Title: Up From Incarceration: Volume 1: Dispelling Myths of the Thug Life
Author: Dr. Anthony E. Dixon
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 978-1479727728
Pages: 128
Genre: Memoir
Reviewed by: Anthony Avina
Hollywood Book Review
Known for her prison reform, Englishwoman Elizabeth Fry once said, “Punishment is not for revenge, but to lessen crime and reform the criminal.” In author Dr. Anthony E. Dixon’s Up From Incarceration: Volume 1: Dispelling Myths of the Thug Life, readers are given a rare look into the mind of a reformed criminal, as the author brilliantly highlights the path that led him to prison and how the modern youth’s idea of prison is warped and misplaced.
In this novel, the author explores the events that shaped his mindset from childhood into adulthood, and highlights his fall from humanity as his crimes escalated. After analyzing the path which lead him to prison, the author also highlights the path to redemption he found in his sentence, and the struggle to fight against the institutional mentality instilled in many prisoners. As the author points out, many youths believe prison to be a right of passage, but fail to recognize the life altering course they set themselves upon. Through the author’s experiences and brutally honest approach to his criminal life, readers may finally see the truth behind crime and punishment that doesn’t involve some praise worthy definition of manhood.
This is a book for anyone who struggles with a family member or friend being led down a similar path of criminality; for anyone interested in the real life impact of crime on youths and anyone interested in stories of redemption as a whole. What really stuck out to me as I read this novel was the author’s way of showcasing that it isn’t only youths in lower income families who are at risk of criminal behavior. Through the author’s eyes we see a middle-class, educated young man driven to lead a double life as a criminal, and the impact it has on himself and his family.
It was also refreshing to see an author write in such an honest way, not shying away from the harsh reality of the crimes committed and the impact his decisions had on him. The author manages to write a clear and concise message to the youths of our world that highlights the pain the criminal path has on their victims, their family, friends, and even themselves. Through this truthful approach to the memoir genre, the author is able to convey a sense of regret, redemption and hope that many youths struggling with this lifestyle can benefit from.
This is a must read novel for anyone struggling with the criminal system. Whether you are in the midst of getting involved in that lifestyle or are fully immersed within it already, this novel is a wake-up call like no other that can truly make an impact on reformation and redemption. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of Up From Incarceration: Volume 1: Dispelling Myths of the Thug Life by Dr. Anthony E. Dixon today!