Corrections in Ink

“Corrections in Ink is a groundbreaking debut from an extraordinary writer; in her memoir, Blakinger offers a searing work of self-examination, an inquiry of power, and a funny, provocative, and inspiring personal story of addiction, prison, and investigative journalism. Her book stands as a feminist response to David Carr’s The Night of the Gun, a testament to where a woman can go after rock-bottom, the power to transform oneself, and the imperative to discover and tell the truth.” –Piper Kerman, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Orange Is the New Black

“Corrections in Ink is a hair-raising tale of a girl torn between perfectionism and self-destruction, and a woman who uses her profound gifts to help set others free. How that girl became that woman demonstrates the beauty of storytelling–and sobriety.” –Sarah Hepola, New York Times bestselling author of Blackout

“It’s hard to think of a reporter more deeply devoted to exposing the brokenness of the American prison system than Keri Blakinger, who in Corrections in Ink turns her journalistic eye and narrative gift to her own story–a riveting journey through the depths of addiction and incarceration. It’s impossible to read this book and not be inspired, and called to action, by her dedication to exposing the inhumane and injustice status quo within our country’s jails and prisons.” –Wesley Lowery, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and author of They Can’t Kill Us All“Keri Blakinger’s brave, brutal memoir, Corrections in Ink, is a riveting story about suffering, recovery, and redemption. Inspiring and relevant.” –David Sheff, New York Times

“Scorchingly candid.” –Los Angeles Times“Corrections in Ink is magical. Keri Blakinger is a fresh and brave voice; her writing is sharp and effective. I love this book.” –Molly Jong-Fast, editor-at-large at The Daily Beast

“Blakinger’s harrowing tale of her stretch in the American carceral system is one of the more foreboding in recent memory. Thankfully, it’s also punctuated by wonderfully bone-dry humor, which makes the book not only bearable, but brilliant. When it’s over, you’ll want to raze every correctional facility in the land.” –Elon Green, author of Last Call

“Blakinger is an extraordinary writer, and this provocative, witty, and painfully honest memoir is an empathic and urgent call to action for reforming the American carceral system.” –Gilbert King, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and host of the podcast Bone Valley

“A gorgeously written, page-turning memoir about addiction, prison, and privilege.” –Kirkus Reviews (starred)

”[An] extraordinary debut … [Blakinger’s] self-awareness is bracing and her indictment of the prison industrial system raises searing questions around its punitive culture. This is absolutely sensational.” –Publishers Weekly (starred)

“An exceptional debut … a singular reading experience. Raw and important.” –Bookpage (starred)

“Transferring powerful internal dialogue onto the page, Blakinger offers vulnerable, honest recollections, and a story that won’t be forgotten and could even inspire much-needed change.” –Booklist

Keri Blakinger is a reporter who covers criminal justice and injustice. She is currently on staff at the Los Angeles Times and has previously worked for The Marshall Project and the Houston Chronicle. Her writing has appeared everywhere from the New York Daily News to the BBC and from VICE to The New York Times. She was a member of the Chronicle’s Pulitzer-finalist team in 2018 and her 2019 coverage of women’s jails for The Washington Post Magazine helped earn a National Magazine Award. Before becoming a reporter, she did prison time for a drug crime in New York.