2012-11 - True Notebooks, by Mark Salzman

11 - True Notebooks, by Mark Salzman, 326 pages, Random House Vintage Books, 2003
WHY I PICKED IT: Re-Read because my Vancouver Book Club is discussing it on Monday
ELAPSED TIME: 2 Days
RATING: REQUIRED READING

Although I typically remember the gist of a book, the details tend to blur, leaving behind a general impression.  For that reason, re-reading True Notebooks was truly enjoyable.  Salzman's experience teaching a creative writing class in LA County Juvenile Detention ... for violent offenders no less, was eye opening.

I have long believed that the criminal justice system is flawed.  That the need for rehabilitation inside prison and need for a social safety net are both sorely lacking in our society.  This book reaffirmed my opinion.  What is interesting is that the students actively acknowledge that they have done (very) bad things, but also recognize that the structure that they're asked to survive within does not allow for them to change how they behave.  They can't survive in jail, if they don't stay within their gang... and their gang demands more criminal behaviour.

This phenomenal book needs to be read by more people.