We recently asked prisoners to write essays explaining why books are so important to prisoners. We are pleased to bring you the latest in a series of these essays we will be publishing over the coming months.
Here's the essay we chose for November...
Not all books are worthless. When doing time a mind sets idle. Remember idle minds can cause more conflict than an AK-4788. With books those that are incarcerated can find an escape from the world they live it.
Books that are donated to people in prison become useful. When I say useful any worthlessness one considers a book to be brings a person back to a setting in life that a lot of individuals take advantage of, mainly being free.
Books help educate those behind bars. In more than one way. For example: books on history, science, computers, heritage (I.E. Native-American, African-American, German, etc) and non fiction real-life stories and self help books, help those that take initiative to go to college, G.E.D. classes to better themselves. It helps us to learn from our mistakes. I include myself in this description of those who have failed at being true to society and the norms that apply to being a good citizen.
If it were not for donated books to myself and others I may not of had the opportunity to earn a Bachelor degree from Indian State University. I used books for history psychology and social behavior to achieve my goal. I thank those individuals who took time and the consideration to drop off books, pamphlets, and any other material that has and hopefully will continue to provide help for us behind prison walls.
I mentioned idle minds and AK-47 assault rifles!!! A very bad combination, my reason is this. Idle minds only think of ways to be content, whether it be thought of a picnic with grand-mother or as the AK-47 assault rifle bent on revenge!!! I hope this makes a lasting impression for those who have the philosophy of "Lock them up and throw the key away."
I personally used to have that type of philosophy. Then I found myself inside looking out toward where I had been. What I really needed was more education! And the only way to get that is by reading books, books and more books.
Without books those that truly try to become productive in society again will only find themselves in the revolving door of recidivism! I know this to be a fact. I was sentenced to 56 years for murder, I have witnessed 20 plus inmates go and return all of which have no type of former education. However I have seen hundreds who have took the initiative to learn from books not return.
Even those who have long term sentences gain from donated books. How you may wonder? I'll make it simple. Books become an escape of the time we must pay for the crimes we have committed. They also give us a chance to learn about who we are and our behavior. I have seen men learn that because of their drinking and drug use they were the victimizer and not the victim they were claiming to be. Books have helped us find a place to begin asking for forgiveness of all the hurt and shame we've caused families and our friends.
So in closing "please" whatever you do please donate books. You never know that one book you donate may be the one that changes a person into a productive individual in society. I also want to give special thanks to Ms. Lucy Parsons Center and Bookstore. You have been a great help to many here in the Indiana Prison system.
John Henry Eads
Greencastle, IN
