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 is adjunct faculty in the Criminal Justice Department at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. 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.