TUALATIN, Ore., Aug. 5, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- On Oct. 4, 1943, John E. Barton Jr. sealed his fate. Buried anger from his upbringing, anxiety from serving in World War II and too much alcohol led this usually law-abiding man to murder a female companion. His new book, From Prison Darkness to God's Light (now available through AuthorHouse), is an autobiographical account of Barton's 15 years of incarceration.
In a drunken stupor when he was 19 years old, Barton murdered a young woman and immediately ran to a nearby house for help. The police came to the scene and took him away. He walked a long road of recuperation and introspection before he would taste freedom again. At his sentencing, Barton learned he would be going to San Quentin Prison in California, where he tried his best to live in the threatening environment.
Barton underwent a remarkable change during his incarceration. This emotionally scarred, confused young man committed himself to changing for the better. A psychiatrist, psychologist and priest aided him, and, Barton says, he rebuilt himself from the inside out, learned to be selfless and welcomed spirituality into his life. He finally faced the emotional turmoil caused by an abusive father and his willingness to blame others.
From Prison Darkness to God's Light follows Barton through his years paying his debt to society. Interactions with fellow inmates, hearings before the parole board and counseling sessions offer a glimpse inside Barton's experience. Barton writes that it "shows the emotional turmoil and struggle, not to live but to survive . . . in a society that was completely alien to me."
Barton's memoir is not only a remarkable look at everyday prison life in the 1940s and 1950s, but also an inspiring book about how people can turn their lives around.
Barton is currently a tutor and mentor in Americorp. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees in education. During his career, he worked at the Oregon Department of Education for eight years, five years in the aerospace industry and 7 years for the U.S. Postal Service. He is currently a paid volunteer in Americorp and is assigned to an elementary school as a tutor/mentor.
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