A NIGHT IN JAIL: A story about drugs and mental illness, inspired by true events

by H.A. Swan, K. Anderson

Inspired by true events.Busted for smoking pot, suburbanite college-bound Danny is incredulous when forced to spend the night in jail. He’s repulsed by his cellmate, a homeless and mentally ill drug addict who keeps him awake all night with his delusional rants. By morning Danny’s world is completely upended. A Night In Jail is a grim page-turner with a staggering ending.

108 pages, Paperback

Published October 18, 2017

Reviews

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really didn't know what to expect when I started reading this. I assumed that the plot would basically be about an addict who was experiencing remorse in jail, as would be implied in the title. Oh how wrong I was...

A Night in Jail takes you through a mental roller coaster in the space of roughly 11 hours. After being drawn into the story from the first few pages, you can't help but finish the book to find out where the story is leading. The plot is at times shocking and sad, but never boring, as there are enough twists and turns to keep you engaged.

The novella is complex, the subject thought provoking, and throughout the story, you really aren't sure who the protagonist is. This is a must-read for anyone reaching adulthood and beyond. Ms. Swan's writing has nuances of Dickens' A Christmas Carol and reads smoothly and quickly. Spare an afternoon for A Night in Jail and you will not be disappointed.

[Samantha Scheer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 100-page novella about mental illness and substance use? Sign me up. This one was a trip (pun intended).

This book follows our main character over an 11-hour time span while he sits in jail (hence the title, a NIGHT in jail) and things get wackier as the hours go on. The twist at the end was intense.

As someone who works in the mental health field, this book is the most accurate portrayal of Schizophrenia that I have ever read. The dialogue that is used, is what I have seen first-hand in some individuals who have Schizophrenia, making this book very realistic for me.

I think that every individual who works with the substance use and/or mentally ill population should read this Novella.

[Bart Bright · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Night in Jail is a very powerful and captivating story about a young man who “didn’t know any better.” The cannabis induced psychosis Danny experienced is similar to the many shares I’ve heard, from parents and others, in the weekly support groups I’ve attended. If you are interested in learning about drug induced psychosis and substance abuse I highly recommend this book.
I thought “it” would never happen in my family…
“I didn’t know any better.”
I also appreciate their website: AnightinJail.com
It’s a wonderful resource and demonstrates
“Storytelling as Substance Abuse Prevention.”
Bart Bright

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't get this book out of my head. It's a brilliant way to look at the power of addiction, the power of pot. It punctuates the point that recovery from addiction can rarely if ever be accomplished by one. It takes two or more to crawl out of the whirlpool that is addiction.
Weed seems to now be a powerful "super virus" infecting our society. What was once a naturally mild hallucinogenic substance has been morphed into a powerful high THC product, recovery resistant, causing overdoses and ruined lives.
I have bought this to share with my grandkids, with schools, with families trying to guide their adolescent children through the minefield of our drug normalized and commercialized world.
This true story is also told in a brief version on MomsStrong.org

[Linda Ganzini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much! I read it in one evening as it held me captivated until the very end. It took me down an interesting ride never expecting I would land where I did, and to me, that's the sign of a brilliant writer. I do not want to give too much away as the magic of this book lies in the surprising twists and turns. We all carry and battle demons in our shadow. Some we invite in to teach us through our pain, and some we bravely ask to leave. An important book for all teens or anyone struggling with drug addiction and mental illness. A phenomenal read!

[Adrienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a must read especially for parents of adolescents, teachers, and therapists! It tells a story based on a real-life event graphically describing how psychological problems can result from drug use, especially when taken by young children, including teens and adolescents. It is an eye-opener that hopefully will lead to the reduction and prevention of drug addiction and potential suicide related deaths!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a page-turner and really opens up your eyes to the turmoil faced by those with mental illness and homelessness. It is well-written and a good wake-up call to the pain of many around us.

[WendyM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. It will pull you in to an inside view of mental illness, drug use and society's views on both. An easy and quick read. Highly recommend for all parents, students and educators. A must read true story!

[Crystal Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast and fun night in jail with a surprise at dawn. I highly recommend this dark adventure to both young and old thinking about some of the crazier human behaviors like drug addiction.

Congratulations to the authors!

[Anne H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Night in Jail is a very gripping, gritty and powerful cautionary tale about the harms of marijuana. As one of the authors is relaying first-hand experience as a young marijuana user, this book has street credibility and will draw in and hold the attention of readers. The authors are courageous in stating the unpopular truth about marijuana and their voices are extremely important and need to be heard. A Night in Jail counteracts the generally accepted, dangerous propaganda that marijuana is a harmless drug.

[Denise Piper · Rating 1 out of 5]

The worst book I’ve ever read!

What was the point? It got to where I had to skim, I wanted it to be over! Hopefully I’ll understand the ending. Nope, didn’t understand anything. What a waste of time.

[Amber Mergler · Rating 1 out of 5]

It reminded me very vividly of a past client.. however, it was longggggg. 98 pages seemed to drag and I was becoming increasingly restless begging for it to end. It would be good for someone who is new to MH and SUD but as someone who works in the field.. it was just…painful to get through.

[Paige · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately I didn't enjoy this book

Unfortunately I didn't enjoy this book so gave up reading it 3\4 way through as I got fed up with it felt there was no structure and it was unrealistic. I am a huge book lover and read few books a but couldn't continue this

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! The writing was vivid and captivating with a surprise ending! A+

[Terri Robinette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starts out a little slow but quickly picks up speed and has you rushing to turn the page to read the next part. Great read.

[Sophia Bechard · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was short, but the journey that it took you on was long. This book really threw me for a loop!
I was very surprised by how well this book depicted schizophrenia

[gregory p. chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

I don't wanna spoil anything but it has 1 heck of a good ending I really enjoyed it a good short little read

[Jay LeBlanc · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brutally honest portrayal of what can happen when in the grasp of marijuana addiction. A must read.

[Michelle Gravert-Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story that covers both mental illness and SUD. It is a common occurrence in both mental health facilities and rehabilitation centers both

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is sad but opens one’s eyes to the problems of mental health intertwined substance abuse.

[Zőe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't know what to expect when I started this job, but a book about mental illness and substance abuse and I was hooked

[Ashley Binkley · Rating 3 out of 5]

not what it seems

Good book with twisted ending, makes you think
Easy to get lost in the pages finished in 2 days thank you

[Dianne Staso · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is very well written! I think it is a must read for students in middle school or anyone who thinks pot is not harmful. I am excited to have my friends with pre-teen and teens read it! Kudos to Heidi Swan!