Different Prisons
by Dr. Thomas Davison
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Pub Date 3 Jul 2024 | Archive Date 31 Jan 2025
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Description
Join the author as he takes you on an extraordinary journey into his intense world, teaching convicted felons inside two all-male state prisons in northern Ohio. The story Different Prisons is a collection of short stories, poetry, and anecdotes taken directly from the personal journals and unique experiences of Dr. Thomas Davison. This is real-life stuff, not the 'Hollywood version.' It will make you laugh, and it will make you cry ...
What do the readers have to say about Different Prisons?A Journey You Never Expected to Take, But Will Cherish
I have loved this story so much. It will make you laugh cheer and cry. And what is so special is that you will meet and fall in love with the author along the way. I confess I have never spent much time thinking about the lives of prisoners, or caring either, but this story opens up that world and despite yourself you will care in a way you never have before. It’s rare, I think, that a book or story teaches you so much, including about yourself. Highly recommended. A must read.
I Truly Love This Story
I like watching movies about what life is like inside of prisons. But, I realize Hollywood tends to exaggerate things to make a film more exciting. So, I decided to try this non-fiction Vella written by a guy who teaches felons inside prisons. I love this story! It is so real. He gives the reader insight into the day-to-day life of a prisoner. I give this story my highest rating and recommend you try it, you will be hooked!
Fresh and New
This is the most honest look at life on the inside of a prison I have seen. The accounts are real, and so raw. They are honest and allow you to feel everything the author and his students feel. A story filled with insights into somewhere most of us will never go. Well worth your time and a gripping read.
A Story That Enlightens You I've become enlightened by the stories of those who are/were incarcerated for whatever reason. I'm inspired by those who chose to better themselves while serving the sentence they been given. Yes, I believe most everything is a choice. A choice to do what is right, a choice to take the higher path, a choice to believe the best of others. Doctor D's experiences show what society may say is irredeemable truly is if one only provides guidance to the light.
A Powerful and Deeply Moving Story
It's wonderful how you created Writing and Reading Clubs inside the Prisons where you worked.Bravo! Doctor D. You offer so much interesting insight into prison life. I respect what you do so much. What a great story and Journey this is.I agree that respect is the core of so many things in life. I can only imagine how important respect must be for the convicted felons. I love your addition of prison-themed poems. They are so raw and moving. I know exactly what you mean when you talk about different kinds of prisons. I have imprisoned myself with negativity. Your ability to struggle through to reach these men is inspiring to read. How lucky those guys in prison are to have someone like you to teach and guide them. If one man finds a new life after prison because of what he learned from you, then that one man is reward enough for anyone. Your heart for education and service is crystal clear and what you have to share is so appreciated.I have learned so much about the life of inmates. Thank you for sharing this amazing story!
Advance Praise
What do the readers have to say about Different Prisons?
Visceral In "Different Prisons" the author offers a deeply compelling and unflinchingly honest portrayal of life behind bars, making it perhaps one of the most authentic narratives of prison life to date. The accounts presented are starkly real, devoid of any romanticized notions or sensationalism, which immediately sets this book apart.
The author's voice is raw and genuine, pulling no punches as they guide readers through the harsh realities of incarceration. Through their eyes, and those of their fellow inmates, we gain a visceral understanding of the daily struggles, fears, and occasional moments of hope that punctuate life within prison walls. The emotions are palpable, allowing readers to empathize fully with the author and their students as they navigate this unforgiving environment.
Prisoners Journey of Redemption and Resilience "Different Prisons" by Thomas Davison is one great collection that features the lives of incarcerated individuals. Behind the walls are inmates who yearn for liberty as they battle psychological and physical challenges. It’s not all dark and gloomy inside the prisons as the author paints a picture of redemption through his students who find solace in the future ahead thanks to education and a means of self-expression. Davison makes his case that there is still good that can come out of those inmates despite society labelling them as irredeemable. Well, be prepared to understand incarcerated individuals as you delve deeper into themes of prejudice, bias, and discrimination. I like how the author captures vividly the emotions of those behind bars coupled with the struggle to survive. While one may have a different opinion about the criminal justice system this book will show you a different side. The author acknowledges education as a transformative tool one that leads to freedom and rehab programs within prisons. There is hope that despite the odds inmates can better their situation and look forward to a better future as opposed to the disillusionment that comes with being behind bars. I liked the book for its raw experiences within prisons as inmates struggle with the justice system plus the strategies on how the whole issue can be remedied.
A Captivating Memoir Thomas Davison, author of Different Prisons invites us on his journey of teaching convicted felons in prisons in northern Ohio. I think this is something that is very commendable. In the book, the author is referred to as Doctor D and is synonymous with wearing a cowboy hat and carrying a wooden cane. I try to imagine this look and it is quite interesting. First, I really love the fact that the author knows how to connect with his readers. One way that the author does this is through the VIMH (Voice in my head) sections. I think they are humorous and at the same time very captivating. This allows the reader to know what he is thinking about. Secondly, I love the way he breaks from one story to another. I think this helps the reader to ponder and internalize small bits of information without feeling overwhelmed. However, he does not do this without informing you beforehand. Thirdly, I enjoy the quotes he puts at the beginning of each chapter that resonates with his writing. The use of poems is also very creative. I can say that there are numerous life lessons that can be learned from this memoir!
Available Editions
EDITION | Ebook |
ISBN | 9798989639045 |
PRICE | US$0.99 (USD) |
PAGES | 262 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Dr. D! What an inspiring man. Former U.S. Army soldier, criminal investigator, martial arts instructor, and college professor. Finding himself bored with retirement, he decided to go back to teaching. While interviewing for one job, and not getting it, he was approached by a recruiter, and before he knew what hit him, he was teaching in a prison!
So much of what Davison experienced reminded me of my own career of over 21 years in Federal Prisons. From his first day to his last. He was very good at expressing himself, of the inmates, and of the surroundings.
What REALLY surprised me was his poetry! I'm not one for poetry, don't think I ever met anyone behind bars into poetry, but the author has a real knack for it. His entry, "My Yard" was amazing. And really hit home for me.
I enjoyed how Dr D interacted with inmates, helping them along the way while taking no crap from them either. He epitomized the standard drilled into me, and used throughout my career, "Fair, Firm, and Consistent". Be fair to the inmates, but firm. Don't deny them what they have coming, but don't knuckle under to them and let them take advantage of you. And mostly, be consistent. If you tell one inmate no, then you have to tell the next inmate asking no also. Don't come to work with a hangover and take it out on the inmates, and the next day act like it didn't happen. They are not going to like you, but if you follow these three standards, they will (grudgingly) respect you. And that respect can save your life, as it did for me several times.
I wish prisons could attract more people like the author. They are sorely needed. After all, over 90% of these inmates will be released someday, and don't you wish they could have learned how to coexist in society before they are released?
Excellent book!