a very dark place. Maybe surviving behind solid steel doors and no personal contact is the only way?
Eye opening and interesting.
September 21, 2023
Really really interesting book. It will make any reader question how a civilized and progressive society can actually punish and/or rehabilitate violent criminals in a way that is humane and just. This book makes you consider both the lives of prisoners locked up for life, and also the judicial system and prison workers who have to somehow take care of these prisoners, even when they may be incredibly mentally ill or dangerous. Another concept i grappled with while reading this was the complicated layers of human nature and environment vs genetics. Silverstein, for example, seemed incredibly intelligent and artistically talented and seemed to really love his children and even his ex-wife (to an extent…), yet he was insanely violent and unhinged. How can both qualities exist in the same body / mind? What percentage is genetics and what percentage is environment? This book really is a fascinating and eye opening read for anyone who wants to learn more about the criminal justice system in America.
April 29, 2023
Certainly I believe there Justice been a lot of politics, hate, fear, and assumptions that led to Thomas Silverstein and Clay Fountain having lived the bulk of their lives in complete isolation under the most draconian conditions. The author doesn’t downplay the gruesome crimes these men committed or the damage that the affected families suffered. Nonetheless, he was able to humanize these men and invites his readers to look at them with compassion. And the shocking lives these men were living from the time they were little and very innocent children to and through the times of their imprisonment helps us understand how they became why they became. He avoids all the politics and systemic failures of the prison and “justice” systems (my quotes only) and tells several stories throughout the book to sell a compelling necessity for prison reform. Prison seems to animalize both the jailed and the jailers.
April 16, 2023
This was such a well researched, well written and completely engrossing read. I have read some of this author's previous books and have never been disappointed. From the first pages I was intrigued and could not put it down. I really enjoyed that it focussed on these two prisoners, flipping back and forth and discussing what they went through. I thought it did a wonderful job of making me stop to think what is considered "cruel and unusual" and I feel these circumstances would certainly qualify. While I do believe people should be punished - this seems like too much. I thought this was a great insight into what is happening that not everyone is aware of. This author has a gift for getting the story and providing the facts for people to make their own decisons. I would read anything from this author!
Thank you Netgalley for my gifted e-copy in exchange for an honest opinion.
Thank you Netgalley for my gifted e-copy in exchange for an honest opinion.
September 6, 2023
This book looks at the relatively recent history of extreme solitary confinement in the US through the lives and experiences of 2 inmates whose crimes led to the development of the federal "super max" prisons. Both men had very difficult childhoods, and went on to committed horrific crimes before and after being incarcerated (as members of the Aryan Brotherhood). Both "survived" extreme solitary confinement for decades, but through different strategies. A well written, but disturbing book. It is important to bear witness to what our taxes are supporting.
January 6, 2023
Positively brilliant! An amazing story of the determination of the human spirit. This book mainly focuses on two inmates who were kept in solitary confinement for decades and as the title infers - no human contact. Yes it's appalling what they did but it's horrible how they were treated. Nature vs nurture. You have to read this book! Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 20, 2023
A poignant reminder that so much of life doesn't happen in the black and white, but in the gray.
Earley did an exceptional job telling the story of two inmates confined to a level of solitary colloquially known as "no human contact." The research done into the lives of these inmates, both of their time in the penal system as well as their "outside" lives that led them to the depths is so well-done and fully baked. His words and storytelling are so thought provoking that, while enjoyed doesn't feel like the right phrase, I was fully engrossed in their stories.
I would highly recommend - especially for those interested in prison reform, incarceration, restorative justice, or even just extremely well done non-fiction in general.
Big thanks to Pete Earley, Citadel, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
Earley did an exceptional job telling the story of two inmates confined to a level of solitary colloquially known as "no human contact." The research done into the lives of these inmates, both of their time in the penal system as well as their "outside" lives that led them to the depths is so well-done and fully baked. His words and storytelling are so thought provoking that, while enjoyed doesn't feel like the right phrase, I was fully engrossed in their stories.
I would highly recommend - especially for those interested in prison reform, incarceration, restorative justice, or even just extremely well done non-fiction in general.
