Brother One Cell

a"Brother One Cell" is Mr. Thomasas affecting account of his prison experience. Itas an offbeat coming of age story, the tale of a wide-eyed, innocent, middle-class American thrust into a world of deprivation and daily trials that speed his passage into adulthood and a deeper understanding of himself and the fallen creatures around him . . . told simply, and with extraordinary good humor...[T]he detail is fascinating.a aWilliam Grimes, "The New York Times" "Compelling." a"Chicago Tribune" aScary, funny, [and] honest as hell . . . This is memoir at its highest level.a aRay LeMoine, co-author of "Babylon by Bus" aIn reflective, often highlighter-worthy prose . . . Thomas lyrically describes his Zenlike effort to stay sane through shoe-factory work and prison basketball.a a"Outside" "His account of that journey [to higher understanding] is gripping." a"Booklist" (Starred Review)