Inside: Life Behind Bars in America

by Michael G. Santos

American jails and prisons confine nearly 13.5 million people each year, and it is estimated that 6 to 7 percent of the U.S. population will be confined in their lifetimes. Despite these disturbing numbers, little is known about life inside beyond the mythology of popular culture.Michael G. Santos, a federal prisoner nearing the end of his second decade of continuous confinement, has dedicated the last eighteen years to shedding light on the lives of the men warehoused in the American prison system. Life Behind Bars in America, his first book for the general public, takes us behind those bars and into the chaos of the cellblock.  Capturing the voices of his fellow prisoners with perfect pitch, Santos makes the tragic--- and at times inspiring---stories of men from the toughest gang leaders to the richest Wall Street criminals come alive. From drug schemes, murders for hire, and even a prostitution ring that trades on the flesh of female prison guards, this book contains the never-before-seen details of prison life that at last illuminate the varied ways in which men experience life behind bars in America.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Biography, Crime, History, Memoir, Social Science

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Darcia Helle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Santos was arrested on a nonviolent drug charge during the 1980s, when our government was treating drug suppliers like terrorists. Santos had never been in trouble, had no violence or gun charges associated with the drug distrubution. Yet he was given a 45 year sentence to be served in the Federal prison system.

His journey began in a supermax prison, where he was housed with hardcore lifers, gangbangers, rapists, and men who murdered for pleasure. He was in his early 20s when his sentence began. He is now in his mid 40s.

Michael Santos is well-spoken, thoughtful, and intelligent. His story takes us through the prison system, from the supermax where he started to the minimum security prison camp where he is now. He tells us what life in prison is like and he holds nothing back.

We toss these men into a system where they must fight to survive each day. And we call it "corrections". They exist in a prison society that is appalling on so many levels. Then we expect them to emerge from that hell and fit nicely into an entirely different type of society.

As taxpayers, we support this system. Our silence allows the business of prisons (because they are in it for profit) to house men (and women) in a way that ensures their return. We should all know what goes on behind those prison walls that we support. Maybe then we'll be horrified enough to change it.

[Karen Wherlock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a weakness for a prison memoir. I volunteered several times at a federal penitentiary ten years ago and it made a huge impact on me. I always remember the victims, but the men I met moved me. Should someone go to jail for twenty years or more for a victimless crime? Is anyone ever rehabilitated from even a heinous crime? I have to believe in people's capacity for change. I think reform is needed. I think that people in prison who will be released should take relationship and parenting classes, learn a trade and learn how to interact with people who are not criminals. If this makes me a bleeding heart liberal, so be it. This isn't specifically a review of this book, perhaps just an explanation for the proportionally large number of prison memoirs that I've read lately.

[Jen Chang · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was amazing. It goes in depth to what goes on behind bars. It's an objective portrayal of the prison system, as Santos examines both the hard core prisoners as well as the more docile and naive prisoners. He tells everyone's stories, and really gets to the core of the problems of the criminal justice system. There are so many problems that people don't realize that exist in this undocumented world. Once you're in the world of a prisoner, you lose all your basic human rights. Even if people deserve to be punished for their crimes, they don't deserve the inhumane ways correctional officers and the system treats them. It's quite an eyeopener.

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liberals and conservatives alike should read more about our prison system and this book does a decent job of exposing its pitfalls as well as its place in society. It is not for the faint of heart...or stomach.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written and insightful book about every day life in American prisons. Michael Santos doesn't glamourise or glorify criminals or the criminal lifestyle. He's upfront and honest about his own crimes and doesn't try to garner sympathy for himself or other prisoners he spends time with. Instead we meet some real battle hardened crim's (and briefly hear stories of some not so hardened - yet) doing some tough time behind bars. It's not pretty, some of the stories are heartbreaking and some are just plain shocking (I had to remind myself several times that this was real life and not a novel).

The author clearly spent many hours observing and talking to fellow prisoners and has actually provided notes on each chapter at the end of the book to explain which names have been changed, where he has sourced his information, which parts of conversations he has referred to past notes for and which he has directly read back to the inmate whose story he is telling to ensure their story is told as they wish.
I appreciate this thorough and honest approach - it was refreshing to read a book where the author is actually fact checking and relaying stories as they were told to him, not just filling in gaps with whatever he thinks happened or what he thinks people thought.

