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Name and Number
Art student Nick Wood risks selling a few Ecstasy tablets at a party to impress friends and ends up with a two year prison sentence.
Nick hopes to spend his sentence in an open prison, the type he's read about in the papers. The ones often referred to as 'holiday camps'. Instead, his worst nightmare comes true.
Locked up in HMP Blackthorpe, a prison known for its medieval-like squalor, Nick lives at the mercy of the drug barons and in fear of the lifers. Constantly stalked by danger he has to find a way to survive.
To earn protection money he turns to the one thing he's good at—art. But can selling pictures to visitors be enough to keep the mob at bay? Or will he be made an example of by the hard men and suffer the worst type of prison punishment?
Based on the experiences of the author.
Nick hopes to spend his sentence in an open prison, the type he's read about in the papers. The ones often referred to as 'holiday camps'. Instead, his worst nightmare comes true.
Locked up in HMP Blackthorpe, a prison known for its medieval-like squalor, Nick lives at the mercy of the drug barons and in fear of the lifers. Constantly stalked by danger he has to find a way to survive.
To earn protection money he turns to the one thing he's good at—art. But can selling pictures to visitors be enough to keep the mob at bay? Or will he be made an example of by the hard men and suffer the worst type of prison punishment?
Based on the experiences of the author.
155 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2012
68 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 8, 2013
Working as a Criminal Defence Lawyer - I'm well acquainted with the certain types of individuals that pass through the system, mostly on a regular basis, not wanting to learn from the previous numerous stints that they've done in prison for committing crime.
The hardened criminal, so used to prison, they don't 'bat an eyelid' when they end up being sentenced to go down for the 100th time. It becomes almost a lifestyle for some.
However, from time to time, in our profession, we always end up getting someone more like the male protagonist in this book. Someone that clearly isn't like the rest, the typical criminal. A novice, someone that hasn't been through the system a 101 and one times and maybe, just maybe made a huge mistake. (A common misconception being you've committed one offence and you are without a doubt going to offend for the rest of your life. Not ALWAYS true!
There is no doubt about our protagonist's guilt in this book, it's clear from the outset that he has committed the offence and no debacle takes place regarding this, in fact, it is never really detailed. All we know are the basics, that our guy has been sentenced to prison for his involvement within supplying drugs which led to his girlfriend being hospitalised.
Our guy is as I say, different from the norm. He's remorseful, realises he's made a mistake and a bit of soft touch. So it's quite clear that he's gonna have a bit of a rough ride. Prison is bleak, dark and threatening,not a nice place for a novice offender to be going to in order to serve a fairly lengthy two years
The novel covers all the stereotypes and cliches well known in relation to prison lifestyle, the gangs, the pecking order, the drugs, the violence and the fights.
I really felt for the guy,despite what he'd done. The author does a good job of making him as likable as he does despite officially being a criminal! As a result, it's harrowing reading in parts where he goes through a great amount of suffering, whether by way constant beatings, threats of beatings, seeing his friends suffer beatings, it's a very harrowing ordeal.
I found this to be a great book and it did keep me turning the pages at a fairly ridiculous pace actually but too simplistic in its writing style to warrant the full 5 stars. I would guess this is more suited to YA's and would be great compulsory reading at schools to try and drum into kids, the potential outcome of their lives if they ever go on to commit crime.
I would like to try whatever the author comes up with next.
The hardened criminal, so used to prison, they don't 'bat an eyelid' when they end up being sentenced to go down for the 100th time. It becomes almost a lifestyle for some.
However, from time to time, in our profession, we always end up getting someone more like the male protagonist in this book. Someone that clearly isn't like the rest, the typical criminal. A novice, someone that hasn't been through the system a 101 and one times and maybe, just maybe made a huge mistake. (A common misconception being you've committed one offence and you are without a doubt going to offend for the rest of your life. Not ALWAYS true!
There is no doubt about our protagonist's guilt in this book, it's clear from the outset that he has committed the offence and no debacle takes place regarding this, in fact, it is never really detailed. All we know are the basics, that our guy has been sentenced to prison for his involvement within supplying drugs which led to his girlfriend being hospitalised.
Our guy is as I say, different from the norm. He's remorseful, realises he's made a mistake and a bit of soft touch. So it's quite clear that he's gonna have a bit of a rough ride. Prison is bleak, dark and threatening,not a nice place for a novice offender to be going to in order to serve a fairly lengthy two years
The novel covers all the stereotypes and cliches well known in relation to prison lifestyle, the gangs, the pecking order, the drugs, the violence and the fights.
I really felt for the guy,despite what he'd done. The author does a good job of making him as likable as he does despite officially being a criminal! As a result, it's harrowing reading in parts where he goes through a great amount of suffering, whether by way constant beatings, threats of beatings, seeing his friends suffer beatings, it's a very harrowing ordeal.
