Survivor... a word continuously thought of when reading this memoir. Upon the release of The Freedom Writers Diary and film adaptation starring Hilary Swank in 2007, New York Times bestselling author Darrius Garrett realized that both book and movie tell the Freedom Writer Story as a whole, but not on a personal level. During speaking engagements, the same questions always surface: 'Did Ms. Gruwell change you? How did you make it out of the gang life? What stopped you from killing yourself?' … [Read more...]
Jew in Jail by Gary Goldstein
Jew in Jail is about the nearly six years I spent in various New York State prisons for robbery, based on my past addictions to alcohol, drugs and gambling. It details all of the trails and tribulations I experienced as a minority behind bars, and how I was forced to fend for myself while incarcerated. Jew in Jail is truthful, insightful, educational, and at times even funny, all the while focusing on my attempts at rehabilitation from my past addictions, so that I could lead a productive, … [Read more...]
Not So Happily Ever After: The Tale of King Ludwig II by Susan Barnett Braun
Think history is boring? Then you’ve never met Mad King Ludwig, who inspired Walt Disney with his magnificent castle in the clouds. He ruled the German kingdom of Bavaria for twenty-two years, inspiring his people by his support for the arts. And yet, "Mad King Ludwig" rarely appeared in the capital or attended any government functions. He slept most of the day and stayed awake all night. He dined with his horse and waved pistols at servants. He created a fantasy world inside his castles, … [Read more...]
