Inspired by the 1973 riot at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester, one of the most destructive prison riots in U.S. history, Robert H. Mitchell's Ride the Lightning spins a fascinating web of political and legal intrigue. The blazing sun has sent the thermometer soaring over 100 degrees, and the three thousand inmates of McHenry Penitentiary, an aging, decrepit institution built to hold six hundred, are beginning to simmer. Governor David Horton, ignoring his advisors' warnings, adamantly refuses to allocate ...
Read More
Inspired by the 1973 riot at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester, one of the most destructive prison riots in U.S. history, Robert H. Mitchell's Ride the Lightning spins a fascinating web of political and legal intrigue. The blazing sun has sent the thermometer soaring over 100 degrees, and the three thousand inmates of McHenry Penitentiary, an aging, decrepit institution built to hold six hundred, are beginning to simmer. Governor David Horton, ignoring his advisors' warnings, adamantly refuses to allocate money to repair and expand the crumbling, overcrowded facility. A prison riot, however, could be just the trump card needed by his political rival Glen Tobias. Moreover, certain inmates are aware that a riot would provide the perfect cover for an escape attempt. The new player in events at McHenry is young attorney Eric Williams, who views his recent appointment to the state pardon and parole board as a boost to his career and a distraction from his disintegrating marriage. He also sees in the appointment an opportunity to help society's unfortunates, who have run afoul of the law but now are struggling to turn their lives around. If Williams is not careful, his idealism could make him easy prey for manipulative criminals, not all of whom are behind bars. With a sure hand, Mitchell ratchets up the tension at every step of the way, through the climactic riot and the shocking denouement. At the same time, the novel addresses timely questions of prison reform, rehabilitation, and the problems faced by inmates preparing to return to life outside prison.
Read Less
Add this copy of Ride the Lightning: a Novel to cart. $5.00, like new condition, Sold by P C Schmidt Bookseller rated 1.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Kettering, OH, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by Univ of Oklahoma Press.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Fine Hardback. Fine Dustjacket. 6 x 9" A solid copy; ----------SATISFACTION GUARANTEED---------FAST, COURTEOUS SERVICE------ALL DUSTJACKETS ARE COVERED WITH NEW CLEAR MYLAR PROTECTOR-----
Add this copy of Ride the Lightning to cart. $20.00, like new condition, Sold by Between the Covers-Rare Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Gloucester City, NJ, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by University of Oklahoma Press.
Add this copy of Ride the Lightning to cart. $20.00, like new condition, Sold by Mark Post Bookseller rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from San Francisco, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by University of Oklahoma Press.
Add this copy of Ride the Lightning to cart. $21.42, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 1997 by University of Oklahoma Press.
