True Notebooks: A Writer's Year at Juvenile Hall Audiobook

" This book really moved me. What makes it so moving is the spare, unsentimental way Mark Salzman tells the story. I haven't read any of Salzman's other books but I see mention of Zen in a couple of the titles. This does not surprise me at all, because there Salzman is such a clear observer. This is the kind of book that makes you want to get involved, somehow, anyhow in prison reform/outreach. I highly recommend it. "

" This book broke my heart many times, but always had me eager to read on. A bittersweet, true account of Mark Salzman's time volunteering as a creative writing instructor for young men at juvenile hall/youth authority in Los Angeles. Inspirational and hard-to-swallow at the same time. "

" A look inside a writing program at a juvenile detention facility in California. I admit the recreated dialog makes me a little jumpy. "

" True Notebooks by Mark Salzman (Alfred a. Knopf 2003)(365.42) is the journal of a volunteer teaching creative writng to violent juvenile inmates at Los Angeles's Central Juvenile Hall. The writing samples in the book is devastatingly insightful and honest and quite funny at times. My rating: 7/10, finished 3/11/12. "

" I have this tendency to think that people I admire have it all together, but Mark Salzman always encourages me because he is an engaging writer who isn't afraid to document his insecurities and failings. I appreciate that because it encourages me to keep trying and not to be so afraid. "

" Writing saved the lives of some of juvenile offenders only to have the inequitable Los Angeles justice system take it away from them. "

" A book about a writer teaching classes in a youth detention facility. Truly a book that causes a lot of thought on the United State's Justice system. Includes strong language and a vivid look at life on the "inside." Really good. I devoured this book. "

" I loved this. I zipped through it. I should read his other stuff as I loved Iron and Silk too. I think teens would love it too. "

" Thought it was fiction at first; inmates' writings too good (cf writing by Rachel's students). Intriguing; not outstandingly well written and would have liked more "story" but very interesting as a snapshot of juveniles in difficult lives. "

" I work with adolescents in drug rehab and I keep finding myself attracted to books like this or 'always runnings' and they continue to be a let down. "

" inspiring novel, there is still room to make changes. "

" About ex-gangbangers in jail in a creative writing class. Would be corny if it weren't true. Still a little corny but enjoyable and not so uplifting as to cause nausea. "

" Really was able to identify with this book. True story about a writer that works in a juvenile prison. The story deals with conflict of privilege, the untapped talents of youth and our prison industry. "

" A book given to me by Jenny Netzer (along with Nickled and Dimed). A great read - amazing perspectives from these kids on life. "

" A reminder that everyone has a story - and the teachers gift of teaching self-expression as a form of deep healing. "

" A well written memoir about the author's work with the Inside Out Writing program at a juvenile detention facility. "

" A real eye-opener about prison life for teenagers. "

" I loved this - made me think a LOT. I laughed out loud and teared up, got angry at the characters and their reasons for the choices that landed them in prison, and got angry at the system and culture that cycles young people into this life with so little choice and almost no way out. "

" Once I picked this book up, I couldn't put it down. One if the best nonfiction books I have ever read! "

" I had to read this book for a child development class and it was incredibly moving. Saltzman is an excellent writer. I never would have believed that the writings were true if I had seen them in any other context. "

" So good--inspiring, depressing, sad, hopeful. Anyone who works with troubled kids, knows troubled kids (THINKS they know troubled kids), is scared of troubled kids, or is skeptical of the power of writing should read this book. "

" An author teaches a writing class to violent teenagers in juvenile hall in LA. Very bittersweet and thought-provoking, while at some points funny. "

" I have been a big Salzman fan ever since I read this book. This is a humble, well-written account of how writing and an inspirational teacher can change lives. "

" Anyone who is a teacher, a writer, or especially a writing project teacher must read this book. It will remind you why you teach, why you write and why you believe writing changes students lives. "

" honest, insightful, humble. Love those qualities in an author! "