This autobiographical discourse traces the experiences of James Palombo from drug-dealing wise-guy and convict to social worker, professor, and world traveler. Along the way, and through his struggles, Palombo speaks to a variety of important issues relative to America-a country he sees as often at odds with its own identity. Combined with the research of Randall Shelden, Criminal to Critic raises significant and timely thoughts, ultimately serving as a bridge between academic and public audiences in encouraging a dialogue imperative to today's need for a more unified and civic-minded society.