I found this to be a great book and it did keep me turning the pages at a fairly ridiculous pace actually but too simplistic in its writing style to warrant the full 5 stars. I would guess this is more suited to YA's and would be great compulsory reading at schools to try and drum into kids, the potential outcome of their lives if they ever go on to commit crime.
I would like to try whatever the author comes up with next.
June 18, 2013
This is not a long book and the story very simple, but the descriptions and the very nature of the subject matter make it a strong and moving read.
The author does say he visits schools to try and make it clear what prison is really like and emphasise that it is something to avoid at all costs.
For the young adult audience this book is perfect- not graphic but descriptive enough to do the job.
There is a happyish ending, which a younger audience would appreciate- hope in us all is a constant theme through the book.
This is a good book to read.
Teenage children should be given a copy of this.
The author does say he visits schools to try and make it clear what prison is really like and emphasise that it is something to avoid at all costs.
For the young adult audience this book is perfect- not graphic but descriptive enough to do the job.
There is a happyish ending, which a younger audience would appreciate- hope in us all is a constant theme through the book.
This is a good book to read.
Teenage children should be given a copy of this.
March 6, 2014
it is a very simple story, very direct writing yet intriguing. i rated it at five because it is an inspirational story based on real story; will persuade you to believe you can change into a better person. I am touched by the fact that he overlooked his talent in the past but when he is in prison, the talent not only helps him to survive but also helps him to a fresh start. it is pretty much the same with all of us, i suppose. We tends to waste/ignore our talents for nothing until someone/something make us realize.
February 6, 2013
Enjoyed this book! Based on a true story about a boy who gets sent to prison for drug offences (1 only). Story goes through the boys dealings of everyday life and how bad prison life can get / be. Luckily he has a passion for art which helps. If you want to know more then I suggest you read the book like I have!!! :-)
April 25, 2013
Gritty, raw and based on a true story, this shows the damage that peer pressure can do.
It is a powerful reflection of one boys' struggle to do his time under the radar....and failing completely.
Very compelling tale that I read from cover to cover in one day.
Highly recommended
It is a powerful reflection of one boys' struggle to do his time under the radar....and failing completely.
Very compelling tale that I read from cover to cover in one day.
Highly recommended
July 9, 2014
A scary portrait of life in prison. Really brings home how hard it can be.
December 27, 2012
I found this a griping read, a real insight into prison life. Highly recommended!
May 7, 2013
Really enjoyed reading this book as it showed you a different side of prison that you see on tv and in newspaper.
May 18, 2013
A true prison tale from England. Sometimes you have to decipher there slang but a good book anyway.
March 14, 2013
an interesting book about life in prison
May 28, 2017
A simple story based on the authors experience...... scary stuff and enough to put anyone off wanting to spend time in a prison.
Easy to read and entertaining enough to keep the reader engaged. I'm glad he moved on.
Easy to read and entertaining enough to keep the reader engaged. I'm glad he moved on.
July 21, 2018
This was a good book. It describes what its like inside a prison and what goes on. This prison is much the same as prisons in the United States where a gang will run a prison and those not in the gang must pay. I would recommend this book.
December 12, 2020
Up close look at prison life
I didn't give a 5 star rating only because I'm not accustomed to the British vocabulary and slang. Overall a very enlightening book which held my interest, especially since it was based on a true story. Would recommend this book and author.
I didn't give a 5 star rating only because I'm not accustomed to the British vocabulary and slang. Overall a very enlightening book which held my interest, especially since it was based on a true story. Would recommend this book and author.
November 19, 2017
Another gripping prison read based on one man's experience in Blackthorpe Prison (UK). I recommend this book!
January 22, 2020
Inspirational
What a cracking read, very well written a book that takes you on a journey, you feel like you're doing the time with him
What a cracking read, very well written a book that takes you on a journey, you feel like you're doing the time with him
January 2, 2021
Lovely story. Shows the reality of the prison service, and how there is good and bad in there, and not just by the prisoners
February 3, 2022
Good book
Good insight into a prison in UK
Shows how things are on the inside and that it's not all rosy like people assume.
Brave lad for going through your experience
Good insight into a prison in UK
Shows how things are on the inside and that it's not all rosy like people assume.
Brave lad for going through your experience
February 23, 2023
great read could not put it down even though I knew who the grass was halfway through
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2017
Good read
Gives a bit of an insight into life in prison. Maybe enough to put someone off a life of crime we hope.
Gives a bit of an insight into life in prison. Maybe enough to put someone off a life of crime we hope.
August 25, 2014
Really wasn't sure about this book in fact I have been debating when to read it for ages but WOW how surprised was I when I finally did.
Name and number is haunting look at life behind bars, budding artist Nick Wood is sentenced to 2 years for dealing drugs and is sent to HMP Blackthorpe a dated prison run by drug gangs and protection rackets, Nick is forced to turn to art to help him survive his time in one piece.