Big thanks to Pete Earley, Citadel, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
April 26, 2023
While listening to this book I spread my arms wide and then above my head trying to imagine living in a cell like the ones described. I couldn’t imagine that, let alone imagine not having any human contact. Ever since I learned about Silverstein and Fountain I’ve wanted to research more about what they endured. This book more than answered any questions I had. A disturbing glimpse into the US prison system and it’s flaws. Let’s learn from our mistakes.
September 30, 2023
“Is it your mind or your body or your soul, or do they all die away simultaneously, until one day you look in the mirror and see tombstones in your eyes?”
how we as a society treat those deemed unredeemable is horrific. this deep dive into solitary confinement and the BOP’s record of turning a blind eye to abuse was excellent, albeit sickening at times.
how we as a society treat those deemed unredeemable is horrific. this deep dive into solitary confinement and the BOP’s record of turning a blind eye to abuse was excellent, albeit sickening at times.
October 14, 2025
This was interesting, although I thought it would be more about how the two focused individuals influenced the prison system. It was more of a tale of each of their respective lives, which still made for a good read. At times the book is intensely graphic, giving firsthand accounts of murders, suicide, and sexual abuse. At other times it is incredibly poetic, thoughtful, and even philosophical.
May 27, 2023
Thank you Kensington publishing for offering this book for giveaway. This was very interesting, but somewhat difficult to read, as in the stories and what went on. It is a good book for really getting you to think about the situation
November 6, 2024
I’m literally sitting in the chair at the hair salon crying tears of sadness for our broken criminal justice system.
July 16, 2024
I found this book randomly on Kindle Unlimited and was so shocked at how invested I became. This book follows two inmates who kill correction officers and are placed in complete isolation. This book does a great job letting the reader decide if these inmates were born evil or just unfortunate products of their environments. So sad how much torture goes on behind closed doors in prisons all around our country.
April 20, 2023
Well researched and thought provoking.
I settled on three stars because there were times I felt it dragged on a bit. Or went down a tangent that was not crucial.
It is easy to view the penal system as a whole and say it isn't harsh enough. But when you look at an individual human, it is hard not to feel compassion.
Especially in the case of Thomas Silverstein, he was set on that path practically at birth. When your whole life is abuse and violence, it is all you know. Why are we (as a society) surprised that kids raised in abusive homes grow up to be violent, abusive adults?
The audio version is narrated by Rich Miller, who does a good job.
I received an audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
I settled on three stars because there were times I felt it dragged on a bit. Or went down a tangent that was not crucial.
It is easy to view the penal system as a whole and say it isn't harsh enough. But when you look at an individual human, it is hard not to feel compassion.
Especially in the case of Thomas Silverstein, he was set on that path practically at birth. When your whole life is abuse and violence, it is all you know. Why are we (as a society) surprised that kids raised in abusive homes grow up to be violent, abusive adults?
The audio version is narrated by Rich Miller, who does a good job.
I received an audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 27, 2023
I'm halfway through this book, but I don't feel like anything in the second half will be changing my review.
I really want to like this book. I struggled between giving it two and three stars, because I feel that the premise is important - prisoners deserve a voice, humanity, and freedom from cruel and unusual treatment, but the execution falls completely flat.
Silverstein's story is compelling, but that's because of Silverstein himself. His writing and recollections are poignant, and his drawings speak to his lived experience in a way that's difficult to grasp through words alone (not for lack of trying on his and Earley's parts). He has a unique perspective and, unlike Pete Earley, a way with words. It would be much better served as something like a narrated autobiography (or Silverstein's own written autobiography, but given his harsh treatment, lack of knowledge and perspective about the world outside prison, and low literacy, having a journalist as a middleman was an excellent way to make this story a reality), with perhaps important objective context sprinkled in.
Of course, that's largely what this book aims to be, but what value lies in Silverstein's accounts is muted by the surrounding text. It's presented as Earley's book, wherein he is the onlooker, observing his star witness, Silverstein. And I would much rather read Silverstein's book. Earley's writing reads like the first draft of a high school essay, using juvenile tactics such as the "transitions" that are expected to clearly mark a change in topic, which happens often in this book, as it follows many characters, who each get relatively little context or exposition.
