Based on in-depth interviews with people who were incarcerated, as well as extensive conversations with students, teachers, corrections staff, and prison administrators, this book introduces the voices of those who have participated in the few remaining post-secondary education programs that exist behind bars.

Inspired by these people who have lived, worked, and studied in U.S. prisons, Stern invites us to rethink the current 'punishment crisis' in the United States and explore the possibility of transformation from a retributive punishment system to a system of justice.