Federal Prison Handbook: The Definitive Guide to Surviving the Federal Bureau of Prisons Christopher Zoukis, 30, is an intelligent young man who has written two previous books and is on the path to earning an MBA. He also happens to be currently serving time in federal prison. Who better to pen an informative, authentic, and engaging handbook on surviving the federal prison system?
The author was imprisoned in 2006 after committing an unnamed crime as a high school senior. In the last 10 years, he decided to make the most of his incarceration by earning a bachelor’s degree via correspondence. He currently is enrolled as a graduate student pursuing an MBA.
Along the way, he has written articles for major publications, including the New York Daily News and Huffington Post, taught writing classes to prisoners, and penned books on getting educated while in prison. This detailed volume not only explores issues of concern to inmates, but also offers guidance for family members. In addition, it covers relevant legal policies and regulations that attorneys can reference when helping prison clients protect their rights.
Well-organized, the hefty volume covers a lot of ground, starting with making friends upon first arriving at a prison, which the author likens to the first day at a new school. “Associations in prison can either be a strength or a downfall. Inmates should choose people who look like they will add strength, not those who will attract bullies.”
From there, a wealth of topics are covered: details on work assignments; understanding dining hall etiquette; finding educational opportunities; adapting to the sometimes-violent prison culture and much more. Zoukis also explains the disciplinary process, openly relating his harrowing five-month experience in the Special Housing Unit (aka “The Hole”).
This smoothly written and insightful book comes complete with a detailed table of contents and useful appendices with information including prisoner rights organizations and helpful law and education references. For anyone unfortunate enough to need it—and even those simply interested in prison life—this is an invaluable resource.
Also available as an ebook.