Adding to this oversaturation of names to remember is the fact that Earley seems allergic to using names; in some paragraphs, he will refer to characters exclusively by euphemisms, and because the people involved will change between pages, this will leave it uncertain as to who is actually doing what. This is compounded by the presentation of "objective facts" in such a manner that it's also often unclear whether certain actions actually took place. In describing, for example, closed court cases, he will still use the ambiguous language of a lawyer who can only claim that a perpetrator "allegedly" committed a crime. If I am, as is actually the case, approaching this book with no context as to who Thomas Silverstein (and Clayton Fountain, but really, it's about Silverstein - Fountain just happens to be closely intertwined with that story) is, I am leaving with nearly as little context about what they have actually done, and what they have only actually been accused of.
Some other reviews have stated that the book seems unusually hard to follow, given its shocking content. I think this is because of the fact that Earley has chosen to tell the narrative in a strictly linear fashion, meaning that aside from his... decent prose (it's nothing to write home about, but I certainly wouldn't call it bad), a majority of the book is just relaying facts, as they happened, or as they maybe didn't happen...? In addition, the narrative will change, seemingly at random, which stories it is following, and when that chronological order is broken, throwing off any semblance of structure that was built up.
There is something other reviews don't seem to mention, though, which is surprising, because it's quite egregious. Perhaps I have a dud copy, or a first draft, or something that would explain the complete lack of proofreading, but this book is riddled with grammatical errors and typos, including within quoted text. As a journalist, there shouldn't be ambiguity as to whether the writer is the one making a grammatical mistake in a quotation, particularly when discussing people who are largely undereducated, and wherein such errors are important to understanding their mindset. I have a print copy from a library, and it's difficult to believe that such blatant errors made it to press. If I had paid $27 for this, I would have given it a one-star, returned it, and not looked back. It reflects poorly on the quality of the publisher and editor.
In addition, a collage of photographs and other ephemera that illustrate the broad strokes of the book is included at complete random, two pages after the start of a chapter, in the middle of a dialogue, just after the halfway point of the book. They add a visual component to already described events, which would have been a welcome addition in the chapter where said events were being described, and give a contextless summary of the rest of the book to come. This decision is baffling to me, especially given that they would have helped a reader create a mental image of Silverstein, Fountain, and other people involved, if integrated into the parts that actually pertained to them.
The content of the book is fascinating and an important part of the discussion surrounding prison reform and abolition, but the presentation dampens rather than enhancing it. Save for Silverstein's commentary, the first hundred pages or so could be replaced with the Wikipedia article on him with little change to the knowledge gained. I'll be finishing the book, then returning it and looking for a documentary.
I really want to like this book. I struggled between giving it two and three stars, because I feel that the premise is important - prisoners deserve a voice, humanity, and freedom from cruel and unusual treatment, but the execution falls completely flat.
Silverstein's story is compelling, but that's because of Silverstein himself. His writing and recollections are poignant, and his drawings speak to his lived experience in a way that's difficult to grasp through words alone (not for lack of trying on his and Earley's parts). He has a unique perspective and, unlike Pete Earley, a way with words. It would be much better served as something like a narrated autobiography (or Silverstein's own written autobiography, but given his harsh treatment, lack of knowledge and perspective about the world outside prison, and low literacy, having a journalist as a middleman was an excellent way to make this story a reality), with perhaps important objective context sprinkled in.
Of course, that's largely what this book aims to be, but what value lies in Silverstein's accounts is muted by the surrounding text. It's presented as Earley's book, wherein he is the onlooker, observing his star witness, Silverstein. And I would much rather read Silverstein's book. Earley's writing reads like the first draft of a high school essay, using juvenile tactics such as the "transitions" that are expected to clearly mark a change in topic, which happens often in this book, as it follows many characters, who each get relatively little context or exposition.
