Just like many others I became aware of this book due to the Netflix series. I thoroughly enjoy the series and when I saw the Kindle book for only $2.99 I purchased it. I love great content but I’m also a cheap SOAB. At any rate, because I was exposed to some of the stories and characters I started the book with certain expectations. I immediately noticed how the show differs from the book. Obviously in order to take this story and adapt it for the screen changes had to be made, however this does not change the quality of the book.

I enjoyed this book. It deals with relationships, it touches on topics such as white privilege as well as the prison industrial complex. I know many will expect what they see on Netflix and they won’t get that, but what they will get is an interesting narrative that will make you think.

My one complaint with the book is where the story ended. During the book you get an idea of how one can buy into a culture and change their habits, and behavior when becoming somewhat “institutionalized”. I would have liked if she would have described the issues she did or did not face when making the transition back into society.

Outside of that this was a good quick read and I would recommend the book.

-JW