Booker Geez’s memoir, Locked Up and Put Away: My 10 Years as a Juvenile Counselor, provides a rare and unfiltered glimpse into the juvenile detention system in New York City. Drawing on a decade of firsthand experience, Geez shares the emotional and challenging realities faced by incarcerated youth and the counselors who strive to guide them through difficult circumstances.
An Insider’s Perspective
Geez’s work stands out for its authenticity, offering readers a view from inside the walls of juvenile detention centers. The memoir is not just a recounting of events but a deep dive into the emotional strain, violence, hope, and humanity that permeate these institutions. Through personal stories and observations, Geez exposes the systemic struggles surrounding mass incarceration and rehabilitation.
Eduardo Marcial, former Executive Director at the Horizon Detention Center, praises the book as “raw, true, and a must-read,” highlighting its accurate portrayal of the daily struggles faced by staff and youth. Keith Clinkscale, a media entrepreneur, calls it “a call to awareness, courage, and change,” addressing the broader issue of mass incarceration and its impact on families and communities.
Beyond Incarceration
At its core, Locked Up and Put Away examines more than just the act of incarceration. It delves into the social conditions and broken systems that shape the lives of vulnerable youth and the professionals dedicated to helping them. The book challenges stereotypes and opens a conversation about rehabilitation, accountability, and mentorship within the juvenile justice system.
Brooklyn prosecutor Andy Bersin notes that the memoir provides “a whole different look into the minds and souls of those who get caught up in the criminal justice system,” while Deputy Manhattan Borough President Aldrin Bonilla describes it as “a must-read and a page turner.”
This powerful memoir is a significant contribution to the ongoing discussions about justice reform and the future of America’s youth. It is a compelling read for educators, policymakers, social workers, law enforcement professionals, and anyone interested in understanding the hidden realities of detention centers.
Locked Up and Put Away: My 10 Years as a Juvenile Counselor by Booker Geez is available now in paperback format.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
