The Many Lives of Mama Love and Substance Abuse

• In Event: Roundtable: A Book Club Discussion on The Many Lives of Mama Love and the CJ System

Abstract

Behind bars, Lara Love Hardin (aka Mama Love) reinvents herself, using her writing skills to help fellow inmates communicate with the outside world. Upon release, she faces the immense challenge of rebuilding her life while carrying the stigma of addiction and a criminal record. The memoir explores themes of shame, resilience, and the power of second chances, shedding light on the systemic barriers faced by those seeking recovery and reintegration. Hardin’s story is both deeply personal and universally resonant, offering a raw and inspiring account of how addiction can unravel a life—and how determination, support, and self-discovery can help piece it back together.

Authors

• Danielle Slakoff, California State University, Sacramento

• Amanda Goodson, The University of Texas at El Paso