Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman

I first heard of Orange is the New Black when season one came to Netflix. I wasn't aware it was based on a true story or that there was a book out there telling the tales. I had watched the first two seasons before finally discovering and beginning the book. And a week or so later I shut it with a new perspective.

If I could do over, I would read the book first to understand what inspired the show. I would have conjured images of these characters in my mind before seeing the casting choices and having that imagination robbed from me. This is the case with any book to film situation though.

Piper Kerman really did go to prison for her involvement with drug trade. And the relationship between Piper and her fiance was truly hard to maintain while in prison. And the characters she met were just as eccentric and unique as you'll meet on Netflix. For the most part, we see what Piper experienced on the screen as well.

Author, Piper Kerman

However, as TV shows do, we see a bit more violence and complexities in the Netflix series. And the depth of the post-imprisonment relationship between Piper and Alex is mostly fictional though they do actually reunite in a prison for court purposes prior to Piper's release.

My favorite thing about the book was that it was a raw truth. There was a wonderful, horrible, life-changing lesson that took place and through it all, Piper was able to maintain a good sense of self and humor. We learn with Piper and experience the shocking contrast of outside prison and inside prison. It prompts numerous thoughts such as the difficulty for some long-term prisoners to be released into a world they no longer recognize.

If you're a fan of the show, you should read the book. Jump into orange and see the origin of Piper's story by checking out the book from your local library or purchasing it on Amazon. Then head to Netflix to see the screen depiction which will not disappoint.