Earning Freedom

Earning Freedom tells the story of Michael Santos's journey through prison. On August 11, 1987, when he Michael was 23, DEA agents arrested him for his role in scheme to sell cocaine. He served the next 9,125 days in federal prisons of every security level. While in a transitional stage after his conviction but before his sentencing, Michael a commitment to use his time in prison to reconcile with society. This book tells the story of why.

Michael's transformation began when he read a story of how Socrates, the ancient Greek philosopher, stood strong in his commitment to die with dignity rather than run away from his legal problems. That story of Socrates' strength convinced Michael to adhere to a deliberate path through his imprisonment. Michael made a commitment to work toward preparing himself for a law-abiding, contributing life upon release. For him, that meant that he would work to educate himself, to contribute to society, and to build a strong support network.

In Earning Freedom, Michael shows readers the challenges of living through a quarter century in prison. While on that lengthy odyssey, he earned an undergraduate degree from Mercer University and a master's degree from Hofstra University. He published numerous books that university professors from across the United States used to educate students. And he found Carole, the love of his life. They married inside of a prison visiting room.

Earning Freedom shows readers that even if one falls into the depths of adversity, with a deliberate plan and a commitment to discipline, the individual can tap into inner strengths that empower him every day. This book concludes on August 13, 2012, when Carole picks up Michael outside of a federal prison to drive him to a halfway house San Francisco.