CHESTERTON, Ind. - March 8, 2021 - Nancy Nau Sullivan is releasing "The Boys of Alpha Block" on April 20. Sullivan explores redemption and rehabilitation through education in this new adult fiction novel from the perspective of a teacher working in a juvenile prison.
"The Boys of Alpha Block" moves through the points-of-view of imprisoned teenage boys and their teacher, Caroline McBride. Sullivan used letters, journal entries, poems, and essays to meld her real-life experiences with the story of "The Boys of Alpha Block" and to shed light on the incarceration and punishment of young people.
Sullivan, who taught in a boys' prison for five years, says, "The theme is that reading and education are the key elements to rehabilitation, but there were many stumbling blocks in that process—cruelty, lack of empathy, lack of funds—and lack of family. Recidivism is a difficult thing to gauge, but education cannot be downplayed as the best way to keep kids from sliding back into crime."
The boys are planning an escape. They're determined to break out of prison, but they don't consider the frightening consequences of an attempt to make a run for it. When Tarvis arrives at Alpha Correctional Center, he ignites the plan that Jesse, the ring leader, has been cooking up. He's got the time line and the contacts. Rick is on shiv-making detail, and Julius is the fire that fuels their hate. As the plan rolls out, their teacher, Caroline McBride, knows something is up, but she doesn't know what. The air is tense. At odds with the cruel deputy staff, she and William Bonner, the counselor—and her lover—hear the rumblings, but they can't stop the inevitable. The big blow up. The four finally escape, but freedom is as elusive as a dream.
About the Author
Nancy Nau Sullivan is author of an award-winning memoir, THE LAST CADILLAC, and a new mystery series debuting with SAVING TUNA STREET. A former newspaper journalist, she taught English at a boys' prison in Florida, in Argentina, and in the Peace Corps in Mexico. She lives in Northwest Indiana and, often, anywhere near water.
About the Publisher
TouchPoint Press is a traditional publisher of fiction and nonfiction. Our staff is comprised of professionals whose collective experience in publishing, editing, journalism, design, and marketing set the stage behind our growing list of published titles. We are proud to work with talented authors and strive to be as innovative and energetic as possible from acquisitions to promotion before and after publication.
Contact
Chelsea Pieper, Media Liaison for TouchPoint Press
