‘Freedom begins with a book’: incarcerated people to judge new US literary award

The Inside literary prize, chosen by a jury of 300, is hailed by finalists including Imani Perry and Tess Gunty

John J Lennon writes for the Atlantic, the New York Times, the New Yorker and Esquire. He’s also serving a life sentence in prison.

Each day, he wakes up and sits on the stool bolted to his cell floor. Usually, the morning hours are when he gets the most clarity with his work, so he’ll begin on poetry reviews, articles, or edits. By the afternoon, Lennon is free to read. Michel Houellebecq and Emmanuel Carrère are some of his favorites.