Grace Goes to Prison: An Inspiring Story of Hope and Humanity

by Melanie G. Snyder

Marie Hamilton touched the lives of thousands of prison inmates through her volunteer work in the Pennsylvania prison system. She challenged conventional wisdom about how to rehabilitate inmates by creating unique programs built on principles of nonviolence and restorative justice. Her philosophy with inmates was simple-look for the good, affirm it, and then educate, empower, and support. The programs Marie created became the backbone of more than thirty years of volunteer work, and the results were transformational. Discover what this quiet, unassuming woman with no formal education in criminal justice did to tear down the walls of mistrust, bringing respect and humanity to people on both sides of the prison bars.

303 pages, Paperback

First published September 18, 2009

Reviews

[Deb Urbano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I did not expect much when I picked this up at Webster's Bookstore Cafe in State College largely for its local interest. I was fascinated by each part to this story of local, conservative, religious girl finds meaning in working with incarcerated people. The story had to include (Grace) Marie Hamilton's religious perspective to be true to the facts, but this book is for everyone regardless of religious perspective. Grace and forgiveness are necessary elements for restorative justice alongside courage, fortitude, creativity and openness. This woman's life has been incredible and her work a blessing to many. I was surprised how far her influence spread throughout the Pennsylvania prison system and beyond. Inspiring indeed! Marie may be a modern, American counterpart to Elizabeth Gurney Fry, the English Quaker advocate for prison reform described in Deborah Swiss' book, "The Tin Ticket."

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book about an inspiring person. Snyder has taken care in her research about the Pennsylvania prison system and the fantastic things that CenterPeace are doing to support both inmates and the victims of violent crime. The vision and leadership of Marie has touched more lives than will ever be known. This is a fantastic book to read for anyone who is interested in the realities of the prison system, and esp. those who think that the best answer to criminal behavior is simply punishment without any chance for repentance and restoration in society.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book about what it means to forgive and to see the humanity in everyone. Written by an author from PA about a woman who helped reform prisons in PA