Reader Responses
Donald Stoesz has a creative way of making readers think more deeply about change. The chapters on Tom Riddle and Jean Valjean are especially brilliant in this regard. His theological reflections force the reader to think differently about what prison ministry entails. - Rev. Dr. Pierre Allard, Former Director General of Chaplaincy, Correctional Service Canada.
The author has drawn upon literature to outline the dynamics of human suffering and evil. He has given new voice to a beautiful teaching of Christianity. - Joan and John Palardy, retired Catholic chaplain and married Catholic priest, Olds, Alberta
As a reader of Harry Potter and long-time chaplain to men leaving prison, I found myself challenged to see the many twists and turns of our journeys as opportunities – missed and taken - for a gracious turning toward wholeness. This book is well worth the time of anyone interested in serving those behind bars. - Jonathan Nicolai-deKoning, Director – The Micah Centre at The King’s University
I particularly appreciated Stoesz’ thoughts on the duration of love in the context of prison. His reflections on Alcoholics Anonymous were helpful in relation to the role of the will. - Debbie Fawcett, Women’s Reintegration Chaplain, Mustard Seed
Adopted in 1989, the Mission Statement of the Correctional Service of Canada set a direction in terms of how rehabilitation could be linked to incarceration, reform with safety measures, and reintegration with community concerns. Stoesz contributes to this initiative by focusing on how chaplains can encourage possibilities of transformation within offenders, thereby contributing to the collective dynamics of safety and reform that is the purview of the justice system. John Williams, Adjunct Professor, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa
