"Cairns offers a provocative blend of feminist and social history, with a critical perspective and wry wit that overlays everything."—Feminist Collections
" Hard Time at Tehachapi: California's First Women's Prison is an engaging read for those interested in forensic psychology and particularly correctional psychology."—PsycCRITIQUES
"...a well-researched story of an important time in the history of American penology. It will appeal to those interested in rehabilitation, forensics, women's and social movements, and of course those working with the incarcerated."—Psychiatric Services
"Eminently readable, and at times gripping, Hard Time at Tehachapi provides valuable insight into an almost forgotten period in the Golden State when there still seemed to be hope that, given the right treatment, even the most hardened of criminals could eventually reform and become a contributing member of society."—Journal of Social History
"( Hard Time at Tehachapi) is richly descriptive and easy to read--a colorful and vivid story that moves beyond mere statistical accounts--and evocative in its attempt to capture the story behind the story."—Western Historical Quarterly
