Rating: 4 out of 5.

This is a very good non-fiction book that takes an in-depth look at the difficulties people released from prison face once they are released. The author focuses on six individuals that were incarcerated as minors and follows their journeys as they are released and attempt to integrate back into a society that most of them barely recognize.

The author has clearly done her homework and provides a lot of facts and figures regarding the challenges that people face as they attempt to restart their lives. Kessler takes those facts and figures and applies them to the six people spotlighted in the book, highlighting how their particular circumstance falls into one of the various themes.

The author follows the six individuals through the ups and downs of their release, and in some cases, re-incarceration. While the author isn’t heavy-handed in her criticism of the judicial system, it’s clear she doesn’t think much of it. She points out all of the hurdles that face people once they are released, including getting an id, finding a place to live, finding transportation and employment. Regardless of your feelings about the incarcerated, this book will open your eyes to aspects of the judicial system that are broken.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Sourcebooks. All opinions are my own.