A gripping look at teaching in the volatile world of juvenile detention.
Inside Juvie plunges readers into the eye-opening journey of Tommy, a former state schoolteacher now navigating the tumultuous world of juvenile detention. Transitioning from teaching adults in prisons to stepping into classrooms within youth incarceration facilities is a far cry from the predictability and safety of traditional education.
Amidst the chaos, violence, and fleeting moments of connection, Tommy rides a gritty roller-coaster, encountering unexpected breakthroughs amidst the turmoil. The stories are both heartbreaking and compelling: a 12-year-old who has never known the security of three meals a day, a young detainee who waits in vain for a mother’s visit that never comes, and the frightening escalations of violence that trigger duress alarms, security guards and devastating consequences.
With a candid blend of darkness, hope, and humour, Inside Juvie explores the intricacies of the youth justice system. It sheds light on the harsh realities, diverse backgrounds, and daunting challenges faced by incarcerated youth, as well as the teachers who strive to reach them. This book promises readers a compelling journey through the often overlooked and misunderstood realm of juvenile detention.
Inside Juvie is a rare, first-hand perspective on the contentious world of youth detention.
PRAISE FOR THE AUTHOR – THE CRIMINAL CLASS
You Need To Read This Book! As a fan of TV crime shows, and with a career in crime reporting, I thought nothing could shock or surprise me about the prison system. Then I read The Criminal Class! I found myself gasping, shaking my head, feeling infuriated, and laughing out loud in disbelief. Paul is a brilliant storyteller, and I could definitely see this as a gripping TV series. Would make an excellent Book Club choice. Teeps GC
A weirdly enjoyable experience. A well-crafted, insightful, thought provoking, authentic and, dare I say, a weirdly enjoyable experience. Highlights the narrow approach to the criminal justice system and the absurdities of the public service. An honest and valuable comment in a bigger conversation of how society deals with offenders, but also the offending behaviour of those on the right side of the law. David B
More than a novel. Brilliant. I really enjoyed the book as a novel, but when I finished reading (listening) I was left with so many questions and a little despair about the effectiveness of incarceration as punishment. I laughed, cried, let out audible gasps. Everything you expect from a great read. Anne M
A riveting read! This well-constructed memoir delves into a serious subject with compassion and a wry sense of humour. It is both enlightening and very entertaining. Sue C
A page turner!
It's no surprise that an experienced teacher of English and writing writes so well. Apart from a well-crafted and very easy to read book, in fact I found it to be a page turner, the author takes the reader into the different and colliding worlds of the byzantine NSW criminal justice system. The author narrates and avoids judgement yet displays compassion without pollyannaism whilst he continues to do what he can to help the lives of his students. Peter R
A great mix of entertainment and unique insight. I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone - you don't need to be a true crime fan. – Tamara
Loved it from start to finish! You'll want to read it cover to cover and then start all over again. - Emma B
Do yourself a favour.... read this book! Funny, depressing and simultaneously compelling! - Dinga
About the Author
Paul MacNamara was born in Sydney, Australia. He has worked as an educator in several correctional centres in Australia as well as a teacher in the juvenile justice system. He never held a political position on the prison system and knew very little of the workings of a jail. Through The Criminal Class, MacNamara has created a thought provoking tale based on his surreal and eye-opening experience, that is, all at once, tragic, amusing and entertaining. The author is currently based on the North Coast of NSW.
