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Title:	How to Escape From Prison
Authors:	Wood, Paul
Genre:	Non Fiction: New Zealand
Pages:	325
Year:	2019
Publisher:	Harper Collins
Language:	English
Description:	One mistake (albeit a serious mistake) does not maketh the man, but for New Zealander Paul Wood, what he did at 18 and the subsequent jail sentence he received, set him on a path to become the man he is today: a doctor of psychology, a motivational speaker and someone committed to helping other young men who tangle with the criminal justice system. Unpretentious and easy to read, this is the honest and hard-hitting account of a man who served more than a decade behind bars, and whose journey to self-awareness has become a primer for overcoming adversity and achieving true freedom.
Categories:	Non-fiction NZ, Non-fiction, Biography, Inspirational, Psychology, Social commentary/perspectives, Uplifting, Just Added, 2026 Titles

Reviews

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By: WHITBY 005		2026-03-19 12:54:36

After initial hesitancy over the subject matter, the book was read by all members and rated highly. A powerful read, we had never read such a graphic description of life in prison. It was discouraging to read about the level of violence and drug availability inside. Paul was fortunate to have mentors who encouraged his study.

By: WELL 239		2026-03-12 12:33:05

We really enjoyed this book, a remarkable story.

By: PICT 001		2025-08-21 10:28:20

A few of us found this book enlightening and learnt about how hard it is to turn your life around in prison. The other members found it too gruelling to read the book.

By: HAMIL 007		2025-08-03 16:55:29

This book recounts Paul Wood�s early life of crime and his time in prison after his choices and lifestyle led to an extreme and uncontrolled act of violence. Then follows the story of his rehabilitation. Finally he describes his life and renewal on his return to society. The narrative is interspersed with an account of the study and reading that enabled him to (re)build his life and his analysis of the mindset that enabled his criminality. From this he describes the nature of the prisons we all inhabit to a greater or lesser degree and ways to escape them. An important and worthwhile book.

By: CHCH 012		2025-04-11 18:08:31

A grim and gritty read which lays open the state of the NZ prison system. Paul Wood "escaped". The majority of inmates are consumed by the drugs, violence and corruption. Several of our group chose not to finish this book.