The Best Part of Prison: The Power of Second Chances and Reclaiming Life Out of Darkness

by Jesse Crosson

An unvarnished, deeply human account of one man’s time in prison . . . and his unexpected journey to healing, accountability, and personal transformation.

At 18, Jesse Crosson was a lost cause. Strung out on drugs, he committed a robbery-gone-wrong and later a nonfatal shooting. And Jesse was sentenced to 32 years—nearly twice as long as the high point of the sentencing guidelines.

No one expected his story to end well. But for Jesse, imprisonment turned out to be a new beginning.

In The Best Part of Prison, Jesse explores the ways in which the prison system can hurt and alienate the people it’s meant to rehabilitate, including the inhumane conditions that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Incarcerated in four different prisons and living elbow-to-elbow with countless people convicted of a wide variety of crimes, Jesse was braced to experience the worst in people—but he didn’t. Instead, Jesse found teachers, friends, trauma survivors struggling to heal, victims asking for change, and serial killers who became mentors. Jesse witnessed firsthand what it means to do harm, to make amends, and to be human.

Now a pardoned social justice advocate and the founder of The Second Chancer Foundation, Jesse shares a story that exposes the inequity of today’s criminal justice system, champions the importance of rehabilitation and restorative justice, and celebrates the hope that can be found in the grimmest environments.

Electric and deeply felt—from the sound of Jesse’s first cell door closing to the wonder of seeing the night sky for the first time in years—The Best Part of Prison deftly taps into human experience to remind us that we are, all of us, more than our worst moments.

Genres: Nonfiction

280 pages, Paperback

Published March 10, 2026

About the author

Want to read a chapter now?
Available https://www.jessecrosson.com/my-book/.

I felt like a mistake.

I can't explain why but I just never felt like I belonged or was good enough.

Then I found drugs and alcohol and they felt like the answer.

I made worse and worse decisions until, just after my 18th birthday, my decisions led me to arrest and prison.

Only in prison, having lost everything, did I begin to find the freedom to choose a different way to live.

I got a lot of help, did a lot of work and, after 19 years inside, earned the attention of the Governor of Viginia who believed in me enough to give me a second chance.

Now, I work to help other people free themselves from mental, physical and emotional prisons. Sometimes the work is helping them realize that they deserve it, that they are not a mistake. Other times it means navigating the complexities that stand in their way.

Whatever the issue, my goal is to help people be free in mind, body and spirit. Sharing my story, writing and coaching are ways in which I use my mistakes and my experiences to help others avoid the same pain I experienced.

Reviews

[Steven Lowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best Part of Prison is powerful, honest, and deeply moving from start to finish.

Jesse Crosson tells his story with so much vulnerability and purpose that it’s impossible not to feel every emotion alongside him. This book isn’t just about incarceration—it’s about growth, accountability, second chances, and what it truly means to rebuild your life.

What stood out most to me was how hopeful this story is. It doesn’t sugarcoat the hard moments, but it also never loses sight of resilience and redemption. Every chapter felt meaningful, and I found myself reflecting long after I put it down.

This is the kind of book that stays with you. It challenges your perspective, opens your heart, and reminds you of the power of transformation.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the ARC. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to experience this incredible story early.

Highly recommend to anyone who loves real-life stories of strength, honesty, and second chances. 💙📖

[Amy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of this book and WOW!

Jesse Crosson's memoir has this incredible storytelling quality that makes you forget you're reading someone's actual life - it flows like a novel you can't put down. His journey through some really dark times is told with such honesty that it draws you right in.

What struck me most were the unexpected moments of wisdom throughout. Crosson has this way of sharing insights that made me pause and really think about my own choices and perspective on life. His story of overcoming adversity and finding meaning in hardship is genuinely inspiring. This one's going to stick with me for a long time - definitely worth reading!

