Book excerpt: As a counselor at the maximum-security Arnone State Correctional Institution, Beth Sharpe sees potential in intelligent prisoners like José Ayala. She teaches them about historical figures who confronted their oppressors, and she encourages them to overcome obstacles-both those of their own making and those imposed on them by society. When their only chance for redemption is taken away, José and other prisoners follow Beth's advice and take a stand against the injustice. But a deadly prison riot is not what she had in mind. Indiscretions become public, and mistakes have dire consequences. Beth is determined to end the violence, and she is willing to risk her own life to save others. Can she stop the carnage and help the prisoners achieve justice another way? Can she balance her conflicting loyalties and find a peaceful resolution to the riot? The Struggle Within is a novel with diverse characters, page-turning action, and ethical ambiguities that will leave your book club talking for hours.