About My Books

Time Served

My first book is called Time Served.

Time Served, is a fact based account of my life and times before, during, and after a four year stint in Virginia’s state prison system. Complimented by a series of previously unwritten and heartfelt letters to my runaway father, my prematurely deceased mother, and to God; this book walks the reader step by step through emotions caused by separation from family and freedom as well as the life lessons that can only be learned behind bars.

Review from Amazon.com:

“Time Served: An Excerpt of a Prisoner’s Life” does what many recent books on incarceration, reentry, poverty, race, and class fail to do. Marcus White, in the simple, direct writing of a novice gives a clear picture of crime, prison, life, and redemption. Unlike books like Random Family; Nickle and Dimed; and American Dream: Three Women, Ten Kids, and a Nation’s Drive to End Welfare; Mr. White provides the immediate impressions of his experiences, without the overlays and interpretations of writers outside of them. Although Mr. White’s prose is not as ‘pretty,’ it engages. He tends to not fully present those places and people closest to him, but he clearly describes new experiences, giving the reader a firsthand glimpse into life behind bars. Mr. White is particularly adept at providing insights into race that writers such as Ms. Ehrenreich cannot. For example, his descriptions of black/white relations both in prison and in the corporate world are enlightening. In terms of the barriers to reentry, Mr. White is a particularly good advocate for ex-offenders, especially when discussing the hurdle of security clearances. He is at his strongest describing how, prior to September 11, 2001, Mohammad Atta would have been more likely to get a job than Mr. Marcus because of the latter’s criminal record (Mr. Marcus sold drugs). Unfortunately, “Time Served” loses focus at the end, disintegrating into somewhat disconnected reflections and conjectures. However, despite the weak ending, this book is well recommended for anyone interested in learning more about prison and the collateral consequences of incarceration.”

Roots and Branches

My second book is called Roots and Branches.

Roots and Branches, is …

Review from Amazon.com:

“I read his frist book “Time Served” I can see where the two books flow from one to another. Family is very important to Mr. White. The love he has for his mother and grandmother shows even a thug has love and respect for family. The Love for his childern and the love the childern have for him is shown in his and their actions. It shows how much he has changed in his life. It shows how he has grown in to a man he can respect. And how easy it would be to go back to the old life. You can imagine each and every person in the book. It is like somebody in your family. I also learned that each day is something new you can learn from somebody. I do not think it be anything I would want to know about the product. He also shows how someone dying has such a effect on you. Even when you won’t think it would . It talks about the how so many differnt people make you who you are in the end. I enjoyed both books,waiting on the next one.”