American Prison

by Shane Bauer
American Prison cover
Good Books rating 4.24
Investigative Journalism
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Technical
  • ID: 3870
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780735223592
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2018-09-18
  • Reviews: 4

Shane Bauer, an award-winning journalist, takes a job as a prison guard in a private Louisiana facility to expose the inner workings of the for-profit prison industry. His firsthand account uncovers the systemic cruelty and dysfunction that permeate these institutions, rooted in a history that dates back to the post-Civil War era. Bauer's experiences highlight the dehumanizing conditions and the lack of accountability that define private prisons, offering a stark critique of the justice system in America. /n/n American Prison is not just a personal narrative but a comprehensive examination of the private prison system's origins and its enduring impact on society. Bauer's investigation reveals how these prisons are designed to prioritize profit over the well-being of inmates, leading to a cycle of abuse and neglect. His book serves as a powerful call to action for prison reform and a deeper understanding of the broader implications of mass incarceration.

Reviews
NACDL · Susan Elizabeth Reese · 2021-05-01
critical 4.50

The book provides a deep reckoning with the author's prison guard experience and a historical context of for-profit prisons in America. It offers a critical look at the private prison industry.

Susan Elizabeth Reese delves into Shane Bauer's undercover journey into the private prison system. She highlights how Bauer weaves his personal experiences with a broader historical analysis, providing a comprehensive critique of the industry. Reese appreciates the depth of research and the author's courage in exposing the harsh realities of private prisons. The book is seen as a necessary read for understanding the systemic issues within the American prison system.

Quick quotes

    Bauer weaves together a much deeper reckoning with his prison guard experience with a deep history of for-profit prisons in America.

    This book is a necessary human document about the private prison system in America.

    The epilogue, in which Bauer reflects on his experience, is particularly poignant.

ACU Optimist · 2020-11-09
critical 4.25

The book offers a critical examination of the private prison system, highlighting its flaws and the dehumanizing treatment of inmates. The author's undercover experience provides a unique and harrowing perspective.

The ACU Optimist's review of 'American Prison' offers a critical examination of the private prison system. The review highlights Shane Bauer's undercover work as a prison guard, which provides a firsthand account of the cruelty and dehumanization within the system. The reviewer praises Bauer's courage in undertaking such a dangerous assignment and his ability to convey the stark realities of prison life. The review also touches on the broader implications of the book, suggesting that it serves as a call to action for reform within the criminal justice system. The reviewer finds the book to be a powerful and necessary read, offering a critical look at the system's flaws and the dehumanizing treatment of inmates.

Quick quotes

    It is not inherently bad, in a sense, but its modern execution remains largely focused on viewing human beings as a resource that can be bought and sold.

    A deep dive into the private prison industry.

    A necessary human document about the private prison system.

PBS · 2020-02-10
nuanced 4.20

The book is a deep dive into the private prison industry, drawing from historical documents dating back to the 19th century. It embraces the contradictions within the system and the people involved.

PBS highlights Shane Bauer's deep dive into the private prison industry in 'American Prison'. The reviewer notes that Bauer draws from historical documents dating back to the 19th century, providing a rich context for understanding the current state of the industry. The book is seen as embracing the contradictions within the system and the people involved, offering a nuanced perspective on the complex issues surrounding private prisons. The reviewer appreciates the thorough research and the author's ability to present a balanced view.

Quick quotes

    For 'American Prison,' a deep dive into the private prison industry, Shane Bauer drew from historical documents dating back to the 19th century.

    The book embraces the contradictions within the system and the people involved.

    Bauer's thorough research provides a rich context for understanding the current state of the industry.

The Christian Science Monitor · 2018-11-10
disturbing 4.00

The book offers a disturbing insider's view of a private prison, highlighting the inhumanity and cruelty within the system. It is a powerful indictment of the private prison industry.

The Christian Science Monitor presents 'American Prison' as a highly disturbing insider's view of a private prison. The reviewer emphasizes the shocking examples of inhumanity and cruelty that Bauer encountered during his undercover work. The book is seen as a powerful indictment of the private prison industry, shedding light on the systemic issues and the powerful forces that drive it. The reviewer appreciates the depth of Bauer's investigation and the impact it has on understanding the broader context of the prison system.

Quick quotes

    'American Prison' presents a highly disturbing insider's view of a private prison.

    Nearly every page of this tale contains examples of shocking inhumanity.

    Bauer's investigation is a powerful indictment of the private prison industry.

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