As I hope readers will understand, this book was born from a tapestry of projects which themselves emerged from collaborative relationships, programs, and experiences. First, I would like to thank the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program, Lori Pompa, and the members of the Think Tank for inviting me into this dialogue. Your program, your guidance, and your teachings shape the way I teach, write, and live. I thank Judy Phagan and Barbara Morrell at St. Joseph’s University for your hard work and collaboration in the early days of my work in this field. I thank my friends and colleagues, Iain Coggins, Bob Fecho, Michelle Gabay, Brian Hicks, and Gene McQuillan for your reading, your conversation, and your thoughtful feedback. I thank James Kirylo for believing in this project and Ira Shor for helping form my initial questions. I thank the Professional Staff Congress at the City University of New York and the Office of College Advancement at Kingsborough Community College for supporting this project. I thank my colleagues and the English Department at Kingsborough Community College. I thank Evelien van der Veer, Alessandra Giliberto, and Jolanda Karada at Brill for your patience and guidance throughout this process. I thank my family—Tom, Linda, and Jon—for your relentless confidence and sensitive support. I thank my friends—Mark and Chris—for good coffee and great conversation. Finally, I thank Gina for gentle guidance, unyielding support, and the reminders to live life well.