This book is deceptively well written. Golden writes from both a marxist and foucauldian perspective in a style that would be readable to any of her "subjects." She indicts a system that penalizes the poor and the addicted--especially if they are not white--throws away their children and does little to offer anyone hope, help or comfort from the social oppression of a society that is neither free nor fair. Excellent beginning reading for anyone interested in the contemporary prison system and its race-based disparities. ( )