Piper Kerman's Email & Phone Number

📖 Summary

Piper Kerman is an American author best known for her memoir, "Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison." Born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1969, Kerman attended Smith College, where she studied theater and graduated in 1992. After college, Kerman became involved in a relationship with a woman who was involved in drug trafficking, which ultimately led her to transport a suitcase full of drug money from Chicago to Brussels in 1993. Although she only participated in the crime once, Kerman was arrested and charged with money laundering and drug trafficking in 1998.

After her arrest, Kerman began her journey through the legal system, eventually pleading guilty and receiving a 15-month prison sentence. However, due to her cooperation with the authorities, as well as the non-violent nature of her crime, Kerman was able to delay her sentence for several years. During this time, Kerman worked and built a life for herself, eventually marrying Larry Smith, who would later co-found Six-Word Memoirs. Kerman's experience in the criminal justice system, as well as her observations of the women she encountered during her time in prison, inspired her to write "Orange is the New Black," which was published in 2010.

In her memoir, Kerman provides a candid and eye-opening account of her experiences in prison, shedding light on the harsh realities of the criminal justice system and the challenges faced by incarcerated women. She delves into the complexities of her relationships with fellow inmates, as well as the daily struggles and injustices they endure. Through her writing, Kerman challenges common stereotypes about prisoners and encourages readers to empathize with those who have been marginalized by society.

"Orange is the New Black" quickly gained widespread acclaim and was adapted into a television series of the same name by Netflix. The show was a critical and commercial success, bringing further attention to Kerman's story and the systemic issues within the criminal justice system. Kerman herself became an advocate for prison reform, using her platform to raise awareness and promote change. She has testified before the U.S. Senate on behalf of the Women's Prison Association and continues to speak out about the need for rehabilitation and support for incarcerated individuals.

In addition to her advocacy work, Kerman has continued to pursue her passion for writing. She has contributed to publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Marie Claire, focusing on topics related to criminal justice, women's rights, and social justice. Kerman has also written a memoir, "The Explorer's Guide to Planet Orgasm," in collaboration with Rachel Venning, which explores the complexities of female sexuality and pleasure.

Kerman's writing is characterized by its honesty, compassion, and commitment to social change. She fearlessly tackles difficult subjects and challenges readers to reconsider their perspectives on issues such as incarceration, gender, and sexuality. Through her work, Kerman has become a powerful voice for the marginalized and a beacon of hope for those affected by the criminal justice system. Her journey from a young woman caught up in a criminal enterprise to a respected author and advocate is a testament to the transformative power of resilience and empathy. Piper Kerman continues to inspire and educate audiences with her powerful storytelling and unwavering dedication to justice and equality.