Posted by Benjamin on: 03.11.2009 /
Changing Lives Through Literature is a program which was begun by a judge, a probation officer, and an english professor in the state of Masachusetts. The three founders hypothesized that exposing criminals to good literature would be more effective in reforming them than would jail time. So 8 men, with 148 convictions between them, were given probation rather than jail time, with the stipulation that they attend and complete a 12 week Modern American Literature Seminar run by the English Professor, Robert Waxler. The judge and the probation officer attended the seminar right along with the 8 men.
The results were astounding. Reading and discussing literature such as Jack London’s Sea Wolf and James Dickey’s Deliverance became a path to insight and integration for these men. This program has now expanded throughout Massachusetts and into 9 other states as well as England. Recidivism rates have been significantly lower for graduates.
I think that is astoundingly kewl. It also probably speaks to why I have managed to avoid jail time. I don’t mean to be flippant. I am thankful once again for my mom, who taught me to read and encouraged me to read through lots of little things growing up, such as making it clear that she really didn’t mind me sneakily reading under the covers with a flash light after lights out.
What literature has been transformational for you?
Comment by: Martin Gugino
1I read a lot of Hugh Lofting’s Dr Dolittle, and Isaac Asimov taught me chemistry before I took it in school.
Comment by: Patricia Pingitore
2In order for change there has to be change and this sounds like a great idea. In Pa. it costs $30.000 a year to house one inmate, which cost more then a year of college. I would rather see people learning how to read then spend one day in jail.
Comment by: Benjamin
3Patricia,
Indeed! I think the cost is about the same here in Washington. Honestly the whole concept of putting people in jail for the most part just doesn’t make a lot of sense to em. Do you know anyone who is incarcerated? I’ve been wishing for some time to get to know such a person, but I haven’t really followed that up.
Martin. I’ve loved what I’ve read of Asimov, but that’s mostly been his sci-fi. Never read Dr. Doolittle, although I’ve heard of it. I really liked Helen Dewitt’s The Last Samurai.