📖 Overview
Running the Books chronicles Avi Steinberg's transition from obituary writer to prison librarian at Suffolk County House of Correction in Boston. As an unlikely candidate for the role, Steinberg documents his experiences managing the prison library and interacting with incarcerated people who become regular patrons.
The memoir captures the daily operations of the prison library, from book selection and literacy programs to the hidden communication system between inmates via strategic notes left in books. Steinberg's position grants him unique access to observe the complex social dynamics and unwritten rules that govern life inside the facility.
Through his encounters with inmates and corrections officers, Steinberg navigates the challenges of maintaining professional boundaries while forming meaningful connections. The narrative follows his growth from an inexperienced outsider to someone who gains deeper understanding of the prison system and its inhabitants.
The book explores themes of redemption, education, and the role of literature as both escape and transformation in confined spaces. Through the lens of the prison library, it raises questions about punishment, rehabilitation, and the power of books to bridge divided worlds.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Finn's honest portrayal of his experience as a prison librarian, noting his ability to balance humor with serious insights about incarceration. Many reviews highlight the unique perspective of seeing prison life through the lens of the library system.
Readers liked:
- Detailed observations of inmate interactions
- The exploration of how books impact prisoners' lives
- Personal stories about individual inmates
- Mix of funny and poignant moments
Common criticisms:
- Narrative sometimes loses focus
- Some readers found the ending abrupt
- Writing style can be meandering
- Too much focus on author's personal life outside prison
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.7/5 (2,800+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.2/5 (180+ ratings)
Review quotes:
"Reveals the humanity behind prison walls" - Amazon reviewer
"Could have been more focused on the library itself" - Goodreads reviewer
"Perfect balance of insight and entertainment" - Library Journal reader review
📚 Similar books
Running the Gauntlet by Ken Englade
A journalist documents his year teaching writing to inmates in a maximum-security prison, revealing the complex relationships and power dynamics behind bars.
A Prison Library Time by William Hart The memoir of a prison librarian spans three decades of working at San Quentin, chronicling the transformation of both inmates and institution through the lens of books and education.
Reading Behind Bars by Jill Grunenwald A librarian's firsthand account intersects with the stories of juvenile inmates who find solace and possibility in the prison library.
The Prison Book Club by Ann Walmsley A narrative follows the evolution of a book club in a men's prison, where literary discussions become catalysts for personal change and human connection.
Among the Living and the Dead by Michael Meranze The examination of a prison writing program reveals how literature and creative expression function as tools for survival and rehabilitation in the correctional system.
A Prison Library Time by William Hart The memoir of a prison librarian spans three decades of working at San Quentin, chronicling the transformation of both inmates and institution through the lens of books and education.
Reading Behind Bars by Jill Grunenwald A librarian's firsthand account intersects with the stories of juvenile inmates who find solace and possibility in the prison library.
The Prison Book Club by Ann Walmsley A narrative follows the evolution of a book club in a men's prison, where literary discussions become catalysts for personal change and human connection.
Among the Living and the Dead by Michael Meranze The examination of a prison writing program reveals how literature and creative expression function as tools for survival and rehabilitation in the correctional system.
🤔 Interesting facts
📚 Author Avi Steinberg took the prison librarian job after seeing it listed on Craigslist, with no prior experience in either corrections or library science
🔒 The prison library where Steinberg worked, Suffolk County House of Correction in Boston, banned books containing maps, including innocuous ones like maps in children's picture books
📝 Inmates used an ingenious system of hidden messages called "kites" to communicate through library books, often writing tiny notes in the margins or between lines
👥 The author developed unlikely friendships with inmates, including a pimp who was writing children's literature and a gangster who offered thoughtful literary criticism
📖 The library's most frequently requested books were legal texts, urban fiction, and spiritual/religious materials, particularly books about Islam and Judaism