Adding to this oversaturation of names to remember is the fact that Earley seems allergic to using names; in some paragraphs, he will refer to characters exclusively by euphemisms, and because the people involved will change between pages, this will leave it uncertain as to who is actually doing what. This is compounded by the presentation of "objective facts" in such a manner that it's also often unclear whether certain actions actually took place. In describing, for example, closed court cases, he will still use the ambiguous language of a lawyer who can only claim that a perpetrator "allegedly" committed a crime. If I am, as is actually the case, approaching this book with no context as to who Thomas Silverstein (and Clayton Fountain, but really, it's about Silverstein - Fountain just happens to be closely intertwined with that story) is, I am leaving with nearly as little context about what they have actually done, and what they have only actually been accused of.
Some other reviews have stated that the book seems unusually hard to follow, given its shocking content. I think this is because of the fact that Earley has chosen to tell the narrative in a strictly linear fashion, meaning that aside from his... decent prose (it's nothing to write home about, but I certainly wouldn't call it bad), a majority of the book is just relaying facts, as they happened, or as they maybe didn't happen...? In addition, the narrative will change, seemingly at random, which stories it is following, and when that chronological order is broken, throwing off any semblance of structure that was built up.
There is something other reviews don't seem to mention, though, which is surprising, because it's quite egregious. Perhaps I have a dud copy, or a first draft, or something that would explain the complete lack of proofreading, but this book is riddled with grammatical errors and typos, including within quoted text. As a journalist, there shouldn't be ambiguity as to whether the writer is the one making a grammatical mistake in a quotation, particularly when discussing people who are largely undereducated, and wherein such errors are important to understanding their mindset. I have a print copy from a library, and it's difficult to believe that such blatant errors made it to press. If I had paid $27 for this, I would have given it a one-star, returned it, and not looked back. It reflects poorly on the quality of the publisher and editor.
In addition, a collage of photographs and other ephemera that illustrate the broad strokes of the book is included at complete random, two pages after the start of a chapter, in the middle of a dialogue, just after the halfway point of the book. They add a visual component to already described events, which would have been a welcome addition in the chapter where said events were being described, and give a contextless summary of the rest of the book to come. This decision is baffling to me, especially given that they would have helped a reader create a mental image of Silverstein, Fountain, and other people involved, if integrated into the parts that actually pertained to them.
The content of the book is fascinating and an important part of the discussion surrounding prison reform and abolition, but the presentation dampens rather than enhancing it. Save for Silverstein's commentary, the first hundred pages or so could be replaced with the Wikipedia article on him with little change to the knowledge gained. I'll be finishing the book, then returning it and looking for a documentary.
October 7, 2023
Hmmm ... not sure how I felt about this one. It's always a little hard rating a non-fiction book. You can't really comment on the "story" per se, so it's more the organization and presentation, the overall feel. I generally like to note if a book is first person or third person and it's a little hard to define here. At times it's first person from the author's POV, then he's telling the stories based on interviews and such (3rd person) but then uses a lot of quotes and such (1st person) ...
This begins with an Author's Note ... I do think this was better at the beginning than afterward, as most author's notes are situated. As mentioned on the POV above, the author states "this is written from their points of view. Missing are the voices of their victims and the families who suffered" and so this does come across a little as a slant toward these murderers ... are we supposed to feel sorry for them? It does address the basic questions - were they "born bad" or can childhood abuse be blamed? Is prison for rehabilitation, or punishment? When can it be taken too far?
The sub-heading on the title ... "two inmates who changed the system" almost makes it sound like the change was for the better ... and I guess that depends on WHO it it better for. The change IS the move TO supermax and solitary, and no contact, which was deemed necessary as these two prisoners really didn't have anything left to lose. Why wouldn't they kill again and cause more problems in prison? Honestly ... I guess I am a death penalty gal. I just don't understand why prisoners like this shouldn't receive it. I need to read a story that makes me question the death penalty, this did not (except to ask why it wasn't an option).
I had a little trouble focusing on the "story" ... I went with the audio edition, but had the Kindle copy close by for reference. The narration was a little bland, and didn't set things apart as much as in print. In the Kindle copy, it was obvious it was a quote as the text was in italics and indented. In audio, it all blended together a bit more.
While the title states TWO men ... this seems to be Silverstein's story with Fountain more of a footnote. Mentioned at the start, then not again until Chapter 11, and taken under Silverstein's wing.
Plenty of proFanity (x51) and violence and gore ... feces was only in there 12 times? I could have sworn it was more.
