Book Review: Raw & Riveting True Tale of Injustice

Carla Conti's Chained Birds, a true crime memoir about justice, or more precisely injustice, in the American penal system, is a raw and riveting read. In many ways, it took me back to my college days studying criminal justice and the corrections industry. One part thriller, one part memoir, Chained Birds tells the story of federal inmate Kevin Sanders, his attorney Scott Powell, and Carla herself, as they fight to defend Sanders against gruesome stabbing charges inside the corrupt experimental prison program in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.

Conti weaves a tight narrative about prison gangs and culture, the violence and danger from inmates and correction officers alike, and the bonds of friendship between a complicated inmate - a deep thinking and talented artist whose life has been mired in violence, drug abuse, and disappointment, a right-wing attorney working to exonerate him of his most recent charges, the author, a former journalist turned legal aide, and other players on the stage. Conti navigates the dangerous landmines of corruption, violence, a pandemic, and political upheaval both in and outside the prison system in a compelling way. A heartbreaking and harrowing tale, Conti still manages to bring a great deal of heart and even occasional levity to this dark tale.

As is true of most real-life stories, there's no happy ending to be found in Chained Birds. No neat bow. It's raw and real and a sad indictment on our criminal justice system. It should be required reading for students learning about corrections in criminal justice programs across the country. It would certainly spark lively discussions!

Conti pulls double duty in the audiobook version of Chained Birds - both as the author and narrator - and she brings the force of her passion for the story into her reading of the book in a way an outside reader simply couldn't do justice. Her performance is exceptional and adds a degree of gravitas to an already impactful tale.

Chained Birds can be purchased here, or wherever you buy your books.

Four stars out of four.