This is the story of Piper Kerman, and how her personal history since her incarceration is linked to that of other female offenders. Kerman came from a well-educated family, mostly doctors, lawyers, or teachers. “Much to the skepticism of my father and grandfather,” she writes, Kerman had majored in theater (Kerman, p. 4) and graduated from Smith. College in New England. After college, her classmates and friends would head off to pursue their graduate programs or find new jobs. Kerman, however, decides to stay in Massachusetts. She did not feel motivated to pursue a career in theater and had no interest in actually continuing her education. Additionally, she also felt that she did not have a “meaningful career” (Kerman, p. 4). Kerman wanted to be an independent woman and experiment, experience and live her own life. She got an apartment with a fellow student and began “waiting tables at a microbrewery” (Kerman, p. 5). She took up the habit of partying, which for Kerman was the start of a lifestyle that would eventually lead to something far bigger and more dangerous than she had ever imagined - and which ultimately led to his conviction. In 2003, Kerman pleaded guilty to money laundering and drug trafficking charges. In the early 1990s, Kerman began a relationship with Nora Jansen. She was attracted to her because she felt that Nora had the gift of “making a person stand out” (Kerman, p. 6). Kerman also felt that Nora was the only one who paid attention to him. Nora disappeared “in the fall of 1992,” then “reappeared after Christmas (Kerman, p.6). Nora seemed to live a very lavish life and spent money in such a way that it always caught her attention. Finally, after getting together, she asked Kerm... in the middle of a sheet... and you! (Kerman, p. 128). She states that “there was a constant dance between prisoners and staff around the rules” (Kerman, p. 128). By giving women access to the same educational materials that they provide to men, it gives them a chance to either learn a trade or give them the opportunity to earn their high school diploma/GED if they don't don't have them already. By providing effective psychiatric treatment by competent and ethical professionals, and counseling where necessary to resolve personal issues they may be facing, these inmates are far better prepared to become more productive members of society. References: Kerman, P. (2010). Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison. New York: Spiegel and GrauBelknap, J. (2007). The invisible woman: gender, crime and justice. (3rd ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.