Not really a book I'd recommend - just a lot of misery without really offering something to take away from the information given.
This begins with an Author's Note ... I do think this was better at the beginning than afterward, as most author's notes are situated. As mentioned on the POV above, the author states "this is written from their points of view. Missing are the voices of their victims and the families who suffered" and so this does come across a little as a slant toward these murderers ... are we supposed to feel sorry for them? It does address the basic questions - were they "born bad" or can childhood abuse be blamed? Is prison for rehabilitation, or punishment? When can it be taken too far?
The sub-heading on the title ... "two inmates who changed the system" almost makes it sound like the change was for the better ... and I guess that depends on WHO it it better for. The change IS the move TO supermax and solitary, and no contact, which was deemed necessary as these two prisoners really didn't have anything left to lose. Why wouldn't they kill again and cause more problems in prison? Honestly ... I guess I am a death penalty gal. I just don't understand why prisoners like this shouldn't receive it. I need to read a story that makes me question the death penalty, this did not (except to ask why it wasn't an option).
I had a little trouble focusing on the "story" ... I went with the audio edition, but had the Kindle copy close by for reference. The narration was a little bland, and didn't set things apart as much as in print. In the Kindle copy, it was obvious it was a quote as the text was in italics and indented. In audio, it all blended together a bit more.
While the title states TWO men ... this seems to be Silverstein's story with Fountain more of a footnote. Mentioned at the start, then not again until Chapter 11, and taken under Silverstein's wing.
Plenty of proFanity (x51) and violence and gore ... feces was only in there 12 times? I could have sworn it was more.
Not really a book I'd recommend - just a lot of misery without really offering something to take away from the information given.
January 5, 2024
First, I want to thank Goodreads, the author, and the publisher for giving me a physical copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway!
Oh my god, though. This is quite possible one of the most difficult and at times disgusting books I've ever read. (And I don't mean that negatively towards the book at all-- that's exactly why the book's so good.) I, like most Americans, had incredibly limited knowledge of the prison system, particularly "supermax" and higher-security prisons, before I read this book. I supported prison reform, in a broad, general sense, but I didn't really know what that meant or looked like on a practical level. Most of all, none of the information I'd ever gotten on prison and prison reform came from actual prisoners. Most of it was from either law enforcement themselves or from (well-meaning) people who didn't have any experience in prison.
I really like that this book allowed Silverstein, Fountain, and the people who knew them both to speak for themselves. It largely reprinted what these people said without censorship or judgement, providing invaluable first-hand insight that wasn't changed or sanitized for the non-imprisoned reader's comfort. Also, although additional context and conflicting viewpoints were given at times, I never got the sense that the book was outright accusing them of lying or exaggerating. Prisoners are one of those groups of people whose status often loses them the right to self-advocacy. Once you're a prisoner, everything you say is looked upon with doubt and suspicion, which results in issues like these getting pushed aside since everyone bringing them to light is deemed "unreliable".
This was kind of more of a rambling than a proper review, I guess? But I really did love this book. I thought it was cohesive and comprehensive, while also raising questions that encourage the reader to explore more on their own-- to explore not just the facts of the prison system and the question of how to reform it, but also their own emotions, opinions, and biases.
The only thing that bugged me a little was some sloppy editing, but that's to be expected in a book that was brand new at the time I got it (I really regret not reading it earlier, by the way! I know it's good etiquette to read giveaway books ASAP but for some reason I just kept pushing it back. I'm kind of glad I read it over my college break, though, so I could really give the book my full attention.)
Oh my god, though. This is quite possible one of the most difficult and at times disgusting books I've ever read. (And I don't mean that negatively towards the book at all-- that's exactly why the book's so good.) I, like most Americans, had incredibly limited knowledge of the prison system, particularly "supermax" and higher-security prisons, before I read this book. I supported prison reform, in a broad, general sense, but I didn't really know what that meant or looked like on a practical level. Most of all, none of the information I'd ever gotten on prison and prison reform came from actual prisoners. Most of it was from either law enforcement themselves or from (well-meaning) people who didn't have any experience in prison.
