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Once Upon a Felony: True Stories of How Four Women Reshaped Their Lives After Prison
Four women courageously share their stories about their crimes-assault, kidnapping, DUI with vehicular assault, assault with a deadly weapon. They confront their addictions and their anger, and accept the blame. They tell their prison experiences with honesty, the devastation to their families with poignancy, and their road to resilience with humility. "In prison, you analyze and try to figure out every aspect of your life, what went wrong. It's traumatic." -Karyn "I grew up in prison. I grew into something different. Prison will be a part of me forever. It was the best thing that ever happened to me." -Kalena "I got sober before I went to prison. I got out of my warrant, served my sentence. I don't know what else I gained by going to prison. Being away from my kids is my biggest punishment, not so much the prison." -Alejandra "When I went to prison, I thought I didn't have any say-so any more. Like how could my kids ever look up to me as a mom figure ever again? But going to prison was the best thing for me, absolutely." -Michelle "...walk in the shoes of formerly incarcerated women...Ms. Britton vividly and compassionately chronicles their life experiences before, during, and after prison." - -Nadine Kerstetter, Teacher, Denver Women's Correctional Facility "Compelling! These stories are filled with trials, tribulations and ultimately hope--hope that successfully reentering society after removal is possible". - -Bryon Sparling, Assistant Director, Adult Parole Colorado Department of Corrections "Incarceration and the factors that lead individuals into prison have significant social implications. Through their eyes and in their voices, Lois captures the struggles and emotional hurdles associated with justice involved women." - -David Johnson, Director of Adult Parole, Colorado Department of Corrections; Warden, Denver Women's Correctional Facility
264 pages, Paperback
Published April 19, 2022
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January 18, 2023
Once Upon a Felony by Lois Britton was a look inside the world of four incarcerated women; their crimes, punishments and returns to their lives post prison. The true stories are mostly told in the voices and words of the women featured in the book. The author provides narration I found helpful in pulling everything together. Each of the stories are different but all are frightfully honest as they share the impact of their actions on themselves and their families.
Compared with men, women comprise a small percentage of the prison population in the United States. Right or wrong, I’ve always assumed most incarcerated women have been victims of mental illness, substance abuse and/or abuse. In reading the book, I found the stories to be interesting regarding their various paths to prison. It was fascinating to hear about their time in prison and how they navigated their sentences, the often-devastating impact on their families. I was also hopeful and felt pride for the women as they navigated their returns to life at home, the custody battles, work, children, spouses. I was amazed at some of the eye-popping successes and the resilience.
All of the women represented in this book took advantage of various opportunities while in prison. Each of the women was reflective, vulnerable, and incredibly brave. Yet, this book isn’t a fairy tale and I imagine the women will continue to grow and struggle acknowledging actions of their past while keeping their eyes on the future.
I met the author years ago in a volunteer capacity and she is a friend. We were part of a non-profit, professional women’s group when we met. The mission of our organization was to empower women through advocacy, various programs and funding. In writing this book, Lois continues to advocate by telling the stories of four incarcerated women. If you have curiosity regarding incarcerated women, women’s issues or simply want to learn something new, this book warrants your consideration.
Compared with men, women comprise a small percentage of the prison population in the United States. Right or wrong, I’ve always assumed most incarcerated women have been victims of mental illness, substance abuse and/or abuse. In reading the book, I found the stories to be interesting regarding their various paths to prison. It was fascinating to hear about their time in prison and how they navigated their sentences, the often-devastating impact on their families. I was also hopeful and felt pride for the women as they navigated their returns to life at home, the custody battles, work, children, spouses. I was amazed at some of the eye-popping successes and the resilience.
All of the women represented in this book took advantage of various opportunities while in prison. Each of the women was reflective, vulnerable, and incredibly brave. Yet, this book isn’t a fairy tale and I imagine the women will continue to grow and struggle acknowledging actions of their past while keeping their eyes on the future.
I met the author years ago in a volunteer capacity and she is a friend. We were part of a non-profit, professional women’s group when we met. The mission of our organization was to empower women through advocacy, various programs and funding. In writing this book, Lois continues to advocate by telling the stories of four incarcerated women. If you have curiosity regarding incarcerated women, women’s issues or simply want to learn something new, this book warrants your consideration.
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