Corrections_Today_November_December_2019

Bookshelf

Based on journal entries, letters sent to and received from Marell while incarcerated and written with the assistance of Patricia Dunlavy Valenti, a published author, this book flows like a novel. Its emotional overtones grip the reader and speaks for those who have experienced the hardship of an incarcerated family member or friend. However, the book does not reveal anything that correctional staff, including counselors and administrators, have not heard before and the telling of some incidents may be offensive. That should not deter anyone from reading the book, as it offers insight into the behavior of inmates and validates rules and actions that are necessary for the safe operation of facilities. In one instance, Marell tells Rosalind that some inmates get contraband during visits, precipitating the need for searches and visiting restrictions. She is upset that inmates create this hardship, even though she knows that Marell has used a contraband cell phone and accessed the internet while on an in-house job assignment. Within the litany of hardships experienced by Rosalind and her son are several legitimate concerns, some of which have been addressed in the years since Marell’s release. Although still expensive, the cost of phone calls has been reduced and the use of tablets for texting is common. The importance of reentry has been supported through federal grants and local initiatives. Other concerns such

as gangs and contraband in prisons have been well documented but not successfully addressed. This book does not indicate that the author advocated for systemic change, but rather addressed specific incidents that affected her son. It overlooks the advocacy of correctional professionals, who have long been on the forefront of change as evidenced by the work of ACA and innovative initiatives of its members. The author reinforces the need for continued reflection and holistic responses to areas of deficiency. Based on journal entries, letters sent to and received from Marell while incarcerated and written Also missing from this work is the victim’s perspective. Nothing is written about how the death of their father and the incarceration of their mother affected the two sons who were high school students when their father was killed, and their mother served time in prison. After leaving prison, Marell lived with his girlfriend. Importantly, he successfully completed parole and with the assistance of Patricia Dunlavy Valenti, a published author, this book flows like a novel.

he did not get into any additional trouble. He did not find steady employment, in part because of his parameters, such as not working on Saturday and not wanting jobs below his qualifications. The book only covers two and a half years post release, because Marell died at age 35 as a result of complications from hypertension. Medical care was not a priority; in prison, he did not want to pay the copay, and in the community, he took his medication sparingly, allowing his prescription to run low. Just before his death he enrolled in a truck driving school, although his health issues raise questions as to how he would pass the physical required to maintain a commercial driving license. Rosalind and James remained committed in marriage; while James was supportive, his boundaries were clear. Their daughters completed college and began promising careers. Rosalind retired from her job due to physical complications but continues to write and work in photography. I believe that Rosalind fits the portrait of the “fixer” as described in my review of “African American Women with Incarcerated Mates” by Avon Hart-Johnson (Corrections Today, January/February 2019) and would recommend this book to readers of “Serving Time Too.” “Serving Time Too” would be a challenging selection for a book club or discussion group as readers are likely to question and/ or judge Rosalind and Marell from differing perspectives. u

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