I thoroughly enjoyed this informative novel on the harsh reality of policing in America. I found it especially moving that we were able to follow the stories of two men who were fighting for parole. This is a powerful and important topic that all Americans should read. This abuse is happening right here. We need to turn our attention to the fact that we are not imprisoning people for rehabilitative purposes anymore and recognize that we are doing so for punishment and torture.

This text highlights many issues with the incarceration in the United States...

From mass incarceration, to being nearly impossible to be granted parole, then if by chance one is the many loopholes that they must continue to go through in order to avoid violating their release terms. We would assume that somebody who serves their full sentence or who is deemed worthy of release would have an easier time rejoining the society that they have spent so much time away from. Instead, they face barriers to find a job, housing, and other everyday things that somebody who has never been to prison takes for granted. Yes, it's easy to say "they committed a crime, they are getting what they deserve" but after serving their prison time, shouldn't they be allowed a new opportunity without having that constantly looming over their heads?

Austen has us imagine what our country may look like if we had a system like Finland, who begins working on returning their prisoners to society the day they step into prison. They see prison as a place to rehabilitate their people, not as a place to punish them. In turn, they see less overall crime. The idea is that we need to invest in people and give them a second chance, once they prove that they deserve one.

Austen also names multiple parole boards that have held inconsistencies in their release, or non-release, rates depending mainly on the climate of the country at the time. What is purposed instead are set guidelines for all, where after serving a certain number of years or percentage of time, and/or if a prisoner is of a certain age they are granted an opportunity to present their case to a parole board. This does not guarantee freedom, simply the opportunity to tell their story.

The text does also follow the sentences of two males who were accused of working together to kill two policemen. In a case that may have included coerced confessions, witness tampering during the trial, and a lack of physical evidence - we see how difficult it is once a sentence is given, to prove that you are deserving of second chance at living a life outside of prison. Although both men initially denied taking part in the crime, one changed his story when he saw that the parole board wanted to see him feel remorse for his crime. The other maintained his innocence, and served a longer term in prison. Showing that it really does come down to trying to sway feelings vs. anybody taking into account any type of facts that may be presented to them about why this person held onto his innocence for so many years after his conviction. He served about 50 years, when he could have taken a plea bargain, if he would have said he did it, and been out in less than 6.

If you’re from the United States, it is no secret that our penal system is harsh and over populated. The issues of prisons is a hot topic in politics and activists. Austen discusses these important topics and the history of parole. Questions are asked of the fairness and reliability if this process is beneficial to the Justice system. Austen questions the possibility of rehabilitation and if the system can actually before fair and just. Overall, Austen brings up many points and theories on how to help the complicated prison system. As a criminal justice professional, I found this book to be interesting and thought provoking.

The burning question in correction by Ben Austin is win is enough enough? If incarceration is to rehabilitate and it is a proven fact that those who have spent many years in prison and get out after 55 has a zero return rate then why are we incarcerating those who are 60 and 70 years old. Especially when it cost more to incarcerate an elderly man as opposed to a younger man. Not to mention older men in prison outnumber those perceived to be at a violent age… None of this makes sense. with personal stories mainly set in Chicago been Austin sets out to see if the scales of justice are truly balanced and I would say the resounding answer is no. This was such a great book from the story of Johnny Knowles to Frank Mendez and many others I love then Austins box he gives a fair in balance account not only telling you what the perpetrator did and how the victims feel but every point of view involved. This is no copy and paste author then you can tell Mr. Austin has done his due diligence and even win something slightly seems opinionated coming from the author it isn’t overpowering or trying to persuade the reader I love that in a non-fiction book and this is definitely one of them. I have read this authors books before and have never been disappointed this was truly a great read. I want to thank the author the publisher and NetGalley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

A look into the criminal Justice system through the lens of parole. I thought a lot of what Austen talked about was interesting and really important. However, I think the organization of this book could’ve been a lot better. Austen has the case study of Michael throughout the book but each chapter flips back and forth between Michael’s story and analysis of the parole system. I think a more clear format could’ve helped a lot, especially because at times it was like oh we’re back here now without any clear indication before that. I think this hurt the argument and great points Austen made. The analysis should’ve been the first part of the chapter or even separate chapter between Michael’s story for a more impactful book.

This is an absolutely fantastic book on the depressing state of the U.S. prison and parole system. This book is written in a way that is completely understandable to someone who has little to know knowledge of the system, but was still informative to me, a post-conviction attorney in Chicago, the state where most of the author's examples come from.

Ben Austen does a great job of looking at these examples from both an aerial and microscopic point of view. Austen follows numerous individuals, both in and out of prison, to give the reader a view of the hardships of obtaining parole and maintaining good status while out on parole.

This book should be required reading to anyone who lives in the United States to see just how horribly we treat our prisoners in a system (supposedly) meant for reform and rehabilitation. This book will be an angering read to those who approve of the carceral state, but I still think the information in this book is necessary if one wants to (honorably) maintain their viewpoints (knowledgably). Though I do not think anyone can finish this book and think that people who commit a violent crime in their youth should die of old age in prison (but that's my own opinion).

Thank you to Flatiron Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What is the core purpose of incarceration? Is it punishment? Reform? An example for others? Should people be defined by the worst thing they've ever done? Ben Austen dives deep into each of these reasons and how they shape our ever-changing perspective on prison and parole in the United States.

I would rate the book a 4.5 overall, mainly because a few parts were repetitive and there were a few statements that felt politically charged and supported by opinions rather than facts. Nevertheless, I found myself convinced by Austen's overall message and I started rooting for the interesting people we were introduced to throughout the book. I applaud the author for presenting a compelling case for prisoners, while at the same time addressing and respecting the victims and their families.

Austen combines historical perspectives and current debates while also following the story of two long-term prisoners trying to get approved for parole. Impressively researched and extremely impactful and important read.

"Just as prisoners must change and reform... so must the system."

Thank you NetGalley and Flatiron Books for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review!