Brainchild Book of Prize-Winning Podcast

If you think you know what prison is like, think again. If you think you know what prisoners are like, think again. If you think you might know why prisoners get the sentences they do, think again, long and hard. Prisoners of all stripes were interviewed for their perspective on topics from sentencing practices to family, to making life tolerable while incarcerated. This book of first-hand stories guided by Nigel Poor, from the Prison University Project, and Earlonne Woods, prisoner of San Quentin (at the time of the project) sprung from a podcast they created from spit and imagination. They figured out how to do it, figured out an angle, got a sound guy, and then went on to win Radiotopia's Podquest prize in 2016. You'll find that you have lots more in common with these people than you may have thought, and maybe rethink your position on some of the laws that put people behind bars. Not only did the authors (and podcasters) give us un unprecedented look into these lives, but they developed a deep respect and friendship for each other in the process. Made me wonder what I'm doing with my days that really makes a difference . . . and helps me set my sights on what I'd like to do to change that.

More Arsenic

Another teeny book by Helene Tursten about the unlikely heroine, Maud, aged 88. Had I known better, I would have read this one first. Chronologically, I think it would have flowed nicely into the second book, which interestingly, was published after this one. I didn't care, because it was fun nevertheless. Again, loved it and loved her. I'll read more from this author--she's a little surprising.

Very Arsenic and Old Lace-y

Maud is 88 years old, but very capable and astute, taking care of problems that arise in her own unique way. This adorable little book of short stories is interconnected in that it's her life told in patchwork style, but it all still flows. It's very darkly comedic and a very quick read--it's half-size and would fit in a pocket! 100% recommend, if you have that side to you. If you want a Hallmark experience, you should probably move along.