Inside Alcatraz

My Time on the Rock

By: Jim Quillen

Narrated by: Jeff Harding

Length: 10 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Each day we saw the outside world in all its splendour, and each day that view served as a reminder that we had wasted and ruined our lives. Jim Quillen, AZ586 - a runaway, problem child and petty thief - was jailed several times before his twentieth birthday. In August 1942, after escaping from San Quentin, he was arrested on the run and sentenced to forty-five years in prison, and later transferred to Alcatraz.

This is the true story of life inside America's most notorious prison - from terrifying times in solitary confinement to daily encounters with 'the Birdman', and what really happened during the desperate and deadly 1946 escape attempt.

©1991 Jim Quillen (P)2015 Random House Audiobooks

Great book

This book was very good and super insightful on the Alcatraz prison experience from a prisoners perspective.

Great book!

I was surprised by this book.
Great narration. The author seamed intelligent above average, thou his young adulthood was ruined by constant poor choices.
Having visited Alcatraz, I can only imagine the lack of humanity behind those walls at that time.
Hard to believe someone gets out without serious mental problems .

The Best Audio Book I've Ever Heard!

This audio book is beyond outstanding in my (rarely) humble opinion. The writing is direct, honest and thoughtful. The performance is wonderful.

thank you for such a detailed account!

I loved the brutal honesty and description. Had extended family share same institution.
thank you!

Eye Opening

Jim gives you insight into an institution that wanted its operation to remain in the shadows. It both made my heart heavy and gave me hope in man's treatment of one another.
Blessing in your pilgrim journey, Jim!

A Cautionary Tale of a Life Misspent

What made the experience of listening to Inside Alcatraz the most enjoyable?

Obviously the authors perspective. This was his life told in an unvarnished monologue. I felt his words and descriptions were personal and authentic. His observations on incarceration vs rehabilitation were interesting and note worth.

What other book might you compare Inside Alcatraz to and why?

I'm not a big reader of this type of book, but having recently toured the famous or infamous facility was compelled upon returning home to explore some of the books that were featured in the gift shop as you exited the tour.

What does Jeff Harding bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I didn't think Jeff brought anything to the story. His reading was sort of flat and monotone, don't get me wrong it was competent and sincere - but it he certainly didn't add any flash or drama.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No not really. It was entertaining and had me shaking my head as this man's life spiraled out of control from one stupid mistake to another. His use of gangster language made me laugh out loud at times. "I got the drop on the store clerk before he could signal the cops." It sounded like terminology out of an old James Cagney movie...

Any additional comments?

The story of a man who put himself on the path of self-destruction. You are the company you keep is indeed true. But fate put him in the position to witness and experience one of the most notorious places on earth. I think it has a redemptive quality to have him share his experiences and unique perspective.

Wonderful book

What a great book! I really felt like I was there living the events! It was easy to understand and follow along. Very good narrating job as well.

So Good

I visited Alcatraz & wanted to learn more about it so I figured I’d give this book a try. I loved it! Definitely recommend to anyone wanting to learn more about the prison from an insider’s perspective