[Lisa Welch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I often pick up prison memoirs because I have a strong belief that our prison system in the US needs serious reforms (and maybe that is something I will spend more time on in retirement). This memoir addresses many of the downfalls of our prison system so do not let the title fool you. I appreciated how Crosson never tried to make excuses for what he has done and never tried to make himself into a victim. He fully took responsibility for his choices (both positive and negative), and he made the most out of a very difficult experience. Now that he is out, he is actively working to make positive changes in the system to work towards greater rehabilitation. I wish him all the best!

[Jennifer Lill · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the Board Chair of the Second Chancer Foundation, I have had the privilege of knowing Jesse Crosson for the last four years. I thought I knew his story, but reading The Best Part of Prison was like peering behind a heavy curtain into the formative, often agonizing years that forged the compassionate man I know today.

Jesse’s voice is remarkably authentic, capturing a journey of “reclaiming life out of darkness" that is as honest as it is harrowing. He doesn't shy away from the violence of the carceral system—a system designed to crush the spirit—but he reveals a profound truth: that even in a place of trauma and isolation, a village of support can exist.

This book is a testament to the fact that such support systems are not a luxury; they are a necessity. Jesse shows us that the difference between a life lost to the system and a life dedicated to service often comes down to the mentors, friends, and family who refuse to let hope die.

For those who have never considered the reality of the justice-impacted population, this book is an eye-opener. It bridges the gap between "inmate" and "human," reminding us that Jesse’s story is the story of so many others who come from backgrounds of abuse and poverty only to face further trauma behind bars.

The Best Part of Prison isn't just a memoir; it is the reason behind our work at the Second Chancer Foundation. It provides a path to compassion and a call to action to help build bridges back to the greater world.

[Marit · Rating 4 out of 5]

When life stacks the odds against you, what do you do with it?

I received an advanced copy of The Best Part of Prison by Jesse Crisson from NetGalley.

This is an honest and interesting story about overcoming adversity, shaped by his 19 years in prison and what he does with his life during and after that. Crisson comes across as someone who could do almost anything he sets his mind to. The book is not perfect, but definitely worth reading. I went with 4 stars and hope Jesse finds the balance and happiness that he really deserves.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's gotta be so hard to write a memoir, especially while still integrating back into society. I thought Crosson (who I should mention, I knew nothing about prior to reading this book) did a really nice job as a narrator of his life being open about all the things he didn't know. I think it can be hard to do this - you want to be the expert in your life, which you are, but that doesn't mean there are things you simply do not understand. And he is very reflexive about this in his discussion of his experience in prison. I felt like I got a great view of what some of those structural challenges are and areas that really need to be addressed if this is supposed to be a system of rehabilitation. Once he got out, it was a little bit harder to stay with him. I think he was thrust quickly into the world outside really for the first time as an adult, and he does talk about how hard that was and all of the support he had that other people often don't. But, because he became famous quickly, as well, I was less impressed with him admiration for AI and tech as he tried to build out his organization given he was talking all about exploitation and structural violence and disregarding the exploitation and structural violence inherent in the tech world and with genAI. I think time to ruminate may help him think about this more completely, as well. It's probably hard not to idolize wealth and power after that much time behind bars. Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the ARC. All opinions mine.

[Kayleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Best Part of Prison tells Jesse Crosson’s life story and yes, a large portion of that occurs while he was incarcerated but the book lacked a lot of the gritty “prison-story” details that I thought I was going to get when I picked this book up. Crosson spent 19 years in prison, which is a fact that I needed to keep reminding myself of because time seemed to pass so quickly in the book- and Crosson does not often focus on how much of his life has been spent behind bars.
Crosson remains hopeful and optimistic throughout his time in prison, taking advantage of the opportunities for additional education, trade/skills learning, and while he acknowledges that he was not always innocent in some of the skirmishes in prison, he tried to keep his head down. At no point does Crosson ascertain that he was not where he needed to be and focused on making the best of where he was.
My biggest issue was the pacing of the book, it felt inconsistent and like the author kept remembering things he wanted to add. It felt disjoining towards the second half, which felt like a disconnect from the pacing of the first half of the book.

