Prison Ragout

About the Book

Prison Ragout describes Pop's experience as a first-timer, 58 year-old, Ph.D., white guy during seventeen months of incarceration. The book portrays the other inmates, the COs and the psychological impact of the penal system.

From county jail Pop is transferred to a classification center. Controlling the tier TV and fear of HIV were the major cultural factors. A medical exam confirms Pop's hypertension and a recent back operation and results in a stipulation that he is to have a bottom bunk and be given a job requiring minimum use of arms and shoulders. Upon returning to the tier the COs tears up the medical stipulation.

Pop is assigned to a prison where the medical system 'runs out' of hypertension medication. Pop is given a job on the kitchen cleanup crew; work requiring lots of use of arms and shoulders.

Pop changes cellmates four times. One is a "lifer" who is a "jailhouse lawyer." Another filched food from the officer's dining room (with the acquiescence of the COs) and sells it on the tier. A third played the stock market. The fourth was a racist and studying for a GED.

Inmates get killed, OD, and commit suicide, but the greatest harm is caused by the inhumane environment. The book shows that violence and brutality can take subtle forms.

About the Author

?Pop? is a 63 year-old Ph.D. physicist who spent 17 months in prison for child sexual abuse. Pop is married with grown children. His family provided the love and support needed to survive the inanity of the American penal system. Pop is retired and has successfully completed therapy. He is involved with non-profit organizations whose aim is to reduce child sexual abuse by understanding.