“Writing Our Way Out” provides readers with a valuable glimpse into the real-life experiences of prisoners. This memoir effectively reveals the different realities faced by those in prison through biographical stories that bring their lives to the forefront. The characters in this book are well-drawn, going beyond their roles as prisoners. As I dive into their stories, I can truly understand their pain, suffering, and, most importantly, different identities they have.

The author’s choice not to reduce prisoners to symbols of guilt. Instead, David Coogan goes beyond – he takes great care to show them as unique individuals, each with their own backgrounds, feelings, and social connections. Coogan’s attention to detail and logical storytelling make these characters feels authentic and reliable.