Inside Rikers Summary
Introduction
When I first picked up Inside Rikers by Jennifer Wynn, I could not help but notice a disturbing image of the book cover; it was an image of an inmate locked up in his cell; he had one hand holding the bar, while having the other hand out of the cell, with a cigarette in his hand. Then I read the Publisher Weekly’s description of the book in the cover page, which read, “a penetrating exploration of inmates’ lives in New York’s ‘vast penal colony’… unusually stirring.” Based on this image and Publisher Weekly’s description, I thought this book was going to talk about inmates’ involvement in criminal activities inside Rikers Island, i.e. fights between the prison gangs. Nevertheless, once I started reading, I came to realize my presumption was totally wrong. Prior to reading this book, I have been thinking that all criminals are just like any other “normal” persons in this world: …show more content…
His newly acquired skills led him to create massive database for the newsletter company and designed an award-winning website. He also trained other Fresh Start graduates to resolve their issues. Thus, it is evident that the rehabilitation program turned him from a drug dealer to a decent web-designer (Wynn, pg. 151). Likewise, Lenny received a job in a telemarketing company, which not only gave him the sense of accomplishment, but also made him realize that he can earn money by engaging in legal activities. I also liked how he became an inspiring figure to other inmates enrolled in the Fresh Start program, by telling them about how he has overcome his hardships after he was released from Rikers Island. Thus, these living proofs made me realize how important rehabilitation is. We, as a society, are busy blaming criminals for the crimes they commit, but we do not spend much time trying to help them live a straight, legitimate life (Wynn,
When I first picked up Inside Rikers by Jennifer Wynn, I could not help but notice a disturbing image of the book cover; it was an image of an inmate locked up in his cell; he had one hand holding the bar, while having the other hand out of the cell, with a cigarette in his hand. Then I read the Publisher Weekly’s description of the book in the cover page, which read, “a penetrating exploration of inmates’ lives in New York’s ‘vast penal colony’… unusually stirring.” Based on this image and Publisher Weekly’s description, I thought this book was going to talk about inmates’ involvement in criminal activities inside Rikers Island, i.e. fights between the prison gangs. Nevertheless, once I started reading, I came to realize my presumption was totally wrong. Prior to reading this book, I have been thinking that all criminals are just like any other “normal” persons in this world: …show more content…
His newly acquired skills led him to create massive database for the newsletter company and designed an award-winning website. He also trained other Fresh Start graduates to resolve their issues. Thus, it is evident that the rehabilitation program turned him from a drug dealer to a decent web-designer (Wynn, pg. 151). Likewise, Lenny received a job in a telemarketing company, which not only gave him the sense of accomplishment, but also made him realize that he can earn money by engaging in legal activities. I also liked how he became an inspiring figure to other inmates enrolled in the Fresh Start program, by telling them about how he has overcome his hardships after he was released from Rikers Island. Thus, these living proofs made me realize how important rehabilitation is. We, as a society, are busy blaming criminals for the crimes they commit, but we do not spend much time trying to help them live a straight, legitimate life (Wynn,