The Waiting Room

"The Waiting Room" by Nicole Gonzalez Van Cleve offers an in-depth look into Chicago’s Cook County Jail, revealing how the prison system's disorienting tactics extend beyond its walls to impact prisoners, families, and innocent victims. As part of the Southside collection, this powerful narrative explores themes of racism, reform, justice, and injustice within the context of Chicago’s criminal justice system. Each story is crafted to be accessible for a single sitting, providing a compelling and thought-provoking perspective.