From Darkness to Hope: Prison Writings about Redemption. SPECIAL PRICE $10

This anthology features the writings of incarcerated men in the high security "B" yard of the California State Prison-Los Angeles County in Lancaster CA. As editor Tuan Doan writes in his preface, "These men had great potential but no one there to show them how to express themselves, and no available platforms to allow young minds the seeds of greatness to flourish, There is nothing to look forward to but pain and destruction. They developed a survival mentality that benefited no one,"

In these often harrowing accounts, there are also the liberating messages of responsibility, redemption, and rehabilitation. These stories and poems prove that anyone with the proper knowledge, tools, resources, communities, spiritual engagement, and imaginations can change.

With an introduction by Luis J. Rodriguez, an acclaimed author and activist, who has taught creative writing, read poetry, held talks, and facilitated healing circles in prisons, jails, and juvenile lockups for 38 years.

Tuan Doan was in a poor Vietnamese village called Ben Tre. He escaped Vietnam by boat. After a year in an Indonesian refugee camp, Tuan and his family made it to the United Stares, residing in Orange County, California. His goal and purpose in life now is to be a positive influence to others, and to give back to this beautiful country that rescued him and his family.