I really like that this book allowed Silverstein, Fountain, and the people who knew them both to speak for themselves. It largely reprinted what these people said without censorship or judgement, providing invaluable first-hand insight that wasn't changed or sanitized for the non-imprisoned reader's comfort. Also, although additional context and conflicting viewpoints were given at times, I never got the sense that the book was outright accusing them of lying or exaggerating. Prisoners are one of those groups of people whose status often loses them the right to self-advocacy. Once you're a prisoner, everything you say is looked upon with doubt and suspicion, which results in issues like these getting pushed aside since everyone bringing them to light is deemed "unreliable".
This was kind of more of a rambling than a proper review, I guess? But I really did love this book. I thought it was cohesive and comprehensive, while also raising questions that encourage the reader to explore more on their own-- to explore not just the facts of the prison system and the question of how to reform it, but also their own emotions, opinions, and biases.
The only thing that bugged me a little was some sloppy editing, but that's to be expected in a book that was brand new at the time I got it (I really regret not reading it earlier, by the way! I know it's good etiquette to read giveaway books ASAP but for some reason I just kept pushing it back. I'm kind of glad I read it over my college break, though, so I could really give the book my full attention.)
January 11, 2023
I had not heard of Tommy Silverstein or Clay Fountain before reading this book.
I am not going to delve into the nature vs nurture aspect of crime, however, the author clearly believes that it was the lack of nurture that led to crimes of the two men and ultimately their stay in isolation.
The book is hard to put down, you want to know more and more about what was going on in the prison, inside Fountain and Silversteins head, and how they viewed the world.
At the end of the book, I truly felt that Clay Fountain had changed. I don't think he would have posed a threat to anyone if he had been let out of prison.
HOWEVER>>>>>
Tom Silverstein was still blaming others, the prison, his early life, nothing was EVER his fault. His actions after even having any contact with other prisoners, was violent. I don't think that Tom Silverstein was rehabilitated, changed, or even wanted to be let out of prison.
The author argued that isolation was debilitation to Tommy. I did not find it that way. He was entertained with women, pen pals, phone calls, his art supplies, visits. He was not ever in pure isolation.
Both men had nothing to lose by killing anyone, what is the punishment when you are already serving a LIFE SENTENCE?
I felt bad for the officers family members who will read this book and just take what a hardened criminal says about their relatives who were slain.
WE need prison reform in America, however, this book does not convey that isolation was that bad.
I wish that the author had spent some time interviewing the victims/victims families to get their take. Or even the correctional officers.
I felt that this book was a lovey story to Tommy Silverstein by the author. It was very one sided.
As I was reading the book, I kept thinking, Tommy never changed. If released to general population, Tommy would kill again. yet the author kept hammering home the fact that Tommy was angry because he was in isolation.
Shouldn't Tommy have been angry at his ownself for murdering a guard?
Overall its a good book, it will help you to understand life in prison, the ways in which people entertain themselves while in prison, and question what you think is fair punishment.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.
I am not going to delve into the nature vs nurture aspect of crime, however, the author clearly believes that it was the lack of nurture that led to crimes of the two men and ultimately their stay in isolation.
The book is hard to put down, you want to know more and more about what was going on in the prison, inside Fountain and Silversteins head, and how they viewed the world.
At the end of the book, I truly felt that Clay Fountain had changed. I don't think he would have posed a threat to anyone if he had been let out of prison.
HOWEVER>>>>>
Tom Silverstein was still blaming others, the prison, his early life, nothing was EVER his fault. His actions after even having any contact with other prisoners, was violent. I don't think that Tom Silverstein was rehabilitated, changed, or even wanted to be let out of prison.
The author argued that isolation was debilitation to Tommy. I did not find it that way. He was entertained with women, pen pals, phone calls, his art supplies, visits. He was not ever in pure isolation.
Both men had nothing to lose by killing anyone, what is the punishment when you are already serving a LIFE SENTENCE?
I felt bad for the officers family members who will read this book and just take what a hardened criminal says about their relatives who were slain.
WE need prison reform in America, however, this book does not convey that isolation was that bad.
I wish that the author had spent some time interviewing the victims/victims families to get their take. Or even the correctional officers.
