The Story
James, a still-water-runs-deep boy, struggles to navigate the rough streets of Oakland, California, in the 80s. His only friend is a pit bull he rescues from dog fighting. On the cusp of college, James commits a crime that results in a prison term of thirty to life.
Allison, a young Indiana girl obsessed with Nancy Drew novels, vows that her life's mission will be to solve mysteries and help people. Introverted yet daring, Allison moves to Berkeley to teach prep school and volunteers as a tutor at San Quentin. She meets James when he is approaching fifty, learns his story, and after his parole denial, channels Nancy Drew to plan his improbable escape.
San Quentin Exodus is a braided novel about two people whose lives cross in a quest to reset an ill-fated life. It is a story infused with misfortune and pain, but also with hope and a fierce humanity.
Author: Bill Smoot
Publisher: Apprentice House
Published: 06/09/2026
Pages: 356
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.23lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.50w x 0.81d
ISBN: 9781627206716
Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 01/01/0001
Foreword 02/19/2026
About the Author
Smoot, Bill: - Bill Smoot is a writer living in Berkeley, California. A lifelong teacher, for the past fourteen years he has taught college courses at Mount Tamalpais College in San Quentin Prison.
Description
James, a still-water-runs-deep boy, struggles to navigate the rough streets of Oakland, California, in the 80s. His only friend is a pit bull he rescues from dog fighting. On the cusp of college, James commits a crime that results in a prison term of thirty to life.
Allison, a young Indiana girl obsessed with Nancy Drew novels, vows that her life's mission will be to solve mysteries and help people. Introverted yet daring, Allison moves to Berkeley to teach prep school and volunteers as a tutor at San Quentin. She meets James when he is approaching fifty, learns his story, and after his parole denial, channels Nancy Drew to plan his improbable escape.
San Quentin Exodus is a braided novel about two people whose lives cross in a quest to reset an ill-fated life. It is a story infused with misfortune and pain, but also with hope and a fierce humanity.
Author: Bill Smoot
Publisher: Apprentice House
Published: 06/09/2026
Pages: 356
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.23lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.50w x 0.81d
ISBN: 9781627206716
Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 01/01/0001
Foreword 02/19/2026
About the Author
Smoot, Bill: - Bill Smoot is a writer living in Berkeley, California. A lifelong teacher, for the past fourteen years he has taught college courses at Mount Tamalpais College in San Quentin Prison.
