Authors: Jean Genet

In Biography and Memoir, Literary, Avant-garde

By Willie Earl

The original title is "Miracle de la rose," and it's the first work by Genet I'd ever read at the time. It was in his native language and I was stuck in a cell with nowhere to go. Actually taught myself to read French with this book. Can't speak it to save Baby Jesus. But being from Alabama where we practice our own form of English, I make do.

Authors: Jean Genet

In Biography and Memoir, Avant-garde

By Willie Earl

Reading Genet isn't widely common in prison, and unacceptable in the macho male psyche even, because of his homosexuality. But the power and prominence of the man is also undeniable.

Authors: Anais Nin

In Avant-garde

By Allegra Goodman

"Anais Nin penned A SPY in the Spring of wantonness and so it serves as a frontend support latter to the four legged stool that sparkles wonderfully as a seat of literary w h o r e d o m." —Zane