Product Description
In 1992 I was convicted as a Habitual Criminal.For many that would be the end of the story, but for me it was just the beginning.I have to admit that I did many criminal things, but I never saw myself as a criminal.That was an error in thinking.This book is about the errors in thinking and perception that lead to irresponsible behavior and crime - and how to fix these errors.It outlines over 40 different errors and thinking and perception that lead to irresponsible and criminal choices and then provides strategies and suggestions for overcoming these errors in thinking and perception and learning to live a more responsible and productive life.

If I can turn my life around and learn to live responsibly, anyone can.I am living proof that the concepts I discuss in this book work.I am by no means perfect, but I have learned to live responsibly and "cause the consequences that I want in my life."Through this book I hope to help others experience the success and happiness that I now enjoy, and that come from living responsibly. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Hope
Wow-this book is terrific!The author does a fabulous job using his personal experiences to empathize with the reader.He also ties in his research and gives practical application for the reader.I highly recommend this book because it was written by someone who used these same methods and it changed him.

An Alternative to "The System"
I'm an attorney and formerly acted as counsel to a state senate judiciary committee.As part of my duties, I served on the state's Sentencing Commission . . . where we had the opportunity to hear a long list of experts share research data and personal experiences in the best way to reduce criminal recidivism.From all these meetings I learned that: (1) The prison system not only didn't improve the behavior of the prisoners, but typically made it significantly worse; and (2) there are a LOT of entrepreneurs [admittedly well-intended, but entrepreneurs nevertheless] who have developed various "programs" to change criminals' behavior.While producing results far better than the prisons, the numbers (representing "success") are still fairly discouraging.Why?I believe it's because they try to change individual behavior . . . in "mass" programs . . . from the outside in, using various incentive programs, etc.

Which brings me to this book.

The crux of Mr. Matson's book is, I believe, a fundamental truism about human behavior . . . and that truism shows why most programmatic approaches fail.Changing one's nature is HARD - even excruciating.It typically takes a long time . . . sometimes an entire lifetime.And it ALWAYS happens from the inside-out, by TAKING PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY for bad behavior . . . and going through the difficult, line-upon-line process of changing thought patterns . . . and, ultimately, behavior.

I believe this book can be so useful to a habitual criminal because it chronicles, in great personal detail, a SUCCESSFUL JOURNEY from criminal to good man . . . which, from my time meeting and working with prisoners, I truly believe most of them desperately want to become.The book shows one path - a successful one - to overcoming destructive, yet incredibly difficult to break, habits.In other words, I think this book can give such a person real . . . and practical . . . hope.

If you have fallen into such habits . . . or have a loved one who has . . . this book is worth a careful read.

Rehabilitating
This book should be required reading for every inmate in every jail and prison.It would help solve the rate of recidivism.Take it from someone who has been there.

Great Guideline for Change
What an inspiring book!This is a must read for anyone who has gone down the criminal path and wants to get out of the system and "get a life".It is also a must read for anyone wanting to help a criminal (or wannabe).

Mr. Matson's journey through the system and his self-rehabilitation is extraordinary in itself.However, this is not a book just for reading.The author helps the criminal (and the non-criminal) understand what goes on in the head of the criminal.Through his own journey, his observation of other criminals and his discussions with others, he has isolated the errors in thinking that lead people down the criminal path.From those errors in thinking he helps the reader to correct their own behavior and thoughts so that they can live a responsible life.

For anyone wanting to change, this is a great guide and resource.It helps the criminal understand where their thought process is skewed and how to work on bringing their thoughts and behavior in-line with responsible thinking.It gives them a path to take both in prison and as they start to leave the system.It also helps their families and friends understand them better and be able to counsel them.

Congratulations to Mr. Matson for breaking the cycle and for creating a guideline so others can follow.What an inspiring book!This is a must read for anyone who has gone down the criminal path and wants to get out of the system and "get a life".It is also a must read for anyone wanting to help a criminal (or wannabe).

A guide to living responsibly for anyone who wants to live a better life.
This book is not just for Criminals - it is for everyone. The author covers all of the bases and brings up issues and ideas that are relevant to anyone who wants to live a more successful, satisfying and productive life. For anyone who has ever had a problem with making the wrong choices and decisions in any aspect of their lives this book is a must read!! ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Techniques, published by Association for Career and Technical Education on October 1, 2002. The length of the article is 1483 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: The role of technology/career education in the plan for dealing with juvenile crime and delinquency in Georgia.
Author: Radford Talley
Publication: Techniques (Magazine/Journal)
Date: October 1, 2002
Publisher: Association for Career and Technical Education
Volume: 77Issue: 7Page: 32(2)

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Product Description
The late-20th century has witnessed an increase in the attention given to the later stages of criminal careers. Research upon this topic has charted the main factors associated with the termination of criminal careers, outlined some of the possible reasons behind these relationships and started to develop theoretical explanations for such relationships. This volume collects some of the contributions to this field of research. It focuses upon the initial explorations into the topic, the most commonly-observed findings, the cessation of offending by specific offender-types and theoretical matters. An introductory essay by the editor provides an overview of the work in this area and highlights the reasons why the termination of criminal careers will become increasingly important to criminologists and criminal justice policy makers alike. ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Techniques, published by Association for Career and Technical Education on February 1, 1999. The length of the article is 3618 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the supplier: The See Forever school in northeast Washington, D.C was created by two lawyers to give troubled teenagers a second chance to learn and become productive citizens. The program offers work and school-based learning within a year-round structure, 10-hour days, and high expectations. The school also offer the See Forever Technology Shop, which is a student-run business.

Citation Details
Title: Beating the Odds.
Author: Dilshad Husain
Publication: Techniques (Magazine/Journal)
Date: February 1, 1999
Publisher: Association for Career and Technical Education
Volume: 74Issue: 2Page: 38(1)

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Product Description
This digital document is an article from Techniques, published by Association for Career and Technical Education on April 1, 1998. The length of the article is 2255 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the supplier: Eckerd Youth Alternatives is a 30-year old network based in Florida for at-risk and delinquent youth. It operates in seven states and serves more than 4,000 voluntary and court-committed young people. Classroom programs at Eckerd include elementary school, camps for troubled teens, and secure facilities for drug dealers, car thieves, burglars, and the like. Although it is nearly impossible to integrate all Eckerd's programs into public schools, it is possible for public school teachers to become positive role models by learning about Eckerd philosophies.

Citation Details
Title: Finding calm in rough waters. (Eckerd Youth Alternatives for at-risk youth)(Reaching Students at Risk)
Author: Tibbett L. Speer
Publication: Techniques (Magazine/Journal)
Date: April 1, 1998
Publisher: Association for Career and Technical Education
Volume: v73Issue: n4Page: p22(3)

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Product Description
R U Listenin' challenges men to reflect on their personal and emotional behaviour and uses prison life as an analogy to help them rethink their perspectives. Aimed at professionals working with men who are challenging the boundaries of society or any man who feels frustrated by his life, the book offers detailed illustrative case studies, structured exercises and topics for discussion, which can be used by the individual or in a group context. These features are identified in the text by pictorial icons, making the book easy to navigate. The exercises are imaginative and challenging, encouraging men to develop social and communication skills and an understanding of how the structures of society work.The author also suggests exercises and techniques for dealing with challenging groups, which are ideal for use by group facilitators. This book provides positive guidance for troubled men and is an essential tool for professionals working with young offenders and men with challenging behaviour. ... Read more