All About Books discussion

Shakespeare Saved My Life by Laura Bates is a powerful, true story about how literature can transform even the most unlikely lives. Bates, a university professor, takes Shakespeare into a maximum-security prison and begins teaching some of America’s most isolated inmates—including men in solitary confinement. At first, the project seems impossible: why would men who have been locked away for decades care about 400-year-old plays?

But what unfolds is extraordinary. One inmate in particular, Larry Newton—serving life without parole for murder—becomes her most brilliant student. Through Shakespeare’s words, Larry finds a new way to see himself, his past, and the world beyond prison walls. His insights into characters like Macbeth and Hamlet are startlingly original, proving that the themes of guilt, power, love, and redemption are as relevant in a prison cell as they are in a university classroom.

This book isn’t just about Shakespeare—it’s about the redemptive power of art, the resilience of the human spirit, and the way stories can connect us across divides of time, class, and circumstance. It’s moving, hopeful, and unforgettable—perfect for anyone who loves books that show how learning and empathy can change lives.

This is the spoilers thread, if you have not yet read the book or do not wish to see any spoilers, go here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I've fond it! I'm in the middle of a bundle of books, but I hope to start it by mid October!