I felt that this book was a lovey story to Tommy Silverstein by the author. It was very one sided.
As I was reading the book, I kept thinking, Tommy never changed. If released to general population, Tommy would kill again. yet the author kept hammering home the fact that Tommy was angry because he was in isolation.
Shouldn't Tommy have been angry at his ownself for murdering a guard?
Overall its a good book, it will help you to understand life in prison, the ways in which people entertain themselves while in prison, and question what you think is fair punishment.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.
May 1, 2023
CW: This book contains graphic depictions of child abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, murder, and horrific living conditions.
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"No Human Contact" is a powerful book, but it is not an easy book to read, nor does it offer any easy answers. I had assumed that this book would be a nonfiction essay with facts and statistics about solitary confinement, its use and its dangers.
Reader, it was not.
Instead, it primarily details the lives of two specific men, Thomas Silverstein and Clayton Fountain. Both men were brutally abused as children, both were very troubled as teenagers, and both committed horrible crimes which led to their imprisonments. Each man killed while he was in prison... and each man spent over 20 years in solitary confinement.
There are no easy answers to be had here, and author Pete Earley doesn't try to offer any. In fact, the final sentences of "No Human Contact" are just more questions. Earley reveals horrific details of the child abuse that Silverstein and Fountain suffered, but he also notes that both were afforded opportunities to "go straight" and they did not or could not. He describes horrible and inhumane living conditions in the prisons, especially in solitary confinement, but also notes that both Silverstein and Fountain had murdered multiple times, and likely would have done so again if they had had unfettered access to other inmates and guards. He introduces the idea of rehabilitation and then concludes that efforts to rehabilitate prisoners were a failed experiment.
While "No Human Contact" does not provide answers, it does illuminate plenty of questions. What is the purpose of solitary confinement? Can this same purpose be fulfilled in a humane way? What is the purpose of imprisonment? What are the rights and responsibilities of guards and prison staff? At what points in childhood or adolescence could these men have been "saved" and re-routed to a different destiny?
The value of books is that they help the reader see into lives that they have not lived, and they force the reader to grapple with questions they have not previously considered. And that's important, even if those books don't provide any easy answers.
-------------------------------------------
"No Human Contact" is a powerful book, but it is not an easy book to read, nor does it offer any easy answers. I had assumed that this book would be a nonfiction essay with facts and statistics about solitary confinement, its use and its dangers.
Reader, it was not.
Instead, it primarily details the lives of two specific men, Thomas Silverstein and Clayton Fountain. Both men were brutally abused as children, both were very troubled as teenagers, and both committed horrible crimes which led to their imprisonments. Each man killed while he was in prison... and each man spent over 20 years in solitary confinement.
There are no easy answers to be had here, and author Pete Earley doesn't try to offer any. In fact, the final sentences of "No Human Contact" are just more questions. Earley reveals horrific details of the child abuse that Silverstein and Fountain suffered, but he also notes that both were afforded opportunities to "go straight" and they did not or could not. He describes horrible and inhumane living conditions in the prisons, especially in solitary confinement, but also notes that both Silverstein and Fountain had murdered multiple times, and likely would have done so again if they had had unfettered access to other inmates and guards. He introduces the idea of rehabilitation and then concludes that efforts to rehabilitate prisoners were a failed experiment.
While "No Human Contact" does not provide answers, it does illuminate plenty of questions. What is the purpose of solitary confinement? Can this same purpose be fulfilled in a humane way? What is the purpose of imprisonment? What are the rights and responsibilities of guards and prison staff? At what points in childhood or adolescence could these men have been "saved" and re-routed to a different destiny?
The value of books is that they help the reader see into lives that they have not lived, and they force the reader to grapple with questions they have not previously considered. And that's important, even if those books don't provide any easy answers.
August 21, 2023
I had a pretty black and white view of incarceration before I worked in Corrections. Then it became more nuanced as I saw what the individuals in custody were capable of, and what the staff was capable of. I saw the toll it took on both sides. I learned what the rules were and the reasons behind each of the rules. Then I had enough of the constant bleakness (suicides on both sides of the bars) and I left.
