Caught in the Struggle: The Real Rikers Island

Rating:
Summary: The Truth -
Review: I enjoyed this book it has enlighten me regarding the struggle of those who are employed and incarcerated behind those walls.

I have family members who also work there, I didn't understand what happened to them after they began working at that facility - not just family but my friends as well. They were always positive, but after working there it seems that they all changed in one manner of the other. My family was always out on leave due to mental problems - stress or whatever, this I didn't understand and I still don't. What could make a person go through all of this for a salary. They either commit adultry, kill themselves - or become abusive to spouses or their own children. I don't mean physically, I mean mentally.

Children suffer, because their mothers are overworked and stressed out, spouses suffer the lost of their mates due to stress, mental illness, or whatever. Prisoners don't know what happens when their love ones visit and perhaps don't understand why they don't visit.

This young woman opened my eyes to the truth behind the walls of Rikers Island, I have a better relationship with my family members, because I thought they were all snobbs, and I knew them to be different, they seemed to always be looking down their noses, I now ask them for forgiveness, I know that they were only trying to raise thier children and provide for them the best way possible and for this they have suffered mentally.

Thank you Ms. West for stepping out for your fellow officers, and inmates. This shows that you job meant more than just earning a dollar, you actually cared.

I hope everyone reads this book is not a work of fiction - it is the truth in black in white. Ms. West you should start some support group for those who know that you understand what they are going through.

keep up the good work
Brenda

Rating:
Summary: Big Thrill
Review: This book is a must read!! If you know someone who is locked up, work in the jails or just like to know what goes on inside, then you must buy this book. Everything you want to know about Rikers Island in New York City is written in this book. A thrilling reading!!

Rating:
Summary: Shocking & Exciting
Review: This book was shocking and exciting at the same time. I didn't know what to expect from chapter to chapter. Every chapter was more shocking then the next. If you want to know what is going on in the jails then this book is a must!