About the book
WINNER OF THE NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD FOR NONFICTION • An acclaimed journalist sets a new standard for bold, in-depth reporting in this first-hand account of life inside the penal system at Sing Sing.
“Newjack is about as good as it gets—by turns gripping, funny, frightening, and sad.” —The Washington Post Book World
When Ted Conover’s request to shadow a recruit at the New York State Corrections Officer Academy was denied, he decided to apply for a job as a prison officer himself. The result is an unprecedented work of eyewitness journalism: the account of Conover's year-long passage into storied Sing Sing prison as a rookie guard, or \"newjack.\"
As he struggles to become a good officer, Conover angers inmates, dodges blows, and attempts, in the face of overwhelming odds, to balance decency with toughness. Through his insights into the harsh culture of prison, the grueling and demeaning working conditions of the officers, and the unexpected ways the job encroaches on his own family life, we begin to see how our burgeoning prison system brutalizes everyone connected with it. An intimate portrait of a world few readers have ever experienced, Newjack is a haunting journey into a dark undercurrent of American life.
Editions of Newjack
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780375501777
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780375726620
- EBook
- ISBN 9781400033096
- EBook
- ISBN 9780375505904
Read an Excerpt
WINNER OF THE NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD FOR NONFICTION • An acclaimed journalist sets a new standard for bold, in-depth reporting in this first-hand account of life inside the penal system at Sing Sing.
“Newjack is about as good as it gets—by turns gripping, funny, frightening, and sad.” —The Washington Post Book World
When Ted Conover’s request to shadow a recruit at the New York State Corrections Officer Academy was denied, he decided to apply for a job as a prison officer himself. The result is an unprecedented work of eyewitness journalism: the account of Conover's year-long passage into storied Sing Sing prison as a rookie guard, or \"newjack.\"
As he struggles to become a good officer, Conover angers inmates, dodges blows, and attempts, in the face of overwhelming odds, to balance decency with toughness. Through his insights into the harsh culture of prison, the grueling and demeaning working conditions of the officers, and the unexpected ways the job encroaches on his own family life, we begin to see how our burgeoning prison system brutalizes everyone connected with it. An intimate portrait of a world few readers have ever experienced, Newjack is a haunting journey into a dark undercurrent of American life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Newjack about?
WINNER OF THE NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD FOR NONFICTION • An acclaimed journalist sets a new standard for bold, in-depth reporting in this first-hand account of life inside the penal system at Sing Sing.
“Newjack is about as good as it gets—by turns gripping, funny, frightening, and sad.” —The Washington Post Book World
When Ted Conover’s request to shadow a recruit at the New York State Corrections Officer Academy was denied, he decided to apply for a job as a prison officer himself. The result is an unprecedented work of eyewitness journalism: the account of Conover's year-long passage into storied Sing Sing prison as a rookie guard, or \"newjack.\"
As he struggles to become a good officer, Conover angers inmates, dodges blows, and attempts, in the face of overwhelming odds, to balance decency with toughness. Through his insights into the harsh culture of prison, the grueling and demeaning working conditions of the officers, and the unexpected ways the job encroaches on his own family life, we begin to see how our burgeoning prison system brutalizes everyone connected with it. An intimate portrait of a world few readers have ever experienced, Newjack is a haunting journey into a dark undercurrent of American life.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Newjack?
Society and Social Sciences > Social services and welfare, criminology > Crime and criminology > Penology and punishment
Where can I read a sample of Newjack?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780375501777
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Newjack?
Ted Conover
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Newjack is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780375501777) and paperback(ISBN 9780375726620) and ebook(ISBN 9781400033096) and ebook(ISBN 9780375505904)
Where can I buy Newjack online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Newjack from below