Books play a key role for Kerman throughout the memoir. Not only do they allow her to pass time in prison, but she also finds her identity through them. Kerman, unlike many of the women she meets in prison, has a formal education and a college degree. When she receives a steady stream of books from family and friends during mail call, it reveals to the other inmates that she’s “different, a freak” (62). While many of the other inmates watch TV or participate in drama to pass the time, Kerman constantly loses herself in her books. While this act sets Kerman apart from many of the other inmates, it also attracts the few other likeminded women in the prison who are thankful to her for allowing them to borrow from her enormous and ever-evolving collection. While the books ostracize her from many inmates, they are also the inciting factor for many of her friendships.

Kerman’s books are also “evidence that people on the outside cared about [her]” (62). Many women in the prison don’t receive anything during mail call, which demonstrates their lack of support outside the prison walls. Kerman, on the other hand, regularly receives books, letters, and/or art.