Chained Birds: A True Crime Memoir
by Carla Conti
WildBlue Press


"At 3:24 p.m., at the bottom of the stairwell, Rivera pressed the panic button on his body alarm and prayed someone would reach him in time."

Kevin Sanders is in a difficult situation. He has been convicted of aiding and abetting an assault on an unarmed fellow inmate. However, Kevin felt he had no choice, as he believed that the other inmate would have killed him if he hadn't participated in the fight. Fortunately, the victim, Steven Tremblay, survived. Kevin is now awaiting his sentencing, and his lawyer, Scott, is working to reduce the sentence. Meanwhile, Kevin is concerned for his safety and is not being taken seriously by prison authorities. His fears come true when another inmate tries to harm him, leading to Kevin being placed in protective custody. Eventually, Kevin receives his sentencing, but Scott hopes to gather evidence for a retrial to support Kevin throughout this challenging journey.

Conti delves deeply into gangs and corruption in prison in this powerful book. She fearlessly confronts civil rights lawsuits concerning prison conditions and inmate treatment. The author effectively incorporates these issues into the narrative using the protagonist, Kevin, as a powerful vehicle. Conti adeptly exposes how gangs operate in prison and the relentless "survival of the fittest" mindset, where individuals may resort to anything, including taking a life, to survive. Additionally, Conti boldly sheds light on the involvement of corrupt correctional officers, making it nearly impossible for inmates to have a fair chance at survival. Each character possesses a unique and compelling voice that distinguishes them, revealing their complex personalities. The book also fearlessly addresses flaws in the judicial system, highlighting how cases can languish for years, causing profound frustration for inmates.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review

Return to USR Home