# Review of: Coal, Cages, Crisis: The Rise of the Prison Economy in Central Appalachia

## TL;DR

This paper reviews a book about how the prison economy has affected Central Appalachia, focusing on health and community impacts.

## Contribution

The review highlights the novel analysis of the intersection between the prison economy and public health in Appalachia.

## Key findings

- The prison economy has significantly impacted the health of Appalachia.
- Incarceration affects broader community well-being in Central Appalachia.
- The book provides insights into the socio-economic crisis in the region.

## Abstract

Ted Olson, PhD, is a professor of both Appalachian Studies and Bluegrass, Old-Time and Roots Music Studies at East Tennessee State University. In this piece, he reviews Professor Judah Schept’s Coal, Cages, Crisis: The Rise of the Prison Economy in Central Appalachia and discusses the impacts of incarceration on the health of Appalachia and on its residents more broadly.