“Sentence” comes from the Latin “Sententia,” meaning a thought, a judgement, or a way of thinking. As early as the 14th century, its definition expanded from judgements by God or the Court to include the content of any text, spoken or otherwise. A person has a sentence, too, an unavoidable judgement of one’s character where it meets destiny. Probably one of the best known sentences is prison. But what do prisoners like to read? What sort of “content” would a prisoner’s life have, if any? 

Sure Shot Publishing LLC says the following on the matter:


“Which Books Prisoners Find Helpful?

Inmates most frequently prefer self-help, motivational, educational, and uplifting fiction. Any books with positive and empowering messages resonate strongly.”

We are all sentenced to life, whether we’re imprisoned or free. In this issue, we the editors present four works that may empower and uplift our readers above the dreary realities of incarceration.

Prison: Chapter 1
by Sebastian Corvette
I Haven’t seen My Children in Months and I Couldn’t Be Happier
by Graham Carlson
Notes by the Guy Who Stands at the Exit of the Prison and Locks the Door
by Bill Kemmler
Urine Prison
by Remi Dawns