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American Prison

368 pages, 2019

Takeaways
Description
In American Prison, Bauer, who was once an award-winning investigative journalist, blends government documents and firsthand accounts to show how the United States created vast factories to manufacture crime. He does this all while describing his own time in the Louisiana State Penitentiary for four months under an assumed identity.
The Reality of Private Prisons

In American Prison, Shane Bauer takes us on a journey into the world of private prisons. He exposes the harsh realities and inhumane conditions that inmates face. It's a real eye-opener and makes you question the ethics of privatizing such a critical part of our justice system.

Undercover Journalism

Bauer himself went undercover as a prison guard to research for this book. This gives a unique perspective, as he was able to see the system from both sides. It's a brave and risky move that shows his dedication to uncovering the truth.

Historical Context

American Prison doesn't just focus on the present, it also digs into the history of prison labor in the United States. This historical context helps us understand how we ended up with the current system and its many flaws.

Profit Over People

One of the key takeaways from the book is the idea of profit over people. Bauer shows how private prisons are more concerned with making money than rehabilitating inmates. This is a powerful message that challenges us to rethink our priorities as a society.

Call to Action

After reading American Prison, you can't help but feel a call to action. Bauer's book is not just an expose, but a plea for change. It encourages us to look into the issues, research more, and find ways to make a difference.

Quotes 5

American Prison redefines the true meaning of freedom and justice in America. A must-read for anyone who cares about justice.

Michelle AlexanderMichelle Alexander - Civil rights advocate

Shane Bauer's American Prison is a deeply researched, thoroughly engaging look at the profit motives that fuel America's prison system.

Bryan StevensonBryan Stevenson - Social justice activist

American Prison is a necessary and urgent read for anyone interested in understanding the contemporary United States.

Ta-Nehisi CoatesTa-Nehisi Coates - Author, journalist

American Prison is a searing, unforgettable indictment of the private prison system. It is a story of exploitation and greed, and of the institutional failures that allow them to thrive.

James Forman Jr.James Forman Jr. - Legal scholar

American Prison is a shocking, infuriating look at the private prison industry. It's a deeply necessary book.

Heather Ann ThompsonHeather Ann Thompson - Historian, author
Michelle AlexanderBryan StevensonTa-Nehisi CoatesJames Forman Jr.Heather Ann Thompson

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