Very well-written, highly informational book about the roots of mass incarceration.. Particularly in this time, this information is so needed so we can assess the current situation and determine how to make the changes that are so necessary.

A great book about the root of mass incarceration. The author points his finger to religious leaders in African American communities and a nearsighted vision that did not foresee the pervasiveness of crack in their neighborhoods.

An excellent book! I was reading on my iPad and I tend to read very slowly that way... but I would find time for this book. Engaging, understandably infuriating, and with a tone I found passionate but unbiased, I learned how increased availability of drugs like heroin and crack in the '70s and '80s, coupled with the increased use of handguns and the rising prevalence of African-American police forces, served to influence laws and practices that led directly to our unbelievable rates of incarceration we see today, particularly among poor blacks in urban areas. The focus was not on the jailed populations, rather unraveling the whys that got us here. It was informative and detailed, very interesting and easy to read. In the later chapters of the book, Forman, Jr. offers suggestions that might mitigate social damage caused by arrests, mandatory minimums and mandatory maximums, including programs for high-risk youth which worked in one case he discussed in depth. I highly recommend this book!