I received an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.




The description of this book drew me in and so I had to request it.

I also really like the cover of this book, I think they did a great job.




However I believe it expired in the NetGalley App before I had a chance to open the pages so sadly I was unable to read this book.

1990, Manhatten, New York City. Writer/drug-dealer Richard Stratton is about to leave prison. Having been an industrious drug-dealer (think an American version of Howard Marks), Stratton is released having beaten the system, released on a technicality, and this ex-drug dealer is schooled in the art of law and order. Whilst inside Stratton has trained as a forensic specialist, oh yeah, he's also a writer his novel 'Smack Goddess' is about to be published. Richard Stratton is a great storyteller, a passionate writer, and has friends in very (excuse the pun) high places.

Upon release from prison (on parole when he shouldn't have been) he's offered a job with a law firm, a substantial amount of cahs to publish his book, and life seems good again. With the devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other- you wonder how long Richard Stratton will last outside in the real world. What follows is Stratton's story of rejoining the real world, engaging with an array of colourful characters; from mafia legends to best friend (American writer) Norman Mailer, actors Dustin Hoffman & Sly Stallone, to writing a successful series for HBO, getting married and having kids, all whilst fighting an insatiable urge to go against the American legal system and return to type by dealing one final time. He doesn't. However, Richard Stratton is obviously a highly educated and articulate writer. Whether writing about Mafia court cases or his lust for a dental receptionist, 'In The World' manages to mix murky true crime, with an insight into the TV / Film industry 'street time' publishing 'slam' and his passionate interest in American crime (Harry Chapin, Mike Tyson). The fascinating relationship he has with a septuagenarian mobster is true serendipity.

My only criticism would be that when reading a book by such a talented writer of prose, poetry, film, documentary, and prison life, I would be interested to learn more about how Richard Stratton really writes, an insight into how he does it, the influences, where did his story begin?. More of that and less of the minutia mafia detail. That said, this is a very enjoyable book.

If you'd like to read more from this writer, check him out on goodreads.com

7/10

I enjoy reading the author's books. From my perspective as a retired Federal Bureau of Prisons employee, I may disagree completely with his perspective on the laws, but I can appreciate his right to feel that way. Stratton is what we would have called a "real convict". Doesn't ask for forgiveness, doesn't cry that he was framed, doesn't care what you think of him, and proudly maintains his point of view.
In this chapter of his life, Stratton writes about life after he is released from prison. The difficulties in going straight, while still trying to beat the system. It's an enjoyable read. He even seems to have developed a bit of introspective in his later years, how his exploits have affected others.
The author still has a tendency to brag about himself. I found the parts where he chronicled his sexual exploits of various women he had relationships with to be distasteful. And he's a shameless name dropper.
Stratton is obviously a very intelligent man. I admire his drive. And his writing ability. He's a great story-teller.
Now I have read several of his books, and wonder where his life is going to take him next. I will definitely be awaiting his next book!

Richard Stratton has written three books that deal with his career as a self-,proclaimed marijuana smuggler. He sees the persecution of pot smugglers as ill- conceived and wrong.
This book explores Stratton's release from prison and subsequent struggles and joys from being back in the free world. I don't feel that he truly experiences remorse for his former illegal activities, and his books are another way to make money from them.