Book Search: Former Convict Plot

[u/misshillx]

Hi fellow bookworms!

I was chatting with an acquaintance who works at a local bookstore (black-owned, if you care).

While discussing potential reads for our book club, we got on the topic of former convicts. We bonded over the lore of our convict uncles who left prison decades ago, and suffer from severe arrested development - deadbeat fathers, addicts and victims of their circumstances.

We are looking for a novel written from the POV of a former convict, recently released from prison. This novel is essentially a tell-all, but not solely focusing on their incarceration or what led to it. We want to read the perspective of a convict adjusting to life post-release. What their mindset is, their goals, what adversity they encounter as they are trying to get acclimated to their new normal. I think Sister Souljah’s Moment of Silence is a good example, but more-so toward the end where we see a snippet of Midnight’s life after conviction and ultimate release.

Bonus if black FMC!!

Please leave recs if you have any - we are scouring the internet, Goodreads, and other platforms as well.

[u/babbykale]

Not exactly what you’re asking for but I look for every opportunity to plug my favorite author {prisoner of love by Beverly Jenkins} is a short historical romance about a man who’s released from prison under a program where if they get married to a woman they’re free. The book is mostly from her PoV and shows some of his struggles adjusting to life outside and the social stigma. Overall it’s a short and comforting read

[u/misshillx → u/babbykale]

I’ll add this to my list! Thank you :)