This book is written by a former prisoner and as its author claims, it is certainly practical, with extensive information about what it's like to arrive in jail, life there and also some material on release. It makes no claim to be neutral about the prison system, but this does not seem to affect the author's attempts to ensure the factual accuracy of the book.

Not surprisingly it is written from the perspective of male prisoners, but there is an attempt to include a female prisoner perspective and also accounts by families of prisoners. Also includes useful resources like a glossary and names of relevant organisation. Anyone who has anything to do with prisons but knows little about them would learn from this book. ( )