James Palombo went 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, James’ book Criminal to Critic: Reflections Amid the American Experiment 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.

He is also Project Director for the Campaign for an Informed Citizenry. Randall G. Shelden is professor of criminal justice at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

Read more about Jim Palombo in this article from Ragazine Online.