James Alexander was born and raised in Chicago, served as a United States Marine, and was sentenced to prison after committing an accidental murder. He achieved certifications as an Electronic Technician, X-ray Technician, and Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counselor while in prison. James has a Master's Degree in Psychology and was honored as an Unsung Hero of Compassion by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama for helping to develop self-help programs for other inmates. With Courage in the Face of Cruelty, he takes the reader on a remarkable journey through his 28 years in the California prison system, removing the veil of secrecy and opening the gates widely for all to see. James describes the inhumanity in simple terms and shows how inmates treat each other and how correctional officers treat inmates. He also uncovers the corrupt nature of unfair politicians who exploit human beings as fodder for their "tough on crime" stance.