It's a difficult situation. No one wants to pay for better conditions for prisoners. Taxpayers who balk at a tax hike for schools sure aren't going to be enthusiastic about paying more to ensure that prison infrastructure is updated and there is a higher CO to offender ratio. Also consider how challenging it is to fill professional vacancies at a prison. It is really difficult to entice doctors, nurses, and dental hygienists to work in corrections. Not to mention mental health professionals. People with skill, ambition, and a heart "do their time" (or burn out) and move on.
I think "what are we willing to invest" is what it comes down to, because of course prisoners should have access to mental health care (everyone should but have you tried to get an appointment with a mental health provider lately?). Of course they should have access to education and training. Of course they should be kept in clean and updated facilities that are free from violence, but all those things cost money. We don't even adequately fund child welfare programs and agencies -- something that might head off children becoming violent adults.
Until we as a society are willing to pay for it nothing is going to change.
It's a difficult situation. No one wants to pay for better conditions for prisoners. Taxpayers who balk at a tax hike for schools sure aren't going to be enthusiastic about paying more to ensure that prison infrastructure is updated and there is a higher CO to offender ratio. Also consider how challenging it is to fill professional vacancies at a prison. It is really difficult to entice doctors, nurses, and dental hygienists to work in corrections. Not to mention mental health professionals. People with skill, ambition, and a heart "do their time" (or burn out) and move on.
I think "what are we willing to invest" is what it comes down to, because of course prisoners should have access to mental health care (everyone should but have you tried to get an appointment with a mental health provider lately?). Of course they should have access to education and training. Of course they should be kept in clean and updated facilities that are free from violence, but all those things cost money. We don't even adequately fund child welfare programs and agencies -- something that might head off children becoming violent adults.
Until we as a society are willing to pay for it nothing is going to change.
November 25, 2023
No human contact refers to the condition of solitary confinement placed on the most dangerous people in prison. Thomas Silverstein and Clay Fountain certainly fit the profile as they had killed corrections officers at Marion Federal Prison in Illinois only eight hours apart. Homemade shanks were used with the victims stabbed repeatedly by the men.
Silverstein was the biological son of a pair of Okies, Thomas and Virginia Conway. Dad was a paroled bank robber and mom an aspiring actress who beat the living daylights out of her boy. The caring father recruited his offspring on a few robberies and would it would be a family pattern for the rest of their lives. After a divorce, Virginia married Sol Silverstein and Tom continued on his wayward path to hell.
Clay Fountain was raised by a combat vet father who placed the blood and guts of animals into mannequins and had his son bayonet the dummies in order to "toughen up" the boy. It worked out well as Clay joined the Marines and after being beaten up by a superior, took revenge by killing the man with a shotgun.
The second half of the book deals with the use of solitary confinement as punishment for those considered beyond redemption. The brutal violence of the imprisoned is beyond description here.
To retain his sanity during his years of isolation, Silverstein taught himself to read and write and took up yoga and Buddhism. Fountain formed friendships with a priest and a Trappist monk and converted to Catholicism.
Earley has written an excellent book which ends with the frequent "nature vs. "nurture" debate and I highly recommend it.
Silverstein was the biological son of a pair of Okies, Thomas and Virginia Conway. Dad was a paroled bank robber and mom an aspiring actress who beat the living daylights out of her boy. The caring father recruited his offspring on a few robberies and would it would be a family pattern for the rest of their lives. After a divorce, Virginia married Sol Silverstein and Tom continued on his wayward path to hell.
Clay Fountain was raised by a combat vet father who placed the blood and guts of animals into mannequins and had his son bayonet the dummies in order to "toughen up" the boy. It worked out well as Clay joined the Marines and after being beaten up by a superior, took revenge by killing the man with a shotgun.
The second half of the book deals with the use of solitary confinement as punishment for those considered beyond redemption. The brutal violence of the imprisoned is beyond description here.
To retain his sanity during his years of isolation, Silverstein taught himself to read and write and took up yoga and Buddhism. Fountain formed friendships with a priest and a Trappist monk and converted to Catholicism.
Earley has written an excellent book which ends with the frequent "nature vs. "nurture" debate and I highly recommend it.
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