48 pages • 1 hour read
Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison
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Book Brief
327
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Connecticut • 2000s
2010
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison follows Piper Kerman's 13-month incarceration in a federal women's prison in Danbury, Connecticut, starting with her involvement in a drug trafficking scheme right after college, leading to her arrest, and her eventual imprisonment. The memoir explores themes of justice, racial and socio-economic divides, and community within the prison system through her firsthand experiences and the friendships she forms with fellow inmates. It addresses sensitive topics such as drug trafficking, incarceration, and the struggles faced by women in prison.
Informative
Emotional
Challenging
Bittersweet
Humorous
Reviews & Readership
223,172 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Orange Is The New Black by Piper Kerman offers a gripping, personal account of life in a women’s prison, praised for its candid narrative and social commentary. While many commend its eye-opening perspective and humor, some criticize it for lacking depth in addressing systemic issues. Overall, it provides a thought-provoking glimpse into the prison system.
Who Should Read Orange Is The New Black?
Readers who enjoy memoirs with themes of personal growth, justice, and diverse narratives would appreciate Orange Is The New Black by Piper Kerman. Similar to The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls and Wild by Cheryl Strayed, this book appeals to those interested in true stories of resilience, self-discovery, and reform within the American penal system.
223,172 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Larry
Larry
Kerman’s boyfriend and later fiancé, who supports her through her time in prison with frequent visits and correspondence, showing unwavering devotion and love.
Pop
Pop
An older Russian woman and one of Kerman's close friends in prison, who works in the kitchen and is well-respected for her nurturing presence and storytelling.
Nora
Nora
Kerman’s post-college lover, who initially entices her into a risky lifestyle; she is a charismatic figure with a mysterious blend of affection and opportunism.
327
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Connecticut • 2000s
2010
Adult
18+ years
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