Michael has a lot to say about the American judicial corrections system. And rightfully so - he wrote this book while in prison. He spent 26 years inside 19 different prisons so he has first hand knowledge of what goes on in there, and has seen the worst of the worst.
As an Australian I don't have many comments on how the American system works but I can tell you that while their system seems overly harsh for some crimes, our system sometimes seems overly soft but that's a whole other kettle of fish.

And finally last but not least - the real treasure of this book is that we actually see a human side to a lot of the prisoners we meet in here. You can't help but wonder what became of Crip tank and Shamrock and Todd.

Michael Santos finished his sentence in 2013 and seems to have been very busy developing prisoner transition programs, lecturing at universities public speaking on adversity amongst other things according to Dr Google. Good for you Michael.

[Patrick O'Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Michael Santos' writes about his incarceration in the federal justice system. It is a strong read, a rough ride, at times graphic, at times not graphic enough.

I got a lot of looks reading this book on the airplane. It's cover photo the back of an inmate in an orange jumpsuit his hands handcuffed together, his wristband ID under the cuffs caught a lot of people's eye. I don't recommend you carry it through airport security, or to you local courtroom.

I have a profound personal interest in the criminal justice system and read every book I can get. I found Santos a good writer. Although I found him at times to be self-serving in what he said of himself and his situation - but then again, this is from a man brave enough to publish his writing while still incarcerated, so maybe I don't even need to say that or anything else other than I thought it was a good look at the many irregularities and problems within a system that is so very flawed. But I would have like there to have been more - and I can only imagine, and hope, that when Mr. Santos is finally released after his lengthy sentence, he writes as if no one is looking over his shoulder.....

[Elizabeth Nesbit-comer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read a few prison memoirs, this book didn't really bring anything new to the table. Michael Santos wants prisoners to be treated with more respect and less like animals. The only problem with his cause is that he shows exactly how these gang members have no respect for anyone but themselves and act like animals who strike out with violence at the slighest provication... sometimes to implied territory disputes. Does he really think that any of these "thugs" who are only about getting drugs and slashing their way up the gang ladder will become productive prisoners if only they were rewarded more.
I understand that there are numerous problems with the large number of americans going to prison as well as the conditions behind bars, but I don't think Michael does a good job bringing his ideals across. At several points he comes across as whiny and unsympathetic expecially when he complains about not being able to get his masters in prison. There are many americans who would love to be able to access higher education without having to pay for it and I agree that prisons should not have to allow prisons to receive advanced degrees.

[Sara Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing book about prison, written by an inmate. pretty depressing and startling. It makes you wonder why jails and prisons are called "corrections" facilities, when they do nothing of the sort.

[Gino · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never liked non-fiction books before, but Inside: Life Behind Bars in America by Michael G. Santos is an exception. Life Behind Bars in America is about the justice system in America through the eyes of criminals and people who have faced the justice system. Michael G. Santos recorded the stories of other inmates he met and put them all together to make his book. The book fully developed the topic of the justice system and how they treat the people in it. He made it very obvious that he thought the system was very unfair and especially cruel to people like him. He was sentenced to 45 years in prison for participating in a drug trafficking scheme. Michael G. Santos did a good job making his book interesting and engaging by telling the stories of many people who have experienced it first hand. However, his book didn’t effectively pass on the message of change. The point of this book was to change how people are treated and sentenced in the justice system, but by putting only memoirs of prisoners, his book doesn't relay the message to readers effectively. The stories of the other inmates brought awareness to their situations, but didn’t fulfill the main point of the book. The main tone of the book was different from story to story, but most were depressing and serious. One inmate said that it was “lockdown in the cell, all day, every day,” and that he has “been down for twelve years” locked in his cage( Santos 31). As a reader, I could easily relate to this book, but at a much lower level. A lot of things can seem very unfair and not in your favor. Overall, I highly recommend that you read this book if you are interested in the justice system.

[Johnny Chimpo · Rating 1 out of 5]

The stories are told very well, but the underlying theme of the book is full of half-truths at best. Time after time the author (inmate) takes opportunity to mock our judicial and correctional system. He then adds his suggestions for a reform based on merit, rather than discipline. Of course he would be in favor of this type of reform due to the fact that he claims he had a clean disciplinary record, held a consistent job, and had notable academic achievements while incarcerated. I found it humorous that while he earned his master's degree as an inmate, he never once showed appreciation to taxpayers that I assume funded this--instead he tries to convince the reader (and possibly taxpayer) that our correctional system is a poor investment in this country. There is also an element of "chronic victim" throughout the book, which is very displeasing when reading the stories and actions of some of the characters.