The Best Part of Prison is due to be published March 10, 2026 and I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for my review.

[Madison ✨ (mad.lyreading) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read quite a few prison memoirs, and I almost didn't read this one because of the title. Jesse Crosson's memoir is different in that many of the prison memoirs that circulate tend to be by people who were wrongly incarcerated -- a story that must be told, but is not of the experience of the majority of people in prison. Crosson emphasizes, both in his book and in his post-incarceral journey, the importance of second chances for people who have gone down the wrong path. I highly agree with this sentiment, and it appears that Crosson does great work, but the title of this book threw me off, thinking it was going to be pro-prison. In contrast, Crosson criticizes the prison system and its inability to rehabilitate people who desperately need it, something I highly agree with.

It doesn't feel like Crosson has much of a thesis over the course of his book, which I think an editor could have helped him with. While I overall enjoyed his memoir, I don't think it's very high on my list of prison memoirs to recommend to others.

Thank you to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Faithe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best part of prison by Jesse Crossing is a story about one man's time in prison.

Convicted of a crime at 18, while strung out on drugs, a robbery and later a non-fatal shooting, Jesse was expecting to get 10-13 years. Instead he received nearly three times that, and in that instant his life was irrevocably changed.

This book is a fascinating read. It showcases both the good and bad about prison life, how it varies from prison to prison and which aspects particularlyadr a difference in his life. It challenged the narrative that everyone in jail is uneducated and doesn't want to do better. It highlighted how the system often sets up the people involved to continue in the prison system, but with the right connections and preserance it is possible to turn your life around.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

This book comes out tomorrow, March 10th 2026 and I highly recommend that you go read it!

Thank you for sharing your story Jesse!

[Addi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid memoir and interesting prison story - a bit disjointed at times and draging towards the end but overall a worthwhile examination of the system and a man's journey of failure and healing.

Most prison memoirs are from either the wrongly convicted or those over charged on non violent crimes. This is an interesting different tale as Crossman is open and honest about the serious violent action that lead him to prison and does not deny his complicity in him landing in prison while still scathingly criticizing the system. It is exactly this that Crossman is guilty of the crime and wants to heal but was only able to get better because of immense outside support and luck that shows just how well this memoir shines.

I think as with many memoirs it could have used an editor to Tighten some things up and structure it better. The end of the book brings it to 4 starts for me there’s a scene involving a song that’s heart wrenching and in the audiobook it’s genuinely moving to hearing the author read it.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesse Crosson didn't have the best start in life; he turned to drugs and that lead to some very poor choices. He got caught and the book was thrown at him.

I know someone with a similar story; a large reason why I requested to read The Best Part of Prison. I visited this person in prison 20+ years ago. Still The Best Part of Prison was very eye opening regarding what it is like inside prison. Jesse Crosson did a very good job regarding putting his experience on paper and publishing a book. Kudos. It sounds like he has turned his life around and his Second Chancer Foundation (that matches mentors to recent parolees) is a great idea.

Many thanks to NetGalley and BenBella Books publishing for approving my request to read the advance read copy of The Best Part of Prison in exchange for an honest review. Between 4 & 5 stars, rounding up.

Publication date is March 10, 2026. Approx 280 pages.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @brilliancepublishing and @second_chancer434 for my #alc copy of The Best Part Of Prison
✨Pub date: March 10, 2026✨

I was absolutely fascinated by Crosson’s story. Jesse tells it in such a way that I felt like he was sitting with me, talking TO ME.

He took the opportunities presented to him to not only better himself but to help better others during a very dark time.

Our system broken. Many people think the absolute worst about those who are behind bars. While yes, there are some people who are monsters living in our world that NEED to be in prison. But, The Best Part Of Prison shows that change is possible and second chances can be taken to turn lives around.

