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A review by scribepub
The Master Plan: my journey from life in prison to a life of purpose by Chris Wilson, Bret Witter
Chris Wilson is a remarkable person who, through his struggles and accomplishments, has much to teach us all. The Master Plan is an incredibly moving book that will change the way you look at the criminal justice system.
Senator Bernie Sanders
The Master Plan adds a personal narrative to Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow, making it equally important. Chris Wilson is our generation's go-to voice on mass incarnation and redemption. Not only does he brilliantly articulate his struggle, he offers a clear path to what needs to be done if we truly want reform. The difference between Wilson and other scholars is that he doesn't only talk about the ills of the system — he's survived that system and changed his life, and now spends his time helping other people do the same. This book will change the world.
D Watkins, bestselling author of The Beast Side and The Cook Up
A brutally confessional indictment of mass incarceration America.
Taylor Branch, Pulitzer Prize winning author of Parting the Waters
The Master Plan is a bright light in a moment of moral darkness. Chris Wilson’s story is both a triumph and a call to arms on behalf of the incarcerated. It is a love letter to the millions of people like him, languishing because of our inaction. With The Master Plan, Chris makes it clear he will not allow them to be forgotten.
Nathtalie Molina Niño
I’ve admired Chris Wilson’s work with the underprivileged and returning citizens for the last three years, but as this book proves, you don't really know a man until you understand his struggle. Do not miss this story of redemption, empowerment and giving back. It can change your life.
Van Jones, TV show host and author of Beyond the Messy Truth
This is a brave book, full of thought-provoking insight on criminal justice, the modern prison system and the possibility of redemption. And yet, what sticks with me most is the beautiful, heartbreaking mother-son relationship. There is nothing more powerful than meeting the people we label to dismiss — addicts, criminals, convicts, etc — and getting deeply enmeshed in their struggles, successes and too-often-unrealised dreams. Thank you, Chris Wilson, for taking us into the cave, so that we can better understand the light.
Beth Macy, author of Dopesick
Uplifting … Wilson candidly shares the eye-opening details of his time in prison with a prose style that moves with directness and refreshingly unfettered honesty … A smoothly written memoir steeped in positive reinforcement and hope for the future.
Kirkus
The Master Plan is less of a roadmap and more of a philosophy that we should all take to heart: we are all better than our worst decision, our sense of justice should honour the redemptive possibilities inherent in every person, and our destinies are truly intertwined.
Wes Moore, author of The Other Wes Moore
Inspiring without being preachy, Wilson’s manifesto will greatly appeal to today’s youth.
Publishers Weekly
Truly inspiring … Wilson engagingly tells his riveting story while also exposing corrupt justice practices … Highly recommended [for] anyone who loves an uplifting life story.
Booklist
While behind bars, Wilson started a business, earned a GED and an associate's degree. Wilson wasn't a natural student, but he was determined. To pass a qualifying exam, he took and failed one math problem 67 times, eventually passing on his 68th try … Wilson's voice comes through loud and clear in this memoir that should have wide appeal.
Library Journal
Senator Bernie Sanders
The Master Plan adds a personal narrative to Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow, making it equally important. Chris Wilson is our generation's go-to voice on mass incarnation and redemption. Not only does he brilliantly articulate his struggle, he offers a clear path to what needs to be done if we truly want reform. The difference between Wilson and other scholars is that he doesn't only talk about the ills of the system — he's survived that system and changed his life, and now spends his time helping other people do the same. This book will change the world.
D Watkins, bestselling author of The Beast Side and The Cook Up
A brutally confessional indictment of mass incarceration America.
Taylor Branch, Pulitzer Prize winning author of Parting the Waters
The Master Plan is a bright light in a moment of moral darkness. Chris Wilson’s story is both a triumph and a call to arms on behalf of the incarcerated. It is a love letter to the millions of people like him, languishing because of our inaction. With The Master Plan, Chris makes it clear he will not allow them to be forgotten.
Nathtalie Molina Niño
I’ve admired Chris Wilson’s work with the underprivileged and returning citizens for the last three years, but as this book proves, you don't really know a man until you understand his struggle. Do not miss this story of redemption, empowerment and giving back. It can change your life.
Van Jones, TV show host and author of Beyond the Messy Truth
This is a brave book, full of thought-provoking insight on criminal justice, the modern prison system and the possibility of redemption. And yet, what sticks with me most is the beautiful, heartbreaking mother-son relationship. There is nothing more powerful than meeting the people we label to dismiss — addicts, criminals, convicts, etc — and getting deeply enmeshed in their struggles, successes and too-often-unrealised dreams. Thank you, Chris Wilson, for taking us into the cave, so that we can better understand the light.
Beth Macy, author of Dopesick
Uplifting … Wilson candidly shares the eye-opening details of his time in prison with a prose style that moves with directness and refreshingly unfettered honesty … A smoothly written memoir steeped in positive reinforcement and hope for the future.
Kirkus
The Master Plan is less of a roadmap and more of a philosophy that we should all take to heart: we are all better than our worst decision, our sense of justice should honour the redemptive possibilities inherent in every person, and our destinies are truly intertwined.
Wes Moore, author of The Other Wes Moore
Inspiring without being preachy, Wilson’s manifesto will greatly appeal to today’s youth.
Publishers Weekly
Truly inspiring … Wilson engagingly tells his riveting story while also exposing corrupt justice practices … Highly recommended [for] anyone who loves an uplifting life story.
Booklist
While behind bars, Wilson started a business, earned a GED and an associate's degree. Wilson wasn't a natural student, but he was determined. To pass a qualifying exam, he took and failed one math problem 67 times, eventually passing on his 68th try … Wilson's voice comes through loud and clear in this memoir that should have wide appeal.
Library Journal