I devoured this book! Other readers are cautioned, however, that it is not for the faint of heart. There can be no viewpoint more unabashedly liberal than that of Robert Perkinson - so consider yourself a conservative reader who wants to understand another viewpoint. Then, when you have finished digesting his treatise, then and only then, re-weigh your views of criminals and the criminal justice system.I am a conservative Texan who has spent years visiting prisoners in Texas prisons; have studied Texas prison history and taught courses about it; and have grieved for the plight of many inmates who are victims of an overzealous punishment system. I had long struggled to understand why the system is so harsh and uncaring. Texas Tough filled that void.Perkinson is a master of the adjective - producing lively and readable text. But he is also extremely thorough. Every fact and quote is well documented and gives a cohesive picture. Read with a magic marker - you will see much you want to use in your re-thinking process. Rather than attempting to dispute his disparaging facts or their selection, focus upon your own answers to two questions of "What have we done to our own humankind?" And, "What can I do to help change it?"