This story is honest, emotional and full of so much wisdom. I am grateful for the knowledge I gained from reading it and the opportunity to connect with the author.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a well done story (narrated by the author himself) I initially stumbled upon it from NetGalley, where I was granted an ARC. I loved the story telling. The accountability, the changes & the vulnerability from the author made for a quick paced story showcasing the highs and lows. Specifically the irregularities in the justice system, and inequality of sentences. Not only did he become reform in prison, including giving back but that continued after his release. I hope that eventually DOC and the systems in place finds a better way of handling inmates as well as reintegration back into society. Lowering the rates of recidivism should be more important to our federal and state governments. Kudos to Jesse for doing his part.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of Jesse’s book from the auction supporting the Second Chancer Foundation. This book did not disappoint; it is a vulnerable, raw, and honest account of one man’s experience in custody and his second chance after receiving a pardon. The book intentionally avoids glorifying prison, instead sharing lived experiences with other incarcerated people and the broken system they are caught in. Jesse’s storytelling is captivating. He consistently approaches his circumstances with remorse and full responsibility, and even in the darkest moments, he seeks the light. The wisdom and growth expressed are profound, and the arc of redemption is powerful. It’s a reminder that we don’t have to be defined by our worst moments. I found myself taking notes, jotting down lines and pages to revisit, and adding new titles mentioned to my TBR list. A father said his third child would change the world. After reading this book, I’d say he was right.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of ARC received from NetGalley : I listened to the audiobook version of The Best Part of Prison, written and narrated by Jesse Crosson. I like that Jesse read the book himself and he did a great job showing his emotions while still delivering clearly. I liked the book overall but wish he continued with the theme of seeking out teachers that was prominent in the beginning/middle of the book until the end, even if not all of his “teachers” were in the traditional sense of the word. I think it would have given the book as a whole more consistency. I will definitely look out for more from Jesse in the future.

[lori pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. Jesse Crosson, the author, reads the book and I found it to be an enjoyable experience.

I found this to be an honest and interesting story about how prison shaped a man during his 19 years inside. Jesse did not have much of a family life and pretty much was a strung out addict upon his arrival in the system. But he owned his mistakes and sought to improve and learn during his time on the inside. I liked how he openly and honestly talked about his decisions to not let himself become a hardened criminal in prison and what he did with his life during his time and after released.

[Daniela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesse Crosson put together a super interesting autobiographical text about his time in prison and how things went out once he was free again after more than two decades in prison.
Not only does he give insights about relationships and conflicts amongst inmates, or between inmates and staff, he also wrote about how his perception of life and for his future changed during ist time served. How he pushed for any education he could get in prison and how he was the first person in Buckingham prison to receive a university degree.
It was super interesting to learn about the hardships (and sometimes also opportunities) in American prisons and how the will to change can move mountains.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of this book was so interesting especially having read quite a lot of books about people's experiences in jail. For me this book started off really well. It didn't gloss over anything or try to make it seem like a joyride. Sadly the second part let it down for me. Time periods jumped back and forth and it felt like big chunks were missing and he just ended up places without how he got there.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy

[Anne Jisca · Rating 5 out of 5]

From lost cause to living with a purpose, Jesse shares his story with authenticity. I love reading memoirs of overcoming, and using that towards a meaningful future despite the scars that remain. The narration is excellent and captivating as well. I don't know you Jesse, but I want to say that I'm proud of you!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

[Sarra Hudson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a little hard to read. The narration is a bit immature, but it lends to the prison life atmosphere. Life is frozen in time for them to some degree I suppose. This is not a typical prison story. Not everyone has as much support and contact with the outside world. He was very fortunate that he was given a second chance. Hopefully he lives it well.

[Aimee Theobald]

Loved the honesty of the author. His perspective and ability to work through his issues and drive to create a better future is commendable.

[Alex Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate Jesse's honesty and willingness to share all the parts of his journey: good, bad and ugly.