The Prison Book Club

Author Ann Walmsley was the victim of a mugging in England and had some degree of PTSD. When she returned to Canada, her friend Carol asked her to participate in a book club in a men's prison. She was leary but taking strength from something her father had said, she agreed to give it a go. What happened next is the meat of this book. This was a fascinating read and if definitely reinforces the power of books. Ann's friend Carol was instrumental in starting up Book Clubs in prisons all over Canada. In her book, Ann, documents these meetings and gives us an insight into some of the men who attended. Each chapter highlighted a monthly meeting in one of the prisons. Several of the inmates were chosen to be ambassadors and to recruit other show more members. Some were involved in journaling about the book as well as other thoughts and situations. Some of the men opened up to Ann about the reason they were in prison as well as their hopes and dreams for the future. Some of the discussions carried over to life in the prison, crossing gang lines and promoting even more literacy. I really enjoyed learning about the books clubs, the books, about life in prison as well as following some of the men after their release. The book was realistic in that it not only told us about the success stories but also about those that ended up back in prison after their release. This was a selection for our monthly read by one of the groups I am in on Goodreads and I am glad I had the opportunity to read this book. show less

Walmsley's journalistic, yet very touching, account of volunteering at a men's federal penitentiary book club was a refreshing look at a world most of us rarely enter. I enjoyed the convict's thoughtful opinions on classic and popular literature and learning how engaging with the men helped the author overcome the PTSD she experienced after she was violently assaulted and robbed. I would have liked to have learned a little more about the other facilitators involved with the project and their motivations for being there--they seems rather one-dimensional when contrasted with the prisoners. A single picture of the correctional facility from the outside might have also helped set the scene for me. The reading list recap at the rear of the show more book was a much-appreciated touch. Recommend. show less

I really liked this story about two women who run book clubs in federal prisons. It talks about the books, the club discussions, and follows the journeys of six of the men who participate and agree to keep journals. It is a powerful testament to the benefits -- and joys -- of reading.

Really interesting and surprising story of a woman, herself the victim of a violent crime, who becomes involved with a group that starts book clubs in prisons. Her journey, and the stories of the men she meets through the program is very eye-opening and inspiring. Not every story has a happy ending, but many are rewarding. I found the choices of books fascinating and the discussions between the prisoners enlightening. This book gives insights into life in prison and refutes many stereotypes about prisoners. The work this group does is making a difference and their program is spreading throughout the world.

this book was chosen as a monthly read for april, 2016 in one of my GR groups. so i won't say too much on specifics just yet. but, generally, though i found the subject and book club program completely interesting and book-worthy, i never warmed to the style of walmsley's writing or to the way this book is structured. i felt frustrated at moments during the read because even though the book can be extremely personal - for both walmsely and some of the men she profiles taking part in the prison book clubs - it also manages to feel very detached and impersonal. so that was an odd feeling to carry while reading. but i am glad i read it, and i very much enjoyed feeling the power of books and reading through the lens of prison book clubs.

This book is one for the literature lovers (particularly American lit). The blurb intrigued me so I made this one my Christmas break read. It was not entirely what I was expecting: I guess I was expecting more about the effects of the books and less about the books themselves. All of the novels actually discussed at the prison book clubs are looked at in depth which while interesting, didn't exactly thrill me. But that could just be me. It would be interesting to revisit the Prison book clubs and their members in a few years to take a look at the ongoing effects and results.
It certainly seems to be a worthy charity and provides interest and contrast to otherwise dull prison lives.
One thought I had while reading this book was: At one show more point one of the prisoners admits a new member to the book club because he is educated and would provide interesting discussion points (which he does) but by doing this the book clubs attract / admit only the more educated of the inmate population and must thereby exclude inmates who perhaps are more in need of the effects / encouragement of the book club.
Also If the charity donated books to the facility library rather than the inmates in the book club there could be multiple book clubs going in the prison at the same time reading from sets and therefore you could have more prisoners involved. show less

Fascinating read; interesting to hear the points of literary view from inmates in the Canadian federal penitentiary system.