[Anne Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This nonfiction book is an insider's account of what life is like as a "guest" of the United States penal system. Told with frank language, this exposé is not for the faint of heart. If you want an idea of why 70% of U.S. prisoners return to a life of crime after their release, this book will open a window into the reasons why.

It seems that in what I gather from both current studies on the state of the U.S. penal system and discussions with those who have served as corrections officers that not much has changed in the 15+ years since this book was published. Thus, this book is as relevant today as it was when first composed.

[Richard C · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a shame Michael Santos had to spend the best part of his life in a penal institution. He learned a valuable lesson because of a stupid mistake; no, not a mistake, a poor choice. I read this and shook my head many times. It describes the how the Department of Corrections is the real culprit in creating anger in our prison system. He is now out of prison and doing well. He is and always was a very smart man. I think you will enjoy this book. I did. This should be a must read for all teenagers!

[Paulette Castaneda Gentile · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good description of life in prison, the good, the bad and the ugly with really very little good.

Gives a good insight as to how life is in a prison including fellow prisoners, guards and administrators.
I liked the way the author's description makes you feel you are within the jail walls and what challenges and opportunities there are or aren't in incarceration.
I thought his description of some of fellow prisoners was repetitive and would have liked the names to be different.
In all, a food read and gave me a good idea as to the goings-on in jail.

[Hailey Melian · Rating 5 out of 5]

My perspective on prison was very different before I first started reading this book, I had no idea the amount of corruption, violence, and hate that surrounded these prisons. It was very insightful of the different characters Santos met and learned from, including himself. Hearing Santos overcome the hard obstacles of succeeding and recieving an education in these systems was also very interesting.

[Joe Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would say the book is interesting. The writing leaves a lot to be desired but the characters are fascinating. Santos was still in prison when he wrote this book and he seems to have fictionalized a good deal of it to protect people involved including himself. Nonethess readable and interesting. I abandoned this book when I discovered his autobiographical version "Earning Freedom."

[Ashleigh Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A riveting account of the often brutal life of the US federal prison system. Santos write eloquently, especially in the last chapter where he summarises the epic failings of the US system and how these could possibly be rectified. For a similar insight into the state system in the US, Convict Logic by Todd L Cook comes highly recommended from this reader.

[Avrohom Kotler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inside personal account of life behind bars (non-violent drug dealer caught during his early 20’s). Some chapters are redundant. But there’s a nice surprise in one of the later chapters that brings the book full circle. Eye opener.

[Julie Nutter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prison life

My complaint is some parts of the chapters seemed to repeat themselves. Like reading 10 essays on prison life put together. But truly informative on different levels of prison and lack of “corrections “.

[DB · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this and didn't finish. I think the book was really good. Writing was good. It was just too sad. It was hard to read because it is true.
I'm giving it 5 stars even though I didn't finish it.

[Kevin LaBrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly captivating look into the prison system and what goes on.

[Gonzaga Escauriaza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and very entertaining.
Very easy to read and enjoyable.
Perhaps it lacks a bit of sentiments from the author during his confinement.

[Aaron E. Allan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book. Easy read.

Not a badly written book but the amount of complaining he author does about prison is predictable. He sold a lot of drugs, got caught, and didn't cooperate.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

My only knowledge of what it's like to be a prisoner comes from the movies. This book opened my eyes to the realities of the American criminal justice system. It was a hard truth to read.

[Tiffany BlueEyedKarma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the book reflected a good depiction of what happens within the prison system from what I have heard and understood from individuals that have been incarcerated.

I enjoyed the happier stories where individuals held prison jobs and were able to save money, so after they were released they had a bit of a cushion to start their new life.

The book was a fast and interesting read. I would recommend it to anyone interested in giving it a try.

[Jennifer Colucci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gritty, dark but the brutal honesty is gripping. Not a book I would recommend for just everyone, but if you want to know the good, bad and ugly of prison life this book delivers.

[Marshall Cain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished reading Inside: Life Behind Bars In America, and while the Steven Bomb distracted me for a few days, I should probably still talk about it.

