John J. Lennon
Prison Journalist
RECENT JOURNALISM BY JOHN J. LENNON
Can the Parole Process Make Prison Sentences More Just?
The Prisoner and the Pen
True Crime and Punishment: An Exchange
How Do People Released From Prison Find Housing?
Peddling Darkness
The Prison Letters Project: Considering Past Trauma
Cover photo: Christaan Felber
ABOUT JOHN J. LENNON
John J. Lennon currently serving a 28-years-to-life sentence at Sing Sing Correctional Facility for murder, drug sales and gun possession.
He is a contributing editor at Esquire and a contributing writer at the Marshall Project. His work has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The Washington Post Magazine, The New York Review of Books, The Atlantic, Esquire, Sports Illustrated, and elsewhere.
JOHN J. LENNON’S TWITTER
“Opportunities [for writing classes] in prison are scarce, and prisoners in such programs often act like gatekeepers,” @JohnJLennon1 writes. “But the best-behaved, mildest-mannered people aren’t always the most promising writers.”
I've gotten to know Federal Judge Frederic Block since reviewing his book, A Second Chance. In it, he shows how Trump's 2018 First Step Act has allowed him and his peers to release federal prisoners who have changed their lives. He wonders why NY hasn't passed a similar law.
Sad to hear we lost Tom Robbins, a legendary NYC reporter. Over the years, he's visited me, sent me cards, shared his wisdom and grace. He was loaded with compassion and curiosity, and his reporting brought transparency to NY prisons. Tom will be missed.
"What do you do when you’re talking to a TV journalist whose brother is the governor, the one elected official with the power to commute your sentence and set you free? You proceed."
@JohnJLennon1 on being the subject of True Crime TV: