A Deputy Warden's Reflections on Prison Work:
"Here is a prison warden's official story about what it is like . . . deal[ing] constructively with every sort of prisoner in the state correctional system . . . Adria Libolt's story is an engaging inside look at what that means, how that goes, what can be done, and how this one lithesome lady did it for decades with grace and good humor. This narrative . . . is a rewarding surprise that restores one's faith in humankind."--J. Harold EllensFounding editor of The Journal of Psychology and ChristianityAuthor of Honest Faith for Our Time"Adria [Libolt] . . . has been able to . . . listen to inmates, prison employees and family members . . . Each portrayal in this book reveals some truths that could only be discovered and described by someone with [Libolt's] insights and writing ability . . . The United States has a huge prison population, much larger in proportion than other nations. We need to understand the . . . factors contributing to this situation. [Libolt] makes a significant contribution to our learning about the penal system."--Lois A. BaderExecutive director, Capital Area Literacy CoalitionAuthor of Bader Reading and Language Inventory"An intelligent, perceptive, and honest rendering of prisons and prisoners that will promote a more objective and clear understanding of the criminal justice system and encourage a more humane society. Each gripping chapter blends and compares criminal elements with Ms. Libolt's truthful observations about her own life and contributions. The general public and criminal justice employees and students should read this."--Tekla Dennison MillerFormer Michigan wardenAuthor of The Warden Wore Pink"Adria Libolt tells compassionate, tough stories about young people in reform schools and adults in maximum-security prisons. She layers each story with nuance, irony, and breadth to show why she feels it is a thin line between a prisoner and the rest of us. Even as she acknowledges the dangers, she feels safer in prison than outside. This book will complicate your perspective on prisoners and the prison system."--Linda R. PeckhamAuthor of The Pocket Hotline for Writers"Adria Libolt offers an insightful, compelling perspective on the myriad of issues surrounding our country's corrections systems. This 'inside' look at prison life would be extremely valuable to anyone in a position like mine that requires us to not only take a critical, thoughtful look at what's happening in our corrections system, but to make policy decisions that will have far-reaching consequences for the state and for the employees and prisoners closest to those systems."--Joan BauerLegislatorMichigan House of Representatives --Wipf and Stock Publishers