Criminal to Critic

Reflections amid the American Experiment

By (author) James E. Palombo, Randall G. Shelden

Publication date:

16 February 2009

Length of book:

256 pages

Publisher

Lexington Books

Dimensions:

238x160mm
6x9"

ISBN-13: 9780739129098

This autobiographical discourse traces the experiences of James Palombo from drug-dealing wise-guy and convict to social worker, professor, and world traveler. Along the way, and through his struggles, Palombo speaks to a variety of important issues relative to America—a country he sees as often at odds with its own identity. Combined with the research of Randall Shelden, Criminal to Critic raises significant and timely thoughts, ultimately serving as a bridge between academic and public audiences in encouraging a dialogue imperative to today's need for a more unified and civic-minded society.
Palombo’s book is not only an inspiring personal tale about overcoming the destructive and demoralizing effects of imprisonment, it is also about how to redirect your life towards social good. The story weaves through his troubled early life that led him to prison and his later experiences that allowed him to emerge from prison life with renewed hope and purpose. The author does a brilliant job of placing his experiences into the historical and political context of the criminal justice system, providing a running commentary on some of the most important issues facing the American experiment we call 'democracy.' Randall Shelden’s valuable footnotes, foreword, and afterword open up a wider perspective of the criminal justice system. A must-read for any student of the subject!