HOW TO BREAK OUT OF PRISON

"Corporate executives and crime czars have a lot in common.... Just about any truly competent upper-level drug operator could lead a legitimate business unit," observes business consultant Wareham. The author, who has spent time not only teaching prisoners how to adjust to life on the outside but also training international business leaders, theorizes that, on both cellblocks and executive floors, people create "mental prisons" for themselves that may inhibit them from leading the lives they want to live. He explains how corporate executives often exhibit sentiments similar to inmates', which prevent them from working effectively and enjoying life. One of the book's most powerful sections, "How to Sound the Bugle and Advance to the Rear," identifies the common theme of catching people's attention by doing something that is at once self-important and counterproductive. To illustrate this, Wareham tells of a newly released prisoner who attends night classes that run so late into the evening that he misses evening curfew and thus violates parole. Meanwhile, his executive counterpart, at the helm of a troubled company, calls for bold new corporate initiatives—and promptly books a round-the-world flight to meet with prospective clients in the hope that "someone on the ground will find a solution, somehow." Both personages have thus sounded the bugle and advanced to the rear. Wareham's unusual sociological premise, real-life examples, highly readable format and self-assessment personality quizzes will appeal to those seeking to change their lives. (Aug.)