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Shakespeare Saved My Life
Shakespeare Saved My Life: Ten Years in Solitary with the Bard | Laura Bates
"A powerful testament to how Shakespeare continues to speak to contemporary readers in all sorts of circumstances."Booklist While He Was Breaking Out of Prison, She Was Trying to Break In. Shakespeare professor and prison volunteer Laura Bates thought she had seen it all. That is, until she decided to teach Shakespeare in a place the bard had never been before supermax solitary confinement. In this unwelcoming place, surrounded by inmates known as the worst of the worst, is Larry Newton. A convicted murderer with several escape attempts under his belt and a brilliantly agile mind on his shoulders, Larry was trying to break out of prison at the same time Laura was fighting to get her program started behind bars. Thus begins the most unlikely of friendships, one bonded by Shakespeare and lasting yearsa friendship that, in the end, would save more than one life. "The work that Laura Bates has been doing for years with prison inmates and Shakespeare is of extraordinary importance. It has a kind of beauty and symmetry all its own."David Bevington, Shakespeare scholar, University of Chicago "An eye-opening study reiterating the perennial power of books, self-discipline, and the Bard of Avon."Kirkus
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AvidReader25
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A nonfiction account of a professor who teaches a Shakespeare class at a max-security prison. The results are life-changing for some inmates. I loved the prisoners' interpretation of the Bard's plays. Their unique perspective gave added depth to the plays.

“Why is a prisoner‘s motivation to earn a degree so he can return to his family sooner viewed more negatively than a campus student‘s motivation to earn a degree so he can make more money?”

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Engaging book about prison education and reading programs. Makes a strong case for how books can change lives, no matter the setting. The focus here is Shakespeare, who covered everything and can be interpreted in so many ways. Bates received a Mother‘s Day card from one inmate whose life she touched.

#Shakespeare #prison #prisonlibrary #bookschangelives

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“This place is great!” Newton told me that day, gesticulating around his cell. “Great for reading Shakespeare.”

#Shakespeare #prisonlibrary #prison

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Ms Bates got into solitary confinement to teach #Shakespeare. That‘s dedication.

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saholmes
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I loved this book! It made me think about how prisoners are treated. Some of the descriptions of Newton's cells were horrifying. This book also showed what I already knew: reading changes the reader.

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katyhobbs
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Not perfect, but a good listen. It takes place in Indiana, where I was born and raised, so everything is familiar. Even the supermax where the story primarily takes place is one with which I have a peripheral connection. A peek into the current "justice" system.

intothehallofbooks I've been curious about this one and I kind of want to read it! Thank you for the review 😉😊 8y
katyhobbs I found it worthwhile! I've been skeptical, because it has been advertised everywhere I look, but I liked it. 8y
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Wellreadtraveler
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I read this book for my book club, and wasn't interested so I kinda put it off until the last minute. I have to say, I enjoyed it! I liked that it was a true story, all the pictures, and the description's she gives of the jail, really had me interested. I was pleasantly surprised!!