Humphries (sociology, anthropology, and criminal justice, Rutgers U.) analyzes reactions to crack cocaine use, particularly by women, and critiques the policies instituted to combat it. She argues that policies of zero tolerance, mandatory sentences, and interdiction have failed to reduce drug use, increased the sense of persecution among the urban poor, and contributed to court and prison overcrowding. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

NOTE:A few references were found to be missing after printing. To view those references, click here. The second edition of From Witches to Crack Moms reflects shifts in drug policy and law, new research and statistics on women who use illegal drugs, and the impact of drug prohibition on them. Susan Boyd examines how the regulation of altered states of consciousness and women's bodies is not new. Like the witches of old, women suspected of using illegal drugs today are persecuted and punished. From Witches to Crack Moms offers a critique of drug law and policy and its impact on women in the United States and illuminates similarities and differences in Britain and Canada. Globally, the war on drugs impacts women disproportionally. Thus, in this book, the impact of drug prohibition on women and indigenous peoples in Colombia is also discussed in order to reveal the connections between the regulation of drug use in Western states and non-Western states. Informed by a feminist sociological perspective, Boyd discusses how drug law and policy is racialized, class-biased, and gendered. She highlights how punitive drug laws inform and shape criminal justice, social service and medical policy and practice. Boyd also provides insight into how the war on drugs, the regulation of reproduction, and women's human rights intersect, culminating in a volatile mix. "From Witches to Crack Moms: Women, Drug Law, and Policy offers a critical and painstaking examination of the historical and current policies that have contributed to the discrimination, subordination, and racialization of women in the criminal justice system. [...] The book is appropriate for policy, drug, gender studies, and women and crime graduate courses. The author includes a great deal of detail, offers a comparative perspective, and focuses on policy--an area often ignored in criminological literature." -- Mary Dodge, Criminal Justice Review

Nyree was vulnerable, honest, and authentic in her story. She wants to be a voice for those who had the same struggles and for those who are still struggling today. This book is not written from a “got it all together” perspective. Nyree truly believes that struggles are created to make you and not break you. Sharing her story has helped her to become free in her identity. For every person that has had a rocky childhood, this book is for you. To every misfit and misunderstood person, Nyree desires for you to read this book because she wants you to know that you are not alone.

PHILADELPHIA CAN BE A ROUGH PLACE TO LIVE, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOUR MOM IS A CRACK WHORE. TOMMY MAY BE ONLY A CHILD BUT HE'S DEALING WITH SOME REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS.

As he faces a devastating personal loss, Detective Michael Bennett is about to take on the most sinister challenge of his career: a kidnapping crisis that could destroy the most powerful people in America. The nation has fallen into mourning after the unexpected death of a beloved former First Lady, and the most powerful people in the world gather in New York for her funeral. Then the inconceivable occurs: Billionaires, politicians, and superstars of every kind are suddenly trapped within one man's brilliant and ruthless scenario. Bennett, father of ten, is pulled into the fray. As the danger escalates, Michael is hit with devastating news: After fighting for many years, his wife has succumbed to a terrible disease. As New York descends into chaos, Bennett has lost the great love of his life and faces raising his ten devastated children alone-and rescuing 34 hostages. Day after day, Bennett confronts the most ruthless man he has ever dealt with, a man who kills without hesitation and counters everything the NYPD and FBI throw at him with impunity. As the entire world watches and the tension boils to a searing heat, Bennett has to find a way out-or face responsibility for the greatest debacle in history.

Lisa Lennox transports readers to the heart of the crack era—the South Bronx, New York City, 1989. In the late 1980s and early 90s, the crack epidemic swept through inner city communities like the plague. Mothers abandoned their children and took to the street for a hit. Fathers sold everything they owned to get a taste. The crackhead was rampant. Some neighborhoods were never the same. Enter Laci Johnson, a beautiful, smart, privileged teenage girl from across town, who teams up with The South Bronx Bitches—an infamous girl group known for chasing men and money. When the SBB becomes envious of Laci they devise a plan to destroy her life. Finding love in the most unexpected of places, Laci turns to a local drug dealer to help save her and heal the wounds of her new addiction. Through Laci and a host of entertaining characters, Crackhead vividly captures the essence of an era and the devastating, sometimes fatal, consequences of addiction.

From the author of The Struggle Is Real: “One of the best devotionals for moms . . . a very real look at motherhood and what the Bible says about it all” (Fishbowl Family). Because Crack Is Illegal takes a unique and witty approach to daily devotionals for mothers in every stage of life. For thirty days mothers are encouraged through personal, transparent, and comical stories of trials, as well as some bargaining and victory. Each day the reader is challenged to learn, grow, and laugh through reflection and daily application of scripture. “It’s hilarious, full of rich truth, and it’s a 30 day devo. I don’t even typically like devotion books, but this one is so great. What more could you need? . . . For both new moms and seasoned moms . . . it’s for you.” —Happily Rooted “As a mom, and as a Jesus girl, I just can’t tell you how much I enjoyed Raema’s fresh and transparent writing. Both of her short devotionals were such a breath of fresh, reassuring air in my life. They encouraged me to draw closer to Christ while assuring me that I am not alone in this crazy journey of motherhood.” —A Momma’s Joy “It’s always refreshing when a writer (and especially a fellow mom) can be honest about the struggles of life. And with short (about two pages) entries and Bible references for each of the thirty days, Mauriello makes it easy to get your daily quiet time in. Winning all around.” —Christina Fowler Blog