Since 2017, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Prison Fellowship, and other national partners have recognized April as Second Chance Month, a time to raise awareness about the obstacles faced by over 70 million Americans with criminal records and unlock opportunities for them to succeed.
To recognize Second Chance Month, John McLaughlin has recently released his memoir, Lifeline to a Soul.
After devoting half of his lifetime transforming his start-up business into a multi-million dollar industry leader, author John McLaughlin set out in a new direction: to teach what he had learned to others.
Due to a lack of teaching experience, his only job offer was to teach entrepreneurship to prisoners at a minimum-security camp in North Carolina.
In Lifeline to a Soul, McLaughlin relates the trials and triumphs of being a first-time teacher in a prison. Offering unique insight into the inner workings of the American prison system, McLaughlin encountered systemic racism and class discrimination and exposes missed opportunities. “By design, prisons dehumanize their denizens,” McLaughlin said. “And there is no effective system in place to educate people with potential.” When a scandal among prison officials upended John’s teaching career, he was compelled to share his experience. Seeking to change readers’ perspectives, he hopes the book serves as a rallying cry for prison reform. “Throughout my time there, I found myself identifying more with my students and less with the administration and correctional officers,” McLaughlin said. “And I want to advocate for change while continuing to help people who have made mistakes to get back on their feet and become contributing members of society.”
REVIEWS:
“Overall, Lifeline to a Soul is a refreshing departure from typical entrepreneurial books, offering a unique perspective on life and success. It is a must-read for anyone looking for inspiration and encouragement, regardless of their personal or professional circumstances.”
Thomas Anderson, Editor in Chief Literary Titan
“Lifeline to a Soul is a crisply written heartwarming account of what it is like to step into prison with big ideas but little preparation about the workings of the system. McLaughlin gives the reader a seat in the classroom as he provides practical skills and inspiration to men who may want to start their own businesses. Many lives were changed during his brief stint as a prison teacher - including his own.”
Deborah Tobola, author of Hummingbird in Underworld: Teaching in a Men's Prison
“With great pleasure, I give this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The reason for the perfect rating is that there are loads of lessons to learn from this inspirational book.”
Nadia Jones, Online Book Club
Lifeline to a Soul is available for purchase online at Amazon.com and all other major booksellers.
For more information about the book, the author, and his teaching program, please visit lifelinetoasoul.com.
Available for Interviews:
Author: John K. McLaughlin
Founder of Lifeline Education Connection: Tavares James
Interview Questions and Answers are available upon request.
Media Contact
Company Name: Lifeline to a Soul
Contact Person: John McLaughlin
Email: Send Email
Phone: 704-497-6104
Address:3110 Symphony Woods Drive
City: Charlotte
State: NC 28269
Country: United States
Website: https://www.lifelinetoasoul.com/
