The Funhouse Mirror: Reflections on Prison

There have been books describing the subculture of prison life and those withiin it (Hot House, New Jack, etc) but this is the first one that is told through using a combination of narrative, and stores written by the prisoners themselves in a creative writing class. This book is informative, honest, and will do nothing to make you feel better about the system. However, it is an interesting read, the stories and backgrounds of the criminals makes you realize that most of them could not, and should not be released to society. But, after hearing their stories, you do think about the 'nurture vs nature' arguement. Well written book.

I had to get this book for my criminology class and was NOT looking forward to the book assignment. After delving into this book, I now have a different outlook on prisoners, prison life and the criminal justice system. Robert Ellis Gordon did an EXCELLENT job getting the prisoners to share their stories (and some were pretty graphic) and also helped soften my outlook on prisoners in general. I'm not one for spoilers so I'll just end by saying this is one great book! Quick read and all.

The discussion in our eight year old book group of several couples in their 70's was one of our best- ranging from comments on the author's brilliant writing style to the depth of the problems with our prison system. Gordon's vivid language and incisive tone brought out his personal connection to the topic as well as his ability to bring his views and insights to a broad audience. We noted that the juxtaposition of the author's stories and essays with those of his students was powerful, demonstrating the common humanity we share. Our experiences in and knowledge of legal and social welfare fields were reinforced and extended by the information on conditions and approaches in the current prison system. Although this is surely an unsettling book, we all valued our reading of it and recommend it highly as an individual read as well as a book group selection.

Thank you.

Since I know nothing of the prison system, wanting to broaden my education, I choose this. An exceptional book, not only for one wanting an education, yet to know the system. VERY well written. A MUST read for anyone wanting to know more that the basic of the gossip mill. Thank YOU for taking the time to write.

fabulous book! great insights into prison and offenders!

I came on this book entirely by accident--hearing the author read at a literary festival while I was waiting for something else. His stories knocked me out, as did the stories of two former prisoners who'd been part of his workshops. Prison's a world I don't think about much--most of us don't. Gordon takes us inside that world and shows us the human beings--without romanticizing or apologizing for their actions, but with such a sense of humanity that it helps us get past our stereotypes and fears.The real crime, as Gordon points, out, is that the kinds of education programs he teaches in work, but are now being cut. They drastically reduce the rate by which prisoners reoffend. They give them some connection to humanity which lets many find a different path. Yet these same programs are now being drastically cut all over the country, in the name of being tough on crime, including Washington State, where Gordon taught. I can't think of a greater short-sightedness.I've been talking this book up to teachers to community leaders, to all of my friends. Our political leaders need to read it, and so do we as ordinary citizens. It's a great read and a powerful resource that needs to get out.Paul Rogat Loeb, Author: Soul of a Citizen: Living With Conviction in a Cynical Time

What a pleasure to read (and re-read) Gordon's THE FUNHOUSE MIRROR.This excellent look at true life, the decisions human beings make, thecognitive processes that we all (as carbon-based life forms) live anddie by, and the true spirit of moral responsibilty and finding a nichein society is truly something extraordinary.The book iseye-opening, it is a truly stunning never-before-seen literary lookinto the minds and the hearts of worthy human beings who at one pointor another made bad choices in their respective lives...From aphilosophical standpoint, THE FUNHOUSE MIRROR sticks with me on adaily basis. The true stories spur my ability to react and retainknowledge (whether from true experience, history, literature, etc.)Without Gordon's work, I would be void of understanding the logic andreason that other humans' possess and exhibit on a daily basis.Thisis a must read no only for anyone interested in understanding aboutprison education and true stories, but also for anyone with anyinterest in forming a strong foundation in the study of philosophy,psychology, reason, logic, etc.I was very impressed with Gordon'sskill in portraying his work from an emotional as well as anintellectual perspective. His mastery of the English language is onlycomplemented by his true understanding of the subject material from anemotional standpoint. I enjoyed his strong sense of values and hisrefusal to exclude even the tiniest detail. His precision,story-telling, and candor won me over. I rate this book as a mustread, 5-stars.