Corrections_Today_Winter_2025-2026_Vol.87_No.4

BOOKSHELF

it takes real courage. The truth is this is their story too. One could argue they are polar opposites as to race, experience, and upbringing. Erik, an inmate currently serving his 24 th year of a life sentence for murder and the Co- founder of The Arizona Transformation Project, and Kevin, a professor in the School of Criminology and Director of the Center for Correctional Solutions at Arizona State University have published a book that, as Kevin writes, could not have been written by either one alone to attain the authenticity required from such a work. The two met as part of the Arizona Transformation Project at

Arizona State University, an Inside Out Prison Exchange Program, where Erik was one of the group’s first members. He didn’t feel that anyone would want to hear his “Imprisoned Minds” concept, let alone entertain his idea for a book. Kevin gave him what he needed in a “Listening Ear.” You know, the one where you ask someone how their day is and care enough to listen to the answer? This had a major impact on them both, and together, over nearly seven years, they developed a narrative that is truly unique and long overdue. A blend of perspectives and experiences from the incarcerated and academic dynamics. From Erik’s countless

interviews, to writing drafts with pencil and paper, as no computers or internet are available at his prison, to Kevin collecting and transcribing them, the effort it took to bring this project to fruition, and the potential impact it could bring, speaks volumes. In the book, Erik maintains, “Everyone has a story.” He’s not wrong, and his desire to have a meaningful impact on the lives of others, inside and outside of the prison setting, is a story of redemption within himself that doesn’t take away the crime or the conviction, but shows conviction of character. It speaks of hope ... which sometimes is all we have. CT

ATTENTION FIRST-TIME ADVERTISERS: Take 20% OFF! CLAIM YOUR 20% OFF TODAY! Your message. Your mission. Worldwide. Don’t miss your chance to make

Spring 2026 (March, April, May)

a powerful first impression in Corrections Today magazine. As a first-time advertiser, you get an exclusive 20% discount on your first ad placement.

Contracts due Nov. 29, 2025 Materials due Dec. 29, 2025

Contact Da’Shawn Burnette to reserve your ad space at 703-224-0030 or dashawnb@aca.org

Winter 2025-2026 | Corrections Today

101