Today I have a review of Hummingbird in Underworld by Deborah Tobola, available from She Writes Press on July 23, 2019! Thank you to Caitlin Hamilton Marketing and Publicity for the invitation to review!
My Thoughts:
Hummingbird in Underworld is a slim memoir about Deborah Tobola’s experiences teaching in a men’s prison.
Deborah begins this new job in her old hometown. Her father worked in the same prison. She’s teaching creative writing and managing the prison’s art program.
Deborah is forthright with what she finds and all she learns. The bureaucracy and politics of what should happen versus what actually happens in the prison are a constant battle. She writes about some of the men she meets in the prison. Their stories are endearing and powerful.
The book alternates between Tobola’s life story and her experience in the prison. I found Hummingbird in Underworld memorable, enlightening, and disarming. It’s not something we think about often- what daily life is like inside a prison. I’m grateful for Deborah’s insight and important work.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
About the Book:
At the age of forty-five, Deborah Tobola returns to her birthplace, San Luis Obispo, to work in the very prison her father worked in when he was a student at Cal Poly. But she’s not wearing a uniform as he did; she’s there to teach creative writing and manage the prison’s arts program–a dream job.
As she creates a theatre program for prisoners, Tobola finds plenty of drama off the stage as well. Inside the razor wire she finds a world frozen in the ’50s, with no contact with the outside except by telephone; officers who think prisoners don’t deserve programs; bureaucrats who want to cut arts funding; and inmates who steal, or worse. But she loves engaging prisoners in the arts and helping them discover their voices: men like Opie, the gentleman robber; Razor, the roughneck who subscribes to The New Yorker; charismatic Green Eyes, who really has blue eyes; Doo Wop, a singer known for the desserts he creates from prison fare.
Alternating between tales of creating drama in prison and Tobola’s own story, Hummingbird in Underworld takes readers on an unforgettable literary journey–one that is frank, funny, and fascinating.
Have you read Hummingbird in Underworld, or is it on your TBR? Happy Reading! ~ Jennifer THR
Teaching in a men’s prison must be such an interesting job.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would think so, too, Chrissi!
LikeLike
Lovely review, Jennifer. 🙂 Prison tales often make for poignant memoirs. Glad you enjoyed reading this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Debjani! I agree. They let us know the human side.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Different topic definitely and one that offers quite a different view. Wonderful review, Jennifer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Marialyce! It really does. I really appreciated the insight!
LikeLike
Wonderful picture of sleeping kitty and review, Jennifer! I added this memoir to my tbr list and cannot wait to read this one. It would make a great movie. Happy Thursday! 🌻🌻🐾🐾🐈🌼🌼💕📚😊😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Virginia! I think so, too, about the movie! I hope you have a great Thursday too! 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sound so incredibly interesting. I have to give it another look.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a great read, Mackey! Something a little different and I really enjoyed the perspective of the author.
LikeLike
Great review Jen! I don’t know if I could work in a prison……I’d be too gullible and believe everything they told me! Not good! 😂
Happy Thursday my friend!📚🙋💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Sus! It would be challenging but hopefully rewarding work, I think! You are too funny! I hope you had a lovely day! This week has flown by! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have a family member who used to teach in a prison not too far from here, and I was always fascinated by some of the stories she would share about her time there so that aspect of this story really intrigues me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s definitely a unique perspective and I’m grateful I read it, Suzanne. We don’t often think of this population.
LikeLike
I knew you could do it, Jennifer. Before much longer, you’ll have large flocks of hummers posing decoratively around your house, just waiting to be photographed. Great review! 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Paula! 😊 I completely forgot I had this book with the hummer on the cover! I even had a cat pose with a hummer! 😂 ♥️ Happy weekend, my friend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s no end to your talents! 😉 I hope you have a super weekend, too. 💕
LikeLike
I MUST read this one!!!!!!
LikeLike
How do I get a copy of the book? 🙂
LikeLike
Terrific review, my friend!!
Have a great Saturday ❤ xoxoxo
LikeLike
Def want to read this memoir – I’ve near read anything from this perspective and I’m sure it was a fascinating read! Adding to my TBR.
LikeLike
I’m intrigued and can’t even imagine the stories she came out of there with. This sounds like a really important book, Jen. Thank you for sharing it. 💚
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, M. It was such a heartfelt story.
LikeLiked by 1 person