Orange Is the New Black in Around the World in 80 Books

Jan 15, 2014 Ellen Librarian rated it it was amazing

I found this book riveting in a "there but for the grace of God go I" kind of way. Not because I've ever been involved in dealing drugs or anything illegal but I've done other foolish things and could see how a twist or turn in the road could have led me down the same path.

Meanwhile, the details of prison life were fascinating: the guards' personalities, the birthday celebrations, the red tape, the movies, music, etc. But most of all the relationships between the inmates were what made this sto ...more

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Jul 11, 2011 Andy Plonka rated it really liked it

Memoir of a youg woman, graduate of Smith College who got involved in drug smuggling and money laundering for the excitement and got more than she bargained for. When it all shook out she found herself an inmate at a women's prison in Connecticut for 18 months. This book chronicles her stay. Good insight ihto interaction among women who from vastly different backgrounds are all the same as prisoners. The society of a women's prison is like none other on earth. ...more

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Aug 02, 2013 Nikki Morse rated it really liked it

Shelves: memoir

I devoured, and loved, the show -- and in some ways it's hard to believe it bears any connection to this book. Now having read this, the show seems to be a sensational telenovella version of this book, which contains real depth and insight. And as many have said, it could have been insufferable and annoying to read a white woman's account of prison, but it was truly humanizing of the other people (as opposed to the show), and definitely damning of the prison system in a consistent and thoughtful ...more

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