This is a really captivating read that I just couldn't put down, this is not the longest book in the world but it just the right length to have it's desired impact on the reader.
Name and number is haunting look at life behind bars, budding artist Nick Wood is sentenced to 2 years for dealing drugs and is sent to HMP Blackthorpe a dated prison run by drug gangs and protection rackets, Nick is forced to turn to art to help him survive his time in one piece.
This is a really captivating read that I just couldn't put down, this is not the longest book in the world but it just the right length to have it's desired impact on the reader.
October 20, 2016
Frightened
A very interesting book. A true story of someone going to prison for the first time. Scared what he was going to have to endure there. He WS beaten up and treatted terrible . he WS alone and didn't know how to look after himself. Luckily for him he started to paint pictures and even won a award. He became friendly with a lifer who helped him be protected .
A book a lot of young people should read this it may deter them from going down the wrong road. Just being somewhere at the wrong time could mean you could end up in prison.
A very interesting book. A true story of someone going to prison for the first time. Scared what he was going to have to endure there. He WS beaten up and treatted terrible . he WS alone and didn't know how to look after himself. Luckily for him he started to paint pictures and even won a award. He became friendly with a lifer who helped him be protected .
A book a lot of young people should read this it may deter them from going down the wrong road. Just being somewhere at the wrong time could mean you could end up in prison.
March 10, 2014
What a great story.
As a former prison guard I have seen some of the things in this book but because I was at a prison that was for the "short term" or "good" prisoners I have never experienced some of the things that I saw in this book. (I guess few people have)
Taking this story to heart it shows that sometimes bad things happen to make good people and it was sad that he had to go through this but his Name and Number turned out to show what a wonderful person you could become.
As a former prison guard I have seen some of the things in this book but because I was at a prison that was for the "short term" or "good" prisoners I have never experienced some of the things that I saw in this book. (I guess few people have)
Taking this story to heart it shows that sometimes bad things happen to make good people and it was sad that he had to go through this but his Name and Number turned out to show what a wonderful person you could become.
May 9, 2013
This was a book that I had trouble putting down. It is based on true life experiences in a British prison. The young man in the story gets thrown into a really bad prison with a warden that is only out to advance his career. But the character draws the attention of both the bad element and the good in the prison. Is he safe or not?
June 13, 2013
I was drawn in from the first page, It was a great read, fiction based on fact. I felt sorry for the guy, but happy that maybe his time in prison was bad enough to stop him re-offending.I think this book should be a compulsory read in schools, to make all young people think again about committing crime! I highly recommend this book!Name and Number: Based On a True Prison Story
December 21, 2014
A real page turner
This book holds your attention from page one. It is obvious that the author had personally experienced the story and then related them as only one who has lived them could do. All characters were interesting and kept your attention throughout. This is a story that should be read by any would be criminal. It provides a lot of food for thought.
This book holds your attention from page one. It is obvious that the author had personally experienced the story and then related them as only one who has lived them could do. All characters were interesting and kept your attention throughout. This is a story that should be read by any would be criminal. It provides a lot of food for thought.
January 1, 2014
I gave up on this book. Although it was only 155 pages. There did not seem to be any 'story'.
Young bloke goes to prison, and has a hard time... and?
Say's it based on a true story, there are no doubt hundreds of people who could tell you a similar tale.
Young bloke goes to prison, and has a hard time... and?
Say's it based on a true story, there are no doubt hundreds of people who could tell you a similar tale.
June 26, 2013
Good short story. Bit clunky in places. Pretty cool that it is based loosely on the guys time in prison and in places it is made quite obvious what he remembers. Felt some of the characters were a bit one dimensional (Tom for example).
December 4, 2014
Different - Hard to put down!
I feel I'm at liberty to start lots of e-books and I don't finish many of them but this was a really good read showing both prison cruelty and caring. A very different prison story I thought. - recommended for all.
I feel I'm at liberty to start lots of e-books and I don't finish many of them but this was a really good read showing both prison cruelty and caring. A very different prison story I thought. - recommended for all.
March 18, 2015
Teaches a lesson about turning life
This is not about sex and rape. Instead, it tells of a young man who made stupid mistake trying to impress his monies friends. For this he gets 2 years, which teach the young man how to grow up and face life head on. Very enjoyable read.
This is not about sex and rape. Instead, it tells of a young man who made stupid mistake trying to impress his monies friends. For this he gets 2 years, which teach the young man how to grow up and face life head on. Very enjoyable read.
June 7, 2015
Great True Story
If you ever wanted to know what life on the inside of prison looks like then Name and Number is a book you should read. You should read it anyways, just because it is that good of a book.
If you ever wanted to know what life on the inside of prison looks like then Name and Number is a book you should read. You should read it anyways, just because it is that good of a book.
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