In a not totally unlikely future, convicted criminals have a chance to fight their way to freedom by winning to-death matches against other criminals in a national circuit of games called CAPE (Criminal Action Penal Entertainment). For Loretta Thurwar and Hamara "Hurricane Staxxx" Stacker, the games are now a way of life. They've made a place for themselves as all-stars of the games and their strength, cunning and fearlessness have led them to a state of unthinkable celebrity. In a world that acknowledges violence as a form of entertainment, Thurwar and Staxxx have found a way to manage friendships and even love within their "chain gang." But they don't get to make the rules and not everyone in America thinks that CAPE is a good idea.
This book! It took me a while to get into my groove, so many characters and points of view, some people I finally gave up on knowing but most of it I was able to put together. It's really a fascinating idea, this profiting off the "entertainment" of criminals killing EACH OTHER. It really made me think, especially about the idea of incarceration in general, how those who have been convicted are treated (as human?) and I liked the little footnotes (I listened but they seemed like footnotes) with actual historical facts about our incarceration system. It is so violent, this story. I mean, you know it will be and still. But I felt compelled to know how it worked out for these women and the other characters I got to know. The ending confused me (I had to listen to it three times but I think I understand now) and so I wish I'd gotten a little bit more out of the VERY end but I still am glad I listened. I think sitting in my privileged position it is important for me to spend time thinking about some of the big ideas here.
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