Inspiring and made me count my blessings

I found this book compassionate, shocking and compelling. I admire Dr Ford's persistence and grit in such 'challenging' circumstances, and how in spite of the terrible sights and experiences around her she hung onto her optimism and humanity, in spite of burning out for a while, the more so as she continued working for as long as possible while pregnant. I felt for the staff struggling to cope and keep their own heads above water in what must have seemed hopeless and dangerous conditions much of the time, and could understand why some might feel hostility towards Dr Ford when she seemed to put patients' interests above their own. And she reminded me of the person behind the patient with her stories of individuals. It doesn't make me want to go out and volunteer to help them, but it gives me pause to reflect on how easy it is to write people and situations off without bothering to dig deeper. On the whole, the calm, steady narration balanced the emotion-provoking content . I wanted to know what happened afterwards, and whether Dr Ford was able to make significant changes at Rikers Island. Definitely worth reading/listening to.

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An important insight

The narration is sometimes a little robotic (or maybe just lacking in emotion?) but that didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book overall.

Very interesting to have an in-depth view into life inside an institution such as this, & the relationships between the medics, the public & the ‘in mates’ was fascinating.

Sad at times, it also made me angry that people are treated the way they are, but it's important for these things to be documented.

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Thoughtful and tactful insight

Dr Ford clearly really cares about her patients and genuinely trying to Improve their quality of life. An insight into systems most of us will never experience, but that manages to bring humanity to the hulking judicial system

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Brilliant!

I loved this book, every word of it. a passionate tale. brilliantly read and written.

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An unexpected gem

I absolutely loved this book! What a truly incredible, kind, caring and compassionate woman Dr Ford is!!

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Very interesting read

Elizabeth Ford highlights beautifully with this book, how everyone deserves human rights and respect... and how amazing things can happen when people who society has given up on, are just given exactly that.

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Brilliant book did not want it to end

This is so interesting and insightful I definitely recommend this. Elizabeth Ford comes across as so knowledgeable, professional and caring would love to hear more from her.

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Really enjoyable, albeit heartbreaking book

I went into this audiobook not knowing what to expect, but wasn’t disappointed. The author,whilst preserving the anonymity of her patients, was very thorough in explaining how each individual presented his condition. In addition, I have been disappointed in the past with female readers, but this was expertly (in my opinion)read,at a good pace. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

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2 people found this helpful

very interesting and enjoyable

Opens your eyes to other lives less fortunate than one's own. Very well read and interesting to listen to.

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A window into another world

Thought-provoking, mind-expanding. Narrated excellently, written humbly and packed full of genuinely engaging personal stories that keep you on the edge of your metaphorical seat. I was nervous that the subject matter would be distressing (which it is) but the author brings you along sensitively from the start, inviting you into her perspective as a psychiatrist treating the prisoners.

In a world that dehumanises and dismisses, that seeks to simplify into “good” and “evil”, this book reacquaints us with the humanity and complexity of reality. It also shows the counter-productive results of the populist “revenge” driven policies behind our criminal justice system, but it never comments.

Part of the what makes the book so engaging is it brings no opinions, doesn’t have an agenda. It is just a window into a world most of us will never see, and it expands the reader’s mind in the process.

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