"Be Free Where You Are," by Thich Nhat Hanh, is a short book. In a foreword, Sister Chan Khong notes that what follows is a transcription of a talk that the author gave to inmates at the Maryland Correctional Institute at Hagerstown on 16 Oct. 1999. The text also contains a question-and-answer session and an appendix with comments by a few attendees of the talk.

In this book Thich Nhat Hanh talks about "the energy of mindfulness," meditation, his life as a Buddhist monk, the Three Jewels of the Buddhist tradition, his own poetry, and related topics. His words are tender, kind, and peaceful, and at times gently poetic. Recommended for readers of any religious or spiritual background, but especially for those with an interest in Buddhism.

this book has truly been a lifesaver for me. it's small enough to throw in my backpack and i read it often while riding the subway in the morning. it's a wonderful transcription of a talk thich nhat hanh gave to prisoners... it has reminded me that i can be free of my own self-imposed "prison" of anxiety. in a time of such uncertainty, we all could use a little reminder to breathe and savor the moments we're given.

i know that i have benefited tremendously from this little volume. i hope that in reading it, you will enjoy a simple, yet profound deep breath and savor the present moment as well.