Orange Is the New Black

My Year in a Women's Prison

By: Piper Kerman

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Now a Netflix Original Series • Number-One New York Times Best Seller

With a career, a boyfriend, and a loving family, Piper Kerman barely resembles the reckless young woman who delivered a suitcase of drug money 10 years before. But that past has caught up with her. Convicted and sentenced to 15 months at the infamous federal correctional facility in Danbury, Connecticut, the well-heeled Smith College alumna is now inmate #11187-424 - one of the millions of people who disappear “down the rabbit hole” of the American penal system. From her first strip search to her final release, Kerman learns to navigate this strange world with its strictly enforced codes of behavior and arbitrary rules. She meets women from all walks of life, who surprise her with small tokens of generosity, hard words of wisdom, and simple acts of acceptance.

Heartbreaking, hilarious, and at times enraging, Kerman’s story offers a rare look into the lives of women in prison - why it is we lock so many away and what happens to them when they’re there.

“Fascinating.... The true subject of this unforgettable book is female bonding and the ties that even bars can’t unbind.” (People, four stars)

“I loved this book. It’s a story rich with humor, pathos, and redemption. What I did not expect from this memoir was the affection, compassion, and even reverence that Piper Kerman demonstrates for all the women she encountered while she was locked away in jail. I will never forget it.” (Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love)

“This book is impossible to put down because [Kerman] could be you. Or your best friend. Or your daughter.” (Los Angeles Times)

©2010 Piper Kerman (P)2019 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Moving . . . transcends the memoir genre’s usual self-centeredness to explore how human beings can always surprise you.” (USA Today)

“It’s a compelling awakening, and a harrowing one - both for the reader and for Kerman.” (Newsweek.com)

"Kerman neither sentimentalizes nor lectures. She keeps the details of her despair to a minimum along with her discussion of the outrages of the penal system, concentrating instead on descriptions of her direct experiences, both harrowing and hilarious, and the personalities of the women who shared them with her." (Boston Globe)

Good Listening

I completed binge watching the show on Netflix and then listened to the audiobook. I enjoyed both. Different mediums, different experiences.

I hate the protagonist. Insufferable.

Nice story but I question the protagonists honesty. She is also is also insufferable. Victim complex with no accountability and thinks she's better than all the other inmates. Also she's a rat??

Good story line

I loved the book, loved he story,and enjoyed the Netflix series so very much

Loved it.

Very different than the series. I suggest watching the series first, then reading the book, so you can piece together all the characters and events they pulled their inspiration from.

insight to prison in all honesty

this book was so cool, I loved the narrator and really enjoyed the story. I highly recommend.

a story from behind bars

A well written story and reading. An interesting point of view worth reading. If you are looking for a quick easy read this is a book for you.

A Good Listen

Very different from the show. But I feel an honest account none the less. Well worth it.

Loved it!

I watched the show years ago. I thought I wasn’t going to be interested in the book. The show was great but the book was better in my opinion! I was hooked and couldn’t stop listening after a few chapters. I haven’t looked into it yet but I would be interested in reading Pop’s or Natalie’s stories!

Great book, really relatable.

I really enjoyed this book. My husband is currently doing time in a state prison and so much of this really hit at home. This book gave me a whole new understanding of what my husband endures on a daily basis and gave me a new perspective on everything. Definitely a good read.

Good Book, not so good Narration.

I was reading along in the paperback book while listening to this audiobook. I'm not really sure why the narrator changes some of the words and a date and just a few other small things but it was annoying and a little confusing. I also didnt like how monotone and boring the narrator was. The different voices and accents she attempts are boring and dont sound right at all.
I do love the story and recommend the book itself but I dont necessarily recommend the audio book.