Writing My Wrongs: Life, Death, and Redemption in an American Prison

Outstanding! I'm from the Detroit area and am familiar with most of the places Senghor writes about. Well, the neighborhoods ... not the prisons or jails. I left Michigan in 1962 (to follow the California dream) and remember Detroit when it was a thriving, beautiful city. The racism and corruption destroyed the city plus industrial decline. Many of my relatives left Detroit to escape to the "White" neighborhoods. He is an amazing individual and writer. Senghor's brilliant retelling of his journey through his abusive childhood, his painful teenage years, drug trafficking and violence of the Detroit streets, and his years of incarceration is an eye-opener. Senghor is a role model and educator not only for Blacks but for all of us no matter what color or age. And for anyone who doesn't understand what it means to be Black in this country, Senghor's book will educate you.

Senghor is an excellent writer. I stayed up to 2 am to read the first half. He was shaped by traumatic experiences and a culture of violence, and embraced an outlaw violent identity and committed numerous crimes of violence. He definitely behaved as a "bad man," but as his intelligence and character mature, he reveals his evolution to becoming a good man who overcomes the shackles of his street culture and the prison culture. He writes that he transformed himself by his drive to emulate the great Africans and African Americans of his culture. I am inclined to believe the story of his redemption, but as he takes on roles of responsibility in the community, I wonder whether his transformation should be vetted. I doubt that he or his community would rely on the "infallibility" of the Parole Board. No doubt he has an extraordinarily strong character that enabled him to survive so much solitary confinement. He provides a highly readable account of generally atrocious conditions in a variety of Michigan prisons, but does not dwell on them to excess. You can read of the horror of the street with guns, beefs, booze, drugs and dealing, coupled with the horror of the prison blocks and yards swept by battles for control and reputation but feel uplifted by the evolution of the author. The author's transformation is a wonderful thing that makes this book ultimately a joy.

As soon as I read the description for this book, I knew I was going to have to buy it and read it. I find the criminal justice system to be very intriguing and found this book while seeking pieces of writing written by inmates or those involved within the jail. In college, I took a class called the Open Minds program which placed myself and 9 other students in the same room as inmates. We shared our thoughts on race, class, gender, and much more through writing. It gave me great insight into the lives of inmates and the issues that they faced both within and outside of jail. This made me, after the class ended, want to get more involved with the prison system and learn more about inmates and officers. Senghor's stories show his feelings as he struggled to grow up in the harsh streets of Detroit. At a young age, Senghor was involved in drugs, sex, and violence, culminating in him being shot at age 17 and ultimately killing someone else at age 19. When he entered the system, he was angry. Only years later did he realize that the anger was a cover for fear. The story covers his decision to change his life around and ultimately make something of himself. At its core, Senghor's story is a redemption story. However, it does show a darker side to growing up that many people may not see in their every day lives or even realize is happening. The story went back and forth between present time and the past, which was a bit confusing at first but easy to get a hang of after a while. There were parts - particularly surrounding Senghor's own psyche and psychological state - that I wish could have been expanded upon. But overall I found this to be an amazing read and highly recommend it to others. Not only will it give you more insight into the criminal justice system as a whole but a better look at those who live within it.

In the last few years I've learned: Never to judge a book by its cover, never judge where a person have been, and never assume just because a person isn't walking the same journey like yours doesn't mean they’re unmotivated. And then there’s Shaka Senghor. He's the epitome of “second chances”. Anyone can say they’re redeemed, but actions truly speak louder than words -- and in his latest book, “Writing My Wrongs: Life, Death, and Redemption in an American Prison”, proves that seeking a second chance takes perseverance and crazy, unwavering faith. In this novel, Shaka writes an honest portrayal of his childhood leading to his nineteen years in prison. The descriptive details through page after page is extraordinarily raw, conveying prison life only a former inmate could do. . If you work with kids, or a community activist, or just enjoy a great read, this book is for you! Moreover, Senghor’s prolific storytelling will move you to think deeper about self-worth and overcoming challenges when hope is all you have. In other words, grab your copy today!

His writing style is intelligent and divine, his honesty makes you demanding. His story revolutionises. How he speaks of prison life and solitary confinement sometimes feels like a microcosm of life outside prison bars. Rape, corruption, violence, mental illness, injustice, justice, trust, betrayal, hope, love and finally redemption– but intensified by 500%. The inspiring thing about Shaka – he knew the right questions to ask himself, then had the courage to do something with the answers he found. A book for people interested in other people.

good read...

Great read. I just had to read Shaka's story after hearing his interview on The Rich Roll Podcast. This book is very powerful. Shaka is a great writer, I could not put this book down and devoured it in two sittings. Beautifully written a story of faith, hope, love in a place where most would not live by these values.

Good

A moving account from a man who lived on the streets, survived the jails & turned his life around. A story of survival and determination. Not many could make it through such challenges. Shaka did this and more, he learned to thrive.