A Woman Doing Life: Notes from a Prison for Women

I liked this book. Erin George narrates her character in detail throughout the book.

A revealing look at life in a women's prison by an exceedingly articulate writer. The book is curiously peppered with comments from her editor, as if she is not capable of telling her own story. She is more than capable, and most of the editorial comments are superfluous distractions. Ms. George was convicted of murder based on circumstantial evidence and she contends she is innocent. Her editor says he believes her; this reader does not. Regardless, her book provides a valuable insight into prison life. Ms. George deals even handedly with the system, the corrections officers and her fellow inmates. I never suspected her of sensationalizing anything, yet every chapter was a compelling read.

I was so excited to finally read the story of a woman in prison by a woman in prison, but after a few pages, there was so much swearing that I had to put the book down. I understand that is the reality of prison, but I can't put that stuff in my head. It would be great if someone could write a women's prison book that was rated "PG" at least when it came to the language part. I'm bummed.

Great read for my graduate course.

Good

This book was being sent to a prison, and the prison denied it because of an unknown suspicious substance that was all over the book. Dont send books like this prisons. Now I'm out the money and hes out the book.

Over the last several decades, there has been an unprecedented rise in the number of women incarcerated in the United States. In A Woman Doing Life, Erin George, a self-described “middle-class suburban mom,” provides a detailed account of the lives of female inmates. Drawing on her own experiences as well as those of others, she not only documents the struggles female inmates experience (e.g., adjusting to prison life, navigating the inmate social system, and maintaining contact with family), but also the simple pleasures that pierce the monotony and grimness of everyday life (e.g., cooking tasty meals with commissary items). Moreover, this book makes an important contribution to the study of special populations of inmates; it provides insight into the particular issues faced by life-sentenced female inmates (e.g., growing old and dying in prison). I have used this book in my classes and it has been well-received by students. Given the increased interest in female prisons, the "Orange is the New Black effect," this is a must-read.

Nowhere is it mentioned she shot her husband with one bullet to the head. James George was my dear friend and a wonderful father to his 3 children who grew with no father and a horrible person of a mother in prison.