Inside prison, violence is an easy choice, but for one inmate, writing is the answer. Gangsters don't write memoirs, but for one former gangster and convicted felon, writing proved to be a salvation. After being sentenced to a life term in prison, B. Anthony Shepperd spent nearly thirty years inside some of the worst prisons in California, and within those grim, gray walls he discovered violence was the easiest and most popular way to settle conflict. But violence would not resolve the internal conflict raging within his soul. Ready to confront the inner turmoil, Shepperd ultimately chose a healthier form of self-expression 3/4 writing. In Confessions of a Compassionate Felon, Shepperd relates his darkest days in prison through a collection of short stories and poems. Using writing as vehicle for spiritual and emotional growth, Shepperd overcame his demons with imagination and creativity. Highlighting the larger societal struggle surrounding at-risk youth, the book offers insight into the realities of California prisons, serving as a unique resource for social activists lobbying for prison reform.