I brought up the book often while I was reading it, Michael Santos, the author, brought up a wide variety of stories about his time incarcerated in American prisons. He spent time in high security, all the way down to minimum security camps, over the course of a three decade sentence for distributing cocaine in the 80s.
What he lived through was a nightmare. Men, often undereducated, whose hopes of release were so slim that they saw no reason to do anything but make a better life for themselves within prison. There was no hope for relief, no hope for protection by the authorities, so they became what we all imagine of hardened members of a penitentiary. They beat people to death for the slightest offense, throw feces when locked in single cells, would rather stab someone than appear weak in front of their fellow inmates.

To Michael Santos, this lack of an outlet, and lack of control, is what leads to recidivism and continued violence. You put men and women in prison, and they don't learn to become better people, they learn to become better criminals. They gain skills in smuggling, crafting drugs, how to fight, how to kill. When they are released, the prison system didn't let them prepare for anything better than being a janitor, and their public mark as a felon means they can't expect much better.

So if you were given the choice of earning minimum wage as a janitor at whatever business chooses to hire you, or using your prison skills to make substantially more, which would you take? What if you had kids to feed, or family to take care of?

There was a time that I wanted to help, prisoners, the addicted, the mentally ill. But in reality, I think I'm simply not strong enough. I didn't live close enough to that life, and while I'm thankful for that, that would be problematic. Still, Michael Santos helped draw a clearer diagram of prison life, and helping me distinguish between the myths and reality of prison. Interesting book.

Now I just need to figure out what to read next.

[Pete D'angelo · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting look at the US prison system, from an insider's perspective. the author was arrested in his early 20's on a non-violent drug charge, and was sentenced to 45 years in prison, despite having no prior record. over the years, he has served his time in maximum, low and minimum security prisons, obtained a master's degree, and was working toward a doctorate until his progress was stifled by unaccommodating wardens and corrections officers. he has since taken to writing about his experiences and the men he has done time with. i'm not sure how factually accurate his stories are, but they are interesting and well-written. my big takeaway was that, while i would not want to serve time in ANY prison, minimum security (white-collar) variety would be a MUCH better experience for me than maximum. (tho still not pleasant or by any means desirable)

the central them and thesis of the book is that our current prison system has nothing to do with rehabilitation and is purely punitive and both fails to reward good and properly punish bad behavior. this results in an extremely low rehabilitation rate, contradicting one of the main ostensible purposes behind the system. he has a good point.

[Grace Tipton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book, "Inside: Life Behind Bars", by Michael G. Santos, is about a young boy name Michael, who was convicted of drug trafficking in his early twenties. He expresses the stories of many people to truly explain what life is like behind bars. There are multiple characters who are introduced in this story, but not for long. Michael did interviews in fragments of chapters.
The writing of this book was very descriptive and it gave readers an idea of the way these prisoners are treated. This book shares plenty of stories that help you visualize the society of jail. If I could make a change to this book, I would try to explain a little more on why these prisoners are doing what they're doing. If this change was made, you would understand why things worked that way in prison.
I would recommend this book to people who like reading about informational subjects and law. This book will provide the basic information of prisons and show you what happens to these prisoners over time. This should be read by people fourteen and older.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inside offers a gritty, behind-the-walls look at life in the federal prison system. Santos details how weak prisoners learn to adapt and how strong prisoners exploit others including guards. He covers the gamut: Sex, drugs, gangs, violence.

The book is most successful in its documentary aspects. Though I found Santos' rendering of some of the prison argot a little cheesy, I have no doubt about its general accuracy.

Santos does less of a good job talking about his own experiences and choices inside. He dwells a lot on education -- he earned a bachelor's and master's degree in prison -- but doesn't tell us about very many of his own struggles and encounters, instead giving us typical experiences through the eyes of other prisoners.

Still, for anyone who reports about the criminal justice system or has an interest in it, this book provides a valuable look inside places that see little sunshine in print.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

An impressive feat to write this book in longhand and end up with an even semi-readable account. The book isn't quite sure what story it wants to tell: that of the author, that of the craziest folks he met in prison, that of the prison system more broadly. This bit of unfocus detracts some from the experience of reading and enjoying this book. Still, the anecdotes are believable and well-written and the ability of Mr. Santos to survive a long prison sentence with relative sanity and dignity is impressive. Also, I'd love to read his wife's memoir. How did she come to form a relationship and marry an inmate? What made her willing to move across the country to be close to him? Perhaps more of that story is available in one of Santos' other books.

Fair warning: the book is graphic and contains descriptions of prison rape and gang violence. Not for the feint-hearted.