Trying to Catch Lightning in a Jar: Letters from Prison

by Patty Prewitt, Aisha Sultan (Contributor), Barbara Baumgartner Ph.D. (Foreword)

“Life with no parole for fifty years. That’s what my paperwork reads. I saw it in print the day I arrived.” So begins Patty Prewitt’s epistolary memoir, describing the first eighteen years of her incarceration in various Missouri women’s prisons. Her letters tell the nightmarish story of incarceration while also describing her daily attempts at making the best of the situation with keen observation, humor, and compassion for those around her. Patty served thirty-eight years before her sentence was commuted.

230 pages, Paperback

Published May 7, 2025

Reviews

[patricia prewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I wrote this memoir in prison, I may not be unbiased. But I’m a big reader and guarantee you’ll enjoy it. It’s all true. It’s sad and funny and everything in between—just like life. If you’re curious about prison and inherently know that prison shows are not even close to the truth, read my book. I spent nearly 40 years in prison for a murder I did not commit. I left 5 kids and a big family behind to suffer as well. Let me know what you think!!! Thanks, Patty

[Carli Stensrud · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute MUST read! Patty’s story is compelling and tragic but filled with hope! Her compassion for others is apparent and it will have you laughing then crying. I love it so much! I promise you will not regret buying and reading this book!

[Sierra Lindemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patty is not just a survivor, she is a writer of rare honesty and an inspiration. I was deeply moved by this book, not only by Patty’s story but the stories she shares of the women she met in prison. Our justice system needs to do better!! I highly recommend this book everyone. If you’re a fan of Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson, you will LOVE this book.

[Carrie Samuelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spent 19 years in prison and know the world Patty describes. Her attention to detail and ability to describe a scene so vividly kept me interested. As I read I was taken back to a world you can't understand if you never lived there. Her way of describing situations is very specific.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honored to receive a copy of this book from the author. Patty Prewitt’s descriptive and often humorous takes on prison life and her fellow inmates do not prevent the unjust and oftentimes arbitrary cruelty of incarceration from coming through fully and clearly. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in memoirs, the prison system (particularly women’s prisons), justice, or epistolary writing.

[Heather King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the incredible story of injustice, wrongful imprisonment and all told with wit and grit by the incredible woman and family who endured it all.

[Melinda Sperandio · Rating 5 out of 5]

By page 2 I'm angry, page 6 I'm laughing but I didn't laugh much after. What resilience! I'm so sorry for what you and your family endured.

[Beckynetc (Clark) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I look forward to reading this book.