Mary E. Buser

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I'd requested the book because the prison system in this country is essentially broken beyond repair, and I thought that maybe Ms. Buser would have some unique insights as to how this came about and what could be done in the future.

While she had some really wonderful anecdotes as well as shocking and saddening ones, the revelations are few and far between. She writes a lot about not being able to give inmates the standard of care they deserve, and how frustrating this is in our supposedly very civilized society. To her credit, Ms. Buser really invokes a sense of joy for her hard-earned victories within the prison walls - a sorely needed bright spot in what is a truly dire situation.

The writing here is average and no frills at best. Nothing impressive, but I think that gives her stories the room they need to shine. Ultimately, my problem was with the lack of synthesis. The book moves from one stage of her life to the next, and ends abruptly with very little comment anywhere regarding the problems with prisons in general and ways we can move towards something better in the future.… (mer)

Since reading [book:Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End|20696006], which appalled me with the injustice in our legal system, my interest in social issues has peaked. After seeing one of my friends, thanks, Esil, review I thought this was a nice compliment to the other. And once again I am appalled. At the way we treat our mentally ill, the resources that are being cut continuously, appalled that they need to be jailed to get any kind of care. Really? In the 21st century in what is supposed to be an enlightened nation. Maybe I should say I am angry too?

Buser starts out as an intern in social work at Riker's working in the women's section. She returns later as an employee but this time in the men's section. She points out some major differences in the two sections. The men are treated very harshly, and she sees things she is powerless to change. One thing that stayed the same in both sections is most of the people awaiting trial at Rikers are poor, no bail money, not many resources, have state appointed lawyers with way too many cases. Seems once again the system is working only for those with money, can afford good attorneys and have family available for support. They can commit the same crimes but they are not the ones sitting at Rikers, sometimes waiting for a trial that is years away.

So another eye opening read, lots of food for thought. There has to be a better and more fair, humane way, doesn't there.

ARC from Netgalley.… (mer)

I don't really follow world events, so to be honest I have not read any of the articles on the treatment of the prisoners at Rikers. So going into this book I had an open mind. I think this was an advantage to me as I was able to get a glimpse of what author, Mary Buser saw and experienced during her time at Rikers. I have to give Mary props as it takes a special kind of breed of people to do the type of job that Mary and her co-workers offer to prisoners in the judicial system.

Which I imagine there is injustice happening in the prisoners but the media does not report it because who really wants to hear about the criminals getting treated badly. I know when I think of that I don't feel sorry but then again I am imagining serial killers and not the petty criminals, who are in jail for things like drug problems and petty thief.

I was hoping that Mary would disclose more details about the injustice but what I did read did open my mind to the fact that the mental help problems that we have in place are not enough and we need to strengthen them as mental health is a serious problem like drugs and alcohol.… (mer)