EconTalk Dwayne Betts on Reading, Prison, and the Million Book Project
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Oct 19, 2020 
Dwayne Betts, an accomplished author, lawyer, and poet, dives into his transformative experiences in prison and the life-changing power of books. He shares insights about his Million Book Project, which aims to enrich prisons with literature. Betts reflects on his turbulent youth and the impact of the justice system, illustrating how reading reshaped his identity. He also discusses the importance of curation for prison libraries and how classic literature fosters community connections, encouraging deeper conversations around race and resilience.
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Inspiration in Solitary
- In solitary confinement, Dwayne Betts received a smuggled book of poems.
- This book inspired him to become a poet, showing how access to literature can be transformative.
Transformative Power of Books
- Books fundamentally change how incarcerated individuals view their time.
- Dwayne Betts's Million Book Project aims to provide a substantial library in prisons, creating opportunities for self-transformation.
A Young Man's Mistake
- At 16, Dwayne Betts carjacked someone and was sentenced to nine years in prison.
- He reflects on how young he was and how impactful experiences at that age can be.