Infectious Injustice: The True Story of Survival and Loss Against Corruption, the COVID-19 Disaster inside of San Quentin, and the Dumpster Fire that is Known as Mass Incarceration by Justin Cook Review
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Justin Cook shares the harrowing experiences inside of the prison system he endured during the COVID-19 pandemic in the book “Infectious Injustice”.
The Synopsis
A secret preview into the treacherous journey of a man thrown from a successful life in Silicon Valley into the dark asphyxiating prison of San Quentin, with murders, serial killers, rats, and COVID around every corner. This true story is told by an inmate who was inside, living and breathing in the system of incarceration for nearly two years. He paints a masterpiece of detail by challenging the stigma that prisoners are less than people, that law enforcement is superior, and that the system of incarceration in the United States is still functioning. You will join him in the cell while he recounts hunger strikes, malnutrition, panic, and pandemonium, by weaving comedic banter with a stoic sense of realism. This is a captivating tale of how sick and dying men, caused by the nationally publicized disaster of thirty deaths in a short period in the prison, stitched together the remnants of their shattered dignity and formed a brotherhood to withstand all odds; it paints the solo journey of a man’s struggle through addiction, loss, corruption, oppression, racism, and fear. You won’t put down this enthralling and uttering engrossing saga of survival, a triumphant testament to the endurance of the human spirit, loyalty, respect, and the fallacy of rehabilitation while incarcerated.
This was an impactful and gripping read. The juxtaposition of the author’s life before in Silicon Valley and the hardships they endured while in prison were dramatic and engaging, allowing the reader to feel the depth of the author’s harrowing journey. The humor and wit the author infuses throughout the book into the writing allows the reader to feel the honesty of the author’s story.
The heart of the narrative was the advanced look into the complex life of a prisoner in mass incarceration, as well as the way prisons handled the COVID-19 pandemic. The harsh reality of the treatment and corruption that runs through the prison system, as well as the strength and resilience it takes to endure and survive that environment, made this a thought-provoking journey.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, engaging, and memorable, author Justin Cook’s “Infectious Injustice” is a must-read nonfiction read. The shocking and at times emotional experiences that the author brings to light the overall harsh truths that become a profound platform for prison reform as a whole and the impact that the pandemic had on the prison system as a whole made this a mandatory read for those looking for an inside perspective of this system overall. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Justin Cook was born in Nevada. He’s a technical architect who has worked at the most prestigious companies and holds over fifty technical certifications, including top-tier status among the technical community worldwide. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish literature, a master’s in information systems, and is pursuing a PhD in information systems. He also taught at a college in Nevada and was a faculty member in the information technology department. He is a marathon runner who has also stupidly run with the bulls in Pamplona, twice. He speaks four languages, which he developed while living abroad in Spain, France, and Germany. He has traveled to over thirty countries, which translates to he doesn’t know how to save money. He enjoys teaching Kenpo, where he holds a black belt, playing piano, snowboarding, and hiking. He is much better at being divorced than he was at being married. He is a father of rambunctious kids who enjoy reminding him that he is no longer cool and is gaining weight. He now lives in a house free of bars that is made for naps, reading books, and drinking too much coffee. Most days, you will find him lounging in his Kirkland sweats from Costco, writing, where he transports readers to a place where bold heroes have endearing flaws, as he broadly addresses the human experience. The swashbuckling action-adventure Infectious Injustice is his first novel.
